While researchers try to develop a pill or new cure to fight one of a number of diseases, the magic potion that they are spending millions of dollars to find could be right under their nose. Alternative medicine tells us that a wide variety of herbs, fruits and vegetables have healing power and now conventional medicine is starting to catch on. There are a number of foods which have been shown to lower your risk for heart disease, stroke and cancer. The idea is simple, eat well and live long.
When it comes to preventing cancer, vegetables lead the way. Packed with antioxidants that can slow or stop the growth of some cancer cells are dark green vegetables like spinach, romaine lettuce and collard greens. Other vegetables which are loaded with antioxidants include Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. The antioxidants contained in these foods go after the free radicals associated with cancer that damage healthy cells in the body. Beans and peas are other foods that may be able to block cancer cells from reproducing slowing down the growth of some tumors.
Tomatoes are another food that shows promise in warding off cancer. The lycopene in the tomato has been shown to prevent prostate cancer. Blueberries are another fruit which is loaded with antioxidants that have been shown to not only prevent cancer but can also stop the growth of some cancer cells. Garlic and mushrooms are other foods which are believed to have components that can protect the body from cancer. Flax seeds are loaded with similar ingredients that have been shown to protect against colon cancer.
When it comes to protecting the heart, fish is at the top of the list. The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and tuna are natural cholesterol fighters and can reduce the risk of developing dangerous heart arrhythmia. The American Heart Association is so convinced of the powers of fish that its own diet recommends having two servings of fish each week. Even if you do not like the taste of the fish, these oils are contained in a number of supplements now for sale over the counter which can help protect your cardiovascular system. Fish oil is also a powerful anti-inflammatory which shows promise in helping people with arthritis deal with the pain. Fish oil is also an anticoagulant which keeps the blood thin and can prevent strokes.
To promote good overall health, you should also be consuming foods that are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Potassium. Bananas and sweet potatoes provide a great deal of potassium which will keep your bones strong. Vitamin C can be found in strawberries, raspberries and red peppers and that will also build strong bones and at the same time protect the skin from cancer. The best substance for keeping the bones strong as we age is calcium and that takes us back to those dark green vegetables which we already told you were good for you. And, don't forget the old standby that makes the body stronger, milk.
I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading hot stone massage kit supplies provider. They carry products such as massage stones, as well as many other accessories for hot and cold stone therapy.
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