Friday, December 9, 2011

Healthy Food & Spices

Healthy food doesn't have to be boring and traditional.


Choosing the healthiest food and spices can be a daunting task because there are thousands to choose from all over the world. As obesity becomes more widespread, eating healthy becomes more important than ever. Many healthy foods and spices are readily available and can be eaten during every meal of the day.


Honey


Honey is nature's alternative to white sugar. In January 2008, the First International Symposium on Honey and Human Health presented research papers that showcased the benefits of honey. It was found that it possesses large amounts of various friendly bacteria. It promotes better control of blood sugar and may ward off diabetes. Honey is also a well-known anti-oxidant, an effective cough suppressant, and an immunity and energy booster.


Onion and Garlic


Onion and garlic belong to the "Allium" family. They both have numerous sulfur-containing compounds, known as thiosulfinates, sulfoxides, and dithiins. Onions are also high in flavonoid polyphenols. These are responsible for the pungent odor, but are also responsible for their beneficial properties. Aside from being a staple ingredient for cooking, onion and garlic are very beneficial to the heart and circulatory system because of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. They are also known for their antibacterial and antiviral benefits, as well as their capability to prevent some types of cancer.


Pineapples and Grapes


Grapes and grape wines have been the subject of research because of their health benefits. They are known for their polyphenols, which include flavonoids, phenolic acids, and resveratrol. These are known to decrease the risk for heart disease by preventing the formation of harmful blood clots and protecting the inner linings of arteries. Resveratrol also serves as an anti-ageing agent and preventative of Alzheimer's disease. Pineapples rank second to bananas as America's favorite tropical fruit. They are rich in bromelain and cystein proteinases that prevent excessive blood coagulation, inflammation, and tumor growth. Being rich in vitamin C, pineapples provide anti-oxidant protection and support the immune system. Pineapples are also known to be even more effective in preventing macular degeneration than carrots.


Oats


Oats is a favorite breakfast for a number of people because it provides strength and energy. It is rich in betaglucan fibers, which are known to actively lower cholesterol levels. Betaglucans also help the body's natural defenses in stopping infections and eliminating bad bacteria. The avenanthramides in oats prevent heart disease by inhibiting free radicals in the blood. Oats also stabilize blood sugar and reduce the risk of diabetes and breast cancer. Children who regularly eat oats and fish also have reduced risk for asthma by 50 percent.







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