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10 Healing Foods

Dr. Wayne Neal

Did you know that foods can do more than give your body energy? The right foods can prevent health problems and help your body heal. Here are ten excellent super-foods to try.

1. Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. They are loaded with antioxidants. According to the book The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods, blueberries protect the body from Alzheimer’s disease by reducing the oxidation effect of free radicals. They also improve night vision and protect against macular degeneration. Add some blueberries to a smoothie for a delicious and healthy treat.

2. Avocados

Avocados are high in oleic and linoleic acids. These are the good fatty acids in the body. According to Dr. Michael Murray, avocados help lower LDL cholesterol levels. They are also high in potassium. In fact, they have three times as much potassium as bananas. Avocados are a colorful and tasty addition to any salad or sandwich.

3. Brown Rice

Brown rice is by far the most nutritional form of rice. White rice is processed to the point of removing practically all vitamins and minerals. Brown rice, in contrast, is loaded with generous amounts of B1, B2, B3, and B6 vitamins. It is also high in a variety of minerals. It is helpful in lowering cholesterol levels because of the high fiber content. It is an excellent choice for those allergic to wheat. Try stir-fry with your favorite veggies and meat for dinner.

4. Mangoes

My wife and I first tasted mangoes on our honeymoon to Jamaica. They are now our most favorite fruit! Mangoes improve digestion and help the body fight infections. According to the Encyclopedia of Healing Foods, mangoes help the body fight cancer. They are also safe for patients with diabetes. Mangoes make a great dessert.

5. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are high in antioxidants like vitamin C. They are safe for diabetics and help to stabilize blood sugar levels. They make a good afternoon snack. Try adding cinnamon and a little butter to spice them up!

6. Rye

My wife introduced me to rye crackers. Turns out they are not only high in magnesium, but also are a good source of fiber. Rye reduces the risk of colon cancer. It is important to use rye crackers rather than rye bread as rye bread also contains wheat flour. Rye crackers with cheese or almond butter make a great snack!

7. Asparagus

Asparagus has anti-inflammatory benefits for those with arthritis and rheumatism according to Dr. Michael Murray. It is low in calories and carbohydrates but high in protein, especially the amino acid asparagine. Sauté in a little butter and olive oil and add dill.

8. Cabbage

Cabbage is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, which has been proven to have an anticancer effect. It is especially beneficial for colon, prostate, lung, and breast cancers according to Dr. Michael Murray. Dr. Garnet Cheney, from the Stanford University School of Medicine, researched the treatment of peptic ulcers using cabbage. It is high in the amino acid glutamine, which is critical to the regeneration of cells in the digestive tract. Cabbage is popular in Asian stir-fry and also good in soup.

9. Brewer’s Yeast

Brewer’s yeast is loaded with a variety of vitamins and minerals. It is an especially good source of the B vitamins, which lower homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels cause high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. It is also an excellent source of selenium, which protects against cancer. The high chromium content helps to control blood sugar levels. I add a tablespoon to my breakfast smoothie every morning.

10. Blackstrap Molasses

Unlike most sweeteners that are high in calories but lack nutrients, blackstrap molasses is an excellent source of many minerals and vitamins. The minerals include calcium, copper, manganese, iron, potassium, and magnesium. It is good for those with low iron and magnesium levels. Those with anemia or PMS would find it especially beneficial. Try a tablespoon today.

Suggested Reading

To learn more about these and other healing foods, I suggest Dr. Michael Murray’s book, The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. The book covers health benefits and serving suggestions for over 175 different foods. It includes a chapter on food prescriptions for specific diseases. It also has a glycemic index for diabetics and oxalate content of foods for those with kidney stones. Enjoy eating to better health!

For further information on this topic, you may contact Dr. Neal at 770.952.5353, or by email at DrNeal@humberparkerson.com.

The Highest Level is the monthly e-mail newsletter of the Humber Parkerson Clinic and is designed to empower our patients and the general public to make informed decisions on issues of nutrition, lifestyle, and spinal care. To receive The Highest Level each month, e-mail your request to HighestLevel@humberparkerson.com.

© Humber Parkerson Clinic 2007

March 2007 issue of The Highest Level

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