The amazing health benefits of Broccoli

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Broccoli has many nutrients and is a rich source of biochemicals that aid in preventing illness and diseases. Broccoli is a common find in Europe, the United States, and in Australia. Along with being a tasty side dish, broccoli also has a ton of wonderful health benefits.

Broccoli is a natural "wonder-drug" for cancer.
The biochemicals in broccoli have been known to fight cancer. A powerful chemical called isothiocyanates, may be able to stimulate certain enzymes that are produced by the liver. These enzymes counteract the effect of cancer cells that enter the body. The chemicals may even slow down the progression of cancer.

Broccoli can boost your immune system.
One cup of broccoli has the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin C. It can also help strengthen your immune system, due to the fact that broccoli contains a high amount of beta-carotene.

Broccoli is healthy for women who are pregnant.
One serving of broccoli contains folic acid, which is essential for accurate cell division. If you do not have enough folic acid, there is a risk of birth defects. If you have questions or concerns about this, be sure to consult your doctor. Broccoli is also high in fiber, which will aid in getting rid of symptoms of constipation during pregnancy.

Broccoli is chock full of nutrients. Some of these nutrients include: carbohydrates, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, Vitamin A, B-complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and many more.
For a healthy side dish, include some broccoli in with your dinner tonight.

The amazing health benefits of Garlic

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Garlic may cause bad breath, but, it also has an abundance of health benefits. Since the dawn of time, people have used garlic to cure illnesses. Popularly used in Folk Medicine, garlic is said to have the ability to cure almost anything.
There are two main medicinal ingredients in garlic: allicin and diallyl sulphides. The sulphurous compounds inside garlic adds to the power in this popular cooking ingredient.

There are many benefits to adding a little more garlic into your life.

Garlic protects against cancer.Compounds in garlic have been shown to protect the body from various cancers:

1. Stomach cancer: Garlic may be able to lower the ability of H.Pylori, which causes stomach cancer and ulcers.
2. Colon cancer: Garlic may be able to protect colon cells from toxins, and even prevent the growth of cancer, if it does develop.
3. Breast cancer: If you add garlic to your cooking, it may help reduce the carcinogenic chemicals in cooked meat. Carcinogenic chemicals have been linked to breast cancer.

Garlic is a natural pain reducer.
Garlic has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.

Garlic can repel mosquitoes.
Throughout history, garlic has been used as a way to protect against mosquitoes.

Garlic can boost the immune system.
The anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties in garlic, have been known to ward off illnesses. If you have a skin condition caused by bacteria, fungus, or yeast, it can be treated by chopping up a clove of garlic, and rubbing it on the affected area.

Naming just a few of the health benefits of garlic, you can see why it is important to keep garlic as a staple in your diet.

The amazing health benefits of beans

Beans, also known as legumes, are a super food that is also good for your heart. With over 33,000 types of beans, it is the second most popular source of protein in the world. Some of the most popular bean types include: kidney beans, navy beans, black beans, and lima beans. Beans contain many nutrients that can help you in maintaining good health.

Beans are jam packed with fiber.
Beans are packed with enough soluble fiber to not only benefit your colon, it can also curb your appetite. The soluble fiber in beans can also help in reducing your cholesterol. During the process of digestion, the soluble fiber grabs bile that contains bad cholesterol, and removes it from the body before it is absorbed. It has been shown that if you eat a cup of cooked beans a day, it can actually lower your cholesterol by 10% in six weeks.

Beans are beneficial for diabetics.
The fiber in beans have been found to create more insulin receptor sites. The insulin molecules connect to the receptor site, which allows the insulin to reach the cells that need it. This will also keep a diabetic's cholesterol low.

Beans can lower your cancer risk.
Beans contain nutrients that can lower your risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. A compound found in beans have been shown to keep normal cells from becoming cancerous. The compound also inhibits cancer growth.

Beans, often called "the poor man's meat," are an excellent source of protein and is budget-friendly. They are also a great source of potassium, iron, and folate.

(previously published by Shauna Silva on Yahoo Contributor Network)

For more on how you can introduce beans into your diet, click on the above photo.

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