24. Healthy Foods
Vegetables
Vegetables should be a vital part of your daily diet. Ideally these are chosen from what is grown organically in your local area. Serve vegetables with grains for complete nourishment. In general grains build and vegetables cleanse the body of toxins and purify and renew the blood. The combination is healing and soothing. [More about veggies]
Fruits
Fruit contains valuable minerals, vitamins, enzymes and fiber. It is easily digested and most are alkalizing, cleansing and balances overuse of rich foods particularly those of concentrated proteins. [More about the health benefits of some specific fruits here]
Legumes
Legumes are beans, peas and lentils. Each has high protein content. This protein can help regulate sugar, water and other aspects of metabolism. They are also high in fat and carbohydrate and rich in potassium, calcium, iron and several B vitamins. Soy, as an example of legumes, is full of beneficial nutrients. [More about Soy]
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are fatty foods, which are typically the best sources of vitamin E, an immune enhancing antioxidant and nerve protector. They contain the largest quantity of fat of all unprocessed foods but much of it is in the form of essential fatty acids. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, carbohydrates, and others are just a part of their remarkable properties. Looked at in total, nuts and seeds are the “spark of life, a living and perfect food”. They are best consumed in small amounts. Most tonify the body and add weight and strength. [But there’s a catch!]
Salt
The controversy over salt has raged for decades. Salt has many benefits to our bodies – clarifying, alkalizing, purifying – but there is also great potential for misuse. Studies have shown salt to be a true culprit. However, the salt being tested is… [What kind of salt?]
Whole Grains
When whole grains are complemented with a good variety of other unrefined food plants, all the elements for nutrition are available. Grains satisfy hunger and taste, provide energy and endurance, calm nerves, and encourage deep sleep. They promote elimination, quick reflexes, long memory, and clear thinking. [Complex Carbohydrates]
Water, Tea and Honey
The amount of water in your diet will significantly influence your long-term health. In cases of a healthy diet, most people can listen to the wisdom of their bodies and drink according to their thirst. Vegetables and fruits are generally 90% water and most grains and legumes are more than 80% water when cooked. [So, how much should you drink?]
If you are on this road of discovery with me, please be sure to read the sections listed above about Healthy Foods. We will skip ahead here to Who, What, and Why of today’s diseases.