ÔPOWER
FOODS THAT HEALÕ
In
our youth most of us use foods (if you can call them that) for keeping our
weight down rather than how healthy they might be for us. Diet sodas,
weight-loss drinks, nonfattening and low-calorie foods packed with artificial
ingredients and preservatives were once my staples too. As a result my health
was always on the edge. I wasnÕt necessarily sick a lot but I would tend to
ignore symptoms of fatigue, fuzzy thoughts, edginess, lack of endurance and
poor sleep.
When
we push our bodies to such extremes and many of us do with or without knowing
it, we will eventually suffer the consequences. My wake up call came in the
form of a serious bout with Lyme disease. Of course, people who take care of
themselves still get this nasty bacterial infection spread by the bite of a
tick, but my body was not in the best of shape nutritionally speaking,
therefore I had my work cut out for me.
Now
more than fifteen years later IÕve turned my life and my health around with the
help of traditional medicine and several complimentary therapies including
various power food diets. Having come from a family of organic gardeners and
vegetable juicers (the prodigal child returns) I came by my interest naturally.
After
several decades of living better through chemistry our country is once again
becoming more concerned with the quality of the food we put in our mouths. With
such a dramatic rise in the incidence of chronic degenerative diseases itÕs
become a necessity.
Now
that we are full bore into a marvelous growing season we can once again look
forward to using foods grown organically and locally. LetÕs take a look at some of your best power foods-
Asparagus
is highly valued for its diuretic qualities and as well as for its high mineral
and rutin content. Rutin is one of many bioflavonoids, which helps reduce
capillary fragility.
Broccoli
belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family. It contains phytochemicals (plant
chemicals) known as indoles and isothiocynates, which are thought to help
prevent cell damage and possibly head off cancer. In addition broccoli is a
good source of vitamins A and C.
Cabbage
is high in fiber and cancer fighting plant chemicals; cabbage also provides
vitamin C and potassium. ItÕs good raw or cooked.
Carrots
are a powerhouse for detoxing and nourishing the body. The lowly carrot with
its bright orange color gives vitality and health to the body. Good for the
eyes, the liver, rich in beta-carotene. Good for whatever ails the body.
Cucumber
has long been noted for improving the complexion, cleansing the liver, and
aiding in digestion. It helps treat diabetes and headaches as well.
Hardy
greens, all members of the chicory family- escarole, endive, lettuces,
strengthen the spleen, liver, kidneys and other organs.
Radishes
are an excellent aid in digestion; the radish should be highly valued by those
with liver and gall bladder problems. Radishes are also useful in the treatment
of skin eruptions, herpes, acne and boils.
Spinach
is high in chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals and is an excellent source of
vitamin A and iron. With spinach, raw is best. Try a fresh spinach salad-
nothing tastier.
Other
power foods worth honorable mention are soy foods, walnuts, mushrooms, kale,
fennel, yams, horseradish, beans and bananas. And if you want to really pack a
powerful healing punch to all these foods, invest in a juicer. Juicers are now
quite affordable, easy to use and clean. Your body will thank you.
To
purchase locally grown produce- some grown organically visit the local farmer
market held every Saturday throughout the growing season. Till next time stay
healthy with power foods! Rebecca.
071708