10 Foods That Are More Effective Than Most Prescriptions

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In an article published in The Washington Post, more than half the adults in this country take prescription drugs. From 2000 to 2015, the number of people on medication increased to almost 60 percent. That means that three out of every five people depend on prescription medication to stay healthy.

What if you didn’t have to plunk down your cash every 30 days to get your refill? And what if you found out that there was an alternative that not only may be better than your prescription, but that can be found right at your grocery store instead of your pharmacy?

There are many foods that our grandparents viewed as being both food and medicine back in the day. Real fresh fruits and vegetables were not just side dishes, but rather powerful items that could actually help you to not only get healthy, but maybe even save your life.

Here are 10 foods that will have you rethinking their nutritional benefits and appreciating their value as a healthy alternative to prescription meds.

1. Avocados

The nutritional content of avocados is impressive: Vitamins K, C, E, B5, and B6; plus folate, and more potassium than a banana. They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are good for your heart; they are loaded with fiber; and they are high in antioxidants. Test results showed that people who consumed avocados were able to reduce their bad cholesterol by 22 percent and raise their good cholesterol by 11 percent. Another study showed that the extract of an avocado helped prevent prostate cancer cells from growing. You can easily get more avocados into your diet by making guacamole a regular snack.

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2. Turmeric

Recognized for its health benefits in ancient India, scientists have documented turmeric as being effective in the treatment and prevention of more than 500 diseases. Out of all these health conditions, these are the most studied and have the highest amount of documented proof of effectiveness are:

Alzheimer’s Disease
Breast Cancer
Colon Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Damage to DNA
Inflammation
Lipid Peroxidation
Liver Damage (chemically-induced)
Oxidative Stress
Tumors

Turmeric is a popular herb in Indian food. A supplement has been found to be as effective in relieving chronic pain as most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with no side effects.

3. Cinnamon

Make sure that you get a high-quality brand, such as Ceylon, when purchasing cinnamon. It is the number one herb when it comes to levels of antioxidants. One of the most well-known health benefits that cinnamon offers is its ability to lower blood sugar levels and effectiveness in treating diabetes. Another benefit of its antioxidant properties is its protection against many neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s. Cinnamon can also do everything from eliminating bad breath to treating Candida.

4. Blueberries

This tiny fruit is proof positive that big things do come in small packages! The numerous health benefits that blueberries are known for include: Lutein, Vitamin K, Resveratrol, Gallic Acid, Vitamin C, Fiber, and Manganese. Besides helping to fight cancer, preventing aging, and keeping your heart healthy, these little gems keep your brain powered up and sharp.

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5. Garlic

If you are not a big fan of the odor that garlic emits, you can get your share of the plant through a supplement. The power of garlic makes it worth adding to your daily diet in some way, as it has been proven to have the ability to kill “multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.” In addition, it fends off more than 20 other types of infections, including Herpes Simplex Virus 1, Periodontal infection, and Thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth.

6. Honey

Honey is another one of those food-related healing agents that can treat a number of health conditions. Here is a short list of the more popular illnesses it has been successful at handling: Burns, diabetic ulcers, MRSA, conjunctivitis, ulcers from herpes, toxicity from aspirins, and dental plaque.

7. Apples

If you have ever wondered if the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is true, you can rest assured that it is. Eating apples on a regular basis cuts down on your chances of getting colorectal cancer. In addition, this healthy treat helps to reduce aging, handles insulin resistance, cuts your chances of liver cancer, and takes on a number of allergies.

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8. Broccoli

This vegetable falls into the cruciferous category. It has been proven to reduce the chance of getting colon and lung cancer. Rich in folate, broccoli has also been found to cut down the chance of suffering from breast cancer. More health benefits include reduced chances of developing hypertension, having a stroke, and getting heart disease. Broccoli can lower your cholesterol readings as well as reducing your blood pressure.

9. Almonds

These tasty treats are high in fiber, protein, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, and magnesium. Available in a variety of flavors — salted and unsalted, roasted, smoked, and with a number of other seasonings — almonds are heart-healthy and are able to lower cholesterol numbers and help treat diabetes. They have been hailed as “one of the best brain foods” and have been proven to reduce cognitive decline.

10. Spinach

This dark green leafy vegetable plays a big part in reducing chances of getting diabetes, developing cancer, and can lower blood pressure levels to normal readings. With its high levels of vitamin K, it helps to eliminate the chances of a bone fracture. Its high fiber content help can eliminate your chances of becoming constipated. There are so many nutrients in spinach it is hard to believe that one cup weighs in at just 27 calories.

If you are suffering from any of the health conditions listed above, you may want to try the corresponding food and work with your doctor on trying to substitute it for your existing prescriptions.

References:

www.nutritionfacts.org

www.onegreenplanet.org

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