Foods that Heal the Body

When you visit the market you shop for what you need, which are foods that can sustain you. But do you also search for the foods that can truly help you—those that are rich in healing properties such as minerals, antioxidants, and antibacterial? Of course if you know what these are you would add them to your list of groceries. Here’s a few that you can add to your list next time you visit the supermarket.

Coconut – luckily you don’t have to go far to get your hands on some coconut. You can easily find these in stores. Coconuts have lauric acid and caprylic acid that kills fungi, bacteria, and viruses. These are good sources of fatty acids, B-vitamins, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, magnesium, and zinc. Some benefits include protection against brain-related disorders, strengthening the liver, and minimizing inflammation of joints and muscles.

Bee Pollen – Everyone knows how beneficial honey is, but what’s even better is bee pollen. These are pollen that have been harvested and packed by worker honeybees into granules with honey and nectar. These are very rich in enzymes, carotenoids, 22 amino acids, B-vitamins, vitamin C and E, and over 68 minerals. Bee pollen helps in increasing memory and concentration, improving fertility, enhancing sexual activity, increasing energy levels, and many more.

Reishi – Reishi is a mushroom that has been used in eastern medicine for over 2,000 years, and is even named ‘linh chi’ in Vietnam, which literally means ‘supernatural mushroom’. This is used to boost the immune system, combat viral infections such as flu, fights respiratory ailments, and is even used for HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, it contains chemicals that help against tumors.

Aloe Vera – This has two substances—the gel and latex, both of which are used for medicine. The gel is clear and jelly like, while the latex comes from just under the plant’s skin and is yellow in color. This can be taken internally or applied to the skin, but most people use this topically. Aloe vera contains 20 minerals, 18 amino acids, 12 vitamins, 200 active plant compounds (phytonutrients), as well as strong antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Among the list of benefits, aloe vera helps to reduce heart attacks and strokes, treats candida and parasites, and halts the growth of cancerous tumors.

Maca – This plant grows on the high plateaus of the Andes mountains in central Peru. A relative of the radish with a butterscotch odor, this is considered a vegetable crop and has been cultivated for nearly 3000 years. The root is used to make medicine. It is nutrient dense with complete amino acids. It is also very rich in vitamins C, E, and B-vitamins, as well as iron, potassium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, and zinc. Benefits include improving anemia, improving adrenal function, and reducing chronic fatigue.

Goji Berries – Also known as wolfberry, this is a bright orange-red berry that is native to China. These berries contain 18 amino acids, vitamin A, C, and E, 21 trace minerals, B-complex, and has high antioxidants. These have been used to protect DNA, heart, eyes, and liver. Also, these improve the human body’s immune function and improve mood and libido among others.

Chlorella – This is a type of fresh water algae, and are usually processed and turned into supplement tablets and liquid extracts. Extracts contain ‘chlorella growth factor’, containing peptides, proteins, amino acids, entire vitamin complex, sugar, and nucleic acids. This helps in killing candida and yeast overgrowth, fights cancer, helps heal tissue growth, reduces pain from arthritis and fibromyalgia, and detoxifies just to list a few.

Hemp – The fiber and seeds of this variety of cannabis is considered ‘cash crop’ because they are very valuable. The seeds contain a complete source of plant protein, 20 amino acids, (most abundant source in nature) essential fatty acids, and has a perfect 3 to 1 ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6. Benefits include clearing up skin disorders, reducing inflammation, minimizing risk of diabetes, and fortifying the immune system.