The ABC of Healthy Foods (M, N, O)

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The ABC of Healthy Foods (M, N, O)

Category : Healthy Food

M

MangoMango - Mango fruit been found to prevent or stop certain colon and breast cancer cells in the lab, according to studies by Texas AgriLife Research food scientists, Dr. Susanne and Dr. Steve Talcott. Mango showed some impact on lung, leukemia and prostate cancers but was most effective on the most common breast and colon cancer cell lines, which underwent apoptosis, or programmed cell death. The key bioactive compounds in mangoes appear to be the polyphenolics, which exert an anti-inflammatory response.

MangosteenMangosteen – Mangosteen fruit is a rich source of xanthones, biologically active polyphenolic compounds similar to bioflavonoids. Of the more than 200 naturally occurring xanthones that have been identified so far, approximately 40 of those are found in the mangosteen. Xanthones possess numerous anti-cancer properties such as anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity.

Millet – Millet is a whole grain that is rich in protein, fiber and phytonutrients. Some researchers believe that it is the combination of phytonutrients and fiber that is helpful in bowel cleansing and reduced risk for colon cancer. Millet is an alkaline-forming grain, making it a good choice in an anti-cancer diet. Populations where millet is a staple have a lower risk of developing esophageal cancer than other populations.

Mung Beans – Mung, are rich in protease inhibitors. Protease inhibitors are known to block and prevent formation of tumor cells and slow the replication of certain cancer cells, including those present in breast cancer. Mung beans also contain isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen which helps to regulate hormonal activity in hormone-dependent cancers.

Mustard seedsMustard – Mustard is made from the seeds of a plant in the cabbage family, a strongly anticancer group of plants. It contains compounds that studies suggest may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Mustard also packs enough heat to break up congestion, the reason it was traditionally used in chest plasters. Like cayenne pepper, it has the ability to deplete nerve cells of substance P, a chemical that transmits pain signals to the brain, when used externally. A mustard compress also brings more blood to the fingers of people with Raynaud’s phenomenon, a circulatory problem that causes frigid fingers. Mustard is also said to stimulate appetite by increasing the flow of saliva and digestive juices. A bit of mustard powder added to a footbath helps kill athlete’s foot fungus. Don’t eat too many mustard seeds or more than a teaspoon of mustard powder; the former has a strong laxative effect, while the latter can induce vomiting.

M

MangoMango - Mango fruit been found to prevent or stop certain colon and breast cancer cells in the lab, according to studies by Texas AgriLife Research food scientists, Dr. Susanne and Dr. Steve Talcott. Mango showed some impact on lung, leukemia and prostate cancers but was most effective on the most common breast and colon cancer cell lines, which underwent apoptosis, or programmed cell death. The key bioactive compounds in mangoes appear to be the polyphenolics, which exert an anti-inflammatory response.

MangosteenMangosteen – Mangosteen fruit is a rich source of xanthones, biologically active polyphenolic compounds similar to bioflavonoids. Of the more than 200 naturally occurring xanthones that have been identified so far, approximately 40 of those are found in the mangosteen. Xanthones possess numerous anti-cancer properties such as anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity.

Millet – Millet is a whole grain that is rich in protein, fiber and phytonutrients. Some researchers believe that it is the combination of phytonutrients and fiber that is helpful in bowel cleansing and reduced risk for colon cancer. Millet is an alkaline-forming grain, making it a good choice in an anti-cancer diet. Populations where millet is a staple have a lower risk of developing esophageal cancer than other populations.

Mung Beans – Mung, are rich in protease inhibitors. Protease inhibitors are known to block and prevent formation of tumor cells and slow the replication of certain cancer cells, including those present in breast cancer. Mung beans also contain isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen which helps to regulate hormonal activity in hormone-dependent cancers.

Mustard seedsMustard – Mustard is made from the seeds of a plant in the cabbage family, a strongly anticancer group of plants. It contains compounds that studies suggest may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Mustard also packs enough heat to break up congestion, the reason it was traditionally used in chest plasters. Like cayenne pepper, it has the ability to deplete nerve cells of substance P, a chemical that transmits pain signals to the brain, when used externally. A mustard compress also brings more blood to the fingers of people with Raynaud’s phenomenon, a circulatory problem that causes frigid fingers. Mustard is also said to stimulate appetite by increasing the flow of saliva and digestive juices. A bit of mustard powder added to a footbath helps kill athlete’s foot fungus. Don’t eat too many mustard seeds or more than a teaspoon of mustard powder; the former has a strong laxative effect, while the latter can induce vomiting.

N

NutmegNutmeg – Like cloves, nutmeg contains eugenol, a compound that may benefit the heart. Some historians link its popularity in the spice trade to the hallucinatory effects that result from ingesting large amounts. The euphoria, which is due to nutmeg’s active ingredient, myristicin, is described as similar to that caused by the drug ecstasy. But it also packs some nasty side effects, and nutmeg poisoning is a very real risk. Medically, nutmeg (the seed of an evergreen tree) and mace (the covering of the seed) have strong antibacterial properties. It’s been found to kill a number of bacteria in the mouth that contribute to cavities. Myristicin has also been shown to inhibit an enzyme in the brain that contributes to Alzheimer’s disease and to improve memory in mice, and researchers are currently studying its potential as an antidepressant. (Source: Rider’s Digest)

O

Oats – Oats contain a higher level of antioxidants than most other grains. International research has shown that women with a higher intake of dietary fiber have lower circulating estrogen levels, a factor associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. Premenopausal women on diets rich in fiber from whole grains like oats reduce their risk by up to 41 percent, suggests a study in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

OkraOkra – High in antioxidants and vitamin C, okra is a good immune booster capable of fighting several different types of cancer. Laboratory researchers have observed that it potently inhibits highly metastatic mouse melanoma cells and kills human breast cancer cells outright. Another component of okra, okra pectin, found just under the skin of the pods, also has demonstrated anti-cancer properties.  Okra pectin has been shown to inhibit highly metastatic melanoma cells in vitro.

Oregano – Oregano is among the highest in antioxidants of the dried herbs. One teaspoon has as much antioxidant power as three cups of chopped broccoli.

Onions – Onions boost immunity and combat inflammation. Eating onions, especially red onions, has been shown to reduce the risk of many types of cancer, including ovarian cancer. Onions are packed with apigenin, antho-cyanin, myricetin and quercetin. Red onions are about 60 percent more  potent than yellow or white onions, in terms of the amounts of cancer fighters. But don’t boil onions; boiling them reduces their cancer-fighting properties by about 30 percent. The best way to eat them is raw or sautéed with a little oil in a pan.

Oregano – Oregano has one of the highest antioxidant activity ratings, with 42 times the antioxidant punch of apples. A phytochemical in oregano, carnosol, has been evaluated for anti-cancer property in prostate, breast, skin, leukemia, and colon cancer with promising results.


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