Cabbage: Cabbage is a great detoxifier and source of vitamin C and manganese. It is also very high in cancer preventing antioxidants and phytonutrients. The health benefits of cabbage include frequent use as a treatment for constipation, stomach ulcers, headaches, obesity, skin disorders, eczema, jaundice, scurvy, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, eye disorders, heart diseases, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Cacao: Raw cacao is made by cold-pressing unroasted cocoa beans. The process keeps the living enzymes in the cocoa and removes the fat (cacao butter). Cocoa looks the same but it's not. Cocoa powder is raw cacao that's been roasted at high temperatures. Raw cacao beans are high in antioxidants and contain natural chemicals called flavonoids, a type of antioxidant compound that promotes general health and might lower your risk of several diseases and cancer. Cacao antioxidants block LDL oxidation, which helps prevent plaque formation, improves circulation and lowers your risk of heart disease.
Camu Camu: This tree that grows on riverbanks is most commonly found in South America, in Peru and Brazil, and its fruit is a small, cherry-like drupe. Some of the most interesting benefits of camu camu include its ability to boost the immune system, protect against chronic diseases, reduce inflammation, detoxify the body, prevent viral infections, reduce mood swings, promote eye health, protect the sexual organ system, and prevent cognitive disorders. Camu camu is not known as an allergenic food, and can be taken in conjunction with other pharmaceuticals and supplements. If you suffer from gout or other uric acid-related conditions, camu camu may exacerbate the symptoms, so be sure to consult a medical professional before adding it to your diet.
Cashews: Believe it or not, they are lower in fat than most nuts and 65% of this fat is unsaturated. However, they are the lowest fiber nut. They are rich in copper, magnesium, zinc, iron, and biotin. Helps fight and prevent cancer and tumor growth due to presence of flavonols and elimination of free radicals. As they are high in magnesium, they help lower blood pressure, promote healthy bones and a sharp nervous system.
Cardamom: Cardamom is related to ginger and can be used in much the same way to counteract digestive problems; it also has antimicrobial properties. Use it to combat nausea, acidity, bloating, gas, heartburn, loss of appetite, constipation, and much more. This spice helps the body eliminate waste through the kidneys. It is useful for curing dental diseases and urinary tract infections such as cystitis, nephritis, and gonorrhea. Cardamom possesses aphrodisiac properties and is also used as a cure for impotency, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. The spice is also rich in various vitamins and micronutrients as well. These include niacin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin A, vitamin C, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, and zinc.
Carob: Carob is a beneficial type of shrub in the same family as peas that has a wide variety of health benefits, including its ability to boost the immune system, reduce the risk of cancer, improve digestion, slow down aging, prevent cardiovascular diseases, and help prevent and manage diabetes. The health benefits of carob are mainly attributed to its vitamins and mineral content, like calcium, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, vitamin K, riboflavin, and vitamin-E, as well as its natural antioxidants. The polyphenolic content of carob makes it an ideal antioxidant, and carob germ flour, another byproduct of this useful plant, has been directly associated with cytotoxic activity in the body. This means that it is toxic to some cells, but luckily, carob has shown a penchant for being toxic to cancer cells, particularly those related to cervical cancer. That, combined with the antioxidant activity of polyphenols which scavenge dangerous free radicals from throughout the body and prevent cancer and other disease, makes carob a very beneficial addition to your lines of defense against cancer. As already mentioned, carob fiber is a special thing, and it has been shown to be highly effective against high cholesterol. Studies have shown that people given carob fiber significantly reduce the presence of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in their system, and it reduced the amount of triglycerides in the body as well. Reducing dangerous forms of cholesterol can reduce the chances of various cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
Carrot: Most of the benefits of carrots can be attributed to their beta carotene and high fiber content. This root vegetable is also a good source of antioxidant agents. Furthermore, carrots are rich in vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, vitamin B8, pantothenic acid, folate, potassium, iron, copper, and manganese. The health benefits of carrots include reduced cholesterol, prevention from heart attacks, warding off of certain cancers, improving vision, and reducing the signs of premature aging. Furthermore, carrots have the ability to increase the health of your skin, boost the immune system, improve digestion, increase cardiovascular health, detoxify the body, and boost oral health in a variety of ways. They also provide a well-rounded influx of vitamins and minerals.
Catnip: The flowering perennial known commonly as catnip, catmint, or catswort actually has the scientific name of Nepeta cataria, and although most people don’t realize, this treat so commonly reserved for its sedative, calming effects on cats, also has extensive benefits for human beings. It is primarily potent due to a certain terpenoid, called nepetelactone, but various other chemical constituents and nutrients also affect various aspects of human health. Catnip can be applied topically via the leaves or the essential oil, while catnip tea brewed from the leaves is also popular. The extracts and essential oils are also quite popular. The historical range of catnip uses include teas, juices, tinctures, extracts, salves, and even as an herb to be smoked, in addition to its culinary applications. The various forms of catnip have been used for generations in alternative medicine, and modern research has also shown it to be a reliable treatment for some common maladies. Some of the most important health benefits of catnip include its ability to calm restless sleep, relieve anxiety and stress, soothe menstrual pain, help eliminate eating disorders, ease stomach discomfort, speed up the recovery from colds and fevers, detoxify the body, reduce inflammation throughout the body, and even speed wound healing.
Cauliflower: Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B6. It is a very good source of choline, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, phosphorus, and biotin. Additionally, it is a good source of vitamin B2, protein, vitamin B1, niacin, and magnesium. The health benefits of cauliflower include relief from indigestion, ultraviolet radiation, diabetes, colitis, respiratory papillomatosis, macular degeneration, obesity, and hypertension. The antioxidant power of cauliflower helps in strengthening the immune system and also helps in reducing risk of stroke, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Cauliflower also aids in maintaining bone, brain, and cellular health, electrolyte balance, optimum cholesterol levels and prevents cardiovascular disorders.
Celeriac: Celeriac is a vegetable that is a member of the celery family. However, only its root is used for cooking purposes. Celeriac is high in dietary fiber and protein as well as many crucial vitamins and minerals. Celeriac has high contents of vitamins C and K, and various B vitamins such as, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), and vitamin B6. It is rich with calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. It helps reverse and prevent the signs of aging as the organic sodium in celeriac juice can help remove acid from the body, reduce stiff joints and make the muscular skeletal frame flexible. The high content of antioxidants in celeriac helps prevent cell oxidation. It is rich in anti-cancer properties that may help fight colon cancer. It also helps restore and maintain blood levels, aid in digestion, promote bone health, prevent and cure the flu and cold, boost immunity, improve neurotransmissions to prevent and control insomnia and nervous disorders and promote weight loss, healthy joints and properly functioning kidneys.
Celery: Celery contains minerals such as calcium, sodium, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium. It contains fatty acids and vitamins including vitamin A, C, E, D, B6, B12 and vitamin K. It also contains thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid and fiber. There are a wealth of health benefits of celery that many people are not aware of, including the fact that celery is rich in vitamin C, it lowers cholesterol, prevents cancer, manages pain from arthritis, helps weight loss attempts, detoxifies the body, reduces high blood pressure, and promotes overall health in a vast number of ways.
Chamomile: Chamomile is an herb that people have used for centuries. People in the United States probably know it as tea to calm an upset stomach or to help with sleep. You can buy chamomile as dried flower heads, an infusion (tea), liquid extract, tinctures and in creams and ointments. People use German chamomile to treat irritation from chest colds, slow-healing wounds, abscesses, gum inflammation, and skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, chickenpox, and diaper rash. For these conditions, you use chamomile in an infusion or bath, or as a tincture, which is a concentrated extract mixed with alcohol. People use Roman chamomile as a tea to treat an upset stomach, sleeping problems, or menstrual pain.
Chaparral: Chaparral is native to the American Southwest and is used as a powerful anti-cancer, anti-bacterial and anti-viral medicine. Chaparral contains an ingredient called nor-dihihydroguairetic (NDGA), a potent anti-tumor agent. NDGA inhibits aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis (the energy-producing ability) of cancer cells. The flavonoids present in chaparral have strong antiviral and antifungal properties. Chaparral is used for digestion problems including cramps and gas; respiratory tract conditions including colds and infections; and ongoing chronic skin disorders. It is also used for cancer, arthritis, tuberculosis, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, central nervous system conditions, chickenpox, parasite infections, obesity, and snakebite pain. Some people use chaparral for detoxification, or as a tonic or “blood purifier.”
Chlorella: Chlorella is a nutrient-dense superfood that contains 60% protein, 18 amino acids (including all the essential amino acids), and various vitamins and minerals. One of its unique properties is a phytonutrient called CGF. It is known to boost the immune system and help fight infection. It has been shown to increase the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which helps to treat ulcers, colitis, diverticulosis and Crohn's disease. It is also used to treat constipation, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Chlorella has been used to treat cancer and also help protect the body from the effects of cancer radiation treatment. In Japan, it is traditionally used as a treatment for duodenal ulcers, gastritis, hypertension, diabetes, hypoglycemia, asthma, and constipation. More recently, it is has been touted as an effective therapy for elevated cholesterol levels, a prophylactic to ward of infections and as an adjunct treatment for cancer.Its abundance of chlorophyll is known to protect the body against ultraviolet radiation.
Chard: The health benefits of swiss chard are amazing, and include the ability to regulate blood sugar levels, prevent various types of cancer, improve digestion, boost the immune system, reduce fever and combat inflammation, lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease, increase bone strength and development, detoxify the body, and strengthen the functioning of the brain. The many health benefits attributed to chard are due to its impressive list of vitamins, nutrients, and organic compounds, which include vitamins K, C, and A, as well as vitamin E, riboflavin, and vitamin B6. In terms of minerals, Swiss chard has a wealth of magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, sodium, and copper. Furthermore, in addition to dietary fiber, Swiss chard has a significant amount of polyphenolic antioxidants, phytonutrients, and enzymes that are unique and highly beneficial to your health.
Cherimoya: With zero saturated fat, cherimoyas are cholesterol-free, high in fiber, iron, and niacin, and contain powerful cytotoxins that are said to combat cancer, malaria, and human parasites. They're high in vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that helps the body resist infection, as well as a good source of B vitamins, notably vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which provides 20 percent of the daily recommended value. Cherimoya provides high potassium levels, which helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Furthermore, it contains more minerals weight per weight than a lot of more common fruits, such as apples, because of its copper, magnesium, iron and manganese content. There's been discussion about the fruit's ability to manufacture GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid ), a neurochemical in the brain sometimes known as "the euphoric amino acid" because of its calming and headache pain-easing effects. Many people have been known to enjoy the fruit for that reason as well as for the flavor. In rural Mexico, a couple of cherimoya seeds are sometimes roasted, peeled, and pulverized into a powder, and mixed with water or milk to induce vomiting. Mixed with grease, the powder is said to kill lice, as well as cure parasitic skin infections.
Cherry: Like all other berries, cherries are store houses of antioxidants such as vitamin-C and flavonoids. They effectively neutralize free radicals and protect us from all ailments associated with aging or the action of oxidants, such as weakening of the heart and nervous system, loss of vision, macular degeneration, hair loss, wrinkling of skin, loss of libido, as well as cancer of the colon and prostate. This effect of cherries can also help with sleeplessness, nervous disorders and many other mental discomforts. The antioxidants, such as Carotenoids and Flavonoids (Anthocyanins), repair the damage done by free radicals and neutralize them so they are unable to wreak any more havoc on the body’s systems. Anti-inflammatory property of cherries has been found effective in reducing heart-disease risk factors through scavenging action against free radicals. Cherries also contain melatonin which can cross the blood-brain barrier easily and has soothing effects on the brain neurons, calming down nervous system irritability to help relieve neurosis, insomnia and headache problems. Further, they are also small source of zinc; and moderate sources of iron, potassium, and manganese; and good source of copper. Potassium is a heart-healthy mineral; an important component of cell and body fluids that regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
Chestnut: Unlike most other nuts, chestnuts are very low in fat and are often compared to a form of grain. Furthermore, they have a good amount of dietary fiber. Chestnuts are packed with high levels of Manganese, Potassium, Copper, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Iron. Zinc and Calcium are also present in small amounts. They are high in vitamins, such as vitamin C, B6, thiamin, folate, niacin, and pantothenic acid are found in chestnuts. Trace amounts of Vitamin A are also found. Like all other nuts, chestnuts are low in cholesterol and can help to prevent heart diseases and conditions and provide energy. They are basically just as important to include in your diet as other grains. They are also effective at preventing the common cold and enhancing fertility in men, which can be attributed to the presence of the vitamin C found in chestnuts.
Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are known for their abundance of Omega-3 fatty acids, making them a great alternative from fish oil for vegans. These tiny seeds actually have more of the beneficial fats than salmon. The omega fatty acids can improve your heart health and cholesterol levels, and can be helpful in losing weight. The gel that is formed around the seed with the help of water has no calories and makes you feel more full. These seeds contain an abundance of antioxidants, as well as complete protein, a rarity in plant sources. They balance your blood sugar and give you steady energy that lasts for hours (a good reason why runners have adopted chia). Chia seeds are also a great source of fiber; they have both soluble and insoluble fibers. You can add these seeds to pretty much anything. Try using them in oatmeal or smoothies.
Chickpeas: The fiber from garbanzo beans, like most of the other legumes helps lower cholesterol by binding with bile and eliminating it from the body. Besides lowering cholesterol, fiber from garbanzo beans also help to control blood sugar levels in people with irregular glucose metabolism like in diabetes, hypoglycemia or insulin resistance. Garbanzo beans may help to maintain the blood sugar levels by slowly burning the energy and providing steady amounts of glucose to the blood. The insoluble fiber in garbanzo beans helps to relieve constipation by increasing the stool bulk and may also prevent gastrointestinal disorders like diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome. Garbanzo beans lower the risk of getting a heart attack and death from other coronary heart diseases. Researchers found that including legumes as a part of a healthy diet is associated with 82 % reduction in the risk of heart diseases and especially garbanzo beans in diet significantly lowers both LDL and total cholesterol in the body. Folate along with magnesium helps to keep the levels of homocysteine in check, as an increase value is associated with a risk factor for heart disease. Magnesium is also a natural calcium channel blocker and helps improve blood flow throughout the body.
Chickweed: Chickweed has a delicious, fresh taste and is high in minerals and vitamins. Consumed in salads or made fresh into a tea, glycerite, tincture, succus (expressed juice), its demulcent properties soothe the digestive system, kidneys, bladder, urinary tract, sore throat, lungs and bowels. It is useful for people with stomach and duodenal ulcers to use regularly. Because chickweed is cooling and moistening, ingesting it reduces hot and dry conditions, such as fevers and dry, red, itchy, scaly skin conditions (including eczema or psoriasis). Its moistening properties help relieve constipation, and its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties ease arthritis and nonspecific joint and muscle pain. Chickweed helps the body absorb nutrients better. It is a safe and nourishing herb for a person of any age to take over several months when weak, chronically tired from overwork and stress, traumatized, anemic or recovering from a long-term illness or surgery. Chickweed benefits women working to reduce and eliminate breast cysts, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids or lymphadema. Eat a few fresh handfuls chopped into salad as often as possible or take a glycerite, succus or tincture made from the fresh herb two to three times per day over several months. Continue using the herb as a preventive three to four times a week after the growth disappears or is removed surgically. A fresh chickweed poultice reduces swellings and inflammations from bruises, mosquito bites and bee stings; hot spots on animals; and helps heal skin ulcers and other inflamed or itchy skin conditions. A fresh poultice also draws out infections from abscesses, boils, cuts and pus-filled wounds very effectively. A tea made from fresh chickweed leaves and used as a wash relieves eye inflammations and helps heal eye infections (in conjunction with such herbs as Echinacea, goldenseal and eyebright), pinkeye, tired and sore eyes and eyelids that may be crusted over.
Chicory: Chicory is a woody, herbaceous plant that has a wealth of health benefits, including the ability to ease digestive problems, prevent heartburn, reduce arthritis pains, detoxify the liver and gallbladder, prevent bacterial infections, boost the immune system, and reduce the chance of heart disease. It is also a natural sedative, and can protect against kidney stones, and benefit attempts to lose weight. All in all, this small plant is a powerful addition to any diet. In terms of nutritive value, chicory is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including zinc, magnesium, manganese, calcium, iron folic acid, and potassium, as well as vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K.
Chili Pepper: Capsaicin is the main bioactive plant compound in chili peppers, responsible for their unique pungent (hot) taste and many of their health benefits including weight loss and pain relief. Chili peppers are high in vitamins A, B6, C and K, copper and potassium.
Chive: Some of the most important health benefits of chives include their ability to boost heart health, improve the strength of bones, protect against a wide range of cancers (prostate, esophageal, stomach) ease the digestive process, boost vision, protect against birth defects, and boost the immune system. Chives also contain quercetin, which may reduce the risk of plaque buildup in arteries. Studies show that people who follow a diet high in flavonoids such as quercetin have lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure levels. Chives contain a host of other nutrients important for a healthy diet, including potassium, iron and calcium, vitamins A,K and C, folate, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin. As a rich source of vitamin C, chives may alleviate a stuffy nose and colds. Traditional folk remedies also use chives to ease an upset stomach and flatulence and stimulate digestion and treat anemia. You should not use excess chicory if you are pregnant, because there is a possibility that it can stimulate menstruation and possibly a miscarriage. Also, women should not eat excess chicory while breastfeeding, since insufficient research has been done on the transfer between mother and child through breast milk.
Chrysanthemum: These beautiful flowers contain incredible medicinal properties. Some of the compounds in Chrysanthemum are flavonoids like luteolin, apigenin and acacetin, choline, and vitamin B1. It is also a good source of Vitamins C and A, Niacin, Folic acid and Pantothenic acid and is also rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and phosphorus. Chrysanthemum tea can help detoxify blood, regulate blood pressure and calm the nerves. It has antibacterial properties that can be effective against staph, strep, dermatomycosis, shigelladysenteriae and TB. A rinse made from the flower can be helpful to treat skin infections. It is also said to improve vision and hearing and is given in cases of dizziness, blurred vision and spots in front of the eyes. It may also be helpful in cases of night blindness and to treat conjunctivitis. New research has shown that the flavonoid acacetin that is present in chrysanthemum has the ability to inhibit malignant cell growth in the prostate region. This may make it a useful weapon in the battle against prostate and other forms of cancer. It is believed to be good for the heart and has been known to lower blood pressure levels. It may also be able to increase blood flow to the heart. Traditional Chinese medicine has used these properties of the flower to treat cases of hypertension and angina.
Cilantro/Coriander: The health benefits of coriander include its use in the treatment of skin inflammation , high cholesterol levels, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, anemia, indigestion, menstrual disorders, smallpox, conjunctivitis, skin disorders, and blood sugar disorders, while also benefiting eye care. Its uses in global food preparation is only the tip of the iceberg. Unbeknownst to many people, coriander is packed with potential health benefits that most people completely miss when they toss this garnish into the garbage after eating their meal. It has eleven components of essential oils, six types of acids (including ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin-C), minerals and vitamins, each having a number of beneficial properties. A more complete list is given below. The disinfectant, detoxifying, antiseptic, antifungal and antioxidant properties of coriander are ideal for clearing up skin disorders such as eczema, dryness and fungal infections. Some of the components of essential oils found in coriander such as Borneol and Linalool, aid in digestion, proper functioning of the liver and bonding of bowels, while also helping to reduce diarrhea. It is also helpful in curing diarrhea caused by microbial and fungal action, since components like Cineole, Borneol, Limonene, Alpha-pinene and beta-phellandrene have antibacterial effects. Coriander is also increasingly popular as a means of preventing nausea, vomiting, and other stomach disorders. Its wealth of bioactive compounds means that new health benefits are always being discovered in this power-packed plant. Coriander also helps cure ulcers, inflammation, spasms, while acting as an expectorant and protecting the liver. It is anticarcinogenic, anticonvulsant, antihistaminic and hypnotic. Coriander is believed to be a natural aphrodisiac and traditionally, it was widely used in certain combinations with other herbs to enhance a person’s libido.
Cinnamon: The health benefits of cinnamon can be attributed to its antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, astringent and anticlotting properties. Cinnamon is rich in essential minerals such as manganese, iron and calcium, while also having a high content of fiber. It can be used to help detoxify the blood and treat infection, muscle spasms, vomiting, diarrhea, infections, the common cold, loss of appetite, bad breath, indigestion, and erectile dysfunction.
Clove: Cloves offer many anti-inflammatory health benefits, some of which include providing aid in digestion, having antimicrobial properties, fighting against cancer, protecting the liver, boosting the immune system, controlling diabetes, preserving bone quality, and containing anti-mutagenic properties, as well as fighting against oral diseases and headaches, while displaying aphrodisiac properties as well.
Coconut/ Coconut Oil: Coconuts and their oil have a multitude of health benefits, which include but are not limited to skin care, hair care, improving digestion and immunity against a host of infections and diseases. Few people (even fewer doctors) understand how important the coconut is to stabilizing blood sugar; lowering cholesterol; healing; hydration; and even replacing blood plasma in an emergency. Because of its strong antioxidant properties and health benefits, the coconuts can be used to lower cholesterol, improve digestion, ward off wrinkles, stabilize glucose levels, fight off viruses, build cells, regulate hormones, increase thyroid production, lose weight, increase metabolism, fight infections, stave off memory loss and kill bacteria. Coconut oil, for instance, is considered the best and safest oil to use for cooking as it is even superior to extra virgin olive oil when it comes to giving the body what it needs for optimum health. Unlike other fats and oils that we typically use for cooking and baking, coconut oil does not form polymerized oils or dangerous trans fatty acids in our bodies, which can raise our cholesterol levels; clog our arteries and even make our skin sag and wrinkle!
Cleavers: Cleavers has a long history of use as an alternative medicine and is still used widely by modern herbalists. It is used both internally and externally in the treatment of a wide range of ailmentsIt is edible raw though said to be unpalatable, mainly used as a pot-herb or as an addition to soups. Using the plant as a vegetable has a slimming effect on the body. Cleavers seed is one of the best coffee substitutes, it merely needs to be dried and lightly roasted and has much the same flavor as coffee. A valuable diuretic, it is often taken to treat skin problems such as seborrhoea, eczema and psoriasis, and as a general detoxifying agent in serious illnesses such as cancer. It has a mild laxative effect and stimulates the lymphatic system and has shown benefit in skin related problems. The fresh plant or juice of Cleavers herb is used as a medicinal poultice for wounds, ulcers and many other skin problems. An infusion has shown of benefit in the treatment of glandular fever, tonsilitis, hepatitis and cystitis. The infusion is also used to treat liver, bladder and urinary problems. The dried or fresh herb is altenrative, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, aperient, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, tonic and vulnerary. The plant contains the valuable constituent asperuloside, a substance that is converted into prostaglandins by the body. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels.
Clove: Clove has been used for thousands of years in India and China, not only as a spice and condiment, but also as a medicine for many ailments. Ayurvedic medicine used cloves for tooth decay, halitosis, and bad breath. In Chinese medicine, clove was considered to possess aphrodisiac properties. Cloves offer many health benefits, some of which include providing aid in digestion, having antimicrobial properties, fighting against cancer, protecting the liver, boosting the immune system, controlling diabetes, preserving bone quality, and containing anti-mutagenic properties, as well as fighting against oral diseases and headaches, while displaying aphrodisiac properties as well. Minerals in cloves include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, and zinc. The vitamins found in cloves include vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Certain bioactive compounds have been isolated from clove extracts. Some of them include: flavonoids, hexane, methylene chloride, ethanol, thymol, eugenol, and benzene. These biochemicals have been reported to possess various properties, including antioxidant, hepato-protective, anti-microbia, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Coffee: The potential health benefits associated with drinking coffee include: protecting against type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, liver disease, liver cancer, and promoting a healthy heart. Coffee can also promote mental acuity and make you more productive without harmfully raising blood pressure.
Collard Greens: Highly effective at detoxifying and preventing cancer. Collard greens, like other cruciferous vegetables, provide special nutrient support for three body systems that are closely connected with cancer development as well as cancer prevention. These three systems are (1) the body's detox system, (2) its antioxidant system, and (3) its inflammatory/anti-inflammatory system. Chronic imbalances in any of these three systems can increase risk of cancer, and when imbalances in all three systems occur simultaneously, the risk of cancer increases significantly. Among all types of cancer, prevention of the following cancer types is most closely associated with intake of collard greens: bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and ovarian cancer due to their anti-inflammatory properties and high levels of antioxidants.
Corn: Corn provides many health benefits due to the presence of quality nutrients within. Besides being a delicious addition to any meal, it is also rich in phytochemicals, and it provides protection against a number of chronic diseases.Health benefits include controlling diabetes, prevention of heart ailments, lowering hypertension and prevention of neural-tube defects at birth. The kernels of corn are what hold the majority of corn’s nutrients, and are the most commonly consumed parts of the vegetable.
Cranberry: The health benefits of cranberries include relief from urinary tract infection, respiratory disorders, kidney stones, cancer, and heart disease. It is also beneficial in preventing stomach disorders and diabetes, as well as gum diseases caused by dental plaque. They can also slow and prevent the development of tumors. Phytonutrients, which are naturally derived plant compounds, are present in cranberries and have been found to prevent a wide range of health problems.
Cucumbers: Cucumbers are extremely beneficial for overall health, especially during the summer since it is mostly made of water and important nutrients that are essential for the human body. The flesh of cucumbers is rich in vitamins A, C, and folic acid while the hard skin of cucumbers is rich in fiber and a range of minerals include magnesium, molybdenum, and potassium. Additionally, cucumber contains silica, a trace mineral that contributes greatly to strengthening our connective tissues. Cucumbers are known to heal many skin problems, under eye swelling and sunburn. Cucumbers also contain ascorbic and caffeic acids which prevent water loss, therefore cucumber is frequently applied topically to burns and dermatitis.
Cumin: Cumin can be beneficial for some of the most dangerous diseases, and is generally considered a boost for overall health. The health benefits of cumin include its ability to aid in digestion, improve immunity and treat piles, insomnia, respiratory disorders, asthma, bronchitis, common cold, lactation, anemia, skin disorders, boils and cancer.
Currants: Currants are a potent nutraceuticals with major medicinal benefits. Traditional healers used them for conditions such as arthritis, liver disease, kidney stones, gout, inflammation of the mouth, stomach and bowel disorders, lung ailments, fatigue, and as a diuretic. One of the beneficial effects of eating fruit and vegetables like blackcurrants is their antioxidant activity against conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and the degenerative diseases of aging. The main antioxidant compounds present in blackcurrants are phenolics (including flavonoids and anthocyanins) and vitamin C. The purple/black color of blackcurrants indicates the presence of the anthocyanins, which have exceptionally strong antioxidant activity as well as other health-promoting qualities. Anthocyanin has been shown to reduce the effects of asthmatic lung inflammation, as well as lessening muscle damage and assisting immune responses during exercise. Research shows that blackcurrants rank significantly higher in levels of antioxidant activity than other fruits. And since most blackcurrants are consumed as juice, it’s important to know that blackcurrant antioxidants appear to be very stable and remain active after processing into juice, jam and wine.
Curry Powder: Curry Powder is a popular spice mix that has a number of valuable health benefits, including the prevention of cancer, protection against heart disease, reduce Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, ease pain and inflammation, boost bone health, protect the immune system from bacterial infections, and increase the liver’s ability to remove toxins from the body. Curry powder is made up of numerous ingredients, and depending on the region of the world, they can change slightly, which can also alter the specific health benefits that may be derived from the powder. The most common and advantageous ingredients of curry powder are turmeric, coriander, cardamom, cumin, sweet basil, and red pepper. Some other ingredients that are occasionally added, depending on the specific recipe, are fennel seeds, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, or mustard seeds, all of which have individual health benefits. We will focus on the benefits from the most traditional form of curry powder.