2014 was an astonishing year for those who promote and advocate healthy lifestyles and natural healing through nutrition and plant-based therapies. Many studies this past year led to the growing body of evidence that dietary therapy can have a positive effect on a number of conditions, including even serious ones like cancer, Alzheimer’s and cardiac disease.
It also appears that people in the general public are increasingly aware of the connection between certain foods and continued good health and that these foods became incredibly popular, not only for their delicious taste but for the benefits they were able to bring with them. The top five healing foods of 2014 are discussed below.
Turmeric
This deep gold Indian spice definitely stands out as one of the year’s top healing foods – and the buzz about it in the press, on social media and even in the healthcare profession, is continuing. The strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and its main active ingredient, curcumin, apparently are effective against a number of conditions. It has been tested for use in the treatment of pancreatic and breast cancer as well as Alzheimer’s, cardiac disease and chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis and preliminary results are hopeful. (1)
Garlic
While medicinal use of garlic dates back ancient times, it is only fairly recently that modern science is catching up to folk medicine and understanding the true benefits of this illustrious member of the allium family. The allicin in garlic has been found to be a power antimicrobial and to have cardio-protective benefits and fight against the development of cancer as well. Apart from that, as a detoxifier, garlic has few rivals and can efficiently remove many unwanted substances from the body. (2)
Dark Chocolate
This is probably the most enjoyable way to promote good health! Current research continues to uncover more amazing benefits of consuming dark chocolate every day. Its strong bioactive components have been liked to weight loss, reducing oxidative stress from free radicals, naturally treating depression, improving heart health and cognitive function and improving the health of the eyes and vision. It is no wonder why this is rapidly becoming America’s favorite sweet! (3)
Magnesium-Rich Foods
The buzz around magnesium-rich foods has also been growing as more people in the general public begin to understand just how important magnesium is for the overall health of the body – and just how deficient many people are in this vital nutrient. 2014 saw a rise in the consumption of many magnesium-rich foods like pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate and leafy greens and also in magnesium supplements to make up for this wide-spread lack in the American diet. (4)
Sesame Seeds
Once seen as just a condiment for Asian foods, 2014 saw sesame seeds coming into their own. This is because people are becoming more aware of the fact that sesame seeds bring with them a wealth of healthy benefits, including plant-based protein, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Also, sesame seed oil is being used increasingly in the Ayurvedic technique of oil-pulling, a method of detoxification increasingly popular with the American public. (5)
These five foods definitely represent the highlights of 2014 in regards to advances in knowledge about the power of foods to heal even the most serious health conditions.
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