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“Let food be your medicine,” said Hippocrates. You will not hear such advice from modern doctors. With rare exceptions. For example, nutritionist Frank Senniger believes that certain foods may be more effective than pills in preventing and treating certain diseases.
If you want to strengthen the body and get sick less often, be sure to include these products in the menu. Nothing exotic! All of them are available and familiar. So there can be no answers.
Fatty fish and vegetable oil for headaches
Essential omega-3 acid, found in fatty marine fish and vegetable oils, maintains the tone of blood vessels and normalizes blood pressure. In addition, omega-3 is a structural component of cell membranes, and many vital processes of the body depend on their properties, for example, the transfer of signals from one nerve cell to another.
Finally, recent studies have confirmed that fish oil, when taken systematically, has the same pain-relieving properties as common analgesics. However, it does not have any side effects.
What to include on the menu: rapeseed, linseed and olive oil, salmon, trout, sardines and tuna. Fish oil capsules.
Onions and garlic for colds and flu
Everyone knows recipes for folk remedies based on garlic and onions, which can relieve a runny nose, cough, sore throat and other unpleasant symptoms of acute respiratory infections. The effectiveness of these treatments has been confirmed by scientists. Onions and garlic are a storehouse of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They have antiseptic properties and help the body fight bacteria and viruses.
And onion and garlic also affect thermogenesis – the mechanism for producing heat and regulating body temperature, which means they help the body not to get cold. Very useful property, especially in autumn and winter. That is why Ayurvedic experts have been advising for centuries to spice all dishes with garlic during the cold season.
What to include on the menu: raw onion and garlic.
Cranberry against cystitis and other problems of the urinary system
The proanthocyanidins found in cranberries prevent the growth of bacteria on the walls of the bladder, stopping the development of urinary tract infections. In addition, cranberries have a pronounced diuretic effect. And thanks to the antimicrobial properties, this berry is useful for the prevention of inflammation of the bladder and kidneys.
What to include on the menu: cranberries in their pure form, grated with sugar, fruit drink and cranberry jam.
Whole grain bread and bran to improve digestion
The bran and coarse fibers of whole grain bread improve intestinal motility. They have absorbent properties and help remove toxins from the body. In addition, wholemeal bread with bran gives a feeling of satiety for a long time, so even those who follow the figure can eat a couple of pieces a day.
What to include on the menu: oat and wheat bran (can be added to yogurt, cottage cheese or salads) and whole grain bread.
Broccoli for cancer prevention
The effectiveness of broccoli in preventing cancer of the colon, prostate, breast, bladder and ovaries has been scientifically proven. The thing is that broccoli contains the compound sulforaphane, which has pronounced anti-cancer and antibacterial properties. Thanks to him, broccoli actively fights also with various infections.
Finally, broccoli has a high concentration of vitamin C and lutein carotenoids, which have antioxidant effects. These components protect cells from free radical attacks and slow down the aging of the body.
What to include on the menu: fresh broccoli or lightly boiled in boiling water with olive oil and lemon juice.
Nuts and dried fruits for a healthy heart
For normal operation without failure, the heart muscle needs potassium and magnesium. These substances are found in excess in dried apricots, raisins, almonds, walnuts and pine nuts. Daily use of this mixture will help prevent the development of heart failure, coronary disease and other diseases of the cardiovascular system.
What to include on the menu: nutritious mixture of nuts, dried fruits and honey. Mix dried apricots, raisins, prunes and nuts in equal proportions, pass through a meat grinder or grind in a mortar. Add honey and lemon juice. Take one tablespoon per day. This composition will not only strengthen the heart, but also increase immunity.
About the Expert: Frank Senniger is a nutritionist and author of books on healthy eating.