How to grow your own superfoods this winter

Sunday, October 21, 2012 by: Carolanne Wright
Tags: superfoods, growing, winter

(NaturalNews) No need to bypass all the health perks of fresh superfoods this winter -- simply grow them inside on a sunny window ledge. As the weather turns colder, now more than ever it is important to fortify the body with nutrient dense foods. What better way than with unprocessed superfoods? An economical and fun undertaking, cultivating a micro-superfood garden is easier than you may think.

With food costs skyrocketing this season, consumers are looking for novel ways to stay nourished on a budget. Windowsill gardens combine the virtues of space saving French intensive gardening with easy to grow plants -- providing a frugal solution for high food prices.

Top indoor superfoods

Effortless to grow, these four superfoods are perfect for an indoor garden. Simply utilize the French intensive technique of ultra-rich composted soil, compact planting and consistent harvesting and you are good to go.

Arugula

Sometimes referred to as rocket, arugula is a mildly spicy, fast growing superfood. An exceptional source of vitamins A, C and K, this green helps to protect against skin, lung and oral cancer along with Alzheimer's disease. High in B vitamins, arugula will boost energy and calm the nervous system. Additionally, arugula contains diindolylmethane (DIM), a compound that discourages the human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical dysplasia. Arugula is teeming with copper, iron, phytonutrients, chlorophyll and fiber too.

Cilantro

Cilantro is an exceptional herb that controls blood sugar, detoxifies heavy metals and possesses strong antibacterial properties. Research has shown that diabetics can benefit from cilantro consumption since it helps to increase the secretion of insulin and lowers blood sugar levels. As a mighty detoxifier, cilantro removes heavy metals like mercury by binding to the toxin and escorting it safely from the body. Cilantro is a prime source of dodecenal, a potent antibacterial agent. Scientists discovered that dodecenal was more effective in combating salmonella food poisoning than the commonly used antibiotic gentamicin. This tasty herb also eases hormonal mood swings, urinary tract infections, arthritis, liver complaints and digestive upset.

Oregano

The great Greek philosopher Hippocrates used oregano for its germicidal qualities and as an tonic for digestive upset. Science has proven what Hippocrates intuitively sensed -- oregano contains powerful bioactive compounds that ward off infections, parasites and inflammation. Mexican researchers found that consuming oregano is effective against the parasitic infection giardia. Topically, it relieves cold sores and acne. Oregano is antioxidant rich -- ounce for ounce, it contains 42 times the antioxidants of apples, 12 times more than oranges and four times more than blueberries. Also loaded with vitamin K, iron, manganese and fiber, oregano is one of the healthiest foods you can eat.

Watercress

Ancient Persians and Romans recognized the exceptional benefits of watercress and harnessed its healing properties to enhance brain function, soothe the nervous system and even boost libido. Considered an anti-aging superfood, watercress is full of eye protecting lutein and antioxidants. Watercress is an outstanding source of iodine -- important for protection against radiation and maintaining a healthy thyroid gland. Moreover, watercress is rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K along with calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper, silica and zinc.

Forget ornamental houseplants -- cultivate an indoor mini-garden instead. With these four top-notch superfoods, keeping healthy and within budget is a nutritious delight this winter.

Sources for this article include:

"Arugula nutrition facts" Nutrition and You. Retrieved on October 16, 2012 from: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/arugula.html

"Arugula: Health Benefits, Tips and Recipes" Jennifer Valentine, One Green Planet, May 3, 2012. Retrieved on October 16, 2012 from: http://www.onegreenplanet.org

"Health Benefits of Cilantro" James A. Duke, PhD, Global Healing Center. Retrieved on October 16, 2012 from: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/benefits-of/cilantro

"Oregano: 10 Natural Health Benefits & Healing Uses" Mark's Daily Apple. Retrieved on October 16, 2012 from: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/oregano/#axzz29SZN17YC

"Health Benefits of Oregano" Gardening Channel. Retrieved on October 16, 2012 from: http://www.gardeningchannel.com/health-benefits-of-oregano/

"Watercress: A garnishing green that provides bountiful health benefits" Paul Fassa, Natural News, September 11, 2011. Retrieved on October 16, 2012 from: http://www.naturalnews.com

"Potential Health Benefits of Watercress" Watercress.com. Retrieved on October 16, 2012 from: http://www.watercress.com/pdf/pot_health_benefits_of_WC_09.pdf

About the author:
Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, wellness coach and natural foods chef, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through her website www.Thrive-Living.net she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision.

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