Super foods for Kidney Health. . .

Most of us know that eating a balanced diet is important for good health. Now scientists have pinpointed certain foods as super foods. In addition to promoting overall health, these are foods for kidney health as well.

If you are on dialysis or have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you'll be glad to know that there are lots of super foods, containing antioxidants and other health-supporting properties, included in the kidney diet. People with kidney disease experience more inflammation and have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those without kidney problems. If you have kidney disease, it's important that you consult a renal dietitian and follow a kidney diet. Including super foods in your kidney diet eating plan can help you increase your intake of nutrients and antioxidants.

Here’s a list of the top kidney-friendly super foods. These foods are good for everyone, not just people with kidney disease, so by using them in your family's meals, you'll be helping your loved ones enjoy good health too.

Cauliflower

Another kidney-friendly super food is cauliflower. This cruciferous vegetable brings lots of vitamin C to your plate, along with folate and fiber. In addition it contains compounds that help your liver neutralize toxic substances.

Cauliflower can be eaten raw with dip or in salads. Steamed or boiled, it can be seasoned and turned into a great side dish. You can even mash cauliflower as a dialysis-friendly replacement for mashed potatoes.

Cabbage

Crunchy cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable filled with phytochemicals, chemical compounds found in certain fruits and vegetables. Phytochemicals work to break apart free radicals. Many phytochemicals are believed to combat cancer and support cardiovascular health. Inexpensive cabbage is a great addition to your eating plan, because it's also high in vitamins K and C, high in fiber and a good source of vitamin B6 and folic acid, yet it's low in potassium, so it's especially kidney-friendly.

If you're following the dialysis diet, add cabbage by turning it into coleslaw or use as a topping for fish tacos. Other nutritious meal options include cabbage rolls and stuffed cabbage.

Red bell peppers

Red bell peppers are a good choice for those concerned about kidney health, because they're low in potassium. In addition, they add color and taste to any dish, while packing a generous portion of vitamins A, C, B6, folic acid and fiber. They also contain the antioxidant lycopene, which protects against certain types of cancer. If you're following the kidney diet, it's easy to add red bell peppers to your food plan.

Garlic

Garlic is good for reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol. It also has antioxidant and anti-clotting properties. (Cooking garlic will not affect its antioxidant properties, but it will reduce its anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory effects.)

If you're following the dialysis diet, use garlic powder instead of garlic salt to add extra flavor to your meals without adding extra sodium. Garlic can be used in cooking many dishes: meat, vegetables or tomato sauce, for instance. Once you start cooking with garlic, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.

Onion

Onion is full of flavonoids, particularly quercetin. Flavonoids are natural chemicals that prevent the deposit of fatty material in blood vessels and add pigmentation (color) to plants. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that is believed to help reduce heart disease and protect against many forms of cancer. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Low in potassium, onions are not only kidney-friendly; they also contain chromium, a mineral that assists your body with the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. 

Apples

An apple a day really does help keep the doctor away! High in fiber and anti-inflammatory properties, apples help reduce cholesterol, prevent constipation, protect against heart disease and decrease your risk of cancer. Renal-friendly apples can be eaten raw or cooked. Or get their health benefits by drinking apple juice or cider.

Cranberries

Cranberries are great for preventing urinary tract infections, because they make urine more acidic and help keep bacteria from attaching to the inside of the bladder. They've also been shown to protect against cancer and heart disease.

Although we think of cranberries as a holiday side dish, cranberry juice can be enjoyed daily for added nutrition. Or toss a handful of dried cranberries into your cereal or salad.

Blueberries

These tasty berries get their blue color from antioxidant compounds called anthocyanidins. Blueberries get high marks for nutrition, thanks to natural compounds that reduce inflammation and lots of vitamin C and fiber. They also contain manganese, which contributes to healthy bones.

Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in two types of antioxidants, plus they contain lots of vitamin C, manganese and fiber. They have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and also help keep your heart healthy.

 

Cherries

Cherries are filled with antioxidants and phytochemicals that protect your heart. When eaten daily, they have been shown to reduce inflammation. 

Fresh cherries make a delicious snack. Of course, cherry pie is a popular dessert, but there's also cherry crisp, cherry cheesecake and even cherry coffee cake. Cherry sauce makes a nice accompaniment to lamb or pork.

Egg whites

Did you know that egg whites are pure protein? They provide the highest quality protein there is, along with all of the essential amino acids. If you're on the kidney diet, it's good to note that egg whites have less phosphorus than other protein sources, such as egg yolks or meats. .

Fish

Another high-quality source of protein is fish. Both the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association recommend that you include fish in your meal plan two or three times a week. Besides being a great source of protein, fish contains anti-inflammatory fats called omega-3s. These healthy fats help prevent diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. They also help lower LDL (the bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (the good cholesterol).

The types of fish that have the most omega-3s are salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, herring and rainbow trout.

Summary

If you're concerned about the health of your own kidneys — or somebody else's — these super foods for kidney health should be on your grocery-shopping list. Ask a renal dietitian for help including them in your kidney-friendly meal plan if you have chronic kidney disease. When buying fruits and vegetables, get the freshest ones you can find and be sure to include a variety, since some are rich in one nutrient and others are rich in another. If you can only find fruits that are not at their peak, the flavor may be lessened, but you'll still get good nutritional value from them for your kidney health.

Sorce: yourkidneys.com

Top 25 Heart-Healthy Foods. . .

Reduce your risk of heart disease by adding some of these colorful “super foods” to your diet.

When we talk about “super-foods” and protecting the heart and blood vessels there are some technical terms that need explaining.

Antioxidants = substances that protect your cells against the damage of free radicals.

Flavonoids = a type of antioxidant in plants.

Carotenoids = the red, orange and yellow pigments in plant foods.

Free Radicals = molecules that cause cell damage. Free radicals are sometimes created by our bodies as natural by-products. They can also come from smoke, air pollution, and exposure to UV light, radiation, etc.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids = essential fatty acids that the body needs but must be obtained from the diet. Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. Symptoms of deficiency include: fatigue, depression, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, poor circulation.

Phytosterols = a plant based compound that works to slow or stop the absorption of cholesterol made by the liver and cholesterol from food.

1. Tomatoes

Why tomatoes? Tomatoes are loaded with carotenoids like lutein, lycopene and beta and alpha-carotene. Tomatoes are also an excellent source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and fiber. Try adding a slice of tomato to a sandwich, have some salsa with tortilla chips, a bowl of tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich.

2. Red bell peppers

Why red peppers? Carotenoids, B vitamins, fiber, potassium, folate. Try sliced red peppers with hummus, diced red peppers on a salad or in a wrap.

3. Carrots

Why carrots? Carotenoids and fiber. Try carrots dipped in light ranch dressing, add shredded carrots to your tomato sauce, toss some diced carrots into a stir-fry.

4. Papaya

Why papaya? Antioxidants (vitamins C and E), carotenoids, calcium, potassium, magnesium. Papaya tastes great in a smoothie or diced up with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.

5. Sweet Potato

Why sweet potatoes? That beautiful bright color can mean only one thing…carotenoids! Beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, E, and also fiber. Baked stuffed sweet potatoes are scrumptious! Baked sweet potato fries are also a much healthier alternative to traditional fries.

6. Salmon

Why salmon? Omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon tastes great grilled with some lemon and garlic powder, on a salad, or as kabobs with fresh veggies.

7. Cantaloupe

Why cantaloupe? B-vitamins, vitamin C, folate, potassium, fiber, carotenoids. Cantaloupe is great diced up and eaten plain, mixed into a smoothie, or served with cottage cheese or yogurt.

8. Acorn Squash

Why acorn squash? Calcium, magnesium, potassium, fiber, folate, carotenoids. Acorn squash tastes great on pizza or baked and stuffed with cranberries and wild rice.

9. Asparagus

Why asparagus? B-vitamins, fiber, folate, carotenoids. Asparagus is delicious grilled, steamed, or in a pasta salad.

10. Broccoli

Why broccoli? Antioxidants, carotenoids, potassium, folate, calcium, and fiber. Broccoli is tasty raw with hummus, in a soup, stir-fry, or in a veggie lasagna!

11. Oranges

Why oranges? Oranges are loaded with vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids, potassium, folate, and fiber. Oranges make simple, healthy snacks. They also taste great in salads!

12. Spinach

Why spinach? Spinach rich in B-vitamins, carotenoids, antioxidants, fiber, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Try spinach on a pizza or in a veggie soup.

13. Blueberries

Why blueberries? flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenols, folate, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, fiber. Blueberries are great just plain, in muffins, salads, or parfaits.

9 Powerful Healing Herbs and Spices

Ginger – When it comes to quelling the queasiness of motion sickness, ginger has no equal say herbalists. In fact, researchers have demonstrated that ginger beats dimenhydrate, the main ingredient in motion sickness drugs such as Dramamine, for controlling symptoms of seasickness and motion sickness. Ginger stimulates saliva flow and digestive activity, settles the stomach, relieves vomiting, eases pain from gas and diarrhea, and is effective as an anti-nausea remedy. This aromatic herb also helps lower cholesterol. Herbalists have also found it to be useful as a pain reliever.

Cinnamon – This baking staple can be used in everything from cinnamon toast, tea, sprinkled on top of hot cereal and much, much more. For a meal with Middle Eastern flair, try sautéing lamb with eggplant, raisins and cinnamon sticks.

Red Pepper or Cayenne — Great for adding heat and color to just about any dish, cayenne pepper or red pepper (different peppers but same family) taste great on everything. Try them on sautéed veggies or give your hot chocolate a Mexican makeover by adding a dash of either. Use them sparingly though because they are HOT.

Basil – Now here’s an herbal carminative, that is, it can relieve gas and soothe stomach upsets. One possible explanation for its calming effect is a compound called eugenol, which has been shown to help ease muscle spasms. Research is still preliminary, but laboratory studies also suggest that compounds found in basil may help disrupt the dangerous chain of events that can lead to the development of cancer.

Black Pepper — One of the reasons black pepper is effective for weight loss, is due to its ability to increase the metabolic rate. This means that the body burns calories faster, which results in weight loss. There is only 1 calorie in a 1/4 teaspoon of Black Pepper with 11% fat, 81% carbs and 8% protein.

Oregano -- An indispensible spice in Turkish, Greek, Portuguese, and Spanish, Latin American and Italian cuisine, oregano is the must-have ingredient in tomato sauces and pairs well with capers and olives. Oregano contains at least four compounds that soothe coughs and 19 chemicals with antibacterial action that may help reduce body odor. The ingredients in oregano that soothe coughs may also help un-knot muscles in the digestive tract, making oregano a digestive aid. This familiar spice also contains compounds that can lower blood pressure too.

 

Cumin – An aromatic spice with a unique, bitter flavor, cumin goes best with beans, chicken, couscous, curry, fish, lentils, peas, pork, potatoes, soups and stews.

Rosemary -- While traditionally associated with Mediterranean food, this woody spice can also be used in barbecuing.

Garlic — while technically not a spice, always keep fresh garlic on hand to liven up just about any dish you make. Rub it on baked bread, sauté it with vegetables, add some to your pizza, and use it to create a variety of sauces and aioli’s.

Source: Prevent Disease

Green Barley as “Medicine” in Cancer and Other Diseases

Barley Green: On the Health Benefits of Barley Grass

Barley

  One of the seven sacred cereals, barley comes from the eastern Balkans. From an esoteric point of view, barley is considered a mild nourishing force which stimulates the heart and is used for easing the emotional tension of a person.

Description

Barley is a type of cereal which can reach heights of around 0.7 to 1.2 meters. The plant's fruit is ear shaped. This way there are a number of types of barley, depending on the number of granules on the ear: summer and winter barley. The winter barley is used for feeding animals because of the inferior quality of its granules.

Nutritional Values

When it reaches a height of 20 - 30 cm, barley contains the most nutritive resources necessary for the human body. Thus, barley leafs contain vitamins B (B1, B2, B6, and B12), vitamins E and C, a great amount of iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, germanium, zinc, copper, lithium, bioflavonoid, polysaccharides, and polypeptides.                                   

The green stem of barley, apart from containing vitamins, minerals and enzymes, also contains natural hormones and chlorophyll. These nutritive substances give barley antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antiviral properties. Unlike most plants, barley grass provides all nine essential amino acids (those which your body can't produce).

Healing Claims

Barley grass is a powerful antioxidant that is believed to help the body kill cancer cells and overcome a variety of ailments, including acne and ulcers.

An antioxidant called alpha-tocopherol succinate - a potent relative of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) may be responsible for much of the plant's anti-tumor action, according to Allan L. Goldstein, Ph.D., head of the biochemistry department at George Washington University's School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C., who has studied barley grass. Though its mechanism is unknown, alpha-tocopherol succinate seems to inhibit several types of cancer, including leukemia, brain tumors, and prostate cancer.

Barley helps improve memory, bringing clarity in thought. Also, it eases stomach pains, heals ulcers, and lessens arthritic pains and inflammations. In obesity it helps eliminate weight excess. Green barley juice has an anti-inflammatory effect, revitalizing the tegument and curing it of its dryness. The plant shows visible results in the fight against collagen and leukemia, also neutralizing the toxic effects of tobacco. 

Other diseases in which the treatment with barley is utilized: anorexia, anemia, stomatitis, pancreatitis, miocardic arrest, bronchic asthma, arthritis, and epilepsy. Barley stimulates the drainage and regeneration of the liver, activates the immune system helping in the fight against the hepatic virus. 

Barley can fights Diabetes

Barley is an excellent food choice for those concerned about type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes because the grain contains essential vitamins and minerals and is an excellent source of dietary fiber, particularly beta-glucan soluble fiber.  Research shows that barley beta-glucan soluble fiber promotes healthy blood sugar by slowing glucose absorption.

A long-term study published in the August 2007 edition of the Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice journal reported a 30-percent decrease in HbA1c (average blood glucose level) in type 2 diabetics who consumed a healthy diet including pearl barley that supplied 18 grams of soluble fiber a day. Regardless of the form of the grain, there is always a ready source of beta-glucan soluble fiber in barley. 

Is barley a good fiber choice?

Yes! Barley is an excellent choice when it comes to adding both soluble and insoluble fiber to the diet. Our favorite grain compares favorably to other grains in total dietary fiber content. For example, a ½-cup serving of cooked pearl barley contains 3 grams of dietary fiber. In comparison, a ½-cup serving of long-grain brown rice contains 1.75 grams dietary fiber. One-half-cup serving of white long-grain rice contains less than 1 gram of dietary fiber.

NUTRIENT PROFILE

BY WEIGHT, dehydrated barley grass has 11 times the calcium of cow's milk, 5 times the iron of spinach, and more protein than sirloin steak. About 2 teaspoons (6 g) of barley grass powder contains the following:

CALORIES 17 
PROTEIN 1.4g 
CALCIUM 30mg 
IRON 3mg 
POTASSIUM 170mg 
VITAMIN A 3,120 IU 
VITAMIN B1 15 mcg 
VITAMIN B2 140 mcg 
FOLIC ACID 52 mcg 
VITAMIN B12 1.7 mcg 
VITAMIN C 19 mg 
CHLOROPHYLL 32.6 mg

"[Barley Grass is] one of the most incredible products of this decade. It improves stamina, sexual energy, clarity of thought, and reduces addiction to things that are bad for you. It also improves the texture of the skin and heals the dryness associated with aging."

Sources: barleyfoods.org

              “Barley Grass”, by Betsy Block, NATURAL HEALTH Magazine Oct. 1999

Beets... Wonderful Benefits of Beets!! . . .

Beets

The beets belong to the same family as chard and spinach. Beet leaves have a bitter taste like chard, but is rich in chlorophyll. Although bitter, the greens have a higher nutritional value than its roots.

Both beet root and beet greens are very powerful cleansers and builders of the blood. Betacyanin is the phytochemical in beet that gives it its rich 'amethyst' color that significantly reduces homocysteine levels.

Beets are loaded with vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C. The greens have a higher content of iron compared to spinach. They are also an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, sodium and iron.

While the sweet beet root has some of the minerals in its greens to a lesser degree, it is also a remarkable source of choline, folic acid, iodine, manganese, organic sodium, potassium, fiber and carbohydrates in the form of natural digestible sugars.

Its iron content, though not high, is of the highest and finest quality that makes excellent food that is blood building. This renders it highly effective in treating many ailments caused by our toxic environment and surrounding.


Beets have long been known for its amazing health benefits for almost every part of the body. And yet, it is something that very few people take, much less its juice.

I juice at least six to eight beets every day. I mix it with organic carrot, red cabbage, kale, spinach, parsley and apple. I consider beets one of the most important foods in my diet. If there is one food I couldn't live without, it is beets.

The benefits of organic beets are miraculous. Beets should be considered a medicine and eaten and juiced every day to prevent disease. Drinking beet juice every day is the most valuable tool in detoxing. You need to detox every day, not just a few days a year.

Look below at the benefits: 

Acidosis: Its alkalinity is essential and effective in combating acidosis.

Anemia: The high content of iron in beets regenerates and reactivates the red blood cells and supplies fresh oxygen to the body. The copper content in beets help make the iron more available to the body. A great blood builder.

Atherosclerosis: This wonderful crimson juice is a powerful solvent for inorganic calcium deposits that cause the arteries to harden.

Blood pressure: All its healing and medicinal values effectively normalize blood pressure, lowering high blood pressure or elevating low blood pressure.

Cancer: Betaine, an amino acid in beet root, has significant anti-cancer properties. Studies show that beets juice inhibits formation of cancer-causing compounds and is protective against colon or stomach cancer.

Constipation: The cellulose content helps to ease bowel movements. Drinking beets juice regularly will help relieve chronic constipation.

Detoxification: The choline from this wonderful juice detoxifies not only the liver, but also the entire system of excessive alcohol abuse, provided consumption is ceased.

Gastric ulcer: Mix honey with your beets juice and drink two or three times a week on an empty stomach (more frequently if your body is familiar with beets juice). It helps speed up the healing process.

Gall bladder and kidney ailments: Coupled with carrot juice, the superb cleansing virtues are exceptional for curing ailments relating to these two organs.

Gout: Another ailment that can be greatly helped by the cleansing that beets have to offer.

Liver or bile: The cleansing virtues in beets juice is very healing for liver toxicity or bile ailments, like jaundice, hepatitis, food poisoning, diarrhea or vomiting. A squeeze of lime with beets juice heightens the efficacy in treating these ailments.

Varicose veins: In similar ways that it helps to keep the elasticity of arteries, regular consumption of beets juice also helps prevent varicose veins.

Forget the creams and the facelift to anti-age. Anti-aging starts from the inside of your body. Your heart, liver, kidneys and blood will reflect on the outside. Drink lots of beets, kale, spinach, parsley, and carrots every day to prevent disease and to maintain pristine health. Make salads with tons of organic red cabbage, beets, spinach, kale, carrots, sprouted beans and eat it regularly like your life depended on it-----because it actually does!

Cancer Fighting Foods, Herbs and Spices...

Grapes, red contain bioflavonoids, powerful antioxidants that work as cancer preventives. Grapes are also a rich source of resveratrol, which inhibits the enzymes that can stimulate cancer-cell growth and suppress immune response. They also contain ellagic acid, a compound that blocks enzymes that are necessary for cancer cells - this appears to help slow the growth of tumors.

Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower have a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol that can combat breast cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective variety. Broccoli, especially sprouts, also have the phytochemical sulforaphane, a product of glucoraphanin - believed to aid in preventing some types of cancer, like colon and rectal cancer. Sulforaphane induces the production of certain enzymes that can deactivate free radicals and carcinogens. It appears that the bitterer the broccoli is, the more glucoraphanin it has. Broccoli sprouts have been developed under the trade name BroccoSprouts that have a consistent level of sulforaphane - as much as 20 times higher than the levels found in mature heads of broccoli. Studies show that consumption of green and yellow leafy vegetables has been associated with lower levels of stomach cancer.

Avocados are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of certain fats. They also supply even more potassium than bananas and are a strong source of beta-carotene. Scientists also believe that avocados may also be useful in treating viral hepatitis (a cause of liver cancer), as well as other sources of liver damage.

Chili peppers and jalapenos contain a chemical, capsaicin, which may neutralize certain cancer-causing substances (nitrosamines) and may help prevent cancers such as stomach cancer. 

Cruciferous vegetables - broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contain two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin that may help decrease prostate and other cancers. 

Garlic has immune-enhancing allium compounds (dialyl sultides) that appear to increase the activity of immune cells that fight cancer and indirectly help break down cancer causing substances. These substances also help block carcinogens from entering cells and slow tumor development. Their studies didn't show garlic supplements had the same effect. It is believed garlic may help prevent stomach cancer because it has anti-bacterial effects against a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, found in the stomach and known to promote cancer there. 

Figs apparently have a derivative of benzaldehyde. It has been reported that investigators at the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research in Tokyo say benzaldehyde is highly effective at shrinking tumors, though I haven't seen this report. In addition, figs, which contain vitamins A and C, and calcium, magnesium and potassium, may curtail appetite and improve weight-loss efforts. Fig juice is also a potent bacteria killer in test-tube studies.

Grapefruits, like oranges and other citrus fruits, contain monoterpenes, believed to help prevent cancer by sweeping carcinogens out of the body. Some studies show that grapefruit may inhibit the proliferation of breast-cancer cells in vitro. They also contain vitamin C, beta-carotene, and folic acid

Mushrooms - There are a number of mushrooms that appear to help the body 

fight cancer and build the immune system - Shiitake, maitake, reishi, Agaricus blazei Murill, and Coriolus Versicolor. These mushrooms contain polysaccharides, especially Lentinan, powerful compounds that help in building immunity. They are a source of Beta Glucan. They also have a protein called lectin, which attacks cancerous cells and prevents them from multiplying. They also contain Thioproline. These mushrooms can stimulate the production of interferon in the body.

Papayas have vitamin C that works as an antioxidant and may also reduce absorption of cancer-causing nitrosamines from the soil or processed foods. Papaya contains folacin (also known as folic acid), which has been shown to minimize cervical dysplasia and certain cancers.

Raspberries contain many vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and antioxidants known as anthocyanins that may protect against cancer. A diet containing 5% black raspberries was more effective than a diet containing 10% black raspberries. Research reported in the journal Nutrition and Cancer in May 2002 shows black raspberries may also thwart colon cancer. Black raspberries are rich in antioxidants, thought to have even more cancer-preventing properties than blueberries and strawberries. 

Rosemary may help increase the activity of detoxification enzymes. An extract of rosemary, termed carnosol, has inhibited the development of both breast and skin tumors in animals. We haven't found any studies done on humans. Rosemary can be used as a seasoning. It can also be consumed as a tea: Use 1 tsp. dried leaves per cup of hot water; steep for 15 minutes. 

Red wine, even without alcohol, has polyphenols that may protect against various types of cancer. Polyphenols are potent antioxidants; compounds that help neutralize disease-causing free radicals. Also, researchers found the compound resveratrol, which is found in grape skins. It appears that resveratrol inhibits cell proliferation and can help prevent cancer. However, the findings didn't extend to heavy imbibers, so it should be used in moderation. In addition, alcohol can be toxic to the liver and to the nervous system, and many wines have sulfites, which may be harmful to your health. Note: some research indicates that alcohol is considered a class "A" carcinogen which can actually cause cancer - You should probably switch to non-alcoholic wines. 

Seaweed and other sea vegetables contain beta-carotene, protein, vitamin B12, fiber, and chlorophyll, as well as chlorophylones - important fatty acids that may help in the fight against breast cancer. Many sea vegetables also have high concentrations of the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and iodine.

Teas: Green Tea and Black tea contain certain antioxidants known as polyphenols (catechins) which appear to prevent cancer cells from dividing. Green tea is best, followed by our more common black tea. According to research, these polyphenols that are abundant in green tea, red wine and olive oil, may protect against various types of cancer. Dry green tea leaves, which are about 40% polyphenols by weight, may also reduce the risk of cancer of the stomach, lung, colon, rectum, liver and pancreas, study findings have suggested. 

Tapioca is derived from the cassava plant. It is one of the many plants that manufacture cyanide by producing a chemical called linamarine which releases hydrogen cyanide when it is broken down by the linamarase enzyme.

Nuts contain the antioxidants quercetin and campferol that may suppress the growth of cancers. Brazil nut contains 80 micrograms of selenium, which is important for those with prostate cancer. (Note: Many people are allergic to the proteins in nuts, so if you have any symptoms such as itchy mouth, tight throat, wheezing, etc. after eating nuts, stop. Consider taking a selenium supplement instead or work with someone on how to eliminate this allergy.)

Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that attacks roaming oxygen molecules, known as free radicals that are suspected of triggering cancer. It appears that the hotter the weather, the more lycopene tomatoes produce. They also have vitamin C, an antioxidant which can prevent cellular damage that leads to cancer. Watermelons, carrots, and red peppers also contain these substances, but in lesser quantities. It is concentrated by cooking tomatoes. Scientists in Israel have shown that lycopene can kill mouth cancer cells. An increased intake of lycopene has already been linked to a reduced risk of breast, prostate, pancreas and colorectal cancer. (Note: Recent studies indicate that for proper absorption, the body also needs some oil along with lycopene.)

Superfoods for Gorgeous Skin and Hair

The secret to healthier hair and glowing skin? It's not in your makeup case. It's in your diet. These superfoods will give you gorgeous skin and beautiful hair.

Blueberries

This low-profile berry was ranked number one in antioxidant activity by the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to 40 common fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in blueberries protect you from premature aging, so add half a cup to your yogurt or cereal every day.

Wild Salmon

Wild salmon -- not farm-raised -- is one of the best food sources for omega-3 fatty acids, which helps keep your skin supple and moisturized. Salmon also has selenium, a mineral that protects the skin from sun exposure. The vitamin D in salmon keeps your bones and teeth strong and healthy, too. You won't have a problem adding salmon to your diet since there are hundreds of ways to enjoy this beauty superfood. Try it grilled, baked, in your pasta, with a salad, in sushi, or just with a side of asparagus.

Spinach

This leafy green vegetable is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Spinach is loaded with lutein, which keeps your eyes healthy and sparkling. Spinach is also a good source of vitamins B, C, and E, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Trade your lettuce for spinach, or saute spinach for a quick, healthy side.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the best source of the anti-aging antioxidant lycopene. Surprisingly, lycopene in tomatoes is more easily absorbed by your body when it is cooked or processed, so make sure to stock up on canned tomato sauce, tomato juice, and ketchup.

Dark Chocolate

We won't judge you if you keep a secret stash of chocolate in your purse or desk (or both). In fact, we recommend you do -- especially if you're willing to share. Dark chocolate helps skin stay hydrated and protects skin from sun damage, and contrary to popular belief, chocolate does not cause acne. Before you make a mad dash of dark chocolate, however, keep in mind that the best kind of chocolate has a high flavanol content and should be at least 60 percent cacao.

Oysters

The jury's still out on whether oysters are really aphrodisiacs, but they are a good source of zinc, which aids in skin cell renewal and repair. Zinc also keeps your nails, hair, and eyes healthy. 

Walnuts

You don't need to eat cupful’s of walnuts to enjoy their many benefits: smoother skin, healthy hair, brighter eyes, and strong bones. Get your daily dose of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E by eating a handful by themselves or throwing some in your salad, pasta, or dessert.

Yogurt

One cup of low-fat yogurt has more calcium than a cup of fat-free milk, which is great for your posture, nails, and teeth. Mix it with fruit or granola for a healthy breakfast or that essential midafternoon snack.

Kiwis

This small, brown, fuzzy fruit is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, which keep skin firm, help prevent wrinkles, and are great for healthy bones and teeth. The antioxidants in kiwis also protect you from cancer and heart disease.