Sherri's Helpful Hints

More Healthy Foods

Leeks

A good source of dietary fiber, leeks also contain goodly amounts of folic acid, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. Easier to digest than standard onions, leeks have laxative, antiseptic, diuretic, and anti-arthritic properties.

Ginger

Ginger is an excellent natural remedy for nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness and general stomach upset due to its carminative effect which helps break up and expel intestinal gas. Some studies show ginger may also help prevent certain forms of cancer.

Ginger tea has been recommended to alleviate nausea in chemotherapy patients primarily because its natural properties do not interact in a negative way with other medications. It is a safe remedy for morning sickness, since it will not harm the fetus.

To make ginger tea, slice some ginger root, put it in a tea ball and place in a teapot. Pour boiling water over the tea ball and let it sit for ten minutes. Sweeten with honey or drink it straight.

In spite of it being a natural remedy, it is important that any medicinal use of ginger be discussed with a physician, as it must be taken in moderation to avoid gastric irritation.

Artichokes

Artichokes are low in calories, with only 60 calories for one medium cooked globe. They are naturally fat-free.

The artichoke is a natural diuretic, a digestive aid, and provides nutrition to health-promoting bacteria in the intestinal tract.

Some studies suggest that fresh artichokes help control blood-sugars in diabetics and lower cholesterol levels thus warding off arteriosclerosis.

Although artichokes have a high amount of natural sodium, they are still lower than most processed foods, and are also good sources of fiber, potassium and magnesium.

Bananas

Bananas can help cure or prevent hangovers. The main causes of hangovers are dehydration and depletion of potassium, both direct results of alcohol consumption.

Bananas are an excellent source of potassium (second only to the avocado) with over 450 mg. per one banana serving, as well as being high in magnesium, which can help relax those pounding blood vessels causing that nasty hangover headache.

Bananas also contain tryptophan, the same amino acid found in turkey that makes you sleepy, as well as high amounts of vitamin C.

Bananas are also a natural antacid and will get rid of a nasty case of heartburn in most cases.

Apples

There is a lot of truth in the old adage, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away."

Apples are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to reduce cholesterol. This pectin also appears to target "bad" cholesterol (LDL) according to recent tests. Eating two apples per day has dropped cholesterol levels in test subject humans by up to 16 percent.

Apples are also good for diabetics as the soluble fiber assists in regulating blood sugar, preventing a sudden increase or drop in serum sugar levels.

Apples are full of vitamins and minerals. There is no significant variation in the numbers between the different varieties. Most health benefits derive from eating the skin along with the flesh, so don't toss the peel!

One medium-sized raw, cored, unpeeled apple has only 80 calories.

Blueberries

Blueberries were prominent in Russian folk medicine, used as a preventative measure and cure for flux and other abdominal problems.

Native Americans used blueberry leaves in medicinal teas thought to be good for the blood and blueberry juice was used to treat coughs.

The blueberry is still prized for its antioxidant health benefits and as a laxative, as well as other folk remedies.

During World War II, British Royal Air Force pilots consumed bilberries (a blueberry relative), which purportedly improved their night vision. Later studies show a sound basis for this practice because blueberries are high in bioflavonoids which are used by the rods in the eye for night vision.

Blueberries rank as the number one fruit provider of antioxidants. They are also high in iron.