Food As Medicine

Welcome to my series on Food as Medicine!! I hope you join me on facebook to learn interesting facts on how what's in your local supermarket or farmer's market can help heal, prevent and improve any medical ailment you may have. Click here to view on facebook.

For the next 30 days or so, I would like to share a food a day and what medicinal properties it possesses. I have shared the various foods on facebook and would like to share them here as well.

1. Chia Seeds

So what is so healthy about Chia Seeds? 

*they are good for weight loss because they are high in fiber and make you feel full!
*they contain Omega-3 so they are great for your health and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol.
*they taste great and can be added to yogurt, fresh fruit and cereal
*they give you an energy boost from natural sources, in face Chia means "strength"
*they are high in calcium so they are great for bone and teeth health

Be sure to pick some up and add them to your diet 
Note: if you allergic to sesame or mustard seed or are on blood pressure medication or blood thinners be sure to see your doctor first.

2. Kale

So why is Kale good for you?

*Kale is high in fiber and contains antioxidants
*Kale is high in Vitamin C, K, A and Calcium
*Kale is an anti-inflammatory food meaning it can help prevent autoimmune disease and other disease like arthritis and asthma
*Kale is a detox food meaning it produces enzymes that your liver can use to fight cancer and other disease.
Try to include it in your diet 

3. Coconut Water

Did you know that coconut water was using during the wars, such as the Vietnam war,  as an intravenous hydration fluid in some developing countries where medical saline was unavailable? It contains the chemical equivalent as human plasma and, unless the coconut has been opened, it is considered to be sterile.

So why is it healthy? 
*Coconut water has high potassium and may be a natural way to raise energy levels.
*It is low in calories and it healthier than consuming sugared sport drinks
*It is excellence for hydration and has been used for hydration for many years in other countries where water sources are sparse.
*It has anti-oxidant qualities that may play a role in anti-cancer and anti-aging
*Coconut water is excellent to add to shakes, especially to take the place of high sugar juices

4. Spinach

As most people know spinach is a very healthy food. What makes it so healthy? 

*it contains high levels of iron, calcium and vitamin A
*it also contains high levels of folate so its a good choice in pregnancy
*Rich in vitamins and minerals, it is also concentrated in health-promoting phytonutrients such as carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin) and flavonoids to provide you with powerful antioxidant protection.
*it has anti-inflammatory qualities so it protects against cardiovascular problems and cancer
Be sure to get your spinach and eat it raw, as a salad, or add it to sandwiches and omelets!

5. Blueberries

Whats so great about blueberries?

*they contain large amounts of antioxidants which means they may protect again heart disease, cancer and aging. They may even be able to help with cognitive skills and reduce cholesterol, raise HDL cholesterol, and lower triglycerides levels
*they are high in fiber and make great snacks
*kids love them!

6. Grapefruit

Another amazing food is grapefruit. The benefits of grapefruit:

*high in Vitamin C
*The rich pink and red colors of grapefruit are due to lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient. Lycopene appears to have anti-tumor activity. It may reduce a man's chance of prostate cancer.
*Grapefruit contains pectin, a form of soluble fiber that has been shown in animal studies to slow down the progression of atherosclerosis
Get yourselves some grapefruit! I had one tonight and it was delicious 

Stayed tuned everyday for new foods!