Healing foods

Article from Fox News Health

7 healing foods to keep in your kitchen. Keeping a home well-stocked with healing foods will not only help keep you healthy, but can also boost your immunity if you start feeling under the weather. For optimal health, try adding these seven delicious foods that are well known for their healing properties and should be a regular part of a healthy diet.

Blueberries This super fruit is known for its high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The powerful berry has also been linked to slowing the aging process, reducing the risk of diabetes, lowering cholesterol and even improving urinary health and vision. Pesticides are easily absorbed by blueberries so buy organic to ensure you reap all the benefits without any exposure to chemicals.

Wild salmon and fatty fish Fatty fish are an excellent source of heart-healthy protein, as well as being low in calories and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are known to help with the prevention of inflammation, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's, and also improve cardiovascular health. Choosing wild varieties of fish helps will help you avoid any contaminants.

Coconut oil This incredibly healthy fat is made up of lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid which all contain antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties that help boost the immune system and fight disease. It has also been found to be beneficial for improving digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and microbial stomach bugs. Besides the dietary benefits, coconut oil is also wonderful to use on the skin as a healing lotion for dry skin, eczema, cuts and scrapes, wrinkles and even diaper rash and dandruff.

Broccoli This humble green vegetable is full of vitamins A, B6, K and folic acid, and is a rich source of calcium and potassium. What makes broccoli stand out among green vegetables are its phytochemicals indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane, which are known as powerful cancer preventers and are an important part of a woman's diet to maintain healthy breast tissue.

Spices Having a full spice cabinet can simultaneously liven up your meals and provide powerful healing benefits. Cinnamon has been shown to be effective in lowering cholesterol and can help stabilize blood sugar, making it an ideal addition to high-carbohydrate foods. Ginger supports digestive health and can help reduce inflammation, as can turmeric. Turmeric may also reduce the risk of cancer and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Homemade bone broth This delicious staple is an excellent source of minerals including calcium, magnesium and phosphorus and its high collagen content helps maintain healthy joints as well as strong hair, skin and nails. Broth is also very high in the amino acids proline and glycine, which are important for maintaining healthy connective tissue. It can easily be incorporated into soups, sauces, casseroles or even sipped on its own - especially when you're sick, to give your immune system a boost.

Fermented foods and drinks These delicious healing foods help introduce helpful probiotics to the gut. Adding probiotics to the diet has been found to reduce the risk of cancer, boost immunity, improve bowel health, and regulate digestion. The improved digestion that comes with a healthier gut means that more of the nutrients, vitamins and minerals from other foods are also better absorbed.

Greek yogurts, aged cheeses, sauerkraut and kimchi are all beneficial fermented foods, as are the drinks kombucha and kefir.

Jacqueline Banks is a certified holistic health counselor and busy mother. Her focus is on helping other busy moms in all stages of motherhood keep themselves and their little ones healthy and happy. She uses natural and organic solutions to solve individual health problems and promote clean living. Check out her website at www.jbholistic.com .