Medicinal Benefits:
Health Benefits of Chinese Radishes
Chinese Radishes provide an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, the trace mineral molybdenum and folic acid. Chinese radishes contain cancer-protective properties. Throughout history radishes have been effective when used as a medicinal food for liver disorders. They contain a variety of sulfur-based chemicals that increase the flow of bile. Therefore, they help to maintain a healthy gallbladder and liver, and improve digestion.
Health Benefits of Onions
Onions are a very good source of vitamins B6 and C, chromium, biotin and fiber. They are also a good source of folic acid and vitamins B1 and K. The health benefits provided by onions are mostly due to their content of several organic sulfur compounds. Like garlic, onions also have the enzyme allinaise. Studies have shown that onions and onion extracts decrease blood lipid levels, prevent clot formation and lower blood pressure. Studies have also revealed that onions have a significant effect in lowering blood sugar levels. Throughout history, onions have also been used to treat asthma. Their action in asthma is mostly due to their ability to inhibit the production of compounds that cause the bronchial muscle to spasm, which then causes the muscle to relax.
Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger has been proven to be very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. Studies show that ginger root is effective for airplane, automobile, boat trips and train travel. Ginger reduces all symptoms that are associated with motion sickness including nausea, dizziness, vomiting and cold sweating. Ginger has also been effective in treating the nausea and vomiting that is associated with pregnancy. It contains high levels of active substances so even a small dosage provides beneficial effects.
Health Benefits of Chives
Chives, like onions and garlic, have received considerable attention for their allicin content. Allicin contributes to cholesterol management by reducing LDL levels and increasing HDL levels. Allicin has also been shown to reduce blood pressure and prevent blood clots. Chives contain many antioxidants that help destroy free radicals and discourage the growth of cancerous cells and tumors. Research has also revealed that chives help your body produce glutathione, an agent that enables your body to identify toxins and other cancer-causing substances and eliminate them. Eating chives helps your body digest your food better and make use of more nutrients food offers. Chives work by eliminating undesirable bacteria, yeast and fungi in the intestinal tract to enable the digestive system to function more effectively. Chives has also been shown to have antibacterial capabilities that kill at least 30 strains of salmonella which cause digestive problems.
Health Benefits of Celery
Celery is associated with lowering blood pressure. Minerals in the juice of the celery effectively balance the body’s pH, neutralizing acidity. Celery has been shown to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds. Among them are the acetylenics that have been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells. Phenolic acids block the action of prostaglandins that encourage the growth of tumor cells. Coumarins help prevent free radicals from damaging cells. Phytochemical coumarins prevent the formation and development of colon and stomach cancers. Celery has also been shown to be very effective in lowering total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
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