Foods that are better than medicine
If you need a helping hand to fight off illnesses, or would just like a natural alternative to medicine - feel better with one of these foods. They should be on prescription! Not only do they work, but they taste great too.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By Michael van Straten, complementary health expert.
www.michaelvanstraten.com
Recipes:
Honey, banana and strawberry crisp
Ginger veg stir-fry
Garlic mushroom risotto
Italian recipes
Where to next?
Aphrodisiac foods
Get healthy with superfoods
The skin diet
The Mediterranean Diet
By Michael van Straten, complementary health expert, www.michaelvanstraten.com
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