What if doctors could prescribe
food as medicine instead of pharmaceutical drugs? Should we be stocking our
fridge and pantry before stocking the medicine cabinet? Believe it or not, research
suggests that certain foods and nutrients can double as medicine. A small but
growing percentage of doctors are prescribing a healthier lifestyle, starting
with food, in lieu of medications to prevent and treat some chronic diseases.
Oats
Studies show that oats,
specifically the soluble fiber in oats, have cholesterol-lowering properties. A
review published in The Nutrition Reviews
Journal investigated whether recent studies support previous conclusions
made by the Food and Drug Administration in 1997 that soluble fiber from oats
lowers cholesterol and prevents heart disease. The results of the analysis
showed that studies conducted in the last thirteen years support the claim that
the soluble fiber found in oats may lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by 5 to 10
percent.
Turmeric
Many studies show that the golden
yellow spice, turmeric, may help treat anti-inflammatory diseases such as
arthritis. A study published in Alternative
Therapies in Health and Medicine was conducted to test the level of pain
relief in forty-two osteoarthritis patients. Turmeric capsules were administered
three times a day to those with chronic pain. Results showed that the
anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric were clinically relevant in improving
joint pain in patients with chronic osteoarthritis. The pain relieving benefits
of turmeric are considered mild to moderate; further research is needed to
confirm these findings.
Hibiscus Tea
A study from the Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences
found that hibiscus tea may help lower blood pressure. The anthocyanins in the
hibiscus flower are thought to be responsible for the blood pressure lowering
abilities of hibiscus tea. Anthocyanins are members of the flavonoid group of
phytochemicals.
Bottom Line: Although these individual foods possess
specific nutrients that are medicinal, they are not as beneficial when eaten
alone. Nutrients work together in the body to provide health benefits, thus it
is important to include these foods in balanced daily eating patterns. Always
remember to consult a doctor before changing any medications or starting a new
regimen
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