BRAZIL NUTS

             Brazil nuts are quickly becoming one of the hottest foods for improving health, longevity, and sexual performance. It is a healthy food that can successfully reduce the chance of many conditions. 

             Brazil nuts provide with phosphorus, magnesium, copper, manganese and selenium. Selenium is a mineral that has mood boosting properties that can help reduce anxiety, fatigue, and depression. Selenium’s antioxidant properties decrease the aging of the skin. Studies are showing that selenium fights inflammation and also fortifies the immune system to protect against bacterial infection, viral infection and cancer: "the higher the selenium, the lower the rates of breast cancer". Brazil nuts contain ellagic acid, a compound that blocks enzymes that are necessary for the growth of cancer cells. They also contain vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cancer, heart disease, strokes, cataracts, and possibly some of the signs of aging. Additionally, brazil nuts are a good source of thiamine (formerly known as vitamin B1) that is involved in many body functions such as nervous system function, muscle function, digestive system function, and carbohydrate metabolism. The high levels of protein and fiber content in these nuts help to control hunger and thereby losing weight.                        
             Brazil nuts are a very rich source of omega-6 fatty acids that can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, lower the level of cholesterol, and thereby reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Brazil nuts contain a high level of zinc and hence can be helpful for anyone having a zinc deficiency or a health condition for zinc deficiency such as Acrodermatitis enteropathica.  
WARNING: Too much selenium, can be toxic. Half a dozen of Brazil Nuts contains around 800 micrograms of selenium.The tolerable upper limit for adults has been set at 400 micrograms per day  Eat up to 3 Brazil nuts a day to avoid the selenium poisoning and no more than three or four times a week.   

MY USES

I eat raw Brazil nuts as a snack. I also combine Brazilian nuts with cabbage, kale, collard greens or any other  source of sulforaphane because the combination of this two cancer fighters (selenium and sulforaphane) makes then 13 times more powerful than each one alone. 

BANANA

          Exist over 1000 types of bananas in the world that are grouped into two categories: the dessert bananas and the called plantains.

          Bananas contain calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, iron, phosphorus, potassium, folate, thiamin, betaine, alfa-carotene, beta-carotene, choline, sodium, fluoride, copper, selenium, dietary fiber as well as vitamins A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin K.

             Banana prevents and combats asthma, anemia, heartburn, ulcers, stress, improves eyesight,  bone health, kidney health, normalize blood pressure, reduce depression, enhance nerve functions and constipation. The compounds alfa carotene, beta-carotene, melatonin and dopamine found in banana may also prevent diabetes, heart disease and inhibit the development of some types of cancers, such as leukemia, brain cancer, renal cell carcinoma, oral cancer, esophageal cancer and colorectal cancer. A study in China found that high banana consumption was associated with lower risk of breast cancer.

             As the banana ripens, it's antioxidant levels rise, increasing white blood cells and boosting the immune system. The riper the banana, the better the anti-cancer quality because the dark spots produce a substance called Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) that interferes with the growth and spread of tumor cells and triggers apoptosis (cell death). 

MY USES

 I add a banana to my daily smoothies. 

BRUSSELS SPROUTS

           Brussels sprouts supply loads of nutrients, several flavonoid antioxidants, a small amount of calories and zero cholesterol. Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, B, C, E and K that helps protect the human body by trapping harmful free radicals. The sulfur contained in brussels sprouts also aids in detoxifying the body. They are also a rich source of minerals like manganese, iron, calcium, copper, phosphorus and potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling blood pressure and heart rate. Iron is required for red blood cell formation and cellular oxidation.

           Brussels sprouts increase energy, lower weight, improve bone health, maintain vision and improve skin texture. It reduces the risk of many diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, anemia, Alzheimer, and cancer. Some phytochemicals in brussels sprouts are effective immune modulator and defend against all types of cancer inducing cancer cells death.

MY USES

          To bring the best flavor from this cruciferous vegetable is important to never overcook. I cook broiled or sauteed Brussels sprouts, a healthy side dish to accompany fish, rice or quinoa.

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BELL PEPPER

            Bell pepper have several types and colors. We can find varieties in green, red, yellow,   orange, brown, purple and black colors. Bell pepper color red or green is a good source of vitamin C that is a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the body against the destructive effects of free radicals. 

            The combination of bell pepper antioxidants, along with their high levels of flavonoids, folate, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin E, dietary fiber and over 30 carotenoids, make bell peppers one of the most effective weapons against cancer. Sweet bell pepper contains small levels of capsaicin that laboratory studies suggest that has anti-carcinogenic, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic and analgesic properties. Several Korean studies have found an association between bell pepper consumption and lower incidence of breast cancer. Also, a flavonoid
component of bell pepper called "Apigenin", has potent growth-inhibitory effect in the type HER2/neu-overexpressing breast cancer. 

           Bell pepper has very few calories, a property that can help reduce cholesterol levels in obese individuals. Bell pepper contains good levels of iron, copper, zinc, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and selenium that are essential minerals to promote health and prevent diseases such as cardiovascular disease, eye disorders, and diabetes. 

           

 MY USES

 I use raw bell pepper to make salsas and smoothies.

 I add chopped bell peppers to quinoa, brown rice, soups, and omelets.
 I eat grill bell peppers together with fish, chicken or turkey.

BASIL

          Basil is considered one of the healthiest herbs in the world. 

There are more than 60 different types of basil. The most common basil herb has a strong scent and it is the principal ingredient in pesto souse.

          Basil contain a wide range of essential oils and is rich in vitamin A, C, K, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron. In India is used in ayurvedic medicine. Research indicate that there may be several health benefits associated with basil. It has anti-bacteria, antifungal, antimicrobial and 

anti-inflammatory properties. It is also antioxidant as contains flavonoids that give it the most healthy benefits protecting the DNA. It may be useful to in treating type 2 diabetes, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, helps prevent cholesterol, prevent atherosclerosis, blood clotting, heart attacks, and stroke. The medicine herb reduces swelling and can prevent the harmful effects of aging. 

          Basil extract is highly effective in inhibiting carcinogens in lung cancer, prostate cancer. and liver cancer. It is an excellent source of the carotenoid lutein that is associated with the reduction of breast cancer risk. Basil induce apoptosis (a form of cell death),in both triple-negative breast cancer cells (ER, PR & HER 2) and in hormone receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer cells.

MY USES

During summer I maintain a potted basil indoors and the rest of the year at the balcony. I cut few leafs from organic Basil plant as it's best when is fresh.

Only a few leafs of basil transform my simple dishes like a sandwich, wrap, soup, and fish. 

BLACK WALNUT

            Black Walnut or Juglans Nigra, has been used for centuries to expel various types of worms and kill more that 100 type of parasites that live in the digestive tract. It oxygenates the blood, which also helps kill parasites. Many alternative medicine doctors like Dr. Clark, claim parasite cleansing is a cure for cancer and  HIV because they believe an intestinal fluke causes these diseases. She says that in every case of cancer she studied, the patient had this same parasite. Her research shows that when you kill the flukes, cancer stops immediately and tissues become normal. Black Walnut reduces blood sugar levels and helps the body to get rid of toxins. Sugar and toxins feed cancer so this incredible supplement is very helpful in the process of healing cancer. It against candida (yeast infection) and may have anti-tumor effects causing cancer cells to self-destruct. Black Walnut contains essential fatty acids, minerals, protein and tannin. Some herbalistic practitioners recommend this natural remedy to treat sore throats, skin irritation, acne, eczema, malaria and minor digestive problems. 

            Juglans Nigra is recommended for travelers who are going to areas with contaminated water.

MY USES

I take liquid Black Walnut extract. Following the directions on the bottle, I add 30 drops in a
glass of water, 2 or 3 times per day until I finish the bottle. Then I stop for a long period of time. Black Walnut also comes in capsules and tablets (Is good to read the contraindications and warnings before using this product).

BERRIES

           The anti-cancer potential of berries has become a major focus of scientific research over the past decades. New research links the consumption of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries and strawberries with the prevention of cancer. Not only do berries taste delicious, they are hiding a nutritional secret that could help avoid many chronic diseases including cancer. 
           There are many cancer-fighting nutrients that can be found in all type of berries
including vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, fiber, folate, flavonoids, and ellagic acid. Various studies have demonstrates that people who consume food high in ellagic acid are three times less likely to develop cancer when compared with those who consume very little or no ellagic acid.There’s a unique combination of health-promoting chemicals in all berries that a pill can never replace. It contains a lot of antioxidants that may slow or prevent the development of cancer.

Blueberries are low in fat, packed with vitamin C, and an excellent source of manganese. Blueberries are the most powerful sources of antioxidants and cancer-fighting phytochemicals
such as anthocyanosis and resveratrol that are one of the most potent antioxidants.
Blueberries may decrease the risk of diabetes, and heart disease, help lose weight and increase energy. 

Raspberries dark red color comes from flavonoids. These compounds work with fiber to promote health and disease prevention. Ellagic acid, found in raspberries (and in other berries) is being studied for anti-estrogen properties, especially beneficial for fighting ERP (Estrogen Receptor Positive) Breast Cancer. The other compound called raspberry ketone is associated  with the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Strawberries are also good sources of antioxidants, folic acid, and vitamin C. Some of the health benefits of strawberries include: reduce the signs of premature aging, improve the immune system function, relief high blood pressure, promote eye, heart and brain health. 

Blackberries: The phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, and minerals found in blackberries help to strength the immune system, promote healthy skin, healthy eyes, and reduce cancer risk.  

MY USES:

I add berries to my daily smoothies and cereals.

BROCCOLI SPROUTS

            Broccoli has a natural Cancer fighter compound called sulforaphane. One ounce of broccoli sprouts contains more sulforaphane than two pounds of regular broccoli.   
            Broccoli sprouts are young broccoli plants that are three to four days old and looks like alfalfa sprouts. They are low in calories, rich in proteins and full of powerful phytochemicals like sulforaphane that help to detoxify carcinogenic substances from the body and reduce Cancer risk. These compounds also act as an antioxidant to stimulate the ability of human cells to eliminate environmental toxins, protect against bacterial infections, against oxidative damage and fight many other diseases. Broccoli sprouts can be eaten raw or steamed like other green vegetables. Broccoli sprouts also can be found as a supplement. Broccoli sprouts extract contains ingredients that may decrease the risk of many cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer stomach cancer, and bladder cancer. Studies suggest that the plant or the supplement can slow the growth of tumors and reduce cancerous cells. 


MY USES:


I like broccoli sprouts on my salads, wraps, and daily smoothies.