Over the years, most of us have heard about foods that claim to cure a variety of ailments.
Lots of examples can be found in the book, The Healing Foods by Patricia Hausman and Judith Ann Hurley.
However, the most interesting thing is the fact that there is now scientific evidence to back up claims that certain foods can both prevent — and in some cases cure — a number of physical ailments.
Considering the billions of dollars Americans and others around the world spend on chemical medicines that can have horrible side effects, the idea that certain foods can improve your health is an important one.
That said, following is a list of common ailments and the foods that can prevent them, if not cure them completely…
Fish – Migraines
Many people these days suffer from migraines.
As someone who suffers from the occasional migraine myself, the idea that eating certain foods (rather than taking drugs) could help to prevent them is very welcome.
Fish is the food to eat if you suffer from migraines. Believe it or not, the fatty type fishes such as sardines, herring and trout are best.
Apparently, the omega-3 fatty acids help the body to reduce production of the hormones called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause the inflammation that leads to migraines.
Eating a 4-6 oz serving of fish 2-3 times a week is advised.
Peppermint – Gas
We’ve all had intestinal gas at one time or another. Maybe we eat too many beans or too much fiber, and then the discomfort of bloating and gas pressure takes over.
Many of us (self included) usually reach for an antacid product like Gas-X. But did you know that peppermint is an anti-spasmodic? That means peppermint will help the muscles in the bowels to relax, making it more easily for the gas to pass.
So next time, instead of reaching for the antacid tablets, try drinking a cup of peppermint tea, and see if you don’t get the same results!
Berries – Aging & Arthritis
Whether you are young now or not, sooner or later you are going to have to face the fact that your body is aging. In addition, as time goes on you may notice that your joints are sore, or maybe they don’t work as well as they used to.
Fortunately, there are foods that can help on both counts.
Berries (particularly blueberries, raspberries and strawberries) contain antioxidants, and these compounds help to prevent aging. The berries help to slow the natural deterioration that happens in our joints as we age.
It has also been found that Vitamin C (which berries have plenty of) is important to creating the collagen that keeps our joints healthy and working properly.
Yogurt – Pneumonia & Colds
Believe it or not, eating yogurt can help you fight off a case of pneumonia, or even the common cold!
Yogurt contains probiotics or friendly bacteria which helps the body to fight off illness and disease. So, someone that eats yogurt every day is going to have a better chance at fighting off illness and disease than someone who doesn’t.
The important thing to remember though is to purchase yogurt brands that have “live” bacteria because otherwise they aren’t going to do you much good.
Nuts – High Cholesterol
If you’ve ever been dressed down by a doctor for having a high cholesterol count, then you know what I mean when I say I’d do just about anything to avoid this happening a second time!
Believe it or not, eating nuts can help you lower your high cholesterol count. Nuts are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which can help to lower your bad cholesterol.
Also, walnuts have an even higher concentration omega-3 fatty acids and are great at reducing your risk of heart disease and hypertension.
Cabbage – Cancer
While cancer isn’t necessarily your everyday common ailment, there are enough cases of cancer diagnosed yearly to make it a definite concern for people. So I thought it was important to add it to this list.
Cabbage is the best food to eat if you want to stave off all sorts of cancers — such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and even lung cancer.
One study that was done on Polish women found that if a woman ate cabbage or sauerkraut (which is just fermented cabbage) 4 or more times each week, then her chances of getting breast cancer were 74% less likely. That’s a huge percentage and definitely something to take a look at if your family has a high incidence of any form of cancer.
Even More Healthy Foods
- 12 Foods That Are Good For Your Skin
- 10 Food Cures
- 18 Foods That Make Your Skin Glow
- Foods That Heal
- Top 10 Foods Detox Foods
- 14 Food Cures That Really Add Up
- 33 of The Healthiest Foods On Earth
My favorite things to write about are topics that have to do with weather, pregnancy, weddings, saving money, living green, and my life with dogs. When I’m not writing, I love to spend time with my husband, read, create 3D artwork and Native American beadwork.
