Method To The Madness

 

Almonds

Almonds are rich source of vitamin E, calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. They also contain zinc, selenium, copper and niacin. Almonds are 13 percent protein and are also one of the best whole food sources of vitamin E, with about one third of the daily value per ounce. One-quarter cup of almonds contains about 18 grams of fat, of which 11 grams are heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Regular consumption helps to increase the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and they reduce the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL). The mono-unsaturated fats, protein and potassium contained in almonds are all instrumental in heart health.

Apple

Apples are a natural diuretic that is high in dietary fiber, pectin and polyphenols, also have significant amounts of flavonoids and phytochemicals that protect cells from damage, reducing the risk of heart disease. Apples contain many minerals and vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, iron, niacin and potassium. As a natural laxative, apples induce bowel movements, increasing intestinal muscle's ability to push toxins out of the gastrointestinal tract.

Banana

Eating bananas could help lower blood pressure and reduce the risks of cancer and asthma. Bananas are rich in a mineral called potassium. This mineral is important as it helps maintain fluid levels in the body and regulates the movement of nutrients and waste products in and out of cells. One serving of banana contains 110 calories, 30 grams of carbohydrate and 1 gram of protein. Bananas are naturally free of fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

Beets

Beets are rich in fiber, antioxidants and high complexcarbohydrates. Contributing to cardiovascular health, stamina and the stimulation of red blood cells, beets promote regularity in the body. Beets are rich in naturally occurring nitrates which are converted into nitric oxide in your body. Nitric oxide, in turn, helps to relax and dilate your blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. Beets are known to boost your stamina. This benefit is thought to also be related to nitrates turning into nitric oxide, which may reduce the oxygen cost of lowintensity exercise as well as enhance tolerance to high-intensity exercise. Made up of many essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, iron, folic acid, copper, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, beets are beneficial as a liver tonic and blood builder.

Black Pepper

Nutritional Profile. Black pepper is an excellent source of manganese and vitamin K, a very good source of copper and dietary fiber, and a good source of iron, chromium and calcium.

Blueberries

Vitamin C, vitamin A, and various phytonutrients in blueberries function as powerful antioxidants that help protect cells against free radical damage. These antioxidants inhibit tumor growth, decrease inflammation in the body and help ward off or slow several types of cancer. Blueberries contain special groups of antioxidants called carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin etc.), flavonoids (like rutin, resveratrol, quercetin etc.), and other antioxidant compounds like vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, selenium, zinc and phosphorus, which are all very beneficial and essential for ocular health.

Cacao Nibs

Cacao nibs are the least processed and most natural form of chocolate. The lack of processing and sugars do give them a bit of an acquired taste as they have a distinctive bitter but somewhat nutty flavor. There is a huge amount of fiber in just a one ounce serving of cacao nibs. 9 grams! This can help control your blood pressure and blood glucose levels. This fiber can also help lower blood cholesterol as well as helping keep bowel movements regular. A one ounce serving of cacao nibs has 64 milligrams of magnesium making it one of the best dietary sources of it. Chocolate and cacao help stimulate the brain into releasing neurotransmitters that can trigger feel good hormones. One of those unique neurotransmitters released by cacao is phenylethylamine. This "love drug" releases endorphins giving us alertness, contentment and a better sense of well-being.

Cacao Powder

Raw cacao powder contains more than 300 different chemical compounds and nearly four times the antioxidant power of your average dark chocolate - more than 20 times than that of blueberries. Protein, calcium, carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, magnesium, sulfur, flavonoids, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids are also present. The precise blend of all these elements combined serve to kick in naturally occurring phytochemicals that have incredible benefits throughout the body, such as lowered LDL cholesterol, improved heart function, and reduced cancer risk.

Carrot

Carrots are rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants and beta carotene. Contributing to vision, bone growth and reproduction, one single carrot offers more than the daily dietary requirement for vitamin A for adults. Made up of various minerals, this vegetable is high in calcium, copper, manganese, potassium, and phosphorus. Furthermore, carrots also produce white blood cells that help regulate the immune system by destroying bacteria that cause infections and illnesses. The high level of beta-carotene in carrots acts as an antioxidant to cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism. It helps slows down the aging of cells.

Cashew

Although cashews are one of the lowest-fiber nuts, they are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Research shows that eating more nuts, such as cashews, can lower your risk for cardiovascular disease. This may occur by reducing blood pressure and "bad" cholesterol levels. Other vitamins and minerals in nuts, like potassium, vitamins E and B6, and folic acid, also help to fight heart disease. The copper and iron in cashews work together to help the body form and utilize red blood cells. Two servings of nuts a day is helpful in fighting against diabetes, and cancer.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne contains vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin K, carotenoids and the complete B complex. As well as a source of calcium, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber. Cayenne helps to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and helps to dissolve fibrin, which causes the formation of blood clots. It also provides detox support due to its ability to stimulate circulation and eliminate acidity. Cayenne pepper restores the circulatory system by opening the capillaries and regulating blood sugar; it also helps the digestive system that moves bacteria and toxins out of the body. Cayenne pepper also increases body temperature and boosts your metabolism.

Celery

Celery is a natural cleanser rich in folic acid, iron and vitamin C. Actively regulating the digestive system, this vegetable softens stools and induces a normalcy of bowel movements. Celery contains many nutritional properties including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins A, B1 and B2. Enhancing the activity of white blood cells, celery contains coumarin which is a class of antioxidants that have been used to fight cancer. Celery juice also aids in breaking the elimination of urinary and gall bladder stones.

Chia Seeds

One ounce (about 2 tablespoons) contains 139 calories, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates and 11 grams of fiber, plus vitamins and minerals. Chia seeds are relatively high in protein – so are a useful source of plant protein and provide a range of amino acids, particularly for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Cinnamon

One of the most well-known benefits of cinnamon is its control over blood sugar levels in the body. When cinnamon is added to your food, it can chemically slow the process of emptying your stomach, which is what happens when you consume simple sugars from basic carbohydrates. Cinnamon reduces the major influx of glucose into the bloodstream, which can overwhelm the insulin receptors of the body and cause imbalanced glucose levels, which is what causes diabetic spikes and drops. By helping to regulate the insulin and glucose balance in the body, cinnamon can be both a preventative measure and an effective treatment for diabetes.

Coconut

A medium-sized nut carrying 400 g edible meat and some 30-150 ml of water may provide almost all the daily-required essential minerals, vitamins, and energy of an averagesized individual. The important saturated fatty acid in the coconut is lauric acid (1:12 carbon fatty acid). Lauric acid increases good-HDL cholesterol levels in the blood. Research studies suggest that cytokinins (e.g., kinetin and trans-zeatin) in coconut water showed significant anti-ageing, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic effects. The kernel is an excellent source of minerals such as copper, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc. It is also a very good source of Bcomplex vitamins such as folates, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, and pyridoxine. Coconut meat and water contain a good amount of potassium.

Coconut Milk

Coconuts are highly nutritious and rich in fibre, vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 and minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. It has lactose free so can be used as a milk substitute by those with lactose intolerance. Coconut milk provides fat that is mostly in the form of medium chain saturated fatt acids (MCFAs) in particular, one called lauric acid. Lauric acid is converted in the body into a highly beneficial compound called monolaurin, an antiviral and antibacterial that destroys a wide variety of disease causing.

Cucumber

Cucumber juice is a diuretic that is high in fiber, protein, and calcium. Contributing to the regulation of the body and blood pressure, cucumbers remove the body waste and toxins. The benefits of cucumbers are mainly found in its skin, which includes vitamins A, C, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, molybdenum and silica. Containing high alkaline levels, cucumbers regulate the body's blood pH and neutralizes acidity. Cucumbers contain multiple B vitamins, including vitamin B1, vitamin B5, and vitamin B7 (biotin). B vitamins are known to help ease feelings of anxiety and buffer some of the damaging effects of stress.

Sea Salt

Sea Salt or Pink Himalayan Sea Salt contains over 84 minerals and trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron. There are many awesome health benefits of Himalayan salt such as Improves respiratory problems and balances body's pH. As a natural source of sodium, Himalayan salt provides an essential mineral for healthy bodily functions. Sodium helps to regulate blood volume and thus blood pressure, as well as helping to control muscle contractions, nerve transmissions and heart functions. It also contains traces of boron, fluoride, iodine, zinc, selenium and copper, all of which are necessary for bodily health.

Dates

Copper, magnesium, manganese, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), niacin, pantothenic acid, and riboflavin are also present in dates. Dietary fiber in dates helps to move waste smoothly through your colon and helps prevent LDL (bad) cholesterol absorption by binding with substances containing cancer-causing chemicals. Potassium, an electrolyte, helps control your heart rate and blood pressure. Bvitamins contained in dates, such as the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, absorb into the retina to maintain optimal light-filtering functions and protect against macular degeneration.

Ginger

Ginger root is a diuretic that is high in antioxidants, protein and calcium. A remedy for travel sickness, nausea, and indigestion, ginger root is excellent for inducing circulation throughout the body. Ginger root contains many vitamins and minerals including vitamins E, C, K, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium, containing anti-inflammatory properties, ginger root has more than twelve types of antioxidants, making it a great treatment for a variety of disorders, and has also been used to treat rheumatic and inflammatory conditions.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids) and vitamin C. It is also a good source of pantothenic acid, copper, dietary fiber, potassium, biotin and vitamin B1. Grapefruit also contains phytochemicals including liminoids and lycopene.

Kale

Kale is a leafy vegetable that is high in antioxidant s, and omega 3 fatty acids. Similar to the members of the Brassica family, kale contains phytochemicals that regulate the immune system. Containing many essential vitamins and minerals, kale is a great source of calcium, manganese, copper, iron, potassium, vitamins A, C and K. As a source of the natural antioxidant carotenoid and the phytonutrient lutein, kale flushes out toxins in the body by stimulating the liver detox enzymes.Kale is used in the treatment against cancer, due to this vegetable's high content of antioxidants.

Lemon

Lemons are an ellipsoidal yellow fruit that is high in protein, citric acid and dietary fiber. As a natural diuretic, lemon juice effectively breaks down fat and grease in the stomach, then flushes it out of the urinary and digestive systems. Lemons are very nutritious and contain iron, potassium, magnesium, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamins A, C and B6. Containing potent antioxidants called limonoids, lemons strengthen and improve immune system. Used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lemons neutralize free radicals in the body preventing many forms of cancer.

Maca

Maca is a relative of the radish and has an odor similar to butterscotch. Its root is used to make medicine. People take maca by mouth for "tired blood" (anemia); chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS); and enhancing energy, stamina, athletic performance, and memory.

Mangos

Mangoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamin B6, as well as a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Mangoes supply 1,785 IU of vitamin A in a 1 cup serving. This is about 35 percent of the vitamin A your body needs daily for good health. 1 cup also provides 60 mg per of Vitamin C. Adult women need about 75 mg of vitamin C a day and men need about 90 mg. Mangos are rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium and copper, and they are one of the best sources of quercetin, beta carotene, and astragalin. These powerful antioxidants have the power to neutralize free radicals throughout the body.

Mint

Mint is a great appetizer or palate cleanser, and it promotes digestion. It also soothes stomachs in cases of indigestion or inflammation. The strong and refreshing aroma of mint is a quick and effective remedy for nausea. The strong aroma of the herb is very effective in clearing up congestion of the nose, throat, bronchi and lungs, which gives relief from respiratory disorders that often result from asthma and the common cold. Mint is a natural stimulant and it has germicidal qualities and quickly freshens breath, it adds to oral health by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth inside the mouth and by cleaning the tongue and teeth.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg are high in content of vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds related to the essential oils. These beneficial components include dietary fiber, manganese, thiamin, Vitamin B, folate, magnesium, copper, and macelignan. Most of maca root's benefits are attributed to its ability to help restore sexual, endocrine (hormonal), and mental health.

Orange

Oranges are high in fiber, calcium and antioxidants. As a natural diuretic, they are great for the digestive system and for relieving constipation. Stimulating the production of white blood cells, oranges aid the immune system and prevents illnesses. Oranges contain many essential vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin B6, folate, potassium and thiamin. Furthermore, oranges greatly reduce cholesterol due to an alkaloid found in the orange peel. This fruit is also used to treat several diseases like asthma, arthritis, bronchitis, rheumatism and diabetes.

Hemp Seeds

Hemp Seeds have high levels of Zinc, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, iron, and fiber. Also, hemp seed contains 21 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Furthermore, it is composed of a large number of edible oils and a variety of essential fats in the body, including a rare form of omega- 6 called GLA (gamma linoleic acid). Two tablespoons of hemp seed serve up 90 calories and six grams of fat. That two-tablespoon serving size offers two grams of fiber, five grams of protein, 300 mg of potassium, 15 percent of your vitamin-A requirement and 25 percent of your daily iron needs. It's hard to find another food that nutrient- dense.

Pineapple

Pineapples' nutritional benefits are as fascinating as their anatomy. Pineapples contain high amounts of vitamin C and manganese. These tropical treats are also a good way to get important dietary fiber and bromelain (an enzyme). As well as having high amounts of manganese, which is important for antioxidant defenses, pineapples also contain high amounts of thiamin, a B vitamin that is involved in energy production.

Pumpkin Seeds

One-quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium. Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc (one ounce contains more than 2 mg of this beneficial mineral). Pumpkin seeds are one of the best sources of plantbased omega-3s (alpha-linolenic acid or ALA). Research suggests that both pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin seeds may be particularly beneficial in supporting prostate health, may help improve insulin regulation and help prevent diabetic complications by decreasing oxidative stress, and may provide benefits for heart and liver health, particularly when mixed with flax seeds.

Strawberry

The strawberry is called 'the queen of fruits' in Asian countries because it's packed with health benefits. The red coloring contains anthocyanins, which stimulate the burning of stored fat. The anthocyanins boost short term memory by 100 percent in eight weeks. Strawberrieslower blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a signal of inflammation in the body. Flavonoids — which are responsible for the colour and flavour of strawberries — lower the risk for heart disease. Strawberries contain potassium, vitamin K and magnesium which are important for bone health. Strawberries are filled with biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails. They also contain the antioxidant ellagic acid, which protects the elastic fibers in our skin to prevent sagging.

Turmeric

One of the most well-known applications of turmeric is as an anti-inflammatory agent. The active ingredients in turmeric are extensive, but a particularly crucial compound is curcumin. This substance has received considerable attention in the medical community due to its potent anti-inflammatory abilities. Consuming turmeric is often suggested for the reduction of arthritic pain, gout, and muscle pain following exercise or injury. Turmeric can achieve this relief in either topical form or when normally consumed. Curcumin boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in the brain. Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to lead to various improvements in the pathological process of Alzheimer's disease.

Vanilla

Vanilla have an incredibly pleasant taste and aroma, but it contains a huge number of health benefits with a relatively low calorie impact. Vanilla is rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent the breakdown of cells and tissues around the body, and stimulate the body's natural regrowth. Vanilla products also exhibit antibacterial properties. The antibacterial nature of this remedy means that it can protect your immune system and lower stress on the body, making it much easier to recover from injury or illness. The antioxidants present in this remedy's extract, particularly the high concentration of vanillin, can prevent the negative effects of free radicals, such as cancer and chronic disease.