15 Food Remedies to Try
If you’re coming down with a cold or are suffering from a bout of insomnia, the remedy could be in your fridge. Some foods may help keep certain illnesses at bay and save you a visit to the doctor. Click through to find out how you may be able to eat your way to recovery, but be sure to consult a doctor before discontinuing any medications or if you are experiencing serious symptoms
YOGURT
A recent study suggests that probiotics in yogurt can help reduce hay fever symptoms, such as runny nose and itchy eyes, while boosting immunity. The power-packed dairy product does all that without making you lethargic, unlike some medications.
AVOCADOS
One of the best natural ways to help lower cholesterol is to eat avocados. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers saw study participants’ low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, or unhealthy cholesterol levels, decrease by more than 13 points after including avocado in their daily diet over five weeks.
EGGS
A diet that includes four eggs a week helps in keeping Type 2 diabetes at bay. According to a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, men who ate more eggs were 38 percent less vulnerable to Type 2 diabetes.
HONEY
Honey can help treat variety of health problems, from a runny nose to an itchy scalp caused by dandruff.
PRUNES
Dried prunes can help build bone density according to a study at Florida State University.
NUTRITIONAL YEAST
Add this B complex- and chromium-rich food to your daily diet to help control your blood sugar. According to a study published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, the chromium in yeast helped to significantly reduce the fasting blood glucose levels of trial volunteers
SALMON
The omega-3 fats in salmon can help give you silky hair and smooth skin.
CHICKEN SOUP
This age-old remedy is now a scientifically-proven cure for cold and flu. Studies show that the anti-inflammatory effect of the soup helps in clearing the nasal passage and soothing the throat.
WALNUTS
Walnuts, with high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s in mice according to a study by the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities. The nut’s high serotonin content can also help to boost a person’s mood.
QUINOA
Protein-packing quinoa is also a good source of magnesium, which has been found to relax blood vessels and can help to ward off migraines.
COTTAGE CHEESE
A bowl of cottage cheese can help with getting a good night’s sleep because it contains high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid that induces drowsiness. The National Sleep Foundation in the United States says that pairing tryptophan-packed foods with carbohydrates makes it easier for the brain to access the amino acid, so try eating cottage cheese with crackers or toast.
OATS
This whole grain can help to lower cholesterol.
POPCORN
Looking for a simple and yummy way to get fiber? Popcorn can help to ease constipation without the side-effects of other laxatives.
SARDINES
Sardines, packed with high level of omega-3 fats, may work to keep your brain in a good shape since omega-3s are known to help memory and support brain function. They are good source of niacin, calcium, protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, phosphorus and selenium
DARK CHOCOLATE
A recent Swiss study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that chocolate fights stress. Study participants were subjected to stressful situations and the people who had consumed chocolate beforehand had lower levels of the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine. The anti-oxidants in chocolate can also aid in fighting heart disease as well as lowering the risk of cancer.