10 best healthy foods we should not ignore (3)
Earlier we have been talking about the good effects of fresh fruits and vegetables. Today we will also look at some other amazing natural food items. One can find diversity in our Bangla food like our culture and climate. There is no doubt that our food is rich and delicious and spices are at the heart of our food to enhance appetite and taste. Let's talk about some very special food we should not ignore:
6. Cinnamon: Small amounts of cinnamon (darchini in bangle) have been used for long time. Cinnamon oil is used mostly as a flavouring agent in medicine. This is a great source of manganese, fibre, iron, and calcium. Some studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. It is a great way to help reduce the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that patients given small amount of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month. It has also an anti-clotting effect on the blood. Please remember — health risk can not be ruled out during high intake of cinnamon daily.
7. Black seed: Black seed is still known as one of 'all-time greatest source' of natural medicine. It has been used by millions of people all over the world to promote health and fight disease. This is known by a variety of different names like Kalojira in our country or Black cumin in English or Habbatul Barakah in Arabic appropriately meaning the seed of blessing. There are many nutrients found in black seed. They are vitamins, enzymes and traces of minerals including calcium, potassium, iron, and sodium. It contains 58 percent of essential fatty acids including omega 6 and omega 3 that are needed for balancing and strengthening the immune system. Besides its capacity to reduce inflammation and improve milk production in nursing mothers, it also strengthens the liver, kidney and increases the body's resistance against diseases. Its capacity to lower excess blood pressure and improve the heart conditions is also known. Its role for the treatment of the bronchial asthma and other respiratory illnesses and its antimicrobial activities (especially disease causing organisms like E. Coli and Staphylococcus etc.) are recently known.
8. Garlic: Garlic is native to Central Asia and has been cultivated for at least 5,000 years. A lot of articles have been written about garlic, an herb lovingly called "the stinking rose" in the light of its many therapeutic benefits. The French character for eating large quantities of garlic may account for them being so healthy. It is an effective detoxifier of blood and lymph in the body. It dilates the peripheral blood vessels resulting in lowering the blood pressure. This is high in iodine. Garlic-rich diet appears to protect against various cancers. Than again, eating too much raw garlic could produce problems, for example irritation of or even damage to the digestive tract.
9. Fatty fish and omega-3: Omega-3 oils have been called "the miracle food of the 21st century." Research shows, it can help to prevent heart disease, maintain optimum blood pressure and cholesterol levels and give almost immediate relief from joint pain, migraines, depression, autoimmune diseases and many other conditions. Omega-3 acids are found in fatty fish (Hilsa, Pangash, Katla, Carp, Salmon, Sardine). More recent research has established that fish oils play a crucial role in the management of depression. Clinical trials have shown that fish oil supplementation is helpful in the treatment of many disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and ulcerative colitis. Eat a variety of (preferably fatty) fish at least twice a week.
10. Honey: The 'superstar of drinks' is good for different diseases from cold to cardiac problems. There are three forms of honey — liquid, partially crystallised and granulated. Honey can be used as a food, preservative, or medicine. Honey diluted with water has been used to treat coughs and respiratory illnesses, inflammations and upset stomachs. Honey's anti-cough properties are related to its capacity to dilute bronchial secretions and improve function of the bronchial epithelium. Uncontaminated or pure honey is a natural, healthy, energy-rich and easily-digestible food. It is also effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It is found that a mixture of 'honey and cinnamon' or 'honey and apple cider vinegar' or sometimes 'honey and ginger' cures lots of diseases. In addition, honey is not for everybody. It is not advisable for babies less than one year of age.
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