Foods That Fight Disease
Foods That Fight Disease
There are many foods that do this job for us, but today I’d like to focus on phytochemicals, also referred to as phytonutrients.
These are biologically active compounds in plants and fruit; compounds that are a plant’s chemical defence mechanism.
Pesticides damage a plant’s ability to produce phytochemicals to their usual level. Another good reason to choose organic fruit and vegetables where possible. Check here for the easiest way to decide which to buy organic and which are safest to buy without choosing organic.
Whilst phytochemicals are as significant as vitamins and minerals, our health does not depend on them as much as it does vitamins. Although they’re are not classified as a nutrient, they do play a vital role in our body.
Amongst other characteristics, they give food it’s aroma, taste and colour.
There are 10’s of 1000’s of phytochemicals in existence and, as a species, we have only scratched the surface in their discovery. Over 100 have been identified. They vary in type.
We’re unable to store them, so we need to keep replenishing supplies by eating foods rich in these important part of our diet.
They may:
- Serve as:
- Antioxidants
- Hormone Stablisers
- Immune System Boosters
- A Killer of Cancer Cells
- A Healer of Wounds
- Fighter of Infections
- A Preventative for Urinary Tract Infections
- Reduce the Risk of:
- Inflammation
- Therefore helping certain types of arthritis
- Stomach Ulcers
- Help to fight Gout
- Capillary Fragility
- Bleeding Gums
- Varicose Veins
- Hemorrhoids
- Bruises
- Strain Injuries
- Thrombosis
- Help to Prevent:
- DNA Damage
- Age Related Macular Degeneration (a condition that includes cataracts)
- Lower The Risk of:
- Fibroids
- Some Cancers
- Menopausal Symptoms
- Hormone Related Diseases
- High Cholesterol
- Increase The Uptake of Nutrients from Food
- Alleviate Hayfever
- Induce Biological Responses In The Body
In general, these compounds are known to be disease fighters and also believed to promote good health.
With so many potential health benefits, as I mentioned earlier in this article, it’s another big tick for including plenty of organic plants and fruit into your daily diet.
Work your way around the shelves, and ensure that you are taking in vitamins and minerals from a wide variety of foods.
Remember also to eat some raw food daily, be that in the form of a salad, fermented food or just peeling and eating the food as it comes.
Choose Foods Rich in:
Chlorophyll
Green Foods:
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts
- Collard Greens
- Green Beans
- Kale
- Rocket
- Spinach
- Wheatgrass
- Seaweeds
- Sorrel
Beta-Carotene
Orange/Yellow Foods & Dark Leafy Greens :
- Beet Greens
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Dried Apricots
- Oranges
- Kale
- Mango
- Melon
- Mustard Greens
- Pak Choy
- Papaya
- Peas
- Pumpkin
- Romaine Lettuce
- Spinach
- Squash
- Swede
- Sweet Potato
- Sweet Red Peppers
- Swiss Chard
- Turnip Greens
Lycopene
Red/Pink Foods:
- Guave
- Watermelon
- Tomatoes
Sulphur
Off White Foods & Other Varieties, such as those listed below:
- Bok Choy
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Chives
- Garlic
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Leeks
- Onions
- Shallots
- Turnips
- White Cabbage
Natural, fresh food is so much more delicious than anything processed.
Will this change the way you look at plant food in the future? 🙂
See you soon,
