Nutrients

Ginger is a good source of magnesium, manganese, potassium, copper and vitamin B6. Ginger is a source of gingerol. a potent inhibitor of NO (nitric oxide) synthesis, which in plain language means it has powerful antioxidant capabilities.

Anti Inflammatory

Ginger suppresses prostaglandin synthesis through inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2, much the same way non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do, but without the undesirable side effects.

Ginger extract has also been shown to inhibit chemokine (inflammatory protein) expression, which may be useful for suppressing arthritic inflammation.

Other studies have shown ginger to be effective in reducing inflammation and swelling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and muscular discomfort.

Arthritis

261 osteoarthritis sufferers received ginger extract or placebo in a 6-week double blind study. The group who took the ginger extract experienced a reduction in knee pain while standing and while walking.

At the Department of Rheumatology in Tel Aviv, Israel, 29 patients with gonarthritis (inflammation of the knee joint) showed a significant decrease in pain levels after 6 months of treatment with ginger extract.

Anti Fungal

In a study of 36 extracts from 29 plant species, ginger had evident anti fungal properties against a wide range of fungi, including strains that were resistant to synthetic anti fungals.

Cancer

The active constituents in ginger are polyphenolic compounds called gingerols, and have been shown to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, which is associated with the development of gastric and colon cancer.

Motion Sickness

Ginger has been proved in a number of clinical studies to be an effective remedy for treating or preventing nausea, dizziness, and vomiting caused by travel or motion sickness.

Beet greens

Beet greens are a good source of calcium, iron, Vitamins A and C.

Beetroots

Beetroots are a good source of fiber, folic acid, manganese and potassium.

Liver detoxification

Beetroot contains the bioactive agent betaine, which supports healthy liver function. When the liver is functioning properly, fats are broken down efficiently, aiding weight loss, and preventing fatigue and nausea.

Cholesterol

Beet fiber has been shown to have cholesterol-lowering capabilities.

 Antioxidants

Betacyanin is the pigment that gives beetroot its color, and has powerful antioxidant properties. Studies have demonstrated that red beet products used regularly in the diet may provide protection against certain oxidative stress-related disorders in humans.

 

Cancer

Preliminary tests suggest that beetroot ingestion can be one of the useful means to prevent lung and skin cancer. Other studies have shown that beet juice inhibits the formation of cancer causing compounds called nitrosamines.

Vitamins

Blueberries are a good source of Vitamin C.

Antioxidants

Anthocyandins are compounds that are responsible for the blueberries’ pigment, and these compounds have exceptionally high antioxidant activity. In a study of 60 fruits vegetables, the antioxidant capabilities of blueberries rated the highest.

Alzheimer’s

Research has shown that blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress, and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Vision

Numerous studies have demonstrated that extract of blueberry improves nighttime vision by allowing quicker adjustment to darkness. Other research shows that blueberry extract may help to prevent cataracts and glaucoma.

Bladder

Blueberries contain the same compounds found in cranberries that help prevent and treat urinary tract infections by reducing the ability of bacteria to adhere to the mucosal lining of the bladder and urethra.

Cancer

Overwhelming evidence suggests that small and soft-fleshed berries such as the blueberry may have beneficial effects against several types of human cancers. The ability of the bioactive phytochemicals of berries to counteract, reduce, and repair oxidative stress damage, is responsible for the blueberries’ anticancer potential.

Diabetes

In a study at Montreal Diabetes Research Center, extracts of the Canadian blueberry show promise for use as a complementary anti-diabetic therapy.

Nutrients

Avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acids, potassium, vitamin E, B vitamins, and fiber.

Glycemic Index (GI)

In studies to determine the estimated GI of various foods, it was concluded that avocados have a low GI of 15.

Eyesight

Avocados are rich in leutein and zeaxanthin, which help to prevent age related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Cancer

According to a report in. J Nutr. Biochem, 2005, the carotenoids and tocopherols (chemical compounds which may have vitamin E activity) in avocado were shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cell lines in vitro.

Studies have shown that phytochemicals extracted from the avocado fruit inhibit and kill cancer cells, suggesting that the phytochemicals from avocado included in the diet may offer protection against cancer.

Antioxidants

Avocados contain glutathione, which functions as an antioxidant to scavenge free radicals. Avocado is also an excellent source of vitamin E with antioxidant and health benefits. Dr. David Heber, director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition has stated that evidence suggests that glutathione may help prevent certain types of cancers and heart disease in humans.

Cholesterol

A week long study involving 45 volunteers who ate avocados every day reported an average 17% drop in total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides, and an 11% increase in HDL levels.

Avocado is rich in natural betasitosterol, and the American Journal of Medicine has reported that researchers found that betasitosterol was able to lower cholesterol in 16 human studies.

Blood Pressure

Three factors in avocado help prevent high blood pressure and stroke: folate, glutathione and potassium. These help to lower homocysteine levels, cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure.

Weight Loss

According to American institute of Cancer Research in Washington replacing butter, cheese or cream on sandwich with mashed avocado not only helps to reduce calories but also increase the healthy MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) intake.

In a study of 61 men and women, 200 g of avocado was substituted for 30 g of other mixed dietary fats such as margarine or oil. The results demonstrated that avocado within an energy-restricted diet does not compromise weight loss.

Skin Health

Of 8 plant oils tested (almond, sesame, apricot kernel, safflower, peanut, jojoba, coconut, olive) avocado oil was found to be the most effective sunscreen.

Avocado oil strengthens the skin by stimulating collagen, thereby reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture. Avocados are also rich in vitamin E, a free radical scavenger that will assist in slowing the aging process.

Avocado oil has better skin penetration than almond, olive, or soy oil, and will be able to transport nutrients through the outer layer of skin to the deeper layers.

Nutrients

Plums are a very good source of vitamin C. They are also a good source of vitamins Bl, B2, and B6, and dietary fiber. Prunes are a very good source of provitamin A. They are a good source of potassium, thiamin, riboglavin, vitamin B6, boron and dietary fiber.

Glycemic Index (GI)

In a study to determine the estimated GI of various foods, it was concluded that plums and prunes have a low GI.

Osteoporosis

Several studies have demonstrated that dried plums, or prunes, which contain high amounts of polyphenols, can restore bone mass and structure.

In a 3-month study involving 58 postmenopausal women, dried plums significantly increased serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) activity. Higher levels of both serum IGF-I and BSAP are associated with greater rates of bone formation. Although further studies are desirable, these results suggest that dried plums may have beneficial effects on bone mineral density.

Another study concluded that dried plum polyphenols enhance osteoblast (bone formation) activity.

Prunes are a good source of boron, which is believed to play a role in prevention of osteoporosis.

Influenza

In a preliminary study in Japan, plum juice concentrate showed strong in vitro anti-influenza activity against human influenza A, and may be effective in preventing and reducing influenza

Cholesterol

In an 8-week study involving 41 men with mild hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels), daily dietary supplementation resulted in significantly lower LDL cholesterol plasma levels.

Laxative

Plums and prunes are both effective laxatives, with prunes being the more effective of the two. The laxative action of both prune and prune juice could be explained by their high sorbitol content.

Nutrients

Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins K, C, and A, folic acid and dietary fiber. It’s a very good source of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and E.

Glycemic Index (GI)

In a study to determine the GI of various foods, it was concluded that broccoli has a low GI of 15.

Cataracts

Research at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston has concluded that the carotenoids present in broccoli and spinach, and the consumption of these vegetables, are associated with a lower risk of cataracts.

Cancer

One of the American Cancer Society's key dietary recommendations to reduce the risk of cancer is to include cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli.

Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate, an organic chemical compound that has been shown to inhibit the growth of carcinogen-induced cancer. Sulforaphane is found in cruciferous vegetables and is especially high in broccoli, and more so in broccoli sprouts.

In a study at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, results clearly demonstrated the effect of sulforaphane in arresting the growth of human ovarian cancer cells.

High isothiocyanate intake from broccoli and other cruciferous vegeatbles may also reduce breast cancer risk.

Research conducted at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine concluded that sulforaphane inhibits the bacteria helicobacter pylori, which is a major cause of gastric infection. These infections are known to cause gastritis and peptic ulcers, and increase the risk of gastric cancer.

In a study involving1338 patients with prostate cancer, it was concluded that high intake of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, may be associated with reduced risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

Indole-3-carbinol conjugates are phytochemicals present in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, and studies have shown them to have anti-cancer properties.

In a study at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in France, results demonstrated the protective effect of cruciferous vegetable consumption on lung cancer.

Cruciferous vegetable intake has also been associated with a decrease in gastrointestinal and bladder cancers.

Nutrients

Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese. It’s a very good source of vitamin Bl. It’s a good source of vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, and dietary fiber.

Glycemic Index (GI)

In a study to determine the GI of various foods, it was concluded that pineapples have a low GI of 46 - 51.

Mucha Habermann's Disease

Mucha Habermann's disease (Pityriasis lichenoides chronica) is a rare disease of the immune system of unknown origin, characterized by recurrent red, round and elevated lesions on the skin. In a 3-month study involving 8 patients with Pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC), they were treated with bromelain, an enzyme found in fresh pineapple. It was concluded that bromelain is an effective therapeutic option for PLC after all patients showed complete recovery.

Thrombosis

Studies have shown bromelain from pineapples to display fibrinolytic and antithrombotic activity, and two clinical trials on heart patients have shown a practically complete elimination of thrombosis.

Digestion

Bromelain in pineapple aids and promotes digestion due to its protein digesting capabilities , and may relieve symptoms of stomach upset or heartburn.

Sinusitis

In Germany, where bromelain is approved by the German Commission E for the treatment of sinusitis, a clinical trial demonstrated that children diagnosed with acute sinusitis recovered significantly faster when treated with pineapple bromelain compared to other treatments.

Anti Inflammatory

There is some clinical evidence that suggests the effectiveness of bromelain as an anti-inflammatory, and may reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain following surgery and physical injuries. In a 3-month study involving subjects with mild acute knee pain, it was concluded that bromelain might be effective in ameliorating pain.

Bromelain found in pineapples is a proteolytic enzyme (enzymes that digest protein), and in a clinical trial involving patients with periarthritis of the shoulder, and also patients suffering from painful osteoarthritis of the knee, pain reduction with the treatment of proteolytic enzymes was comparable to those treated with NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Antioxidants

Thyme contains the flavonoids apigenin, naringenin, luteolin, and thymonin, which have antioxidant activity.

Bronchitis

A surveillance study was conducted to investigate the benefits of syrup extracts from thyme and ivy in treating acute bronchitis with productive cough. The results demonstrated that children and adolescents can be treated safely and effectively with the thyme and ivy syrup.

In another double blind, placebo-controlled study, extracts of thyme herb and primrose root or a placebo were administered over an 11-day to 361 patients with acute bronchitis. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the thyme/primrose extract in the treatment of acute bronchitis.

Anti Fungal

A study at the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Milan in Italy has concluded that thymol, the major component of thyme oil, has the ability to interfere with the formation of candida.

A preliminary in-vitro study has determined the effectiveness of thymol, and other oil extracts in treating onychomycosis, the fungal infection of toe and fingernails.

The vapors of essential oil of thyme and thymol have also exhibited suppressive activity on molds from damp buildings, and could be used for disinfection of moldy walls.

Mosquito Repellent

Carvacrol, p-cymene, linalool, alpha-terpinene, and thymol are all ingredients derived from the essential oil of thyme, and have been studied for their mosquito repellent properties. In the study all 5 ingredients effectively repelled mosquitoes, and alpha-terpinene and carvacrol showed significantly greater repellent activity than a commercial formulation, with thymol showing similar repellent activity. The duration effectiveness of all 5 ingredients was equal to or higher than that of the commercial mosquito repellent.

Anti Bacterial

The thyme extract thymol is one of the ingredients in the anti bacterial Listerine mouthwash, which in studies has exhibited potent anti bacteria properties.

The results of a study demonstrated that the thyme oil ingredients carvacrol and p-cymene could potentially be used as antimicrobial agents in unpasteurized fruit juices.

In preliminary studies thyme and the essential oils thymol and carvacrol inhibited the formation of Shigella, a food borne bacteria that can cause severe dysentery.

In a study of the antimicrobial properties of 21 plant essential oils against 5 bacteria, of which Salmonella and E. coli were included, thyme oil was one of the most inhibitory.

Anti Inflammatory

The thymol in thyme inhibits elastase, an enzyme that breaks down elastin, and is considered a marker of inflammatory diseases.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a naturally occurring plant pigment, found in apples, capers, broccoli and other leafy vegetables. As a preventative for gout it is highly recommended, not for its antioxidant power, but in fact for its flavonoid structure, which stops the build-up of uric acid.

Devil’s Claw

The herb devil's claw, an extract from the grapple plant, is sometimes recommended as a pain-relieving treatment for gout, as well as various forms of arthritis.

Celery

Medicinal plant authority and botanist, James Duke, PhD, treats his gout with 4 x 450mg capsules of celery seed extract daily. Despite the lack of evidence to support its medicinal use, Duke claims that celery is loaded with anti-inflammatory qualities, and hasn’t had an attack since he began the treatment.

Cherries

Cherries are well known as a preventative for gout. Black, sweet yellow and red sour cherries are all effective, as are tablets of concentrated cherry juice. In the 1950’s a study revealed that eating one-half pound of cherries a day prevented the onset of gout!

Vitamin C

It has been proven in a number of scientific tests, that 500mg taken daily of Vitamin C can significantly reduce uric acid levels, and therefore reduce the onset of gout. Taken in conjunction with other remedies, this is recommended as a very good natural preventative.

Liquid

Increasing your daily intake of water is highly recommended to dilute uric acid in the urine. Reducing your levels of alcohol and caffeine will also help reduce occurrences of gout.

Diet

One of the main contributors to uric-acid build up in the body is diet. Thus avoiding shellfish, preserved fish (mackerel, sardines and herring), liver, red meat and poultry can considerably help to reduce outbreaks of gout. Sugar derivatives like sucrose and fructose, should also be limited.

Folate

Folate is best known to prevent anemia during pregnancy, although it has also been recommended as a preventive treatment for gout for many years. It is available both naturally in foods and as a daily supplement.

Olive Leaf

Olive leaf, known for is preventative qualities against the common cold, is also recommended in combating gout.