Foods: M to Q

MILK

Drinking milk is controversial today. Raw milk distribution illegal. Learn the Untold Story about milk and what you should be drinking and avoiding by clicking here.

MILK THISTLE

Milk Thistle’s chemicals known as silymarin are proven safe and best known for protecting the liver through numerous scientific and clinical studies. The liver is an overworked organ that detoxifies blood and performs numerous vital functions. Silymarin in the milk thistle extract is known to protect the liver by strengthening the outer membranes of liver cells, which prevents toxins from entering the cells. Silymarin also stimulates protein synthesis in liver cells, which helps to regenerate and repair the liver. Milk-thistle silymarin compounds are also strong antioxidants, and have been shown to reduce damage to liver cells caused by repeated use of some prescription drugs, and may protect liver from alcohol (ethanolic damage), cirrhosis, hepatitis, and pollutants. Recent studies have shown that Milk Thistle Extract may also be beneficial for reducing the chance for certain cancers [MORE].

MUSHROOMS

Backed by centuries of Asian herbalist use and solid scientific research, supplemental medicinal use of mushrooms is gaining tremendous popularity. Medicinal mushrooms help restore the competency of the immune system and improve the outcome for people with a variety of serious illnesses including cancer, hepatitis, liver sclerosis and other conditions where effective non-toxic treatment options are limited. The most common medicinal mushrooms include Maitake, Reishi, Shiitake, Coriolos and Cordyceps [MORE].

NETTLE

Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), for urinary tract infections, for hay fever (allergic rhinitis), or in compresses or creams for treating joint pain, sprains and strains, tendonitis, and insect bites [MORE].

ONIONS

Onions lend their flavor to almost every regional cuisine in the world.  While their taste is extraordinary and unique, onions also contribute to health and wellness, providing many phytonutrients, minerals, and vitamins.  Onions have been coined the “rose among the roots” due to medicinal value known since ancient Egypt and commonly prescribed by Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. Eating onions on a regular basis can lower the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels, lower cancer risk, and reduce asthma and hayfever due to allergies. Nutritionally they are natural “uppers” providing beta-carotene, vitamin A, potassium, B1, B2, Vitamin C and a host of potent antioxidant and anti-cancer phytonutrients. Add fresh onion to nearly any dish to punch it up in taste and nutrition. Better yet, add onion, garlic and a dash of cayenne. Well your at it toss in some anti-viral mushrooms. More on Onions.

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint, a popular flavoring for gum, toothpaste, and tea, is also used to soothe an upset stomach or to aid in digestion. Because it has a calming and numbing effect, it has been used to treat headaches, skin irritations, anxiety associated with depression, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, and flatulence. It is also an ingredient in chest rubs, used to treat symptoms of the common cold. In test tubes, peppermint kills some types of bacteria and viruses, suggesting it may have antibacterial and antiviral properties. A number of studies support the use of peppermint for indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome [MORE].

PUMPKIN SEEDS

After carving that perfect Jack-O-Lantern this Halloween, don’t forget to save those pumpkin seeds.  Roasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious and nutritious snack, and they also have many health benefits [more].

Mandarin Orange

Mango

Milk

Millet

Miso

Mulberry

Mushroom – Crimini

Mushroom – Mitake

Mushroom – Shiitake

Mustard Greens

Mustard Seed

Navy Bean

Nectarine

Noni

Olive

Olive Leaf

Onion

Orange

Orange Peel

Oregano

Oregon Grape

Papaya

Parsley

Peach

Pear

Peppermint

Pineapple

Pinto Beans

Plum

Potatoe

Prunes

Quinoa