Foods –your best medicine
As Indians, for centuries, we have been acquainted with the science of auyurveda, which relies heavily on food regulation to help you deal with certain health ailments , as well as give you vibrant health. Most Indians habitually raid their pantry to deal with common ailments like colds, cough, stomach upsets,etc, we call them grandmothers recipes. Today, the newly emerging science of “nutraceuticals” is finding that the foods you eat may provide you with a lot more than just good nutrition….
A confirmation of our centuries old science of auyurveda. Also known as functional foods, nutraceuticals,refer to any foods or food ingredients that provide medical or health benefits that go beyond nutitional value, including the prevention and treatment of dieases, from the deadly cancer to tummy upsets. A nutraceutical can range from a whole food to an isolated nutrient in food( such as vitaminC or Beta carotene) to a dietary supplement to a so –called “designer food”( such as a fortified soup or cereal).
Today the world is looking to foods and supplements extracted from foods to take them beyond good nutrition, into the prevention and treatment of diseases.
The question is Do they really work. Scientist are furiously working to answer these questions, probably, just a reconfirmation of our ancient science. But here are some facts from the scientific labs that may help ease out a few problems for you-
Yogurt - already a nutraceutical due to its high calcium content, this amazing food can not only ward off osteoporosis but aids in digestion as well.Yogurts and icecreams, available in the market toda pro-biotics”,which means they have been fortified with live bacteria cultures, a proven aid to digestion., that also helps prevent diarrhea.Also the presence of this bacteria in the intestines is supposed to enhance the immune system and help lower cholesterol. There is also great evidence to support the fact that this woder food may help prevent colon cancer.
Green tea - Touted among gym goers as an effective fat burner, this wonder brew is exceptionally rich in phyto chemicals called polyphenols. These are antioxidants that may help to detoxify carcinogens.Among asian populations, this brew is a staple , and studies indicate that they have the lowest rates of pancreatic and colorectal cancers. Animal research, studies also indicate that they protect against several other cancers ,including esophageal, rectal, gall bladder and endometrial. Being a rich source of floride it is a good cavity fighter.
Garlic - Numerous studies on garlic have shown that garlic intake in various forms ,helps to lower cholesterol,may protect against certain forms of cancer as well as boost immunity. Further studies on garlic also reveal that it can be a very effective fat burner, good news for all garlic bread lovers! It is however recommended to use garlic to enhance food flavour and boost health benefits.
Grapes - Studies have revealed that 2 cups of grape juice a day can help prvent platelet aggregation, a major risk factor for heart disease.Further studies have revealed that, resveratrol, aphytochemiacal found in grape skin and the seeds of red and green grapes, may prevent cancer.Consumption of grapes or even raisins , on a regular basis may help prevent hair fall and constipation , both.
Oats- After reviewing 37 studies on oats, the US food and drug administration, granted oatmeal makers the right to declare that eating oats can help to lower cholesterol, its first ever direct, food as medicine, claim ,it has approved.The soluble fibre in oats binds cholesterol and carries it out of your body. Due to such fibre it also makes you feel full for longer, a boon for dieters.
Make these wonder foods a part of your daily diet and watch your health quotient zoom. All the best!
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