Foods that Cure

Common
Illnesses and
Diseases

Basil
Cure for: Tummy troubles
Studies suggest that eugenol, a compound in basil, can keep your gut safe from pain,
nausea, cramping, or diarrhea by killing off bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria. Eugenol
even has an antispasmodic property that can keep cramps at bay, says Mildred Mattfeldt-Beman,
PhD, chair of the department of nutrition and dietetics at Saint Louis University. Use minced
fresh basil in sauces or salads.
 Pear
Cure for: High cholesterol
One medium pear has 5 g of dietary fiber, much of it in the form of pectin, which helps
flush out bad cholesterol, a risk factor in heart disease.

Buckwheat Honey
Cure for: Coughing
In a study at Pennsylvania State University, 2 teaspoons of thick, dark brown honey were
more effective than OTC cough medicines at limiting the severity and frequency of a cough in
children. Honey's antioxidants and antimicrobial properties may soothe inflamed throat tissues,
says John La Puma, MD, director of Chef Clinic in California.

Cabbage
Cure for: Ulcers
A 2002 study at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine found that sulforaphane, a
powerful compound in cabbage, clobbers H. pylori (the bacteria that causes gastric and peptic
ulcers) before it can get to your gut, and may even help inhibit the growth of gastric tumors. For
only 34 calories a cup, cabbage provides 3 g of fiber and 75% of the day's vitamin C.

Turkey
Cure for: Sleepless nights
A 3-ounce serving of turkey has nearly all the tryptophan (an essential amino acid that
helps the body produce serotonin and melatonin, hormones that regulate sleep) you need in a
day, says La Puma. Studies show that people who suffer from insomnia are deficient in
tryptophan

Figs
Cure for: Hemorrhoids
The 3g of fiber in four dried figs helps create soft, regular stools that will keep
hemorrhoids from returning, says Somer. Figs also provide about 5 percent of daily potassium
and 10 percent of manganese.

Orange Juice / Orange

Cure for: Fatigue
The fructose in a 4-oz. glass is a perfect pick-me-up, says Gerbstadt. Some studies
suggest that vitamin C's ability to combat oxidative stress caused by free radicals may provide
energy, and the vitamin plays a key role in metabolizing iron, which helps your body move
energizing oxygen through your bloodstream, she adds.
 Garlic
Cure for: Yeast infection
Garlic contains essential oils that can inhibit the growth of the Candida albicans fungus,
the culprit in the pain, itch, and vaginal discharge of yeast infections, says Gerbstadt. Recent
studies suggest that thyme, cloves, and even the essential oils from oranges are also effective
fungicides, she adds. Include garlic in sauces, salad dressings, and marinades.

Chamomile Tea
Cure for: Heartburn
"Chamomile can ease digestive inflammation, spasms, and gas," says Dale Bellisfield,
RN, a clinical herbalist in New Jersey. Steep 2 teaspoons of the herb in 10 oz. of very hot water
for 20 minutes, covering the cup to keep the essential oils in the water. You may have to drink
the tea a few times a day for complete relief.

Potatoes
Cure for: Headache
The 37 g of carbs in a medium potato can ease a tension headache by upping serotonin
levels, as long as you keep the fat and protein below 2 grams.

Apples
Cure for: Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Cancer, Diabetes
Apples are the richest fruit source of pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to lower
blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, decrease the risk of colon and breast cancers, and maybe even
lessen the severity of diabetes.

Avocados
Cure for: Heart Diseases
Just one half of a medium-size avocado contains more than 4 grams of fiber and
15% of your recommended daily folate intake. Cholesterol-free and rich in monounsaturated fats
and potassium, avocados are also a powerhouse for heart health.

Flaxseed
Cure for: Cholesterol, Heart Attack, Cancer
Not only does flaxseed lower blood cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack, but it
is also a rich source of lignin, a powerful antioxidant that may be a powerful ally against disease
and certain cancers, especially breast cancer. Just 2 tablespoons of ground seeds (which are
digested more efficiently than whole seeds) contain about 20% of the recommended daily fiber*
intake and more than 100% of the recommended intake for inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty
acids. One word of caution: Incorporate flaxseed into your diet gradually as it can have a laxative
effect.
 Pumpkins
Cure for: Lung Cancer, High Blood Pressure
This hearty, fiber-rich squash is packed with beta-carotene (converted to vitamin A in the
body), which reduces the risk of developing lung cancer. The antioxidant activity of this vitamin
combined with potassium, which may help prevent high blood pressure, makes it a nutritional
superstar.

Quinoa
Cure for: Migraine, High Blood Pressure, Heart Attack
Packed with a variety of nutrients, including iron and copper, it's no wonder the Incas
deemed this ancient seed "the mother of all grains." Quinoa contains all the essential amino
acids, making it a complete protein (perfect for vegans and vegetarians). It is also a great source
of magnesium, which relaxes blood vessels and has been found to reduce the frequency of
migraines. Researchers have found that consuming dietary fiber, specifically from whole-grain
products such as quinoa, reduces the risk of high blood pressure and heart attack.

Spinach
Cure for: Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease
Powerful antioxidants in spinach have been found to combat a variety of cancers,
including ovarian, breast, and colon cancers. And it's good for the noggin: Research indicates
that spinach reduces the decline in brain function associated with aging and protects the heart
from cardiovascular disease. Although it contains relatively high amounts of iron and calcium,
oxalate compounds bind to these minerals and diminish their absorption.