Radicchio: Radicchio is rich in vitamins C, E and K, and the B vitamins such as thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), B6, folate (B9). It contains minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. The anti-microbial properties in radicchio makes it a very beneficial food for improving colon health that is the body’s first line of defence in immunity-building. Radicchio contains a substance known as inulin, which may help balance blood sugar levels in the body, also reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart attack. It also motivates the discharge of pancreatic juices that helps digestion and controls blood glucose levels. Vitamin K aids in strengthening bones and preventing brain deterioration and diseases like Alzheimer’s. The bitterness in radicchio is a property called lactucopicrin. This has a strong anti-malarial agent as well as the ability to be a natural pain reliever. Radicchio encourages weight loss because the high fiber content makes you feel full quicker and longer. It is rich in antioxidants that boost health, wellness and energy. Radicchio assists in body metabolism which refers to how fast the body converts food from one form to another. It also has a natural painkiller called intybin that may be responsible for reducing hunger pains.
Radish: Radishes work as a good appetizer, mouth and breath freshener, laxative, diuretic and metabolism regulator. People whose weekly diets are supplemented with normal amounts of radish see an improvement in blood circulation, and radishes are a good treatment for headaches, acidity, constipation, nausea, obesity, sore throat, whooping cough, gastric problems, urinary disorders, gallstones, and dyspepsia. Can also be used to soothe insect bites due to its anti-pruritic properties. Great for purifying the blood and detoxifying the system.
Ramps: Also known as wild leeks, ramps have similar nutritional content as their cultivated counterpart , the leek which is also related to onions and garlic. Ramps are high in vitamins A and E which are essential to the formation of healthy teeth, bones and skin and a good working immune system, among other benefits. In ramps you’ll find a wealth of minerals such as manganese, iron and chromium, important to the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and insulin. Ramps can also improve the immune system, lower bad cholesterol levels and fight cancer.
Raspberry: These berries are rich in vitamins, antioxidants and fiber, raspberries are a delicious fruit with many health benefits. Raspberries have a high concentration of ellagic acid, a phenolic compound that prevents cancer, thereby stopping the growth of cancer cells and eliminating the progress of some cancers. Raspberries are excellent sources of vitamin C, manganese and dietary fiber. Raspberries are also rich in B vitamins, folic acid, copper and iron. This berry has the highest concentration of antioxidant strength amongst all fruits. This is due to its high concentration of ellagic acid, anthocyanins, gallic acid, quercetin, cyanidins, catechins, pelargonidin, kaempferol and salicylic acid. However, yellow raspberries and other pale-colored fruits have a much lower percentage of anthocyanins. Thus, raspberries can be considered as one of the best natural treatments for cancers. The oil from raspberries has a sun protection factor. Furthermore, it helps to lose weight and also takes proper care of your skin while aging. In order to improve your immune system, this berry actually looks after your overall health structure.
Rhubarb: Some of the health benefits of rhubarb include its ability to aid weight loss, improve digestion, prevent Alzheimer’s disease, stimulate bone growth, avoid neuronal damage, increase skin health, prevent cancer, optimize metabolism, improve circulation, and protect against various cardiovascular conditions. Rhubarb is packed with minerals, vitamins, organic compounds, and other nutrients that make it ideal for keeping our bodies healthy. Some of these precious components are dietary fiber, protein, vitamin C, vitamin K, B complex vitamins, calcium, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. It is also a rich source of polyphenolic flavonoids like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Rice: The health benefits of rice include its ability to provide fast and instant energy, regulate and improve bowel movements, stabilize blood sugar levels, and slow down the aging process, while also providing an essential source of vitamin B1 to the human body. Other benefits include its ability to boost skin health, increase the metabolism, aid in digestion, reduce high blood pressure, help weight loss efforts, improve the immune system and provide protection against dysentery, cancer, and heart disease. Rice can also prevent chronic constipation. The insoluble fiber from rice acts like a soft sponge that may be pushed through the intestinal tract quickly and easily. Brown rice and whole grains are known to be rich in insoluble fiber. However, it is advisable to drink lots of water for relieving your constipation, in addition to eating fibrous foods.
Rose Hips: Rose hips are actually the fruit of the rose plant and usually forms in late summer and autumn, after the rose plant has been pollinated. The vitamins, minerals, organic compounds, and other essential nutrients in rose hips give it such a powerful punch! Some of these beneficial components include vitamin C, A, E, and B-complex, as well as calcium, iron, selenium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, silicon, and zinc. Furthermore, the organic compounds, such as lycopene, pectin, lutein, beta-carotene, are also very powerful and essential to the body. The antioxidant components, which include flavonoids, phytochemicals, and carotenoids also contribute to the health benefits. The health benefits of rose hips include their ability to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, relieve various respiratory conditions, prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, manage diabetes, increase urination, regulate your digestive system, boost the immune system, increase circulation, and help to build strong bones.
Rosemary: Some of the most interesting and unique health benefits of rosemary include its ability to boost memory, improve mood, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, protect the immune system, stimulate circulation, detoxify the body, protect the body from bacterial infections, prevent premature aging, and heal skin conditions. Although small amounts like those used to flavor food aren’t typically considered large enough to have a major effect on the body, regular addition of the leaves to your food will allow your body to derive accumulated benefits from the organic compounds and unique phytochemicals present in the leaves. There are also uses of rosemary that involve consuming larger quantities or applying the essential oils from rosemary onto the skin directly to reduce and reverse the signs of aging. Perhaps the most important function of rosemary is as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body. Carnosol and Carnosic acid are two powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in rosemary that have been linked to reducing inflammation of muscles, blood vessels, and joints. This makes rosemary an effective treatment for many things, including blood pressure, gout, arthritis, and injuries sustained during physical exertion or surgery. Rosemary is effective in oral or topical form for these anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, the reduction in inflammation in the cardiovascular system can help to boost heart health and prevent atherosclerosis from appearing.
Rutabaga: As a food source, the root, as well as the leafy vegetables are utilized, depending on the culture. The leaves are used much like other leafy vegetables, such as spinach or chard, while the root meat can be prepared in similar ways to potatoes, either mashed or roasted. Rutabagas include a diverse range of nutrients including high levels of manganese, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc, as well as vitamins like vitamin C, E, K, and members of the B-family. In terms of organic compounds, rutabagas provide glucosinolates and carotenoids. Some of the health benefits of rutabaga includes its ability to improve your digestive health, boost your immune system, improve your metabolic function, lowers blood pressure, prevents certain forms of cancer, lowers cholesterol levels, aids in cellular and enzymatic functions, builds strong bones, and can even help you lose weight. Perhaps the most important function of rutabagas involves its diverse composition of antioxidant compounds. Glucosinolates, which are somewhat rare, sulfur-containing compounds that have been shown to reduce the growth of cancerous tumors in the body. Furthermore, the high levels of carotenoids and vitamin C act as antioxidants, which combat the effects of free radicals, thereby preventing the mutation of healthy cells into cancerous cells, among other effects. Rutabagas can effectively prevent premature aging, improve eyesight, and stimulate the healthy regeneration of cells throughout our organs and tissues. Rutabagas represent a great option for many vegetarians, as it nearly provides a complete protein, something that most vegetarians struggle to acquire when they don’t consume meat. Proteins and amino acids are the building blocks of new cells and are necessary to promote proper development, growth, healing, reproduction, muscle contraction, and dozens of other important bodily processes.
Rye: Rye is one of the most important cereal crops in the world, and this type of grass is grown extensively throughout the world. Some of the most impressive health benefits of rye include its ability to help with weight loss efforts, increase the efficiency of your digestive system, help prevent gallstones, lower your risk of diabetes, lower your blood pressure, generally protect your cardiovascular health, prevent various types of cancer, and even lower the chances of developing childhood asthma. Some of these key vitamin and mineral components found in rye include manganese, copper, magnesium, phosphorous, B-complex vitamins, dietary fiber, and phenolic antioxidant compounds.