In 400BC, Hippocrates was known to have said, “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
What he was essentially saying is, eating the correct foods can help the body restore its internal balance, maintain a healthy weight, fight disease, and heal itself.
He knew, way back in 400BC, that the natural foods around us would not only help to keep us healthy but also assist in fighting disease. Why is it then that in 2020, we are so uninformed about foods that heal? Do you believe in the healing power of food? Let’s examine two foods that contain a lot of the minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that our body needs to heal itself.
The Healing Properties Of Raspberries
Raspberries are sweet, juicy and rich in color. Most commonly seen in red or black, they can also be found in hues of purple, yellow or golden. Each variation is rich in its own combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Antioxidants help the body to eliminate toxins and free radicals, that cause cell damage and result in health issues. Raspberries contain the antioxidants:
- Vitamin C and E
- Selenium
- Beta Carotene
- Lutein
- Lycopene and
- Zeaxanthin
Raspberries also contain chemicals called flavonoids, that have antioxidant effects.
Raspberries Help To Prevent Disease Progression
If you have a family history of illness, there is a strong likelihood that you could succumb to the same illness. Raspberries have been known to assist in the prevention or progression of the following diseases:
- Heart disease – the flavonoids anthocyanins prevent inflammation that could cause heart disease. The antioxidants that raspberries contain, lower blood pressure and prevent plaque build-up in the arteries. Raspberries also help to lower LDL Cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) that is directly responsible for heart disease.
- Constipation – The fiber in raspberries plays a huge role in preventing constipation and other related bowel disorders.
- Diabetes – The antioxidants and flavonoids in raspberries help to fight inflammation, a big risk factor in type 2 diabetes, and increase insulin sensitivity.
- Eye health – The antioxidant zeaxanthin filters out harmful blue rays and helps prevent age-related macular degeneration.
- Cancer – The antioxidants in raspberries play a role in preventing, among others, lung and esophageal cancers.
- Brain and neurological health – Thinking and remembering information, also benefit from the antioxidants in raspberries.
Other Reasons Raspberries Are Good For You:
- The antioxidant Ellagic Acid helps prevent wrinkles and skin aging caused by sun damage.
- Vitamin C is very important in the production of collagen. Collagen is vital for joint and skin health, and wound healing.
- Vitamin K is important for blood clotting.
- Folate is vital for cell division, especially in the unborn child.
The Healing Properties Of Blackberries
Grown on brambles/a thorny bush, blackberries are native to Europe but are found all year round in the United States. They too are a natural food source that contains numerous vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that have enormous health benefits.
What Disease Fighting Properties Do Blackberries Contain?
Blackberries contain numerous properties that prevent some diseases, and the progression of others.
- Vitamin C – assists in the production of collagen and neurotransmitters, which play a vital role in wound healing. Vitamin C is a key element needed in the absorption of iron.
- Fiber – Fiber is a type of carbohydrate. There are two types of carbohydrates, soluble (dissolves in water) which plays a role in lowering cholesterol and maintaining blood sugar, and insoluble (does not dissolve in water) which supports healthy digestion, keeps bowel movements regular and nourishes healthy gut bacteria. Blackberries contain both soluble and insoluble carbohydrates.
- Antioxidants – Blackberries have a high amount of anthocyanins to fight the adverse impact of free radicals that cause skin aging cell damage, cancer and heart disease.
- Vitamin K – Blackberries are an excellent source of vitamin K, which is very necessary for blood clotting/wound healing.
- Vitamin A – The immune system that fights infection and illness, relies heavily on Vitamin A. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of healthy teeth, bones and healthy skin, and it produces pigments in the retina of the eye (helps vision in dim lighting)
- Manganese – This mineral is very necessary for bone and immune system development, the formation of collagen, and the prevention of osteoporosis.
- Blackberries also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that act against bacteria that cause oral cavities and gum disease.
Raspberries and blackberries are only two of many natural foods that contain healing properties. Contact Supreme Science Qigong Center and be sure to buy our new 2020 edition of “Food Healing” for more valuable health-related information.
