12 Foods With Super-Healing Powers posted by Mel, selected from Caring.

com Nov 29, 2010 5:01 pm By Nikki Jong, Caring.com As part of a healthy diet, whole foods play a significant role in helping our bodies function optimally. There are hundreds of extremely nutritious whole foods, but the dozen on this list do more than contribute healthy nutrients they help you heal. In fact, every food on this list boasts multiple healing effects, from fighting cancer to reducing cholesterol, guarding against heart disease, and more. Eat these superhealing picks and start feeling pretty super yourself. 1. Cherries Cherries boast a laundry list of healing powers. For starters, they pack a powerful nutritional punch for a relatively low calorie count. Theyre also packed with substances that help fight inflammation and cancer. As if that werent enough, in lab studies, quercetin and ellagic acid, two compounds contained in cherries, have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumours and even cause cancer cells to commit suicide without damaging healthy cells. Cherries also have antiviral and antibacterial properties. Anthocyanin, another compound in cherries, is credited with lowering the uric acid levels in the blood, thereby reducing a common cause of gout. Researchers believe anthocyanins may also reduce your risk of colon cancer. Further, these compounds work like a natural form of ibuprofen, reducing inflammation and curbing pain. Regular consumption may help lower risk of heart attack and stroke. In Chinese medicine, cherries are routinely used as a remedy for gout, arthritis, and rheumatism (as well as anaemia, due to their high iron content). Plus theyre delicious. How much: Aim for a daily serving while theyre in season locally. And keep a bag of frozen cherries in your freezer the rest of the year; frozen cherries retain 100 percent of their nutritional value and make a great addition to smoothies, yoghurt, and oatmeal. Tip: Buy organic, since conventionally grown cherries can be high in pesticides. Make a Cherry Clafoutis. 2. Guavas Guavas are a small tropical fruit that can be round, oval, or pear-shaped. Theyre not all that common, so they might be hard to find, depending on where you live. But if you can track them down, its more than worth it. Guavas contain more of the cancer-fighting antioxidant lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable, and nearly 20 percent more than tomatoes. Our bodies cant process much of the lycopene in tomatoes until theyre cooked; the processing helps break down tough cell walls. However, guavas cell structure allows the antioxidant to be absorbed whether the

fruit is raw or cooked, and the whole fruit offers the nutrition without the added sodium of processed tomato products. Lycopene protects our healthy cells from free radicals that can cause all kinds of damage, including blocked arteries, joint degeneration, nervous system problems, and even cancer. Lycopene consumption is associated with significantly lower rates of prostate cancer; in addition, men with prostate tumours who consumed lycopene supplements showed significant improvements, such as smaller tumours and decreased malignancy. Lycopene has also been found to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, and research suggests that this antioxidant may also help protect against coronary heart disease. This strange-looking little fruit is also packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants. Serving for serving, guava offers more than 60 percent more potassium than a banana, which can help protect against heart disease and stroke. In fact, the nutrients found in guavas have been shown to lower LDL and boost HDL cholesterol, reduce triglycerides, and lower blood pressure. How much: Aim to eat fresh guavas as often as you can when you can find them in stores. Theyre not commonly available in the freezer section; and most guava juices are processed and sweetened, so they dont provide the same superior nutrition that the whole, fresh fruit does. One to two guavas a day is a good goal. Tip: Opt for the red-fleshed variety if you can; both are loaded with antioxidants, but the red type has more than the white-fleshed apple guava. 3. Beans Beans are a miracle food. They lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar and insulin production, promote digestive health, and protect against cancer. If you think of fibre, protein, and antioxidants and immediately think whole grains, meat, and fruit, think again beans offer all three in a single package. An assortment of phytochemicals found in beans has been shown to protect cells from cancerous activity by inhibiting cancer cells from reproducing, slowing tumour growth. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health reported that women who consumed beans at least twice a week were 24 percent less likely to develop breast cancer, and multiple studies have tied beans to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and breast and colon cancers. Beans deliver a whopping amount of antioxidants, which help prevent and fight oxidative damage. In fact, the USDAs ranking of foods by antioxidant capacity places three varieties of beans (red beans, red kidney beans, and pinto beans) in the top four and thats among all food groups. Beans are a great source of dietary fibre, protein, and iron. They also contain the amino acid tryptophan; foods with high amounts of tryptophan can help regulate your appetite, aid in sleep, and improve your mood. Many are also rich in folate, which plays a significant role in heart health. And depending on the type of bean you choose, youll also get decent amounts of potassium, magnesium, vitamin B1 and B2, and vitamin K. Soy beans are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.

In Chinese medicine, various types of beans have been used to treat alcoholism, food poisoning, edema (particularly in the legs), high blood pressure, diarrhoea, laryngitis, kidney stones, rheumatism, and dozens of other conditions. How much: Aim for a minimum of two servings of beans per week. Tip: Adzuki and mung beans are among the most easily digested; pinto, kidney, navy, garbanzo, lima, and black beans are more difficult to digest. See quick bean-cooking tips and learn about heirloom beans here. 4. Kiwifruit This tiny, nutrient-dense fruit packs an amazing amount of vitamin C (double the amount found in oranges), has more fibre than apples, and beats bananas as a highpotassium food. The unique blend of phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals found in kiwifruit helps protect against heart disease, stroke, cancer, and respiratory disease. Kiwifruits natural blood-thinning properties work without the side effects of aspirin and support vascular health by reducing the formation of spontaneous blood clots, lowering LDL cholesterol, and reducing blood pressure. Multiple studies have shown that kiwifruit not only reduces oxidative stress and damage to DNA but also prompts damaged cells to repair themselves. Kiwifruit is often prescribed as part of a dietary regimen to battle cancer and heart disease, and in Chinese medicine its used to accelerate the healing of wounds and sores. How much: Aim to eat one to two kiwifruit a day while theyre in season, for the best taste and nutrition. California-grown kiwifruit are in season from October through May, and New Zealand kiwifruit are available between April and November. Tips: Kiwifruit contains enzymes that activate once you cut the fruit, causing the flesh to tenderize. So if youre making a fruit salad, cut the kiwifruit last. The riper the kiwifruit, the greater the antioxidant power, so let them ripen before you dig in. 5. Watercress Not only is watercress extremely nutritious, its about as close as you can get to a calorie-free food. Calorie for calorie, it provides four times the calcium of 2 percent milk. Ounce for ounce, it offers as much vitamin C as an orange and more iron than spinach. Its packed with vitamin A and has lots of vitamin K, along with multiple antioxidant carotenoids and protective phytochemicals. The nutrients in watercress protect against cancer and macular degeneration, help build the immune system, and support bone health. The iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen to your bodys tissues for energy. The phytochemicals in watercress battle cancer in three ways: killing cancer cells, blocking carcinogens, and protecting healthy cells from carcinogens. Theyve also been shown to help prevent lung and oesophageal cancer and can help lower your risk for other cancers.

In Chinese medicine, watercress is thought to help reduce tumours, improve night vision, and stimulate bile production (improving digestion and settling intestinal gas). Its used as a remedy for jaundice, urinary difficulty, sore throat, mumps, and bad breath. How much: Eat watercress daily if you can. In some regions, its more widely available during the spring and summer, when its cultivated outdoors. But since it can also be grown hydroponically in greenhouses, you can find it year-round in many grocery stores and at your local farmers market. Tip: You can cook it, but watercress is better for you when you eat it raw. Tuck it into a sandwich in place of lettuce. Toss it with your favourite vegetables and eat it in a salad. Watercress is great in pesto just replace the basil with watercress and soups. Use watercress as a wonderfully detoxifying ingredient in a juice or smoothie. Try this springtime watercress soup. 6. Spinach You already knew spinach was good for you, but did you know just how good? Spinach protects against eye disease and vision loss; its good for brain function; it guards against colon, prostate, and breast cancers; it protects against heart disease, stroke, and dementia; it lowers blood pressure; its anti-inflammatory; and its great for bone health. Spinach has an amazing array of nutrients, including high amounts of vitamin K, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and iron. A carotenoid found in spinach not only kills prostate cancer cells, it also prevents them from multiplying. Folate promotes vascular health by lowering homocysteine, an amino acid that, at high levels, raises the risk of dementia and cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. Folate has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing colorectal, ovarian, and breast cancers and to help stop uncontrolled cell growth, one of the primary characteristics of all cancers. The vitamin C and beta-carotene in spinach protect against colon cancer in addition to fighting inflammation, making them key components of brain health, particularly in older adults. Spinach is loaded with vitamin K (one cup of cooked spinach provides 1,111 percent of the recommended daily amount!), which builds strong bones by helping calcium adhere to the bone. Spinach is also rich in lutein, which protects against age-related macular degeneration, and it may help prevent heart attacks by keeping artery walls clear of cholesterol build-up. How much: Fresh spinach should be a daily staple in your diet. Its available in practically every grocery store, no matter where you live, its easy to find year-round, and youd be hard pressed to find a more nutritionally sound, versatile green. So do yourself a healthy favour and aim for a few ounces, raw or lightly steamed, every day. Tips: Add a handful of fresh spinach to your next fruit smoothie. Itll change the colour

but not the taste. Conventionally grown spinach is susceptible to pesticide residue; stick to organic. Make no-cream creamed spinach. 7. Onions Onions get a bad rap for their effect on the breath, but thats not the only part of the body where they pack a wallop. Onions contain potent cancer-fighting enzymes; onion consumption has been shown to help lower the risk of prostate and oesophageal cancers and has also been linked to reduced mortality from coronary heart disease. Research suggests that they may help protect against stomach cancer. Onions contain sulphides that help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as a peptide that may help prevent bone loss by inhibiting the loss of calcium and other bone minerals. Onions have super antioxidant power. They contain quercetin, a natural antihistamine that reduces airway inflammation and helps relieve symptoms of allergies and hay fever. Onions also boast high levels of vitamin C, which, along with the quercetin, battles cold and flu symptoms. Onions anti-inflammatory properties help fight the pain and swelling associated with osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis. Onions are also extremely rich in sulphur and they have antibiotic and antiviral properties, making them excellent for people who consume a diet high in protein, fat, or sugar, as they help cleanse the arteries and impede the growth of viruses, yeasts, and other disease-causing agents, which can build up in an imbalanced diet. How much: For all the health benefits onions provide, it would be ideal to eat one a day. However, if thats not doable for you, add a few onions to your weekly grocery list and try to eat a little bit every day. All varieties are extremely good for you, but shallots and yellow onions lead the pack in antioxidant activity. Raw onions provide the best nutrition, but theyre still great for you when theyre lightly cooked. And cooking meat at high temperatures (such as on a grill) with onions can help reduce or counteract carcinogens produced by the meat. Tip: Onions should be stored at room temperature, but if they bother your eyes when you cut them, try refrigerating them for an hour beforehand. Make a savory onion tart. 8. Carrots Carrots are a great source of the potent antioxidants known as carotenoids. Diets high in carotenoids have been tied to a decreased risk in post menopausal breast cancer as well as cancers of the bladder, cervix, prostate, colon, larynx, and oesophagus. Conversely, diets low in carotenoids have been associated with chronic disease, including heart disease and various cancers. Research suggests that just one carrot per day could reduce your risk of lung cancer by half. Carrots may also reduce your risk of kidney and ovarian cancers. In addition to fighting cancer, the nutrients in carrots inhibit cardiovascular disease, stimulate the immune system, promote colon health, and support ear and eye health.

Carrots contain calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, fibre, vitamin C, and an incredible amount of vitamin A. The alpha-carotene in carrots has shown promise in inhibiting tumour growth. Carrots also contain the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which work together to promote eye health and prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. In Chinese medicine, carrots are used to treat rheumatism, kidney stones, tumours, indigestion, diarrhoea, night blindness, ear infections, earaches, deafness, skin lesions, urinary tract infections, coughs, and constipation. How much: Eat a serving of carrots each day if you can, and enjoy them year-round. Carrots are good for you whether theyre raw or lightly cooked; cooking helps break down the tough fibre, making some of the nutrients more easily absorbed. For the best nutrition, go for whole carrots that are firm and fresh-looking. Precut baby carrots are made from whole carrots and, although theyre convenient, they tend to lose important nutrients during processing. Tips: Remove carrot tops before storing them in the fridge, as the tops drain moisture from the roots and will cause the carrots to wilt. Buy organic; conventionally grown carrots frequently show high pesticide residues. 9. Cabbage Cabbage is a powerhouse source of vitamins K and C. Just one cup supplies 91 percent of the recommended daily amount for vitamin K, 50 percent of vitamin C, good amounts of fibre, and decent scores of manganese, vitamin B6, folate, and more and itll only cost you about 33 calories. Calorie for calorie, cabbage offers 11 percent more vitamin C than oranges. Cabbage contains high levels of antioxidant sulforaphanes that not only fight free radicals before they damage DNA but also stimulate enzymes that detoxify carcinogens in the body. Researchers believe this one-two approach may contribute to the apparent ability of cruciferous vegetables to reduce the risk of cancer more effectively than any other plant food group. Numerous studies point to a strong association between diets high in cruciferous vegetables and a low incidence of lung, colon, breast, ovarian, and bladder cancers. Cabbage builds strong bones, dampens allergic reactions, reduces inflammation, and promotes gastrointestinal health. Cabbage is routinely juiced as a natural remedy for healing peptic ulcers due to its high glutamine content. It also provides significant cardiovascular benefit by preventing plaque formation in the blood vessels. In Chinese medicine, cabbage is used to treat constipation, the common cold, whooping cough, depression and irritability, and stomach ulcers. When eaten and used as a poultice, as a dual treatment, cabbage is helpful for healing bedsores, varicose veins, and arthritis. How much: The more cabbage you can include in your diet, the better. A study of Polish women found that those who ate at least four servings of cabbage per week as adolescents were 72 percent less likely to develop breast cancer later in life than their peers who consumed only one weekly serving or less.

Tips: Try raw sauerkraut. It has all the health properties of cabbage, plus some potent probiotics, which are excellent for digestive health. Use the whole cabbage; the outer leaves contain a third more calcium than the inner leaves. Both are nutritional stars, but red cabbages are far superior to the white variety, with about seven times more vitamin C and more than four times the polyphenols, which protect cells from oxidative stress and cancer. Make a cabbage-carrot salad. 10. Broccoli Youll find it difficult to locate another single food source with as much naturally occurring health-promoting properties as broccoli. A single cup of steamed broccoli provides more than 200 percent of the RDA for vitamin C (again, more than oranges), nearly as much of vitamin K, and about half of the daily allowance for vitamin A, along with plentiful folate, fibre, sulphur, iron, B vitamins, and a whole host of other important nutrients. Calorie for calorie, broccoli contains about twice the amount of protein as steak and a lot more protective phytonutrients. Broccolis phytochemicals fight cancer by neutralizing carcinogens and accelerating their elimination from the body, in addition to inhibiting tumours caused by chemical carcinogens. Studies show evidence that these substances help prevent lung and oesophageal cancers and may play a role in lowering the risk of other cancers, including gastrointestinal cancer. Phytonutrients called indoles found in broccoli help protect against prostate, gastric, skin, breast, and cervical cancers. Some research suggests that indoles also protect the structure of DNA and may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Extensive studies have linked broccoli to a 20 percent reduction in heart disease risk. In Chinese medicine, broccoli is used to treat eye inflammation. How much: If you can eat a little broccoli every day, your body will thank you for it. If you cant swing it, aim for eating it as regularly as possible. Like many other vegetables, broccoli provides fantastic nutrition both in its raw form and when its properly cooked. Cooking reduces some of broccolis anticancer components, but lightly steaming it will preserve most of the nutrients. Broccoli is available fresh yearround in most areas, but if you cant find it where you live, frozen broccoli is a good substitute. Tip: Steaming or cooking broccoli lightly releases the maximum amount of the antioxidant sulforaphane. 11. Kale Kale is highly nutritious, has powerful antioxidant properties, and is antiinflammatory. One cup of cooked kale contains an astounding 1,328 percent of the RDA for vitamin K, 192 percent of the RDA for vitamin A, and 89 percent of the RDA for vitamin C. Its also a good source of calcium and iron.

Kale is in the same plant family as broccoli and cabbage, and, like its cruciferous cousins, it contains high levels of the cancer-fighting compound sulforaphane, which guards against prostate, gastric, skin, and breast cancers by boosting the bodys detoxification enzymes and fighting free radicals in the body. The indoles in kale have been shown to protect against breast, cervical, and colon cancers. The vitamin K in kale promotes blood clotting, protects the heart, and helps build strong bones by anchoring calcium to the bone. It also has more antioxidant power than spinach, protecting against free-radical damage. Kale is extra rich in beta-carotene (containing seven times as much as does broccoli), lutein, and zeaxanthin (ten times the amount in broccoli). In Chinese medicine, kale is used to help ease lung congestion. How much: Like cabbage, the more kale you can eat, the better. A daily serving is ideal. Eat it as much as you can, as long as you can find it fresh at your local grocery or farmers market. In some areas, its available all year; in others, it only makes an appearance during summer and fall. Tips: Kales growing season extends nearly year-round; the only time its out of season is summer, when plenty of other leafy greens are abundant. Steam or saut kale on its own, or add it to soups and stews. Cooking helps tenderize the leaves. Kale is also a great addition when its blended in fruit smoothies or juiced with other vegetables. 12. Dandelion The same pesky weed known for ruining lawns has a long history of being used as a healing herb in cultures around the globe. One cup of raw dandelion greens provides 535 percent of the RDA of vitamin K and 112 percent of the RDA for vitamin A. Dandelion greens are also a good source of vitamin C, calcium, iron, fibre, and potassium. Among all foods, its one of the richest sources of vitamin A; among all green vegetables, its one of the best sources of beta-carotene. Dandelion has been used for centuries to treat hepatitis, kidney, and liver disorders such as kidney stones, jaundice, and cirrhosis. Its routinely prescribed as a natural treatment for hepatitis C, anaemia, and liver detoxification (poor liver function has been linked to numerous conditions, from indigestion and hepatitis to irritability and depression). As a natural diuretic, dandelion supports the entire digestive system and increases urine output, helping flush toxins and excess salt from the kidneys. The naturally occurring potassium in dandelions helps prevent the loss of potassium that can occur with pharmaceutical diuretics. Dandelion promotes digestive health by stimulating bile production, resulting in a gentle laxative effect. Inulin, a naturally occurring soluble fibre in dandelion, further aids digestion by feeding the healthy probiotic bacteria in the intestines; it also increases calcium absorption and has a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels, therefore being useful in treating diabetes. Both the dandelion leaves and root are used to treat heartburn and indigestion. The pectin in dandelion relieves constipation and, in combination with vitamin C, reduces cholesterol. Dandelion is

excellent for reducing edema, bloating, and water retention; it can also help reduce high blood pressure. On top of all that, dandelion contains multiple anti-diarrheal and antibacterial properties. In Chinese medicine, dandelion is used in combination with other herbs to treat hepatitis and upper respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. The sap from the stem and root is a topical remedy for warts. Imagine all this from a lowly weed! How much: How much dandelion to incorporate into your diet boils down to two factors: availability and personal preference. Dandelion greens are considered a speciality item in some areas and therefore can be difficult to find. They also have a pungent taste, and people tend to love or hate the flavour. If you can find fresh dandelion greens and you enjoy the taste, make them a regular part of your diet. Tip: Use the root in soups or saut it on its own. If the raw leaves are too bitter for you, try them lightly steamed or sauted. Learn more about harvesting and preparing dandelions here. Make Cream of Dandelion soup!