I recently gave a lesson to the teenage girls at my church on health. It made me re-assess my own health and has motivated me to take better care of myself and my body. I am intrigued by food and how what you put into your body can make a big difference on how you feel and what you can prevent. I love the Reader’s Digest book “Foods that harm. Foods that heal.” With over 6 million copies sold it’s obvious what a good guide it is. I wanted to share a few of my favorite things I learned from this fantastic book.
Bleeding/ Bruising
Green Leafy Vegetables are high in Vitamin K and are fantastic in helping cuts and bruises to heal. I juice for my kids several times a week with leafy greens and I have certainly seen their scrapes and bumps heal significantly quicker. Recipe for my juice found here.
Natural Antibiotic
Garlic contains compounds that act as powerful natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents. It has been shown to inhibit the fungi that cause athlete’s foot, yeast infections and even many cases of ear infections. I’ve been trying to take a garlic capsule every day and it has not only given me more energy but also has kept me healthy this fall.
Depression:
Salmon and other cold water fish such as trout and mackerel are super high in an omega-3 fatty acid form called DHA. This has been found in research to stabilize moods and help with symptoms of depression and even bipolar disorder. For non-fish lovers like myself flaxseed and flaxseed oil are other sources of this omega-3 fatty acid.
Cavity fighting:
Studies have shown that cheese can help you take a bite out of tooth decay. The fat naturally contained in cheese coats your teeth and acts as a natural barrier against bacteria. Also, all cheese contain casein, which provides a natural tooth protectant. And finally, the calcium and phosphorus found in cheese help remineralize tooth enamel. I have horrible teeth and am trying to eat more of it not only for this purpose but also the calcium it contains for strong bones.
You can order Foods That Harm Foods That Heal on sale here.
Fruity Frozen Yogurt Swirl
Healing powers: Heart health, preventing wrinkles, blood sugar control
1. Melt 1 jar (12 oz) sour cherry jam or preserves in saucepan over medium heat. Strain and cool for sauce.
2. Fold half of the sauce into 4 cups softened fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt in 1% qt container to create swirls.
3. Freeze, covered, 6 to 7 hours or overnight. Cover and chill remaining sauce.
4. Scoop frozen yogurt mixture into bowls and top with dark chocolate chips and remaining sauce, as desired.
Serves 8
Nutrition (per serving) 319 cal, 5 g pro, 67 g carb, 1 g fiber, 5 g fat, 3 g sat fat, 70 mg sodium
Enjoy!
XOXO
SUMMER
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I am so happy to know about these foods and this book, and even more happy that so many of them are foods I LOVE!:) Thanks Summer!