Medicinal Foods
In my section on protein, I have mentioned specific protein sources that are medicinally beneficial for the lungs and digestive tract. These include: gelatin and bone broth, which help heal the cells in the gastrointestinal tract and build the yin fluids; seafood, which is high in fat-soluble vitamins and anti-inflammatory fats; as well as grass-fed beef and beef organs (specifically liver), which benefit the pancreas and digestive system, and provide readily-available vitamins and minerals.
In addition to these healing proteins there are many vegetables and a few fruits that have very strong medicinal properties and can be used liberally in our diets. Most vegetables are very good for us and should make up the majority of our diet, however I have outlined below the several vegetables and fruits that are specifically indicated to treat infections, thick mucus, lung issues, digestive problems, and to boost the immune system. These veggies and fruits can be used most effectively to treat illness when eaten, cooked, or prepared according to their seasonal alignments. That is, eating more salads and smoothies in the summer, and more soups and baked dishes during the winter. Also, eating veggies locally-grown and in season ensures that our bodies are getting the right balance of nutrients they need according to the seasons, e.g. leafy greens in the spring, berries in the summer, pumpkins in the fall, carrots and beets in the winter.
In recent years there have been a great many studies on the cancer- and infection-fighting properties of fruits and vegetables. Many of these studies have quantified their phytonutrients (micronutrients contained in the plant tissue, e.g. calcium, magnesium, vitamin K) and antioxidant levels. As a reminder, antioxidants are very important in help our body fight infection, repair tissue, and eliminate cancer cells. By blocking the actions of free radical electrons, or oxidants, antioxidants protect our cells from damage and also inhibit the growth and reproduction of pathogens. Antioxidants are also anti-inflammatory, as they neutralize oxidants that exacerbate inflammation. With all of the infection-fighting and inflammation that CFers have to deal with, our diets should be LOADED with antioxidants to ensure that our immune system has the tools it needs to get the job done.
I have divided this section on medicinal foods into three subsections:
I. The Five Flavors
II. Medicinal Vegetables
III. Medicinal Fruits
In addition to these healing proteins there are many vegetables and a few fruits that have very strong medicinal properties and can be used liberally in our diets. Most vegetables are very good for us and should make up the majority of our diet, however I have outlined below the several vegetables and fruits that are specifically indicated to treat infections, thick mucus, lung issues, digestive problems, and to boost the immune system. These veggies and fruits can be used most effectively to treat illness when eaten, cooked, or prepared according to their seasonal alignments. That is, eating more salads and smoothies in the summer, and more soups and baked dishes during the winter. Also, eating veggies locally-grown and in season ensures that our bodies are getting the right balance of nutrients they need according to the seasons, e.g. leafy greens in the spring, berries in the summer, pumpkins in the fall, carrots and beets in the winter.
In recent years there have been a great many studies on the cancer- and infection-fighting properties of fruits and vegetables. Many of these studies have quantified their phytonutrients (micronutrients contained in the plant tissue, e.g. calcium, magnesium, vitamin K) and antioxidant levels. As a reminder, antioxidants are very important in help our body fight infection, repair tissue, and eliminate cancer cells. By blocking the actions of free radical electrons, or oxidants, antioxidants protect our cells from damage and also inhibit the growth and reproduction of pathogens. Antioxidants are also anti-inflammatory, as they neutralize oxidants that exacerbate inflammation. With all of the infection-fighting and inflammation that CFers have to deal with, our diets should be LOADED with antioxidants to ensure that our immune system has the tools it needs to get the job done.
I have divided this section on medicinal foods into three subsections:
I. The Five Flavors
II. Medicinal Vegetables
III. Medicinal Fruits
