Foods That Helps Fight Diseases

Foods That Helps Fight Diseases


The Fight Against Diseases
What you eat has major implications for your health. The nourishment you derive from food fuels your body for it to function properly, repair itself, and ward off diseases.
Ideally, you should consume a well-balanced diet that fulfills all your nutritional requirements without adding too much to your calorie intake.

Healthy eating is one of the best interventions for boosting your immunity and reducing the risk of chronic ailments such as diabetes, heart problems, cancer, and obesity, among many others.

What Foods Can Help Prevent and Fight Off Diseases?
Here is a list of specific foods that can help counter particular diseases:

1. Lemon for obesity

One flavonoid found in citrus fruits such as lemon called naringin has displayed strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This compound may assist in lipid (fat) metabolism.

There are studies looking at its effect on metabolic syndrome, which involves high blood sugar levels, high cholesterol levels, and overweight/obesity.

Additionally, citric acid, which is present in lemon juice, may stimulate saliva, which is the starting point of digestion.

2. Turmeric for arthritis

Turmeric and its active component curcumin have long been used in a wide variety of anti-inflammatory interventions, one of which is for the pain of osteoarthritis.

A recent review of randomized controlled trials showed that turmeric was as effective as pain medication for arthritis pain.

3. Beets for anemia

There are a couple of ways beets help with anemia. They are a great source of folate and iron, providing 20% and 4% of your daily value, respectively. Both folate and iron are nutrients that help build blood.

Iron deficiency anemia is a specific form of anemia wherein a lack of iron in the body makes it difficult for the blood to bind oxygen properly.

Beets contain nitrates that are known to expand the blood vessels and thereby increase blood flow throughout the body. The higher volume of blood will inadvertently carry more oxygen to the organs and tissue.

4. Yogurt for high blood pressure


Studies have shown that dairy and dairy fats, such as low-fat yogurt, are associated with a lower risk of high blood pressure.

Why? The answer lies in the makeup of dairy fat. Up to 30% is monounsaturated fat, 4% is polyunsaturated fat, and 4% can be conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), an omega-6 fat.

All of these types of fats have separately been shown to be heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory fats.

5. Berries for diabetes


Berries are full of fiber and get their sweetness from natural sugars, both of which help lower the glycemic load on the body to prevent major blood sugar spikes.

Blueberries in particular, and specifically the anthocyanins in them, have been shown in clinical studies to improve insulin sensitivity and lower insulin resistance, which is a major component of type 2 diabetes. 

6. Green tea for high cholesterol


Green tea has been shown in a review of randomized trials to improve high cholesterol, particularly LDL (bad) cholesterol. The reason for this is a plant phenol called EGCG, a major component of green tea.

Separate clinical reviews have established that this compound has a wide range of anti-cardiovascular disease compounds, including being anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-atherosclerosis (plaque buildup), which can happen with high cholesterol.

7. Garlic for weak immunity


Garlic has previously been shown to reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. It also helps the immune system in other ways.

Garlic extract can boost T-cells so your body will recognize the disease. Plus, it contains sulfur, which facilitates the absorption of another immunity booster – zinc – in the body.

8. Bananas for diarrhea


Bananas are low in fiber, but the fiber they contain is insoluble, namely, pectin. This type of fiber helps bulk up stool and is prebiotic.

The potassium in bananas can help with potential dehydration due to liquid stool. Banana flakes are sometimes used clinically to help with diarrhea.

9. Walnut for brain health


Several studies have presented evidence that walnuts, which are a source of ALA, an omega-9 fatty acid, can improve cognitive impairment and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

In people with Alzheimer’s disease, a brain protein called amylo-beta protein is affected, causing inflammation, and nuts such as walnuts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Other foods

Eggs and foods that are yellow and orange contain lutein, which helps fight diseases of the eye. Teas and spicy foods may help fight off colds. Ginger can help with nausea.

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