Reearch Thrapeutic Foods: Food Materia Medica - Assignment Example

FOOD MATERIA MEDICA Name of food – Brown rice (or hulled rice) Botanical family - Grains, Grasses, Cereal Origin - Chinese have followed the rest of the world in their preference of white rice, abandoning the place that brown rice has taken their diet and economy through the millennia. Eligible PART – whole grain Caution – May cause indigestion if taken in larger quantity Energetics (TCM) - Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach; Nourishes Lung Body Types – vitamin E, niacin, thiamin, potassium, iron, folacin, magnesium and vitamin B1, B3, B6 Ayurvedic – It is the main course item and has got the benefits of providing the body the ultimate source of energy. Phytochemicals - Enterolactone that is thought to protect against breast and other hormone-dependent cancers as well as heart disease. KEY NUTRITIONAL VALUE reducing the risk of colon cancer packed full with fiber 14% of daily intake of fiber Selenium in brown rice got miraculous effects of dreaded case of diarrhea high mineral content Therapeutic (medicinal) benefits Additional elements of vitamin E, niacin, thiamin, potassium, iron, folacin, magnesium and vitamin B1, B3, B6 Very good in relieving constipation Very effectively preventing asthma Controls cholesterol and thereby prevents all kinds of heart disease Controlling frequent spikes of blood sugar Very effective in controlling high blood pressure disadvantages Got maximum carbohydrates Excessive starch It takes longer to cook, and also some may not like the taste adventages An absolute diet for preventing cancer all kinds of causes related to the development of cancer It is actually very much helpful in preventing colon cancer Extremely beneficial for stomach and intestinal ulcers in the body Brown rice is graded top in the health list Dominant in giving teeth, hair, muscles, nails and bones all kinds of nutrients and healthy growth. other findings Brown rice comes from the same plant, from where the white rice gets extracted. There is no special plant for the brown rice. The difference in color is due to the process of hulling. In case of white rice most of the vitamins and the nutrients get extracted, while in brown rice everything is kept intake for more nutritional value. In case of brown rice which is a whole grain has got all the layers in it, only the outer most layers get separated. When this rice is further processed and all the bran and germ layers get removed it turns white. Then under the process of polishing, the aleurone layer gets removed. references Peter Hutch, Brown Rice – Health Benefits of Brown Rice, Available at Brown Rice – Health Benefits of Brown Rice, http://www.foodforheaven.com/brown-rice-health-benefits-of-brown-rice-posted-by-peter-hutch/ n.d. Accessed on September 11 2008 J. W. Anderson Whole grains and coronary heart disease: the whole kernel of truth. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Dec;80(6):1459-60. PMID:15585755. FOOD MATERIA MEDICA Name of food – Millet Botanical family - Grains, Grasses, Cereal Origin - The origin of millet is diverse with varieties coming from both Africa and Asia. Eligible PART – whole Caution – Might cause stomach upset if not cooked well Energetics (TCM) - Nourishes the Spleen and Kidney; Relieves thirst; Induces urination Body Types - whole Ayurvedic – The consumption of Millets is very common among the vegetarians. Being rich in fiber the content of it is very effective in making the stomach feel the food for longer. Phytochemicals - Phytic acid, which is believed to lower cholesterol, and Phytate, which is associated with reduced cancer risk. KEY NUTRITIONAL VALUE Good source of copper, Niacin and manganese Lots of fiber and phytonutrients Lignan is the abundant state of phytonutrients in millet Co-factor in various enzymes Therapeutic (medicinal) benefits Insoluble fibers of millets are very useful for the troubles related to gallstones Lower downs the risks of having diabetes Effective for high blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels Obesity can also be reduced by eating millets 6 times a week disadvantages Causes indigestion to some people As a whole meal needs to be taken proportionately to avoid stomach problems adventages Combination of phytonutrients and fiber lowers the rate of possibilities of having colon cancer It is very much effective and helpful in preventing hormone-related cancers. effective in Diminishing all kinds of risks related to heart diseases Stands very much equal to the consumption of fruits and vegetables on daily basis Useful for schemic stroke, childhood asthma and premature death other findings Consumption of millets also lower downs the risks of having diabetes. The process is predominant in the act of lowering blood glucose levels and improving insulin response in the body. Millets are the co-factor in various enzymes. This helps in the secretion of insulin and metabolism of glucose in the human body. references Millet, Available at http://www.diethealthclub.com/therapeutic-value-of-different-foods/grains/millet.html, Accessed on September 11 2008  FOOD MATERIA MEDICA (MODEL) Name of food - Spelt Botanical family - Grains, Grasses, Cereal Origin – It is a hexaploid species of wheat. It is known from genetic evidence to have originated as a hybrid of a domesticated tetraploid wheat such as emmer wheat and the wild goat-grass Aegilops tauschii. Edible PART – whole Caution – Excessive consumption is never recommended to avoid indigestion Energetics (TCM) – Nourishes the Heart; Strengthens the Spleen Body Types - Whole Ayurvedic – it is used for the purpose to relieving from various diseases related to digestion and constipation. Phytochemicals - Genistein, Carbohydrates, Choline KEY NUTRITIONAL VALUE Excellent source of phosphorus, protein, manganese, niacin, copper fiber Therapeutic (medicinal) benefits Great solution to the risks of atherosclerosis Effective in reducing the risk having atherosclerosis Numerous benefits against all kinds of cardiovascular risk factors Reduces total cholesterol and lipoprotein (a) levels that are found in blood plasma Additional molecule of adhesive protein disadvantages Proportionate consumption is important Might be harmful for people with diabetes adventages Niacin in spelt helps in reducing these radicals from oxidizing LDL. Reduces platelet aggregation and the clumping platelets for the clotting of blood Effective in cholesterol-lowering act of the human body Very strong therapeutic effects in preventing the body from heart failure absolutely a whole meal and is very much effective for healthy lifestyle Complete solution for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and all kinds of other signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD) other findings The nutritionists have discovered that two ounces of spelt flour can give 24.0% of the daily value for niacin and that protects the body from all these risks. According to J. W. Anderson (2004), spelt has got a fiber that is used to reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels from the blood vessels. It is also very effective in cholesterol-lowering act of the human body. As the fiber gets bind with the bile acids, prevents it from getting absorbed. This helps it from making an exit from the body in the feces. Regular consumption of spelt has got very strong therapeutic effects in preventing the body from heart failure. references J. W. Anderson Whole grains and coronary heart disease: the whole kernel of truth. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Dec;80(6):1459-60. PMID:15585755. Djoussé L, Gaziano JM. Breakfast cereals and risk of heart failure in the physicians' health study I. Arch Intern Med. 2007 Oct 22;167(19):2080-5. PMID:17954802. FOOD MATERIA MEDICA Name of food - Adzuki beans (adzuki or aduki) Botanical family - Fabaceae Origin - The name azuki is a transliteration of the native Japanese name. Japanese also has a Chinese loanword, Shōzu. In East Asian cuisine the azuki bean is commonly eaten sweetened. Eligible PART – whole Caution – excessive and not properly cooked Adzuki may be troublesome in the digestive system Energetics (TCM) – Clears Heat; Detoxifies; Induces urination Body Types whole Ayurvedic – Prescribed for the purpose of preventing constipation and supports in excessive excretion of excreta they are very effective in making the body more energetic and disease free. Phytochemicals - As a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, the turnip is considered a top veggie when it comes to disease-preventing phytochemicals. KEY NUTRITIONAL VALUE Adzuki beans have got soluble fiber, binding itself to toxins and cholesterol Adequate amount of iron zinc copper magnesium potassium manganese B vitamins Therapeutic (medicinal) benefits A proportion of high-potassium and low-sodium helpful reducing blood pressure Functioning as a natural diuretic Combined with grains, there is a great increase in the supply of high quality protein. Proteins are helpful in providing healthy alternative to meat protein Got soluble fiber helpful in creating excreta Got phytoestrogens disadvantages Not preferable for diabetic patients It is harmful for those who are not maintaining the courses with it. adventages Leads to the purpose of binding itself to toxins and cholesterol, causing the elimination of excess cholesterol and toxins Toxins create most of the troubles in the body, but by the consumption of adzuki beans you can always have the safer side of life Lowers cholesterol and thus prevents all kinds of heart and blood complicacies Leads to a protectiveness of the body from diseases that get created by toxin Helps in making the body rid of many germs Nourish energy into the body and make it healthy and sporty other findings In Japan the therapeutic effects of adzuki beans are of great value. They are used for the purpose of healing. The medical properties are also used for the kidney and bladder functions. They are also very much consumed in order to lose excess body weight. references Adzuki Bean: Health Benefits and Nutrition Information, Health Benefits and Nutrition Information provided by nutritionist Lucy Kelly Nutritional Therapist, Southampton, England, http://www.knowingfood.com/nutri/adkinfo.html Accessed on September 16 2008  Winifred Yu, Aduki Beans, Natural Health, April, 1999 http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_3_29/ai_54189564 Accessed on September 16 2008  FOOD MATERIA MEDICA Name of food - Mung beans Botanical family - Vigna radiata Origin - It is the seed of Vigna radiata which is native to India. Eligible PART – whole Caution – better when taken raw and with sprouts Energetics (TCM) - Clears Heat; Detoxifies; Induces urination Body Types - sprouts and Whole Ayurvedic – used for good hair, skin and overall nourishment of the body Phytochemicals - phytochemicals, chlorophyll, carotenoids, fatty acids, trace minerals KEY NUTRITIONAL VALUE Sprouts are having vitamin C All kinds of nutrients and minerals Richness of vitamins A, B, C, and E Got an assortment of minerals with the composition of Iron Calcium Potassium significant amounts of antioxidants . Folic acid vitamin B6 magnesium Therapeutic (medicinal) benefits The sprouts are having lots of therapeutic effects in them and that helps in making the body more healthy and disease free. The sprouts are having lots of therapeutic effects in them and that helps in making the body more healthy and disease free. High source of fiber and are very easily digestible Got a high concentration of enzymes that will facilitate you with the digestive process disadvantages It is not prescribed for those people who are having more fat content in the body. Heavy consumption may cause diarrhea adventages Preventing the body from diabetes, insulin resistance and hypoglycemia Rich in elements that are related to the cholesterol-lowering fibers High fiber content, these are preventive in maintaining absolute blood sugar levels Helpful in checking the rapid fluctuation and that stops from any kind of emergency Rejuvenating your spirits Folic acid and B6 serves the purpose of lowering levels of homocysteine. As this gets lowered the chances for heart attacks get lowered and that makes life safer. helpful in building a protective shield for the purpose of preventing the harmful affects of cholesterol other findings Diseases like cancers are healed through mung beans. The foremost purpose is to prevent the body from having any such disease and the next thing is to cure the disease. The mung beans are capable to serve both the purposes. By consuming those for two or more times per week a patient can definitely get 24% of reduced risk factors of breast cancer. references Health Benefits Of Mung Beans, http://www.healthrecipes.com/mung_beans.htm Accessed on September 16 2008  Scott Kessman, Mung Bean Sprouts: Nutritional Value and Benefits, published Apr 27, 2006, http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/29536/mung_bean_sprouts_nutritional_value.html Accessed on September 16 2008  FOOD MATERIA MEDICA Name of food – Linseeds(flaxseeds) Botanical family - Flax (Linaceae) Origin – Flaxseed is obtained by pressing, followed by an optional stage of solvent extraction. Eligible PART – whole Caution - Since flax has such a high fiber content, it's best to start with a small amount and increase slowly, otherwise cramping and a "laxative effect" can result. People with irritable bowel syndrome may have an especially strong reaction to it, and should be extra-careful. Energetics (TCM) – Strengthens the Spleen; Relieves edema; Produces body fluids Body Types - seeds Ayurvedic – Used as protective shield to heart strokes and cancer risks. Some other therapeutic effects are in the process of relieving night sweats. These are equally effective in case of hot flashes of menopause also. Use of raw linseed and linseed oil should be done by the process of keeping them in cold-pressed provision. Phytochemicals - Flax seed is high in phytochemicals, including many antioxidants. KEY NUTRITIONAL VALUE Comprised of Palmitic Arachidic Stearic Oleic fatty acids Therapeutic (medicinal) benefits Tend to balance female hormones Promote fertility, Reduce peri-menopausal symptoms, Prevent breast cancer Lignans may help prevent Type 2 diabetes disadvantages harmful for those with excessive diabetic problem needs to be used after well processed adventages predominant advantage of comprising Linoleic and alpha-Linolenic acid in them highly effective means to give the human metabolism, a kind of stability and enough sustainability healthy and very much helpful in protecting the body from dangerous diseases Linoleic acid of cell membranes is very vital for proper production of prostaglandins Useful for the strong and proper cell functioning in the body Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid and is a remedy to dry or hair loss and brittle hair strengthen capacity to immunize the body in more proper way and your muscles will get the extra strength in them other findings The linseeds have got 800 times the lignans, which are the helpful plant hormones. These lignans are helpful in eliminating cancerous cells in the body and thus are very effective in giving medicinal value. The raw consumption of linseeds is always suggested as through cooking there is a loss of all the nutritional and health value. By consuming 1 or more tablespoons of polyunsaturated plant oil on everyday basis will make the body revive from any kind of diseases. references Laura Dolson, Flax Seed: The Low Carb Whole Grain, Nutrition, Health Benefits of Flax Seed, http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/whattoeat/a/flaxinfo.htm What 's So Special About Linseed? http://www.content4reprint.com/health/nutrition/whats-so-special-about-linseed.htm Accessed on September 16 2008  FOOD MATERIA MEDICA Name of food - Brocoli Botanical family - Cabbage family, Brassica oleracea Origin - Ancient Rome, Italica Group Eligible PART – whole Caution –Never to be consumed without cooking. Energetics (TCM) – Clears Heat; Calms the Liver; Reinforces the Stomach Body Types - flower Ayurvedic – Used for the iron deficiency diseases, like anemia. Phytochemicals - allylic sulfide, anti-cancer enzymes KEY NUTRITIONAL VALUE Rich in isothiocyanates, indoles, glutathione, quercetin, vitaminC, beta carotene, folate, lutein, glucarate and glutathione. Cooked broccoli has got iron niacin protein vitamin calories riboflavin fiber carbohydrates calcium thiamin vitamin C Therapeutic (medicinal) benefits Helpful for weight reduction Controls diabetes very effectively It can rejuvenate you by its anti-aging formulations Prevention of arthritis, osteoporosis Got the solution for Toxemia and Neuritis Got the ultimate solution for Alzheimer’s disease Protects the body from cancers of lung, colon and breast disadvantages It is never prescribed for patients with hyper-vitaminosis. adventages Balances almost all the needs of the body Generates lots of energy Extremely a whole in one pack kind of vegetable Absolute disease fighter Got lots of varied phytochemicals and antioxidants A solution to cancerous cells Fight all kinds of cancers including cancer of lung, colon, and breast other findings The one most unique thing about broccoli is its composition that comprises of Sulphorafane. It is the only solution for the cure of malignant tumors and in fighting the disease. This make broccoli so very important and its therapeutic solutions are integral in itself. references Health Benefits of Broccoli, Brassica aleracea, http://www.foodasfood.com/health-benefits-of-broccoli/ Accessed on September 16 2008  Benefits of Broccoli, http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/benefits-of-broccoli-1271.html Accessed on September 16 2008  FOOD MATERIA MEDICA Name of food - Beetroot Botanical family - Chenopodiaceae Origin - prospered along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea Eligible PART – whole Caution – needs to be consumed raw rather than cooked, it remains more effective. Energetics (TCM) - Strengthens the Spleen; Reinforces Liver energy; Clears Heat Body Types - root Ayurvedic – Prescribes for various skin, and hair problems. Also used to cure anemia. Phytochemicals – beta-carotene, lutein, quercetins, salphoraphan, indoles Vibrant pigments are potent phytochemicals and antioxidants Rich in phytochemicals and soluble fibre, Contains a nitrogeneous compound called betaine KEY NUTRITIONAL VALUE Rich source of natural sugar Contains sodium potassium phosphorus calcium sulphur chlorine iodine iron copper vitamin B1, B2, C and P Therapeutic (medicinal) benefits Properties to clean the kidneys and gall bladder Rich in alkaline elements, pottasium, calcium, magnesium and iron They are useful in combating acidosis and acid the natural processes of elimination Regenerates and reactivates the red blood cells, supplies fresh oxygen to the body and helps the normal function of vesicular breathing excellent application for boils, skin inflammation and out breaks of pimples and pustules disadvantages Calorie content is low Iron and calcium absorption in beet root is sometimes hard to absorb because of its naturally high oxylate content adventages juice is rich in easily digestible carbohydrates protein factors or amino acids are good in both quality and quantity associated with human blood and blood forming qualities Beneficial in the treatment of jaundice, hepatitis, nausea and vomitting due to biliousness, diarrhoea and dysentery cellulose content of the beet acts as a bulk residue, increases peristalsis. Its regular use thus prevents habitual constipation excellent solvent for inorganic calcium deposits and the treatment of hypertension, arteriosclerosis, heart trouble and varicose veins. other findings The decoction of beets mixed with little vinegar can be used externally to cleanse scurf or dandruff from the head. For dandruff, the beet water should also be massaged into the scalp with the ginger tip every night. references Karen Inge, Why beetroot really can't be beat, n.d., http://aww.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=115274 Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (2004) Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen; Backhuys, Leiden; CTA, Wageningen. FOOD MATERIA MEDICA Name of food - Spinach Botanical family - Amaranthaceae Origin - introduced into Europe in the 15th century Eligible PART – whole Caution – might affect people with gastric problems. Important to avoid leaves that are limp, damaged, or spotted. Energetics (TCM) - Moistens dryness; Nourishes the Liver Body Types - Plant Ayurvedic – Used heavily for all those patients whoa r ehaving eye problems or diseases related to blood. Phytochemicals - allylic sulfide, anti-cancer enzymes KEY NUTRITIONAL VALUE Carotenoids and the antioxidant vitamins C and E Therapeutic (medicinal) benefits Reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and cataracts Healthy dose of potassium and calcium found in spinach can help regulate your blood pressure disadvantages If someone is on coumadin, which is a blood thinner, the high natural vitamin K content of spinach could interfere with the medication. adventages Provide folic acid, which is known to reduce the risk of neural tube defect and heart disease The compounds in spinach may even improve your memory Lutein and zeaxantin of spinach may reduce the risk of macular degeneration and keep eyes healthy Reduce risk of age-related macular degeneration, cancer, heart disease and neural tube defects Reduce the risk of cancer, stroke and cataracts other findings There are 13 different flavonoid compounds in spinach that function as antioxidants and as anti-cancer agents.The carotenoid, induces prostate cancer cells to self-destruct. It converts in the intestines into additional compounds, called neochromes, which put prostate cancer cells into a state of stasis, thus preventing their replication. references Gates MA, Tworoger SS, Hecht JL, De Vivo I, Rosner B, Hankinson SE. A prospective study of dietary flavonoid intake and incidence of epithelial ovarian cancer. Int J Cancer. 2007 Apr 30; [Epub ahead of print]. PMID:17471564. He T, Huang CY, Chen H, Hou YH. Effects of spinach powder fat-soluble extract on proliferation of human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Biomed Environ Sci 1999 Dec;12(4):247-52. PMID:12970. Spinach , http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=43 FOOD MATERIA MEDICA Name of food - Wakame Botanical family - Alariaceae Origin - Japan Eligible PART – whole Caution – Selection of the right recipe for better taste. Energetics (TCM) – Clears Heat; Quenches thirst; Relieves edema Body Types - Plant Ayurvedic – Used for various diseases related to stomach and skin and beautification Phytochemicals – beta-carotene, lutein, quercetins KEY NUTRITIONAL VALUE Wakame is a rich source of EPA, an ω-3 essential fatty acid Therapeutic (medicinal) benefits Used for blood purification, intestinal strength, skin, hair, reproductive organs and menstrual regularity A compound in wakame known as fucoxanthin can help burn fatty tissue Ucoxanthin induces expression of the fat-burning protein UCP1 that accumulates in fat tissue around the internal organs UCP1 protein was significantly increased in mice fed fucoxanthin disadvantages Highly successful and fertile species, which makes it a serious invader adventages opical beauty treatments highly successful and fertile species other findings At over 400 mg/100 kcal or almost 1 mg/kJ, got higher nutrient: calorie ratios. Rated as the highest vegetarian source. 100 grams of Wakame is more than 44 tablespoons of dried Wakame. references Kristina Turner (1996). The Self-Healing Cookbook: A Macrobiotic Primer for Healing Body, Minds and Moods with Whole Natural Foods. ISBN 0-945668-10-4. "545 foods highest in 20:5 n-3". Nutrition Data. http://www.nutritiondata.com/foods-000067000000000000000.html Retrieved on 26.09.2008 FOOD MATERIA MEDICA Name of food - Ginger Botanical family - Ginger (Zingiberaceae) Origin - originated in China and then spread to India, Southeast Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean Eligible PART – whole Caution – May cause severe burning problem of the stomach if taken higher dosage. Energetics (TCM) – Lung; Spleen; Stomach Body Types - root Ayurvedic – Used in lots of disease related to throat and body temperature control. Phytochemicals - Thiamin (Vit. B1), Riboflavin (Vit. B2) , Niacin (Vit. B3), Pantothenic acid (B5) , Vitamin B6, Folate (Vit. B9) and Vitamin C KEY NUTRITIONAL VALUE Contains Carbohydrates Fat Protein Therapeutic (medicinal) benefits Used frequently for dyspepsia and colic Active against a form of diarrhea Employed to disguise the taste of medicines Ginger is on the FDA's generally recognized as safe disadvantages It does interact with some medications, including warfarin May have blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties Ginger can also adversely affect individuals with gallstone Ginger may affect blood pressure, clotting, and heart rhythms adventages Contraindicated in people suffering from gallstones Herb promotes the release of bile from the gallbladder Ginger may also decrease joint pain from arthritis Useful for treating heart disease Treating nausea caused by seasickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy Tea brewed from ginger is a folk remedy for colds other findings Allergic reactions to ginger recognized as safe, ginger can cause heartburn, bloating, gas, belching and nausea, particularly if taken in powdered form references Portnoi G, Chng LA, Karimi-Tabesh L, et al. Prospective comparative study of the safety and effectiveness of ginger for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol . 2003;189(5):1374-1377. Sripramote M, Lekhyananda N. A randomized comparison of ginger and vitamin B6 in the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. J Med Assoc Thai . 2003;86(9):846-853. FOOD MATERIA MEDICA Name of food – Sprouts Botanical family - Legume (Leguminosae) Origin – India, and many Asian Countries Eligible Part – whole Caution – May be harmful for people with serious digestive problems Energetics (TCM) - Heals inflammation; Relieves pain Body Types - seed Ayurvedic – for various medicinal purposes. Prescribed in cases related to skin and hair Phytochemicals - lutein, quercetins, salphoraphan, indoles KEY NUTRITIONAL VALUE Rich in digestible energy, bioavailable vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, beneficial enzymes and phytochemicals Grains causes increased activities of hydrolytic enzymes, improvements in the contents of total proteins, fat, certain essential amino acids, total sugars, B-group vitamins, and a decrease in dry matter, starch and anti-nutrients Good supply of Vitamins A, E & C plus B complex Insoluble or nearly insoluble compounds with minerals including Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Zinc Therapeutic (medicinal) benefits Reduction of Anti-Nutritional Factors Lessens risks and Antinutritional factors decrease levels of Phytic Acid disadvantages Gets inedible when Seeds are allowed to dry out Seeds are left in standing water Temperature is high or too low Insufficient rinsing Dirty equipment Insufficient air flow Contaminated source of water Poor rate of germination of seed adventages Sprouts provide a good supply of Vitamins A, E & C plus B complex enzymes, vitamins serve as bioactive catalysts to assist in the digestion and metabolism of feeds and the release of energy essential for the healing and repair of cells other findings Sprouted grains,nuts and seeds should not be consumed by anyone sensitive to MSG, as sprouting naturally converts any glutamate to its free form, which immediately enters the blood stream and causes reactions references Arbour, Gilles (December 2004). "Are buckwheat greens toxic?". Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. Find Articles. Retrieved on 2007-02-04. The Raw Truth by Jeremy A Safron, (Celestial Arts, Toronto, 2003) ISBN 1-58761-172-4 Read More

Disadvantages:

- It is never prescribed for patients with hypervitaminosis.

Advantages:

Balances almost all the needs of the body
Generates lots of energy
Extremely a whole in one pack kind of vegetable
Absolute disease fighter
Got lots of varied phytochemicals and antioxidants
A solution to cancerous cells
Fight all kinds of cancers including cancer of lung, colon, and breast

Other findings

The one most unique thing about broccoli is its composition that comprises Sulphorafane. It is the only solution for the cure of malignant tumors and in fighting the disease. This makes broccoli so very important and its therapeutic solutions are integral in itself.

Name of food - Beetroot

Botanical family - Chenopodiaceae

Origin - prospered along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea

Eligible PART – whole

Caution – needs to be consumed raw rather than cooked, it remains more effective.

Energetics (TCM) - Strengthens the Spleen; Reinforces Liver energy; Clears Heat

Body Types - root

Ayurvedic – Prescribes for various skin, and hair problems. Also used to cure anemia.

Contains:

• potassium
• phosphorus
• calcium
• sulfur
• chlorine
• iodine
• iron
• copper
• vitamin B1, B2, C, and P

Therapeutic (medicinal) benefits:

• Properties to clean the kidneys and gall bladder
• Rich in alkaline elements, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron
• They are useful in combating acidosis and acid the natural processes of elimination
• Regenerates and reactivates the red blood cells, supplies fresh oxygen to the body, and helps the normal function of vesicular breathing
• excellent application for boils, skin inflammation, and outbreaks of pimples and pustules

Disadvantages:

- Calorie content is low

- Iron and calcium absorption in beetroot is sometimes hard to absorb because of its naturally high oxalate content

Advantages:

• juice is rich in easily digestible carbohydrates
• protein factors or amino acids are good in both quality and quantity
• associated with human blood and blood-forming qualities
• Beneficial in the treatment of jaundice, hepatitis, nausea, and vomiting due to biliousness, diarrhoea, and dysentery
• the cellulose content of the beet acts as a bulk residue increases peristalsis. Its regular use thus prevents habitual constipation
• excellent solvent for inorganic calcium deposits and the treatment of hypertension, arteriosclerosis, heart trouble, and varicose veins.

Other findings

The decoction of beets mixed with little vinegar can be used externally to cleanse scurf or dandruff from the head. For dandruff, the beet water should also be massaged into the scalp with the ginger tip every night.

Name of Food - Spinach

Botanical family - Amaranthaceae

Origin - introduced into Europe in the 15th century

Eligible PART – whole

Caution – might affect people with gastric problems. Important to avoid leaves that are limp, damaged, or spotted.

Energetics (TCM) - Moistens dryness; Nourishes the Liver

Body Types - Plant

Ayurvedic – Used heavily for all those patients who r having eye problems or diseases related to blood.

Phytochemicals - allylic sulfide, anti-cancer enzymes

Therapeutic (medicinal) benefits

• Reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and cataracts
• A healthy dose of potassium and calcium found in spinach can help regulate your blood pressure

Disadvantages:

- If someone is on coumadin, which is a blood thinner, the high natural vitamin K content of spinach could interfere with the medication.

Advantages:

• Provide folic acid, which is known to reduce the risk of neural tube defect and heart disease
• The compounds in spinach may even improve your memory
• Lutein and zeaxanthin of spinach may reduce the risk of macular degeneration and keep the eyes healthy
• Reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cancer, heart disease, and neural tube defects
• Reduce the risk of cancer, stroke, and cataracts

Other findings

There are 13 different flavonoid compounds in spinach that function as antioxidants and as anti-cancer agents. The carotenoid induces prostate cancer cells to self-destruct. It converts in the intestines into additional compounds, called neochrome, which put prostate cancer cells into a state of stasis, thus preventing their replication.

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