Saturday, August 24, 2013

Top 8 Disease Preventing Spices

With the thousands of over the counter miracle-in-a-bottle pill bottles we face at the grocery stores and conventional markets (not to mention tens of thousands more prescription drugs that promise to alleviate symptoms of daily and chronic ailments), how do you know which chemical concoction is the best and most reliable? Remember that every drug (over the counter, generic or name brand) does not carryout in the body and deliver results-whether good or bad-without side effects. In Oriental, Ayurvedic and Eastern Asian medicines, most healing and chronic infection prevention can be found in our modern kitchen cabinet. Make sure you are well versed in the following herbs and spices, for they may just be the ingredient to stave away disease and booster health to optimum levels!
Below is a great source for people who seek alternative and natural ways of disease prevention and holistic healing. Source: Natural News.com
“1) Turmeric.  Possibly one of the greatest spices in the world, this extraordinary member of the ginger family has not been dubbed the “king of  all spices” for no reason. Both the short and long-term health benefits of  turmeric make it a “superfood” of the highest order, offering support for bone,  joint, skin, immune, digestive, circulatory, and neurological health. Rich in  disease-fighting curcuminoids, turmeric is virtually unmatched when it comes to  providing both immediate and perpetual relief from a variety of ailments.  Turmeric has even been shown to help prevent and treat cancer, which is a  leading cause of death today.
“Extensive research over the past five  decades has indicated that curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) reduces  blood cholesterol levels, prevents low-density lipoprotein oxidation, inhibits  platelet aggregation, suppresses thrombosis and myocardial infarction,  suppresses symptoms associated with Type II diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis,  multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease; inhibits HIV replication,  suppresses tumor formation, enhances wound healing, protects against liver  injury, increases bile secretion, protects against cataract formation, and  protects against pulmonary toxicity and fibrosis,” explains a comprehensive  analysis on the benefits of turmeric. (http://www.wellnessresources.com)

2) Natural  sunlight (vitamin D). There is virtually no other nutrient more suitable, or  easily obtained, for achieving vibrant health than vitamin D. Ample research has  established that vitamin D, which is naturally produced in the body as a  response to sunlight and ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure, is critical for  preventing cardiovascular illness, diabetes, endocrine disorders, infections,  organ failure, mental health problems, neurological  conditions, and skin disease. Living in a place that has little sun? Try eating vitamin D rich foods like mushrooms!
The Vitamin D Council has a wealth of  information about the health benefits of vitamin D and its importance in  promoting longevity. You can learn more about it, including whether or not you  and your family are vitamin D deficient, by visiting: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/

3) Almonds.  The most nutritionally-dense nut known to man, almonds are a powerhouse of  nutrition that can provide immediate and lastingrelief from pain and other  conditions. I recommend first sprouting the raw almonds before consumption for better protein absorption and easier digestion. A rich source of potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin  E, and iron, almonds help regulate cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and  promote healthy weight loss. Likewise, eating a handful of raw almonds every day  can not only help ward off long-term health conditions like heart disease, but  also provide instant relief for digestive discomfort, inflammation, and even  headaches. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22296169)

4)  Camu camu. A relatively newer superfood, but one that has been used for centuries in Peru and Brazil, these little red grape like fruits have the densest known plant-based source of vitamin C. It’s called camu camu, and has roughly 50 times more vitamin C per volume than oranges, camu camu berries provide solid protection for your central nervous system, which  is responsible for regulating the function of your brain, eyes, lungs, muscles,  and heart. Eating camu camu berries or powder regularly can also help you avoid  developing dementia, and protect your body against bacterial and viral  infections. (http://www.naturalnews.com/report_camu_camu_0.html) (photo credit: holistikhealth.com)

5)  Clean water. My favorite is filtered alkaline water. Not many people know, but the water that comes from the city and through the tap is highly unreliable, as far as the cleanliest source of pure drinking water. Actually, the water from most man-inhabited areas have high levels of metals, toxins, and other chemicals that destroy the natural homeostasis and body ph. Many common health conditions are  aggravated and even caused by dehydration, and potentially millions of people  needlessly take pharmaceutical drugs for conditions resulting from a lack of  clean, fluoride-free water. Simply drinking more water, in other words, will  help you stay healthy and disease-free. (http://www.naturalnews.com/001962_chronic_disease_dehydration.html)

6)  Cruciferous vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, Brussels sprouts,  cabbage and the many other members of the cruciferous vegetable family are  sulfur-rich foods that help fight systemic inflammation, which is a primary  cause of chronic illness today. Regular consumption of cruciferous vegetables,  which also contain high levels of an anti-cancer nutrient known as sulforaphane,  can help detoxify your gastrointestinal tract and promote the growth and repair  of bodily tissues. (http://www.naturalnews.com/cruciferous_vegetables.html)

7)  Garlic. The health benefits of garlic are numerous, which is why this common  herb often makes an appearance as one of the most beneficial herbs for promoting  health and wellness. Rich in a medicinal compound known as allicin, garlic has  the potential to revolutionize your health, as it can help effectively prevent  colds and flu and reduce the risk of cancer, among many other benefits. Fresh  garlic is especially beneficial for wellness, as it contains the highest levels  of therapeutic allicin. (http://www.greenmedinfo.com/substance/garlic)”
8)  Cayenne Pepper is a very powerful anti-cold, anti-flu, anti-fungal spice that also helps rid people of headaches! Not only does it promote salivation, it aids in digestion, reduces the chance of blood clots and stroke, and helps the body detox (when combined with lemon and honey). Cayenne pepper is also a great topical remedy for snake bites and arthritis pain and is a great agent against gum and tooth disease.  (Source: globalhealingcenter.com)

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