If you had a dollar for every food in your pantry that was loaded with hundreds of natural healing compounds and thousands of health-related studies that support its use, you would be rich.
Dozens of simple, everyday foods that activate the immune system, clean out the circulatory system and even lift your mood are among the most powerful remedies in your cabinet. These foods in no way compete with prescription and over-the-counter drug medicine in effectiveness, but many naturally contain the same active ingredients as pharmaceutical drugs — without side effects. Here are ten pantry foods that deliver surprising health benefits.
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Olive Oil for Heart Health
Olive oil tastes good and is also good for your heart. This oil is one of the best heart-healthy foods. It is high in unsaturated fat, otherwise known as healthy fat, which helps to lower bad cholesterol. Common refined oils tend to have more of the bad kind of fat – which is why olive oil is a better choice. This oil also contains antioxidants that help to keep your heart healthy by protecting it from damage. So – adding a drizzle of olive oil to your salad or pasta will help to ensure good heart health.
Garlic for Immunity
Since the first century AD, garlic has been used to relieve illness. Many researchers now believe that in addition to its antibiotic and antiviral properties, garlic can strengthen the immune system and safeguard the body against infections. It’s even been used to shorten the duration of a cold. Eating freshly chopped garlic in one of your meals is an easy way to boost your immune system.
Honey for Cough Relief
If you have a sore throat or a cough, you can ease the discomfort by taking a spoonful of honey. It has natural antibacterial qualities that relieve irritation, and it’s also said to coat the throat, which soothes that tickle. Mix a bit with steaming tea, or just take it plain. It’s liquid comfort that tastes good too.
Oats for Better Digestion
Most people have heard that oats are good for their bowels. This is because they are very high in fiber. Fiber is rough, or indigestible, and the digestive system can dislodge ‘sticky’ bits of waste more easily if it can catch hold of fiber. That means that eating the right foods keeps you ‘regular’ and reduces things like constipation. Fiber also keeps you full for longer. If you are trying to watch your weight, eating fiber is a good way to do that. Starting your day with a bowl of oats can help you feel ‘light’.
Ginger for Nausea Relief
Ginger has long been used to treat nausea. Whether you are sea-sick, car-sick, aerial sick or morning sick, ginger can help. It calms the irritated stomach lining and reduces the urge to vomit, thanks to its active ingredients. Pop a small bit of ginger in your mouth and chew, or throw it into your tea.
Cinnamon for Blood Sugar Control
Cinnamon isn’t just a spice for baked goods. It helps to control blood sugar as it has compounds that make the body more sensitive to insulin, keeping blood sugar levels steady. Just a dash can be added to your coffee or oatmeal, or to a smoothie.
Apples for Heart and Gut Health
The fiber in apples can help lower cholesterol and keep your gut and bowels regular. Apples also contain antioxidants – naturally occurring compounds that can help keep your heart healthy. There are even some specifically beneficial compounds found in apples that may help good bacteria in your digestive system. An apple a day really can keep you healthy in every way.
Green Tea for Brain Function
We know that green tea has a relaxing effect, but it’s also one of the better brain-boosting foods. The caffeine content is in the middle range, so it can give you a boost of alertness without making you jittery at all. Tea contains antioxidants that are thought to help protect the brain from age-related damage. Drinking one cup a day helps keep you alert.
Turmeric for Inflammation
Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcuma, acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. It can help prevent aches and pains in your arthritis-prone or ageing joints. Add a healthy dose of turmeric to a quintessentially British cup of soup, throw it into a smoothie with a similar color or sprinkle it over some curried rice.
Dark Chocolate for Mood and Heart
Health Dark chocolate is a healthy pleasure. Antioxidants found in dark chocolate can keep your heart healthy, and the endorphins it releases make you feel good. That’s why it’s good to enjoy dark chocolate — but not too much; at least 70 per cent cocoa and only one or two squares is recommended for health benefits without sugar overload.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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