12 Secret Food Cures

Discussion in 'Home and Garden' started by Dusty, Sep 18, 2008.

  1. 12 Secret Food Cures

    By Shandley McMurray
    A sound diet is your most important tool for warding off - and recovering from - common ailments. Incorporating any of these food cures into your diet will yield benefits only if you're already eating a variety of healthy foods. The advice given here is not meant to replace medical attention.

    Ease a cough with chocolate
    Active ingredient Theobromine

    What it does Theobromine suppresses activity in the vagus nerve, which causes coughing. According to a study published in a recent issue of The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology journal, it was one-third more effective at stopping a persistent cough than a placebo.

    Stave off a cold with garlic
    Active ingredient Allicin

    What it does Allicin boosts the immune system and kills off viral and bacterial infections, says Peter Josling, clinical director of the Herbal Research Center in East Sussex, England.

    Curb diarrhea with coconut
    Active ingredient Potassium


    Kill a yeast infection with yogurt

    Active ingredient Bacteria


    Fight acne with watermelon
    Active ingredient Lycopene

    What it does The juicy fruit contains almost 40 per cent more skin-soothing lycopene than raw tomatoes. According to Massimo Marcone, a food science professor at the University of Guelph in Ontario, this antioxidant protects skin from oxygen damage, which weakens the skin's outer layer and makes it easier for acne-causing bacteria to invade.
    Ward off rosacea with red peppers
    Active ingredient Vitamin C

    What they do Vitamin C boosts collagen production, which keeps skin moisturized and helps reduce wrinkles. This powerful antioxidant also stabilizes the skin surrounding blood vessels, which Toronto dermatologist Paul Cohen says may reduce blushing.

    Tackle PMS with milk
    Active ingredients Calcium and vitamin D

    What it does A study published last year in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that women who had diets high in calcium and vitamin D (1200 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D daily) experienced less severe PMS symptoms. Researchers suggest that decreased levels of estrogen during the latter half of the menstrual cycle may interfere with the absorption of both nutrients, but they're unsure why this might trigger PMS.
    Suggested serving size Four cups (250 mL each) of skim milk or fortified soy milk per day. Substitute a 1/2-cup (125-mL) serving of a yogurt containing both calcium and vitamin D (such as Source by Yoplait) for one to two milk servings. If you're sensitive to dairy, try a calcium and vitamin D supplement.

    Heal a wound with pumpkin seeds
    Active ingredients Zinc, protein

    What they do Like vitamin C, zinc supports collagen production, which strengthens skin and blood vessels.
    Suggested serving size 1/4 cup
    Boost fertility with cremini mushrooms
    Active ingredient Selenium

    Suggested serving size Two to 2 1/2 cups (500 to 625 mL) of cooked mushrooms three times a week until you conceive. Cooking shrinks the mushrooms but doesn't compromise the nutrition, says Marcone. It also packs more selenium into each serving.

    Reduce bloating with peppermint tea
    Active ingredient Peppermint

    What it does Peppermint soothes the digestive tract and relaxes muscles to encourage flatulence, says Brenda Arychuk, an Edmonton-based registered dietitian. The tea also eases indigestion and speeds up the passage of food by improving the flow of bile - necessary for fat digestion.

    Relieve bowel trouble with black beans
    Active ingredient Fibre

    What they do Black beans are a great source of soluble fibre - a half cup (125 mL) contains 6.4 grams, an amount that Vancouver-based registered dietitian Heather McColl recommends you eat every day. How does this help? Soluble fibre eases constipation by softening stool, making it easier to pass. It also adds bulk to the colon - thickening things up to avoid diarrhea.

    Protect your bones with kale
    Active ingredients Calcium and vitamin K

    Suggested serving size A half cup (125 mL) of chopped, cooked kale per day until break heals. Too bitter for you? Try adding kale to other foods such as pasta sauce, salad or soup. And choose a bunch with smaller leaves - they have a milder flavour.
  2. Wow, thanks for sharing this!​

Share This Page