Worlds Healthiest Foods

I was prescribed birth control pills to control ovarian cysts.

Having ended up in the emergency room with ruptured ovarian cysts my gynecological physician prescribed birth control pills. It seems the pill helps in assisting the body to stop producing cysts. Then on another visit with my family doctor my blood pressure was spiking and she took me off of them immediately. At my age, going off of birth control pills immediately placed me in menopause.

My skin was on fire!

If you have never experienced hot flashes no words can adequately describe them for you. It felt like the fire began at the very roots of my hair spreading throughout my face and torso. My skin was on fire, and then I was drenched in sweat. I was so uncomfortable and it was disconcerting. While people were talking to me I was wondering if my face was flame red, like it felt. Glancing in a mirror, I found that it was (strangely) not flush.

Have you tried to sleep with hot flashes?

Sleeping at night was even worse. If you have ever tried to sleep during the worst heat wave, you know how difficult it is to get comfortable. You probably used a fan or air conditioner. How can one use a fan or an air conditioner when everyone else in the home is cold? As soon as the flash stops, your body is drenched in sweat and then the hot flash is back. If the temperature would remain the same perhaps one could get used to it.

Soy Isoflavones worked great!

If you are wondering where I am going with this, I am getting there. I read about soy isoflavones. I started taking one a day and the flashes dropped down to one or two a day instead of the constant bombardment, and then the intensity dropped severely. I have not been drenched in sweat since. The relief was tremendous. When I saw other women at church or out and about fanning themselves (and I knew the temperature was not the blame) I would discretely write the words soy isoflavones on a small piece of paper and urge them to give it a try. At that time you could pick up a bottle for $2.00 at Dollar General.

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My friend, Jeannie took me to a soy bean farm a few months a go and I snapped a picture. I learned that the United States is responsible for more than 50% of the production of soy beans. The soy bean has been grown and marketed in China for over 3,000 years. There are several varieties available and the seeds can be yellow, brown, green, or black.

Add soy beans to your diet.

After reading the following words I have a renewed interest in the plant and intend on trying to incorporate soy beans into my diet. Read more about the important health benefits of soy at George Mateljan’s site: Worlds Healthiest Foods

“Research published in Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology suggests that while a diet rich in soy foods may be cardioprotective, soy isoflavones by themselves will not produce much effect. At the conclusion of this animal study, those eating the soy protein had 50% less damaged LDL (bad cholesterol) in their coronary arteries compared to those given either the milk-based diet or the milk-based diet supplemented with isoflavones “

Mateljan warns that the information on soy beans could easily fill a large book, but I am going to try and hit some of the high points of what eating whole (not purified) soy beans offer:

• They are high in protein

• Packed with nutrition

• Contain essential fatty acids

• Excellent sources of fiber

• Contain isoflavones

• Lower blood pressure

• Lower cholesterol by lower LDL levels while raising HDL levels.

• Aid in weight control by creating “fewer and smaller fat cells”

• Contains well-absorbed iron

• Improve bone health

• Provides synergy between a woman’s estrogen and soy

• Helps to stabilize blood sugar levels

• Lowers the risk of becoming diabetic

• Protects against diabetes related kidney and heart disease

• Lessens chronic inflammation

• Promotes gastrointestinal health

• Aids in cancer prevention

• Treatment of dandruff (contains high levels of biotin)*

• Treatment of endiometriosis because of the plant compounds genestein and daidzein which help to prevent the more harmful forms of estrogen from circulating in the blood – *The Green Pharmacy by James A. Duke, PhD.

• Relieve the symptoms of shingles*

• Treatment of warts – Dr. Duke cites a medical journal written by Albert Leung, PhD involving four individuals who were fed plain water boiled yellow soybean sprouts three times a day for three days and found their warts had cleared up.

Do not take my word for it. Click on the link above and read for yourself. I am heading out to the store now to pick up a can or bag or two. Want one? By the way, you will not find the same benefits in soy sauce or soy bean oil.

Apples

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Fresh, crisp apples are good sources of vitamin C and fiber. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that keeps the capillaries and blood vessels healthy, aids in the absorption of iron and protects the body’s cells from damage. Among the health benefits of fiber include: prevention of constipation, aids in weight loss and lowers your risk of digestive conditions. One medium apple has about 4.4 g of fiber.

Strawberries

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Strawberries are excellent sources of vitamin C and manganese. Manganese acts as a coenzyme to assist metabolic progression in the body. The mineral is also involved in forming connective tissues, calcium absorption, proper function of the thyroid, and regulates blood sugar level. This heart shaped fruit is also a very good source of dietary fiber and iodine and a good source of potassium, folate, vitamin K and magnesium.

Cherries

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Red and tangy sweet cherries are packed with vitamins and minerals. They are low in calories and low in fat. This luscious fruit is one of the few food sources which contain a significant amount of melatonin, an antioxidant which has been found to help regulate the body’s natural sleep patterns, aid with jet lag and prevent memory loss. Red tart cherries were found to contain the phytochemical anthocyanin which helps ease the pain of arthritis and gout.

Watermelons

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Aside from its cancer-fighting lycopene, watermelon is also a good source of potassium, folic acid and vitamins B1 and B6. B vitamins in food have been found to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. This ultra-low calorie filling fruit is one of the rare food sources of citrulline, an amino acid found to have Viagra-like effects to the blood vessels of the body. A cup of watermelon contains 176 mg of potassium.

Raspberries

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Preliminary medical research showed that regular consumption of raspberries is beneficial in inflammation, pain, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, allergies and age-related macular degeneration. Their antioxidant property is highest among fruits. They are also excellent sources of vitamin C and manganese and are one among fruits with the highest fiber content.

Red Bell Peppers

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Red bell pepper is packed with two powerful antioxidants—vitamins A and C. A cup contains 5244 IU of vitamin A. It is also an excellent source of vitamin B6, an essential nutrient for normal brain development and function, and helps the body make the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine (which influence the mood) and melatonin (which helps regulate the body clock). Red bell peppers also contain lycopene, lutein and zeanthin.

Tomatoes

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Here’s an everyday vegetable that’s loaded with more than 20 vital nutrients. For several years, the lycopene in tomatoes have been extensively studied for its antioxidant and cancer-preventing properties. Lycopene from tomatoes may be beneficial against a growing list of cancers including: colorectal, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung and pancreatic cancers. Tomatoes are also very good sources of vitamin B2 and chromium. Vitamin B2, also called riboflavin has shown to be beneficial in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks, and chromium has been found to help keep the blood sugar levels of diabetic patients under control.

Related reading:

• 10 Most Nutritious Vegetables
• Health Benefits of White Fruits and Vegetables
• Health Benefits of Yellow Fruits and Vegetables
• Watermelon: The Refreshing Way to Good Health

Cantaloupe, also called muskmelon or rockmelon belongs to the same family as the cucumber, watermelon, squash and gourd. Although squashes and gourds are considered vegetables, cantaloupes, just like cucumbers and watermelons are considered fruits. The name cantaloupe originates from the Italian papal village of Cantalup, where it was first cultivated around 1700 AD.

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Cantaloupe is not only deliciously refreshing, it’s also a very nutritious fruit.

Vitamin A

The color of its flesh means that its bursting with vitamin A through its concentrated beta-carotene content. Vitamin A and beta-carotene promotes healthy vision and reduce risk of developing cataracts. A cup contains 103% daily value of vitamin A.

Vitamin A rich foods have also been found to be beneficial for lung inflammation and emphysema. A common carcinogen in cigarette smoke, benzo(a)pyrene, have been found to  induce vitamin A deficiency.

Vitamin C

Cantaloupe is rich in vitamin C, a very important nutrient which fights infection and kills bacteria and viruses in the body. Research has also shown vitamin C to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. A cup of cantaloupe has 112% daily value of vitamin C.

Vitamins B6 and B3

Cantaloupe is a good source of vitamins B6 and B3. B vitamins performs various functions in the body including support and increase in metabolism rate and reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer, one of the most lethal forms of cancer.

Potassium, Fiber and Folate

This low calorie fruit is also a very good source of potassium, an electrolyte that’s essential for the body’s growth and maintenance.

Its fiber content softens stools and shortens transit time through the intestinal tract reducing the risk of developing constipation, hemorrhoids and colon cancer.

It also contains folate, an important nutrient for pregnant and planning to get pregnant mothers and for men who are planning on fathering children.  

More on healthy foods:

• Health Benefits of Watermelon
• Papaya: The Most Important Fruit
• Health Benefits of White Fruits and Vegetables
• Health Benefits of Orange Fruits and Vegetables

Raisins

Raisins are one of nature’s sweet treats. They provide 70% pure fructose, fat free, cholesterol free, low in sodium, and supply a good source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, iron, potassium, and calcium.

Raisins are said to help with bone density, healthy gums and teeth. The key ingredient in raisins is phytonutrients, mainly olenolic acid, protect from gum disease, and cavities. They are also beneficial for your eye sight just as carrots. Use raisins in your oatmeal, or sprinkle on your salad, or in your cooking and baking.

Apricots

Apricots are full of dietary fiber and beta-carotene, as well as supply a great source of vitamin A, C, magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, silicon, and potassium. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in apricots.

According to the American Cancer Society, apricots and other foods that are rich in carotenes may lower the risk of cancers in the larynx, esophagus, and lungs. Just five dried apricots give you 36 percent of the daily value for vitamin A.

If you are sensitive to sulfites, which are used to preserve bright orange color of apricots, buy dried organic apricots instead, since federal law prohibits the use of preservative in organic foods.

Dates

Although dried dates are higher in calories than fresh ones, dates are loaded with iron, fiber, iron, niacin, potassium, vitamin A, B, calcium, phosphorous, and copper.

They are used to help with constipation, anemia, fatigue, and also a preventive to abdominal cancer.

Cranberries

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Cranberries contain powerful antioxidants, which can cut bad cholesterol, and help fight infection. Cranberry juice helps clean the urinary tract, and may prevent tumors from growing quickly. Dried cranberries can be served in oatmeal, cereal, and salad, as well as baking.

Just one-half cup of dried cranberries provides about 13 milligrams of vitamin C, and 4 grams of fiber.

Prunes

Prunes are a good source of fiber, vitamin A, potassium, and copper. They can also help with weight loss and normal blood sugar levels. Just a quarter-cup of prunes give you 16.9 percent of daily value for vitamin A, in the form of beta-carotene.

Beta-carotene has been shown in studies to shut down free radicals, and prevent a variety of diseases such as atherosclerosis, colon cancer, and reduced inflammatory in asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

For those that like to know more or resources, please check out MSNBC health section, The World’s Healthiest Foods, WebMD, CanadianLiving, and many other websites.

As you’ve already known, people who have a high fruit diet can lower the risk of several chronic diseases.

Acai Berry

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The acai berry contains several potent antioxidants, which can boast up to 30 times the anthocyanin in red wine. It is also loaded with vitamins, especially E, and minerals including copper, iron, and calcium. The monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat ratio in the berry is almost identical to olive oil.

The acai berry can help sexual dysfunction, energy deficiencies, immune problems and circulatory conditions.

For more information, you can it here, and on Wikipedia.

Camu-Camu

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The camu-camu, or myrciaria dubia, is a native fruit of Peru, and contains potassium, flavoroids, vitamin C, and amino acids. It is believed to enhance mood, fight depression, and increase energy level.

The camu-camu can help mood disorders, immune function, and help with viral and bacterial infection.

Further reading can be found here, and on Wikipedia.

Bilberry

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Bilberry is also known as the European blueberry, whinberry and other names. It possesses an impressive antioxidant property, and proved to benefit eye health. Since bilberry is abundance in antioxidants, it is believed to protect the body against carcinogens, and free radicals. Nutritional includes flavonoids, anthocyanins, and resveratrol.
Bilberry can help eye problems, arthritis, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, diarrhea, and dysentery.
More reading can be found here, and on Wikipedia.

Wolfberry

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Wolfberry provides 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals, and vitamins. It also carries lyceum barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), which is known to help repair cellular DNA.

Wolfberry can help damaged DNA, and sexual dysfunction.

More reading can be found here, and on Wikipedia.

Aronia Berry

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The aronia berry contains high amount of proanthocyanins, and quinic acid which is ten times more than cranberries. Thus, the quinic acid helps prevent urinary infection. The nutritional values include polyphenols, anthocyanins, vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids.

Aronia berry can help inflammation, diabetes, and circulatory problems.

Read more about it here, and here.

Acerola Cherry

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The acerola cherry is rich in several nutrients, especially vitamin C, and has over 150 phytonutrients. It includes potassium, magnesium, and other minerals. It has been used to treat fever.

The acerola cherry can also help immune function, dysentery, and diarrhea.

Further reading can be found here, and on Wikipedia.

These six power fruits are less common from the regular berries that we are used to in the US, but you can find them available for purchase online. They are newest trend in fruit drinks!

However, recent research shows that not all saturated fats are alike. The fatty acids in coconut oil are very healthy, since they do not contribute in raising serum cholesterol, which cause heart disease. The virgin coconut oil proves to have many nutritional and medicinal benefits.

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Dr. Mary Enig, a nutritionist/biologist and is one of the world’s leading researchers in oils and fats, identified the key ingredient in coconut oil as lauric acids, which is high in medium chain fatty acids triglycerides. It is believed that beside coconut oil, mother milk is the only other source that has a high content of lauric acids.

Coconut oil has been used in Asia, India, Africa, South and Central America for many centuries, and it is known as “The Tree of Life”. Furthermore, coconut oil has been called the “healthiest dietary oil on earth.”

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This is just a short list of a very long list of health benefits in coconut oils, which can be found in Additional Reading links below if you want to know more.

• Increase body metabolism for thyroid suffers
• Aid in weight loss
• Use in making soap
• Healthy skin care
• Help immune system
• Aid in digestion, and bowel movement
• Reduce epileptic seizures
• Prevent liver disease
• Reduce inflammation
• Prevent periodontal and tooth decay
• Prevent kidney stones, and gall bladder diseases
• Aid in the development of bones

Many people avoid using coconut oil because of its bad reputation in the past, but recent scientific studies have disputed this myth, and coconut oil is said a “natural cholesterol free food.”

Additional Reading:

• Coconut-Info
• Organic Facts
• Coconut-Oil
• Coconut-Connection
• Coconut Research Center
• Regaining Health Naturally

Health Benefits

• Pine Tree honey is rich in mineral and proteins

Precautions to Take When Using Honey

• According to the Ayurveda honey generates heat in the body so avoid using honey in hot seasons
• Never take heated honey as it acts like a poison
• Never consume honey in equal quantity with fats and oil, particularly with mustard oil
• Honey is dangerous to infants
• Though honey has many medicinal benefits, pregnant women and breast feeding mothers should check with physicians before consuming it

Spinach

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Spinach is one of the most loved green, and is more commonly known than all other greens. It is the greatest source of vitamin K, A, B2, and C. Spinach is rich in folate, manganese, magnesium, and iron.
It is interesting to know that spinach helps protect against osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer, arthritis, and other diseases also.

Baby Bok Choy

Second on this list would be bok choy. I especially like baby bok choy since it doesn’t have a bitter taste like other greens. There are many types of bok choy, and you can see them here.

Bok choy is high in vitamin A, C, B6, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, and dietary fiber. It can also aid with digestion, lower the risk of certain cancers. The high amount of beta-carotene in boy choy has also been known to help reduce the risk of cataracts.

Celery Cabbage/Napa

Celery cabbage is also known as Napa, and has crinkly, cream-colored leaves with pale green tips. It has a milder flavor and aroma than common cabbage.

Napa is loaded with vitamin K, B6, B1, B2, C, manganese, dietary fiber, folate, calcium, and potassium. Studies show that people eating the most cruciferous vegetables (cabbages) have lower risk of prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer.

Turnip Green

Turnip comes in many types: baby turnip, long turnip, red turnip, white turnip, and green turnip. This is an excellent source of vitamin K, A, C, E, folate, manganese, dietary fiber, calcium, and copper.

Turnip greens help relief rheumatoid arthritis, promote colon cancer health, lung health, and slow down the loss of mental function.

Rappini

Rappini is also known as Italian turnip, and Chinese broccoli cabbage, but it is more closely related to turnip than broccoli. It has a slightly bitter taste, mustardy flavor, but pleasant.

Rappini has an excellent source of vitamins A, C, high in calcium and iron. One cup of cooked rappini has about 40 calories. You can eat it raw, steamed, boiled, or stir-fried.

If you have not tried these greens before, then make sure they are on your grocery list. It is always good to try something new, especially when the health benefits are so wonderful.

Orange Carrots

These carrots originate from Europe and the Middle East. Orange carrots are rich source of beta carotene and some amount of alpha carotene.

Health Benefits

• Orange carrot enhances the efficiency of eyes
• The alpha carotene in orange carrots inhibits the growth of tumors
• It regulates blood sugar levels

Red Carrots

These carrots originate from India and China. Lycopene is present in red carrots.

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Health Benefits

• Red carrot prevents cardio vascular diseases
• It reduces degenerative diseases
• Red carrot also prevents the risk of various cancers particularly prostate cancer

Purple Carrots

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These carrots originate from Turkey and the Middle East. These carrots are rich source of beta carotene and anthocyanins.

Health Benefits

• Yellow carrot is a powerful anti oxidant
• It also prevents heart diseases
• It is a good anti-inflammatory agent

Yellow Carrots

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Yellow carrots originate from the Middle East. They contain xanthophylls and lutene.

Health Benefits

• Yellow carrots prevent the risk of atherosclerosis
• It fights against the macular degeneration
• It prevents lung cancer

Black Carrots

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These carrots originate from Turkey and the Middle East. These have anthocyanins.

Health Benefits

• Black carrot acts as inhibitor of bad cholesterol (LDL)
• It has many anti-bacterial properties

White Carrots

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White carrots originate from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. These carrots actually lack the pigment, hence the presence the white color.

Health Benefits

• Though the white carrot is considered as having the least health benefits due to lack of pigment, the other compounds like phytochemicals in these carrots reduce the risk of cancer and stroke
• The dietary fiber in these carrots fight against colon cancer

1. Akash Mudra – Space:

Method: Join the tips of middle finger with the tips of thumb while remaining three fingers keeping stretched.

Specialty: This mudra relieves you from dullness and generates new energy.

Time Duration: 15 minutes.

Benefits:

1. This mudra is very useful for heart diseases.
2. It strengthens the bones.
3. It prevents diseases related to nasal and oral cavities.
4. It removes frustration.

2. Mahasir Mudra – Tension Relieving:

Method: Touch the tip of thumb with the tips of index and middle fingers. Keep your ring finger into the fold of the thumb and stretch the little finger.

Specialty: This mudra relieves all tensions.

Time Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

Benefits:

1. It is very useful for migraine.
2. It relives your eyes from straining. It reduces the mucous congestion.
3. It relieves from back pain.

3. Hakini Mudra – Memory:

Method: Touch the tips of the corresponding fingers of each other.

Specialty: This mudra improves memory power.

Time Duration: 15 minutes

Benefits:

1. It helps to improve concentration.
2. It promotes the co-operation between the right and left brain hemispheres.
3. For children suffering from Autism, Mudra of knowledge(Gyan Mudra) and this mudra can be very helpful. (Autism can be partially cured by mudras and some asanas in yoga. But for permanent cure you have to follow other methods prescribed by doctors).

4. Udan Mudra – Awakening:

Method: Join the tips of fore finger, middle finger and ring finger with the tip of thumb keeping the little finger straight.

Specialty: This mudra develops the flow of energy in all parts of the body.

Time Duration: No specific time duration.

Benefits:

1. This mudra refreshes your body.
2. It enhances the efficiency of the nervous system.
3. It cures many problems of the chest and navel area.

5. Saman Mudra – Digestion:

Method: Join the tips of all fingers with the tips of the thumb.

Specialty: This mudra controls the digestive system.

Time: 20 minutes

Benefits:

1. It digests food and nourishes body.
2. It enhances the function of digestive system.
3. It prevents and cures many problems associated with digestive system.

6. Vyan Mudra – Energy:

Method: Join the tips of fore finger and middle finger with the tip of thumb while the ring finger and little finger keeping straight.

Specialty: It balances the energy in our body.

Time duration: 20 minutes

Benefits:

1. It strengthens the whole nervous system.
2. It helps to regain the heat energy in the body.

7. Bronchial Mudra:

Method: Keep the middle finger on the tip of the thumb, the ring finger on the upper thumb joint and the little finger at the base of the thumb. Stretch the index finger.

Specialty: It relieves from negative feelings and moods.

Time Duration: 10 minutes

Benefits:

1. It is very useful in acute attacks of bronchial asthma.
2. It helps in dilation of the bronchial tubes.
3. It regulates oxygen intake.

8. Asthma Mudra:

Method: Join the nails of both middle fingers while the other fingers remains stretched.

Specialty: This mudra enhances self-confidence.

Time: No specific time duration.

Benefits:

1. It is very helpful for asthma patients.
2. It counters timidity.

There are many sources for the uses of yoga and meditation for health.

In the last 20 years, meditation has been studied in clinical trials as a way of reducing stress on both the mind and body. According to the NIH National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine regular meditation can reduce chronic pain, anxiety, high blood pressure, cholesterol, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress syndrome and blood cortisol levels that are increased by stress.

Mudras are part of yoga and they can be very helpful for health. Research is still being undertaken on these yoga techniques.

Some people think that it is a placebo effect. I myself am an eye witness for many people who are relieved from several health hazards. Anyway it is your decision to practice or not.