Health
The list of health benefits derived from regular exercise is a long one, and science shows that just 30 minutes a day can already contribute to a happier, shapelier, more energised new you. A tiny bit of effort up front is all it takes to get the energy ball rolling. This is because exercise speeds up blood flow and your breathing rate, which in turn brings more oxygen to your heart, lungs, brain and muscles. You are never “too old” or “too set in your ways” to do something to improve your health. The real truth is that good health is a day-by-day commitment of eating right and exercising. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of clean, purified water. “It is health that is wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” Mahatma Gandhi 10 sue
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God’s Pharmacy Text Herman Uys Images Shutterstock.com
Part 7
Cabbage Cabbage was used by the ancients for medical purposes as well as nourishment. Cabbage used to be a punishment to children, because of its bitter taste (magnesium), but today cabbage has lost most of its mineral properties, due to soil quality deterioration. But it still has many of its anti- inflammatory powers and also carries certain chemicals that aid as a prevention against cancer. M
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Cabbage juice relieves eye infection and is an excellent antacid, if eaten raw. Raw cabbage
disinfects an inflamed colon. Cabbage often relieves headaches. Raw cabbage leaves can be used on inflamed wounds to draw out poisons.
Carrots Carrots keep lymph glands clean and healthy. If carrots are eaten regularly, a woman’s monthly cycle can benefit by it. Carrots are anti inflammatory, as well as an antiseptic. Why not get a bag of carrots every month from your grocer and juice them, freeze the juice and drink a glass of carrot juice every day. The changes in your general health will surprise you. Especially do this if you’ve been on a sickbed to get
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your immune system back on track. Raw carrot juice can also be poured onto wounds to fight infection and heal sores quickly.
Cucumber Cucumber is rich in vitamin C and can be used as an inner and outer body cleanser. It’s a good skin cleanser, and an excellent anti-inflammatory vegetable. Drink cucumber juice for inflammation and arthritis. Cucumber juice is a good remedy for stomach ulcers and heartburn. If your eyes are irritated, tired, stressed and overworked, cut two thick slices of cucumber. Place them on your eyes, lie down on your back for 20 minutes, and pray. Cucumber juice on sunburn skin cools the skin off and soothes out the burn. Drink cucumber juice every 2 minutes to bring down fever. Herman Uys
Celery This veggie has a calming effect on the nervous system due to its high calcium levels. Celery must be eaten raw - the leaves as well as the stem. Celery seed is rich in iron and vitamins A,B, and C. Celery seed is an excellent liver tonic, and fight high blood pressure. Celery is healing to the kidneys, and does wonders to urinary tract infection and bladder infection. Celery soup before a meal, suppresses the appetite. State, South Africa.
Rev. Herman Uys is the founder of Koinonia Ministries, and moves nationally, as well as abroad, as a public and conference speaker. He is the author of the book: God’s Pharmacy. He grew up in a small town, Bethlehem, in the Free
He graduated from the University of Pretoria in 1984 with a BA and BD degree, and a diploma in theology. His interest in the field of natural healing took him on a road of intense study in this subject. His book: God’s Pharmacy was birthed in 2003, as a spontaneous overflow, and as a result of public demand. He believe that there is no sickness, disease or physical condition that is allowed to exist on our planet that we experience on earth, without our Creator already having provided an effective antidote and / or medicine in nature. These natural remedies are found in the form of plants, fruit, or veggies, created for us earth dwellers to be healthy and well, we simply might not know about them. He says: “You are what you eat and what you don’t eat.” rm
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Text: www.womansday.com/health-fitness/nutrition/ or www.thirdage.com/aging-well/ Images Shutterstock.com
Superfoods Why not add nutritionally dense food to your diet this Spring, by consuming more
superfoods/fruits that offer nourishment, protection from disease and many other health benefits. Superfoods/fruits are known for its superior nutritional value and natural colour is often a great indicator of nutritional density. Organic fruits and vegetables are vibrantly rich in various pigments which protect our health. The superfoods mentioned below are brimming with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and flavour that will keep you energized this season. Include loads of it in your cooking or eat them raw this Spring, to ensure you and your family benefit optimally from your meals this season. Alliums: The allium family includes: garlic, green onions, chives, shallots, onions, and leeks and provides a great foundation for salads and savoury dishes. With a long history of health promoting properties which include stimulating the immune system to lowering cholesterol, they are a must in your kitchen. To get the most health benefits from garlic, mince, slice or press your garlic and allow it to “rest” for at least 5-10 minutes to allow the health promoting compound called allicin to form. More of this phytonutrient is produced when you chop or mince your garlic finely. That also adds to the distinctive
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aroma. If you do not let it sit, the allicin is never formed and you miss out on the benefits.
Rhubarb is an outrageously colourful vegetable that thinks it’s a fruit. Rhubarb that has been forced in pots in January usually has yellow leaves, but later in spring the field-grown variety replaces the forced variety and tastes even more delicious, in my opinion. Rhubarb contains vitamin C, vitamin K and calcium, but is particularly high in dietary fibre which helps to lower blood cholesterol levels. Rhubarb leaves are highly poisonous and should never be eaten. When cooking Rhubarb, avoid using an aluminium saucepan. The metal of the pan reacts with the acids and other constituents of the juice. Rhubarb is really quite adaptable contrary to opinion and can be used in a variety of ways.
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Tip: Combine flavours with Rhubarb to make the tartness more palatable. Rhubarb is delicious in a sage and ginger sauce with Duck, in a salsa with Lamb, or oily fish and tastes delicious in a fruity crumble topped with toasted almonds.
Spinach contrary to popular belief, spinach is
not an especially good source of iron, although its dark leaves do contain a lot of valuable nutrients. Spinach is a rich source of foliate - the B vitamin that helps in the prevention of heart disease, dementia and colon cancer. If everyone were to eat at least one serving of greens, including spinach, each week they would be 20% less likely to develop cancer of the colon, according to a research paper from Italy. Lutein, another compound found in spinach fights against macular degeneration. In a recent Harvard study, spinach was highlighted as a significant preventative
Tomatoes Red fruits and vegetables are known for the lycopene it contains. This is a powerful cancer fighting antioxidant. Specifically, it’s known for reducing cell damage caused from toxins. Include generously in your spring salads or add to your sauces to ensure you get the benefits of that lycopene this Spring.
Let’s have a look at Superfruits: Blueberry Blueberries contain high levels of Fiber, Vitamins E & K, and Selenium. They are most notable for their antioxidant properties which battle free radicals that speed up aging and deteriorate the immune system. They are also rich in manganese, which plays an important role in bone development. Blueberries can aid in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s.
Blackberry Blackberries have a very high Fiber and Selenium content, and just like blueberries are full of antioxidants. They also contain polyphenols and anthocyanins which may help prevent cancer and heart disease. Blackberries are different from blueberries in that they can grow anywhere, while blueberries only grow in acidic soil.
Raspberry for strokes.
Watercress contains super high levels of vitamin C. It also contains way more calcium than milk and high levels of iron as well as ample quantities of vitamins B1, B6, E and K and lots of important minerals including zinc. Watercress is reported to be a super liver cleansing agent, so an excellent overall detoxifier. Do ensure you wash watercress thoroughly, as unwashed watercress can contain liver fluke, which you don’t want in your body!
Raspberries nutritional value is highest in Fibre, Vitamins B2 & K, Calcium, Iron and Selenium. Raspberries most unique nutrient is ellagic acid, an important antioxidant not sold as dietary supplements. Its antioxidant properties are linked to possible health benefits in reducing heart disease diabetes, and cancer, aiding in visual function, brain function, aging, and providing antibiotic properties.
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Tip: It is best to eat watercress raw and added to salads, added to a sandwich or on its own with fish. You can also make your own watercress pesto, swapping basil for watercress, or try a tuna, white bean and watercress salad with olive oil and balsamic dressing.
Broccoli This low cost cruciferous vegetable has it all. Cruciferous vegetables are known for a compound that neutralizes toxins in the liver and helps cleanse the system, keeping us looking and feeling great. 10 sue
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