8 Foods That Heal
Posted on June 28, 2008 by DFHS Article Team
1. Olive oil
Latest research reveals that cold pressed extra virgin olive oil contains the same type of anti-inflammatory chemical present in drugs like ibuprofen, used to treat the pain of headaches, arthritis and periods. Olive oil has always been a staple in the Mediterranean diet. It’s rich in heart protective vitamin E and supplies only the healthiest of oils which help the body to get rid of cholesterol. Use a couple of tablespoons a day in cooking, or as a salad dressing.
2. Garlic
The king of medicinal plants, garlic kills bacteria and fungal infections. It lowers cholesterol and blood pressure and reduces the risk of blood clots. It’ll get rid of athlete’s foot, protect you from food poisoning and repel mosquitoes and midges. Best eaten raw. Or, chop and leave for 10 minutes before cooking. Aim to eat a clove a day.
3. Ginger
Ginger has been used as a medicine since 5000BC. It’s popular with traditional Ayervedic Indian doctors and was highly regarded by the Ancient Romans. Ginger stimulates the circulation, speeds up the blood flow and is the best of all medicines for preventing sickness in pregnancy, migraine or after surgery.
Tip: Make your own ginger tea by grating fresh ginger into boiling water.
4. Honey
Honey helps wound healing, prevents insomnia and specific honeys like New Zealand Manuka kill most known bugs, including Helicobacter pylori that causes stomach ulcers and the hospital infection MRSA. Take two dessert spoonfuls a day if you have stomach problems. Read more about honey.
5. Mint
There are many varieties of mint each with its own flavour and some whose medicinal use goes back to the Roman Empire. It’s a great mental stimulant that helps keep you awake and it’s one of the best antacids for the treatment of indigestion. Just chew the leaf or use it to make tea.
6. Onions
Boiled onions are a traditional cure for chest infections, in Paris onion soup cures a hangover, the Chinese make a poultice for boils and in Europe they treat urinary infections. Eat your onions cooked or raw, but try to eat some every day.
7. Pineapple
This delicious exotic fruit has been a healing food since the earliest times. The rich content of natural enzymes bring instant relief from sore throats, tonsillitis, indigestion, bruising and can even reduce the risk of blood clots. Eat fresh, or as juice.
8. Prunes
Not the laxative of the old music hall jokes but undoubtedly the most protective of all foods. A hundred grams provides more than a whole day’s need of protective anti-oxidants making them healthier than blueberries, broccoli or Brussels sprouts. They help prevent heart disease, cancer, blood pressure and even wrinkles. They’re also a very gentle laxative.
By Michael van Straten, complementary health expert,
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