Food is one of the basic human necessities. To live without it is impossible. But we all eat to live and not live to eat. Therefore, it is very essential to eat the right food. If a balanced diet is consumed always then it provides the human body with all the essential nutrients required to be healthy, and thus, saves you from various health hazards. This section has articles that will give you information on various diet and nutritional tips that will direct you towards good health.
Roots and Tubers
Health is wealth, and there’s no doubt about it. A number of vegetables obtained from underground play an important role in maintaining good health, and are therefore nothing less than precious gems. Roots and tubers are extremely rich sources of minerals, enzymes, and vitamins. However, faulty cooking and prolonged careless storage can destroy these valuable nutrients. Most of the vegetables are therefore best consumed in their natural raw state in the form of salads. Here, we discuss five food items that can help you stay in good health by virtue of their nutritional properties. Sweet potato is a root that is rich in beta carotene (the precursor of vitamin A) and vitamin C. Both vitamins A and C are powerful antioxidants that work in the body to remove free radicals. Free radicals are chemicals in ionic form, which are capable of damaging the body cells. The high vitamin A content may help prevent cancer in the glands and organs that have epithelial tissue. Being rich in potassium, sweet potato is beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is of use in patients with hemorrhoids because of its high fiber content, which prevents constipation.
Potato is an underground stem, which is a very good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, copper, and manganese. It provides the most efficient form of fuel for energy production that can be stored as glycogen in the muscles and liver, as an energy source that is readily available. Potatoes can help to protect against the development of a heart attack or stroke. Their high potassium and low sodium content helps maintain the fluid and electrolyte balance in the body cells, as well as normal heart function and blood pressure.
Ginger contains a volatile oil called Gingerol, which helps to block the effects of prostaglandins, substances that cause inflammation and give rise to pain. Ginger helps in relieving the severity of nausea. It is well known for its warming action on the upper respiratory tract, and has therefore been used to treat cough and cold. It acts as a mood enhancer by virtue of its cineole content, which relieves stress to some extent.
Garlic has as its active ingredient a component called Allicin, which has antibacterial as well as antifungal properties. Extracts of garlic are known to lower cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease. It helps in blood thinning and prevents high blood pressure. Onions, on the other hand, are used to treat angina, cough, bacterial infections, and breathing problems. They are a very rich source of fructo-oligosaccharides, which stimulate the growth of healthy bifidobacteria and suppress the growth of potentially harmful bacteria in the colon. In addition, they decrease the risk of developing tumors in the colon. The anti-clotting effect of onions is due to their sulfur content and is invaluable in preventing cardiovascular disorders.