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Health Benefits From Various Foods

If you believe in keeping your health in good order no matter how old you are this page has a number of foods and supplements that could help along the road of staying healthy both in mind and body.

  • Reduce ALCOHOL It is believed that excessive drinking is also the leading cause of high blood pressure.
  • ALMONDS An excellent source of vitamin E. containing antioxidants protecting our skin against free radicals. They also provide the fatty acids that help to lower cholesterol.
  • An APPLE a day keeps the doctor away. It not only keeps the doctor away researchers now know extracts from the fruit prevent the growth of mammary tumors (Breast cancer affects 46,000 British women every year).
  • A BANANA is high in vitamin B6. It can also ease those between meals and hunger pangs as they help to stabilize blood sugar levels. So instead of that dry cracker biscuit, do yourself a favor and reach for a banana. Oh! did I mention having an attack of the Monday morning blues? No, they’re good for that too as they help relieve anxiety and stress.
  • More recently BEETROOT has been acclaimed as being good for reducing blood pressure. It is also a good source of iron and is an antioxidant.
  • A British research team is investigating the compounds in BLACKCURRANTS which they believe reduce the damage done to nerve cells that initiate the progression of Alzheimer’s. Because Blackberries are already known to be packed full of antioxidants this research claim is most probably true.
  • The BRAZIL NUT consuming a small handful 3 or 4 times a week can not only fight against heart disease, and a variety of other conditions it can also protect us against cancer.
  • The BRUSSEL SPROUT Love or hate this vegetable should be avoided if you take Warfarin which is given for heart conditions. This is because Brussel Sprouts are packed full of Vitamin K. The body uses Vitamin K to make clotting factors in the blood. Warfarin is given to thin the blood to avoid clotting. The exact opposite of Vitamin K which would compromise the effect of Warfarin. SPINACH should also be avoided for the same reasons.
  • Cutting down on the number of CALORIES you eat amongst other things, will help make you less likely of developing high blood pressure.
  • Researchers at the University Hospital of Cologne have researched that eating 30 calories worth of DARK CHOCOLATE with at least 70% cocoa every day could reduce blood pressure, cutting the risk of stroke. I have tried this one by eating two squares of dark chocolate each day and I can say, hand on heart, that it does work.
  • It is believed that EXCESSIVE DRINKING is also a leading cause of high blood pressure.
  • FENNEL the aniseed flavor is not to everyone’s taste. This low-calorie vegetable (among other health benefits) is full of potassium which helps to regulate/normalize blood pressure and heart rate. It has a low-calorie count (30 to every 100g) and a 0% cholesterol rating.
  • The headache remedy FEVERFEW can increase both blood pressure and heart rate when used with certain migraine drugs.
  • A friend of mine swears by FISH OIL CAPSULES She tells me that for many years now she has suffered from slightly raised blood pressure and the taking of these capsules has led to a significant drop in blood pressure.
  • It is best to take supplements with FOOD All vitamin and mineral supplements are better absorbed when taken with food. Digestive enzymes are released making the absorption of vitamins that much easier.
  • FREE BASIC MEDICINE It is allegedly believed that free basic medication (for coughs, and colds)is available for your children, under sixteen or under 18 years in full-time education, regardless of income under an NHS scheme introduced some 8 plus years ago. Check out the National Health Service (HNS) for a detailed account of those people who would be eligible,
  • If you suffer from diabetes and you take GARLIC CAPSULES then you should be made aware that it is possible for the capsules to interact with some diabetic medication causing a drop in blood sugar levels.
  • GINSENG should be avoided if you take medication for hypertension as it can cause an increase in blood pressure.
  • GLUCOSAMINE supplements are known to help arthritis sufferers, but did you know if it is taken with anti-clotting drugs (for example warfarin) they may thin the blood that much it could cause excessive bleeding?
  • High in nutrients and low in calories GRAPEFRUIT If you eat this fruit regularly it could be very beneficial for your immune system. It is also high in vitamin C which may help fight harmful bacteria and viruses. However, if you are taking medication for high cholesterol or high blood pressure the fruit can interact with some of these medicines (Amlodipine and Simvastatin to name just two) and it is advised to speak with your doctor before you enjoy a grapefruit.
  • GRAPES Recent research has revealed that eating a number of grapes daily could prevent stroke and heart Attacks. The fruit is rich in vital chemicals that help to lower cholesterol and also help to boost gut bacteria keeping your gut healthy.
  • PINEAPPLE Not only is it good for the digestive system it is also an excellent source of vitamin C. It has been linked to easing sinus problems and reducing mucus.
  • Eating PISTACHIO NUTS daily may help reduce the risk of lung cancer and other forms of the disease. says Texas research dietician Ladia Hernandez.
  • According to new research out of the USA drinking PURPLE GRAPE JUICE can help prevent heart attacks, angina, and strokes. Apparently, the drink boosted the nightly dip in blood pressure, giving the heart and veins much-needed rest.
  • PUMPKIN SEEDS contain calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, potassium, omega-6, and omega-9 essential fatty acids. These vitamins and minerals are excellent for a healthy prostrate they also help to remove intestinal parasites and are an added bonus to a vegetarian diet.
  • ROSEMARY is a beautiful herb addition to your cooking… Why? Taking pre-pregnancy can help to prevent Brain defects in a newborn infant. It also contains the C vitamin which helps to maintain healthy blood cells, skin, and bones. As well as being an excellent source of much-needed minerals.
  • RHUBARB has no saturated fats, no cholesterol, and contains only 21 calories per 100g.
  • ST. JOHN’S WORT Here in the UK there is a growing concern amongst the medical profession about the possible unwanted side effects of St John’s Wort when mixed with other foods or conventional medications.
  • Reduce your chances of having a STROKE by more than a third. Yes, that’s right. Dr. Jacob Sattlemair of a US study report reckons taking regular walks is better than other vigorous forms of exercise to reduce the risk of having a stroke, but it only applies to women.
  • Have a sweet tooth? Like a lot of SUGAR in your tea? This can also raise blood pressure.
  • TEA is a diuretic. The more you drink the more you will need to pee. So if you are a tea drinker never drink it before going to bed.
  • Drinking TEA and COFFEE may protect individuals against the most common form of Diabetes, and an extra cup of coffee each day could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 7%.
  • VITAMIN A is essential for a healthy scalp. Vitamin A will keep your hair looking at its very best and free from scalp irritation and dandruff.
  • My wife and daughter swear by a regular intake of VITAMIN B6 (B complex), especially during menstruation. Apart from it bringing relief to the nervous system it appears to reduce the intensity of painful and uncomfortable cramps during this time of the month.
  • American researchers have found that those people taking more than 500 mg (10 times the recommended daily allowance) of VITAMIN C daily may be increasing their risk of hardening of the arteries.
  • VITAMIN D is the only vitamin that your body can manufacture by itself with the help of sunshine. It can help to improve heart function in people who have suffered heart failure. For all other vitamins, the body must rely upon outside sources for its intake.
  • If you regularly take an iron supplement, then VITAMIN E should not be taken at the same time. Iron seems to destroy the effects of vitamin E before it can get into the body’s system.
  • WHITE BREAD can boost our levels of serotonin the all-singing, and dancing, happy chemical released by our brain. If you don’t like white try wholemeal bread it does not produce as much serotonin as white but its effects last much longer. Plus wholemeal is packed full of B vitamins.
  • YOGHURT can ease the symptoms of PMS like depression, anxiety, mood swings, and that bloated feeling, it is also rich in calcium and vitamin B. It can be a perfect pick-me-up if you sprinkle it with Brazil nuts.

Image by Thomas G. from Pixabay

  • Updated Oct. 2022.

Note:

The items on this page have been sourced from various areas, Friends, Family, News reports, and information gathered for the various courses I have done. (last revised Sept. 2022).