(The first still-life I painted in college — in watercolor)
I am not sure who to credit this list to…I looked it up and couldn’t find an original source. (Nor did I have time to research every claim…but you can do that for yourself!) My friend Nathan shared it on Facebook and I thought it was worth re-posting here.
I know that I, my family, and most of my friends have health issues we’re dealing with, and it’s intriguing to see the healing properties God tucked inside many of our favorite fruits and vegetables. I’ve been working on increasing the amount of produce we eat and it’s good to know that there are extensive benefits beyond just eating well!
Look at the list and see which fruits or vegetables could help the problems you’re struggling with. How many of these do you have in your kitchen today? I counted 16!
Here’s to good health and happy eating! (And if weight loss is a side effect, Praise the Lord and pass the spinach!)
❥ Pineapple: Speeds post-surgery, Promotes joint health, Reduces asthma inflammation
❥ Blueberries: Restore antioxidant levels, Reverse age-related brain decline, Prevent urinary tract infection
❥ Spinach: Helps maintain mental sharpness, Reduces the risk of cancers of the liver, ovaries, colon and prostate, Top nutrient density
❥ Red Bell Pepper: Reduces risk of lung, prostate, ovarian and cervical cancer, Protects against sunburn, Promotes heart health
❥ Broccoli: Reduces diabetic damage, Lowers risk of prostate, bladder, colon, pancreatic, gastric and breast cancer, Protects the brain in event of injury
❥ Tomato: Reduces inflammation, Lowers risk of developing esophageal, stomach, colorectal lung and pancreatic cancer, Reduces cardiovascular disease risk
❥ Apple: Supports immunity, Fights lung and prostate cancer, Lowers Alzheimer’s risk
❥ Artichoke: Helps blood clotting, Antioxidant Superfood, Lowers “bad” cholesterol
❥ Arugula: Lowers birth defect risk, Reduces fracture risk, Protects eye health
❥ Asparagus: Nourishes good gut bacteria, Protects against birth defects, Promotes heart health
❥ Avocado: Limits liver damage, Reduces oral cancer risk, Lowers cholesterol levels
❥ Blackberries: Build bone density Suppress appetite, Enhance fat burning
❥ Butternut Squash: Supports night vision, Combats wrinkles, Promotes heart health
❥ Cantaloupe: Bolsters immunity, Protects skin against sunburn, Reduces inflammation
❥ Carrot: Antioxidants defend DNA, Fights cataracts, Protects against some cancers
❥ Cauliflower: Stimulates detoxification, Suppresses breast cancer cell growth, Defends against prostate cancer
❥ Cherries: Alleviate arthritic pain and gout, Lower “bad” cholesterol, Reduce inflammation
❥ Cranberries: Alleviate prostate pain. Fight lung, colon and leukemia cancer cells. Prevent urinary tract infection
❥ Green Cabbage: Promotes healthy blood clotting, Reduces risk of prostate, colon, breast and ovarian cancers, Activates the body’s natural detoxification systems
❥ Kale: Counters harmful estrogens that can feed cancer, Protects eyes against sun damage and cataracts, Increases bone density
❥ Kiwi: Combats wrinkles, Lowers blood clot risk and reduces blood lipids, Counters constipation
❥ Mango: Supports, immunity, Lowers “bad” cholesterol, Regulates homocysteine to protect arteries
❥ Mushrooms: Promote natural detoxification, Reduce the risk of colon and prostate cancer, Lower blood pressure
❥ Orange: Reduces levels of “bad” cholesterol, Lowers risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, breast and stomach, and childhood leukemia, Pectin suppresses appetite
❥ Papaya: Enzymes aid digestion, Reduces risk of lung cancer, Enhances fat burning
❥ Plums & Prunes : Counter constipation, Antioxidants defend against DNA damage, Protects against post-menopausal bone loss
❥ Pomegranate: Enhances sunscreen protection, Lowers “bad” cholesterol, Fights prostate cancer
❥ Pumpkin: Protects joints against polyarthritis, Lowers lung and prostate cancer risk, Reduces inflammation
❥ Raspberries: Inhibit growth of oral, breast, colon and prostate cancers, Antioxidant DNA defense, Lower “bad” cholesterol levels
❥ Strawberries: Protect against Alzheimer’s, Reduce “bad” cholesterol, Suppress growth of colon, prostate and oral cancer
❥ Sweet Potato: Reduces stroke risk, Lowers cancer risk, Protect against blindness
❥ Watermelon: Supports male fertility, Reduces risk of several cancers: prostate, ovarian, cervical, oral and pharyngeal, Protects skin against sunburn
❥Banana: Increases Fat Burning, Lowers risk of colorectal and kidney cancer, leukemia, Reduces asthma symptoms in children