Today many find their bodies are not living up to what they need and want from them. While this can be caused by our lifestyle and environment a lot has to do with the food we put into our bodies. Nowadays many of our foods are heavily processed and artificially made, and it’s taking its toll.
While our food may still look the same as it did decades ago, the ingredients have substantially changed. Convenience has come at a cost. Our food is less natural and more processed, and let’s face it we don’t always know everything we’re eating.
The only way to counteract the damage that is being done to our bodies is to get back to basics and consume as much healthy whole food as possible. The great news is that not only are whole foods healthy and bursting with flavour, but many also have healing qualities that can help repair many common ailments.
But where do you start? Here are some of my favourite healing foods, herbs and spices. Start incorporating these into your diet and watch your body respond with gratitude!
Garlic
Consuming raw garlic can help reverse diabetes, fight inflammation, boost your immune system, regulate your blood pressure, fight cardiovascular disease, relieve allergies, fight fungal and viral infections (great for the common cold) and even improve hair loss. What’s more, it is super easy to add to so many meals!
Ginger
Ginger is an agent for aiding inflammation and acts as an excellent antioxidant. It’s known to enhance concentration, boost your immune system, reduce cholesterol, ease headaches, help with erectile dysfunction, relieve insomnia and help with fatigue.
Turmeric
Turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, antimicrobial and anticancer properties. But did you know it can help purify the blood, ease asthma symptoms and slow the progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? It can also heal stomach ulcers, assist with weight management and act as an anti-arthritic.
Ginseng
Ginseng is excellent for aiding in the reduction of stress and weight loss. It can also help with sexual dysfunction, lung function, lowering blood sugar levels, boosting your immune system and reducing inflammation.
Mangosteen
Mangosteen is a fruit that has been found to have xanthones, a powerful antioxidant, which fights infection, fungus, bacteria, histamines and even cancer. Research has found that Mangosteen has a natural ability to attack fungal and viral infections. It’s also linked to helping shield the brain from the toxic effects of amyloid beta associated with Alzheimer’s.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is mostly known for its moisturising and healing benefits on the skin, aiding with acne, sunburn, infections and stretch marks. However, it can also ease constipation, heartburn, infections, colic and worm infestations.
Cucumber
The humble cucumber has many health benefits beyond healing red, puffy eyes. Made up of 95% water, it’s great for rehydration and helps if you’ve got sunburnt and itchy skin. Cucumber also contains vitamin A, C and elements of B. They can help flush out toxins and if eaten regularly can dissolve kidney stones.
Celery
As a great alkaliser and anti-inflammatory, celery can help lower cholesterol as well as support your overall health. It can help prevent high blood pressure and fat build up in the liver, and if you are an ulcer suffer you will be pleased to know that celery has been known to reduce their formation. Celery contains a variety of vitamins including C and several components of B.
Bananas
Bananas provide a mild blood sugar boost and have 30% of the day’s vitamin B6. They are high in fibre and contain potassium, which helps to maintain proper fluid balance in the body. Because they are an antioxidant, they can help reduce premature ageing in the body’s cells. They’ve also been found to calm stress and anxiety – a good reason to get peeling!
Apricots
Packed with Vitamin A, apricots help protect your eyes and enhance vision. They can also help protect against more serious eye issues like macular degeneration, which is often age-related. They are an excellent preventative for minerals accumulating in urine, which can form kidney stones. Apricots can also help lower bad cholesterol and are great for your blood.
Figs
Figs are an excellent source of calcium, however, if you use dried figs their calcium content increases. Packed with antioxidants, figs help neutralise free radicals reducing the risk of some cancers. They are high in fibre and great for keeping your stools soft and regular, aiding in the prevention of haemorrhoids. Your heart, kidneys and liver all benefit from this ancient fruit.
Chamomile
There are so many health benefits of chamomile that it’s impossible to list them all here. It helps with digestive inflammation, spasms and gas, insomnia, PMS and allergies. Chamomile is also a calmative, helping you sleep better and feel less anxious or nervous. Add a hot chamomile tea (with two tea bags) to your bedtime routine, and you’re sure to notice the difference.
Want more tips to get your mind and body healthy, fit and fighting? Contact Jen today to book a FREE 30-minute consultation.
