Acai: These Brazilian super-berries help to increase heart health, aids in weight loss, as well as aiding in health issues relating to your skin, digestion, allergies, immune system, and energy levels. Furthermore, research has shown it to be one of the best sources of antioxidants, an aphrodisiac, a brain booster, and a great weapon against premature aging, cancer, and unexplained fatigue or exhaustion. Acai berry is a rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamin A, E and vitamin C, as well as calcium, iron, potassium and sodium.
Alfalfa: Alfalfa is rich in nutrients, minerals and vitamins that play big roles in the health, development, and strength of our bones. It has vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, and protein. Calcium is also contained by it, not to mention potassium, carotene, iron, and zinc. It is most commonly consumed as seeds, leaves tea, or tablets. The health benefits of alfalfa are substantial and cover a variety of problems and ailments. In Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors employed this herb and its leaves in treating a multitude of problems of the digestive tract and the kidneys. One of the significant health advantages of alfalfa is the critical part it plays as a powerful control of cholesterol. The chemicals and fibers in alfalfa appear to stick to cholesterol, preventing it from staying in the blood or on the arterial walls. It is also great as a diuretic and part of an effective natural treatment for asthma. The rich chlorophyll content found in alfalfa, was used by some doctors in the 1940s for treating infections resulting from medical incisions, bed sores and inner ear problems.
Almonds: Lower LDL cholesterol and reduce risk of heart disease. Good as protection against diabetes by helping to lower blood sugar levels after eating. They are also a good source of Vitamin E, magnesium and potassium. Almonds also good for weight control and loss. They are also gluten free and there flour is a great alternative for baking.
Aloe: Aloe vera is a plant that has been used historically in various traditional cultures for its health benefits, as well as its medicinal and skin care properties. According to a 2008 article in the "Indian Journal of Dermatology," aloe vera gel contains vitamins A, C and E. These are antioxidants, meaning they protect you from free radicals that are responsible for aging and can cause cancer over time. The gel also contains vitamin B-12 and folate. It hosts an array of essential minerals, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, chromium, sodium, copper, zinc and selenium. Its mineral content makes aloe vera beneficial for healthy cellular enzyme and metabolic activity. It also contains 20 amino acids, including 7 out of the 8 essential ones. The health benefits of aloe vera are more than what we can imagine; there are, detoxifying, Supports the immune system, Lowers, cholesterol and blood sugar, Excellent for digestion, An easy way to boost your vitamin and mineral intake, hair growth, good for burns, acne and hydrating skin, Aloe gel gets rids of warts.
Amaranth: Some of the most unique health benefits of amaranth include its ability to stimulate growth and repair, reduce inflammation, prevent certain chronic diseases, boost bone strength, lower blood pressure, improve the immune system, reduce the appearance of varicose veins, maintain healthy hair, and ease weight loss efforts. Both the leaves and the seeds of amaranth are valuable in terms of human health. Whether you choose to consume it as a leaf vegetable, a cereal grain, or grain flour depends on what health benefits you are seeking out. The root itself is also consumed as a root vegetable and has a rich mixture of minerals and nutrients. Considering the versatility and high concentration of antioxidants and phytosterols, amaranth is one of the most of valuable health foods that you may have never heard of. Amaranth seed and leaves have been used effectively as an astringent for stopping diarrhea, bloody stool and urine and excessive menstruation. Amaranth isn’t really a grain and it does not have the sometimes troublesome proteins you find in wheat, rye, and barley. Amaranth flour can be used to thicken soups, sauces, and more. It can also be used with other gluten free flours and gums in baking.
Angelica: Angelica is a plant. The root, seed, and fruit are used to make medicine. Some of the most important health benefits of Angelica are helping the liver protect against infections, helps provide relief from depressions, anxiety and anger, stimulates blood circulation, secretion of hormones and enzymes. Angelica is used for heartburn, intestinal gas (flatulence), loss of appetite (anorexia), arthritis, circulation problems, "runny nose" (respiratory catarrh), nervousness, plague, and trouble sleeping (insomnia).Some women use angelica to start their menstrual periods. Sometimes this is done to cause an abortion. Angelica is also used to increase urine production, improve sex drive, stimulate the production and secretion of phlegm, and kill germs. Some people apply angelica directly to the skin for nerve pain (neuralgia), joint pain (rheumatism), and skin disorders. In combination with other herbs, angelica is also used for treating premature ejaculation. Angelica root might work in premature ejaculation by increasing the threshold of vibrations and senses received by the penis. It's been taken for centuries as a general tonic as a treatment for anemia, bronchitis, and chest complaints. Tea made from the leaves can be used as an eyewash or skin refresher, while as a bath additive angelica's said to be good for the nerves. Compresses made from the leaves are also reputed to be helpful in cases of chronic gout or rheumatism. Perhaps one of its more unusual applications, however, is as a tea that's used to treat alcoholism: Angelica apparently causes a strong dislike for liquor.
Anise: Exotic anise spice carry some of the important plants derived chemical compounds that are known to have been anti-oxidant, disease preventing, and health promoting properties. The medicinal value of anise is found in the essential oil of its seeds. The main essential volatile oil that gives the characteristic sweet, aromatic flavor to anise seed is anethole. Other important compounds found in these seeds include estragole, p-anisaldehyde, anise alcohol, acetophenone, pinene and limonene. Anise seed oil obtained from extraction of the seeds has been found application in many traditional medicines as stomachic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, expectorant, stimulant and tonic agent. The seeds are an excellent source of many essential B-complex vitamins such as pyridoxine, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin. Pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) helps increase GABA neuro-chemical levels in the brain. The seeds are also an important source of antioxidants and minerals like calcium, iron, copper, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium.
Apples: High in vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, and riboflavin, as well as minerals like potassium, copper, manganese, and magnesium. Apples are also very good sources of dietary fiber, and a single serving provides 12% of the daily fiber requirement. It is packed with phytonutrients and flavonoids like quercetin, epicatechin, phloridzin, and various other polyphenolic compounds. Great for digestion, cancer prevention, managing diabetes, dental care, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease, Heart Disease, Rheumatism, eye disorders, weight loss, skin care.
Apple cider vinegar: Good for killing some type of bacteria in your gut and pathogens. Helps with weight loss, diabetes and blood sugar control, sore throat, lowering cholesterol, treating acne and chronic bad breath.
Apricot: Apricots can be eaten fresh of the tree or dried. They are also commonly used in the preparation of various juices, jams, squash and jellies. Apricot oil can also be obtained from its kernel and has a number of health benefits including its ability to treat indigestion, constipation, earaches, fevers, skin diseases, cancer and anemia. Apricot oil is useful for treating strained muscles and wounds. It is also believed that apricot is good for skin care, especially for women, which is why you find it added in various cosmetics. They also have the ability to improve heart health, reduce cholesterol levels, prevent the deterioration of vision, help you to lose weight, treat respiratory conditions, boost bone strength, and maintain electrolyte balance in the body. The impressive health benefits of apricots are due to the content of vitamins, including vitamins A, C, K, E, and niacin in significant amounts, as well as a number of other minerals, which include potassium, copper manganese, magnesium, and phosphorous. Like most fruits, apricots are also a very good source of dietary fiber.
Artichoke: High in antioxidants; artichokes are also packed with antioxidants; they're number 7 on the USDA's top 20 antioxidant-rich foods list. Also high in vitamins C and K, folate and dietary fiber. Aids in digestive support, regulating cholesterol and blood pressure, bone health, metabolic function and cancer production by fighting off free radicals.
Arugula: Arugula is a leafy green plant that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a good dietary choice for a healthier body and keeping your mind clear and focused. Some of the health benefits of arugula include a lowered risk of cancer, healthy bones, and improved eyesight. It has antioxidant properties and is good for healthy skin. It also helps in strengthening the brain, improving metabolic functions, mineral absorption, boosting the immune system and weight maintenance. Arugula contains high levels of folic acid and antioxidants like vitamin C, K, and A, which makes arugula integral in the fight against free radicals. It is packed with carotenoids, as well as many other minerals like potassium, manganese, iron, and calcium, all of which are beneficial and necessary elements in a person’s diet. The presence of phytochemicals help fight against and prevent cancer. Arugula is also superior to some other leafy greens because unlike those other varieties, arugula is low in oxalates, which are chemicals that actually inhibit the absorption of minerals into the body.
Asparagus: This spring staple is anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants that can neutralize free-radicals and even slow the signs of aging, a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, E, K, and chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells. Effective as a natural diuretic that helps rid the body of excess salts. Another anti-aging property of this delicious spring veggie is that it may help our brains fight cognitive decline. Like leafy greens, asparagus delivers folate, which works with vitamin B12 (also found in fish, poultry, meat and dairy) to help prevent cognitive impairment.
Avocado: The health benefits of avocado include weight management, protection from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, treating osteoarthritis and enhancing the absorption of nutrients for the body. It also reduces the risk of cancer, liver damage and vitamin K deficiency-related bleeding. Avocado helps in keeping eyes healthy and protecting the skin from signs of aging and the harmful effects of UV rays. It also helps in maintaining blood sugar levels and has antioxidant properties. It even helps to increase circulation, boost cognitive abilities, and build stronger bones. Avocado seeds are used for the treatment of diabetes, inflammatory conditions, and hypertension, as well as for improving hypercholesterolemia. Research shows that consumption of avocado leads to improved diet quality and nutrient intake, including a lowered risk of metabolic syndrome.