8 Foods That Will Improve Your Health

There isn’t any one of us that has not been affected by a chronic or serious illness. We’ve all lost someone to terrible diseases and you may even be dealing with a health crisis now. There are so many factors that lead up to an illness, but one of the biggest ones that we have control over is our diet. What we put in our bodies will have either a positive or negative effect on our health. By avoiding foods saturated in sugar, salt, and fats, plus steering clear of processed foods, you’ll significantly reduce exposure to toxins that are health-destroying. Adjusting your diet to organic whole foods and eating mindfully will naturally improve your health.

While our bodies use natural sugars from fruits and vegetables as a source of energy, refined sugars from cakes, cookies, candy, and junk food are detrimental. Cancer loves sugar, so the easiest solution is to remove them from your diet completely, especially if you have a compromised immune system. Here is a list of some basic but nutrient-rich foods, spices, and herbs that will improve our health and help prevent disease.

Berries

Berries of all kinds have an impeccable list of health-inspired attributes. They are loaded with antioxidants, high in fiber, rich in nutrients, fight inflammation, lower cholesterol, improve our skin, help balance blood sugars, and help fight disease, including some cancers. We are encouraged to eat fresh berries, but frozen is still a great option, especially if the berry is out of season. Eat them alone, or include them in smoothies, warm oatmeal or even your salad.

Broccoli

Broccoli is part of the cruciferous family which are full of sulforaphane, a compound that has potent anti-cancer and inflammation properties. It’s rich in nutrients, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Broccoli can help with digestion, brain health, supports our immune system, promotes healthy joints, bones, and heart health. Broccoli is a very versatile food. It can be enjoyed raw, in a salad, soups, casseroles, or stir-fry. Try to buy organic broccoli and wash really well.

Carrots

Carrots get a bad wrap. This root vegetable has been shunned for its sugar content, but they are rich in health benefiting properties. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals including beta-carotene that promote optimal health. They are abundant in antioxidants which inhibits cancer growth. They promote cardiovascular health, eye health, oral health, help flush out the liver, improve digestion, help heal and moisturize your skin, and are anti-aging. They are great as a snack, in salads, soups, stir-fries, or roasted. Try to buy organic when possible.

Mangoes

Mangoes is a deliciously sweet tropical fruit that is high in antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and vitamins including vitamin C. They are alkalizing and help lower cholesterol, beautify your skin, hydrate, improve vision, aid in digestion, strength the immune system, improve memory, and have anti-cancer properties. Mangoes are great as a snack and can be incorporated in both sweet and savory meals. Toss the in your smoothie, salad, or stir-fry.

Beans

Beans have myriads of benefits and are deemed a superfood. They are rich in protein which is a vital nutrient for building and repairing our bodies. They’re high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and complex carbohydrates. Beans are low in fat and promote heart health, balance sugar, encourage bowel movements, are filling, have anti-cancer properties, are inexpensive, and very versatile. You can add them to any dish and they add their own unique flavor.

Nuts

Nuts are a great source of so many nutrients including protein, fiber, plant sterols, L-arginine, magnesium, selenium, manganese, copper, vitamin E, and more. They high in antioxidants, lower LDL cholesterol, improve artery health, lower inflammation associate with heart disease, and have cancer reducing properties. Plus, they make you feel full and can be included in any sweet or savory dish.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that has been used as a medicine for many millennia. It’s high in antioxidants, has antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, helps regulate and reduce blood sugar, reduce infections, assist with dental issues, and can help with allergies. Cinnamon can be used in any dish. Sprinkle some on your oatmeal, butternut or winter squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, apples, and so much more.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a golden root spice that is very high in anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer properties. It can help balance sugar, lower cholesterol, used to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s, can help with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, help with depression, aid digestion, and relieve arthritic conditions. Turmeric is not sweet but can be added to smoothies and any savory dish.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to offer any medical advice whatsoever. See your health care practitioner for any advice.