20 Foods to Keep the Doctor Away
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Photo by Helle V
Here is a list of 20 common foods that will go a long way toward keeping the doctors away—and no apples on it!
Ever since I learned about the amazing curative powers of these foods from David Zinczenko’s Eat This, Not That!, I’ve enjoyed more of them in my own diet.
They’re all easy to find in our local supermarket, inexpensive, and simple to prepare. But, best of all, they’re delicious and already some of my favorite foods anyway! Who knew these are so good for us, too!
20 FOODS TO KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY
1. Best Anti-Aging Exilir: Red Wine. Oxidative stress plays a major role in aging. Resveratrol, an antioxidant in red wine, may extend life by neutralizing disease-causing free radicals.
2. Best Hair Rejuvenator: Beef. Iron in the meat stimulates hair turnover and replendishment. Beef is also rich in zinc, which helps guard against hair loss.
3. Best Skin Saver: Carrots. National Cancer Institute researchers found that people who ate the most carotenoids (pigments that occur naturally in carrots) were six times less likely to get skin cancer than those who ate the least of them.
4. Best Bone Protector: Shrimp. Shrimp is high in vitamin B12, which helps bone density and is crucial to new cell generation. It is also a good source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone strength.
5. Best Cavity Killer: Monterey Jack Cheese. Eating less than 1/4 ounce of Jack, Cheddar, Gouda, or mozzarella boosts pH levels to protect teeth from cavities.
6. Best Brain Booster: Coffee. Not only does coffee boost alertness up to 90 minutes, it is the number one source of antioxidants in the American diet and can help decrease risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 60%.
7. Best Vision Defender: Spinach or Romaine Lettuce. The National Institute of Health found that people who eat the most lutein (found in leafy greens) are 43% less likely to lose sharp vision.
8. Best Breast Cancer Beater: Whole-Grain Cereal. Women who eat at least 30 grams of fiber daily reduce their risk of breast cancer 50%.
9. Best Heart Protector: Salmon. A diet of heart-healthy fats, like those found in salmon and olive oil, raises good HDL cholesterol levels. And, salmon contains a huge dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which can ward off heart disease.
10. Best Cholesterol Reducer: Olive Oil. Antioxidants found in olives have been shown both to raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, making olive oil a doubly potent protector against cardiovascular disease.
11. Best Blood Pressure Reducer: Baked Potato. A baked potato with skin has about 400 mg. of potassium, which significantly lowers blood pressure.
12. Best Blood Sugar Stabilizer: Raspberries. Raspberries have anthocyanins, which boost insulin production and lower blood sugar levels, providing a strong defense against diabetes.
13. Best Lung Fighter: Grapefruit. A grapefruit a day can reduce the risk of getting lung cancer up to 50%. Grapefruit has naringin, which may help lower levels of cancer-causing enzymes.
14. Best Prostate Protector: Garlic. Garlic contains compounds that have been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer up to 50%.
15. Best Colon Cancer Guard: Green or White Tea. Just one cup a day cuts the risk of colon cancer up to 50%. Antioxidants called catechins help prevent the growth of cancer cells.
16. Oats. “The eminence grise of health food, oats garnered the FDA’s first seal of approval. They are packed with soluble fiber, which lowers the risk of heart disease. Yes, oats are loaded with carbs, but the release of those sugars is slowed by the fiber and, because oats also have 10 grams of protein per 1/2-cup serving, they deliver steady, muscle-friendly energy.”
17. Blueberries. “Host to more antioxidants than any other North American fruit, blueberries help prevent cancer, diabetes, and age-related memory changes (hence the nickname ‘brain berry’). Studies show that blueberries, which are rich in fiber and vitamins A and C, also boost cardiovascular health. Aim for 1 cup of fresh blueberries a day, or 1/2 cup frozen or dried.”
18. Tomatoes. “Red are the best because they’re packed with more of the antioxidant lycopene. Processed tomatoes are just as potent as fresh ones because it’s easier for the body to absorb the lycopene. Studies show that a diet rich in lycopene can decrease your risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers, as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Aim for about eight red cherry tomatoes or a glass of tomato juice.”
19. Yogurt. “Various cultures claim yogurt as their own creation. But, the 2,000-year-old food’s health benefits are not disputed. Fermentation of hundreds of millions of probiotic organisms that serve as reinforcements to the battalions of beneficial bacteria in your body. That helps boost your immune system and provides protection against cancer. Not all yogurts are probiotic, though, so make sure the label says ‘live and active cultures.’ Aim for 1 cup a day.”
20. Walnuts. “Richer in heart-healthy omega-3s than salmon, loaded with more anti-inflammatory polyphenols than red wine, and packing half as much muscle-building protein as chicken, the walnut sounds like a Frankenfood, but it grows on trees. Other nuts combine only one or two of these features, not all three. A serving of walnuts (about 1 ounce or 7 nuts) is good anytime, but especially as a postworkout recovery snack.”
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April 18th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
everyone should be taking daily multivitamins in addition to eating right! after coming across this site on vitamin d i realized the importance of getting all the nutrients recommended for women daily. i didn’t know just how many diseases and conditions could be treated just by eating right and getting the right vitamins and minerals in my body!