Medical Keywords - Everything you need to know about health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Food Cures (Part One)

When it comes to food cures research shows that food has a powerful effect on the health of human beings. Let us look at some frequently asked questions regarding food cures.

What is a food cure?

A food cure means that food has the ability to nurture the body and heal it. The more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants a food contains, the greater a food cure it is.

Are onions and garlic food cures?

They certainly are. Oions help to decrease the risk of a person suffering a heart attack and they lower cholesterol and help to combat cancer. Onions are antifungal agents and are very beneficial at killing bacteria. Garlic lowers cholesterol levels and it controls blood pressure. Garlic is also an effective defense against cancer and it kills bacteria and fights the development of fungus in the body. At the very first sign of a cold starting consume several cloves of fresh garlic as it can help to encourage your immune system to get into gear and it helps to rid the body of congestion.

What are the best sources of whole grains?

Whole grains are touted as one of the best sources of fiber and they deserve all the credit they can get. The best sources of whole grains include such things as barley, oats, rye and wheat. Whole grains products whether they be bread, rice, pasta, cereal and other products are excellent sources of a number of vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, folate, chromium, copper, vitamin E, magnesium, iron, zinc and phosphorus.

What are legumes and how do they work as a food cure?

Legumes are a member of the vegetable family and they include such foods as peas, beans, soybeans and lentils. Legumes are a must for healthy meals because they are rich in both fiber as well as folate. Legumes are translated into a complete protein when they are combines with any variety of whole grains such as barley, oats, wheat and rice. In case you did not already know, legumes are full of phytochemicals, lignans, isoflavones, phytosterols and saponins. Legumes are believed to help to prevent the onset of colon cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer.

How are peppers food cures?

Peppers are comparable to garlic and onions when it comes to their benefits to health. In particular peppers are helpful for respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis and an assortment of other breathing problems. Traditionally hot peppers have played an integral role in Chinese medicine. Hot peppers are excellent at fighting respiratory infections and illnesses as well as pulmonary disorders. Peppers have an ingredient in them known as "capsaicin" and this ingredient is particularly good at encouraging the lungs to optimum capacity.

How are bananas and figs instrumental in encouraging good health?

Bananas are full of potassium and are beneficial to lowering blood pressure. Bananas are full of vitamin B6 and studies show they are good for encouraging the strength of the immune system. Bananas with peanut butter is a terrific way to get any day off to a smashing start! Figs are not a food that is commonplace or particularly popular but they should find their way into your daily diet. Figs are beneficial to health and that is the case regardless of whether you choose to eat figs fresh or dried. Figs have plenty of vitamin C, fiber, magnesium and potassium in them.