Originally published January 11 2008
You Are What You Eat - Benefits of Superfoods
by Sonny Julius
(NaturalNews) Do you know that "an apple a day can keep the doctor away"? Well that's what this famous saying indicates. Now maybe it won't keep the doctor away completely but it sure has some tremendous health benefits. It's considered by Dr. Steven Pratt, MD to be a "superfood." A "superfood" is a whole food. And whole foods are foods that are unprocessed or are minimally processed in such a way that none of the nutritional characteristics have been intentionally modified. For example, canned foods are processed.
Not only have apples been proven to be potent weapons against cancer, heart disease, asthma, and type 2 diabetes but other fruits and vegetables have some remarkable health benefits as well. For instance, strawberries and raspberries contain a compound called ellagic acid. One of the best cancer fighters Mother Nature ever created. When eating these fruits this compound enters the bloodstream to help vanquish cancer cells on contact.
Did you know that just by eating a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast or eating pears you can regulate your cholesterol? They can help keep your LDL (bad) cholesterol below 130 and HDL (good) cholesterol above 65. There are a host of other fruits and vegetables and many other foods that can be attributed to assisting in developing a healthy body.
Here's some other "Superfoods" that can improve your health and even boost your immune system to a healthy level:
* Avocados are believed to help lower cholesterol and they are rich in magnesium (an essential nutrient for healthy bones)
* Beans such as pinto beans, black beans and lentils are another series of foods to lower cholesterol, combat heart disease, stabilize blood sugar, reduce obesity, relieve constipation and lessen the risk of cancer.
* Blueberries are a small but mighty nutritional force. They combine more powerful antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetables. Although they have many health benefits, the one thing they are known for most is the ability to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
* Broccoli is a great cancer fighter and very beneficial in many other ways as well.
* Dark chocolate is a real surprise to most as being a healthy food. I'm glad its regarded as healthy to eat because I love the taste of it. It's a source of phytonutrients which act as an antioxidant that helps protect our DNA and inhibits the growth of unwanted blood vessels. Make sure you buy the right kind of dark chocolate, one that isn't as processed and has a high cacao content.
* Garlic is a great food for fighting cancer.
* Honey is beneficial in maintaining optimal blood-sugar levels.
* Kiwi is an antioxidant all-star. It offers an unusual array of health-promoting substances. One very important thing it does is it promotes heart health by helping to lower triglycerides levels and reducing platelet hyperactivity.
Other superfoods that weren't mentioned above but also display health promoting properties are - oranges, pomegranates, pumpkins, wild salmon, soy, spinach, tea, tomatoes, turkey (skinless breast), walnuts, and low-fat or nonfat yogurt. These, along with many other healthy foods, have been described as "Miracle Medicines".
While I don't consider myself a medical authority, I sure have become very well-informed about nutrition and healthy eating habits in the last four years. After my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, I made a vow that same day after a heated discussion with her oncologist that I would find healthier, alternative methods for treating her cancer.
Today, both my wife and I are more vigilant and cautious about the food we eat. I'm doing a lot of research on the Internet. In addition, I subscribe to several newsletters offered by doctors and believers about alternative health issues.
So let me end by suggesting that you also become more informed about you and your family's health. If your doctor practices conventional medicine and is prescribing prescription drugs, scrutinize his decisions. Have a serious talk with him about nutrition and preventative care. If you don't get the answers you want, get a second opinion, preferably from a naturopathic doctor. And always remember "you are what you eat".
About the author
Sonny Julius is a retired senior citizen and is a strong advocate of alternative medicine. After his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer he made a vow to become more knowledgeable about treating her cancer with alternative methods instead of the conventional way. At this time her cancer is in remission. Both Sonny and his wife are now wiser about health issues than ever before. Visit his new health web site now for valuable information on all kinds of health issues. www.HealthyAsCanBe.net
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