It’s Entirely Natural - Articles

People tend to talk about chocolate and its nutritional facets and in the end, people tend to conclude that because of its many ingredients that are not considered healthy, chocolate then is also not nutritious. However, this popular notion may not be entirely true.

Chocolate, according to some, contains certain nutrients. These nutrients are good for the body provided that they are eaten in small amounts only. After all, anything taken excessively is not always ideal. Excessive amounts of chocolate in your system can be harmful to your health and can even cause the build up of cholesterol and fats and this, as we all know, cause weight gain. Bear in mind, that if you must eat large amounts of chocolate, you have to “balance it out” with other food.

Chocolate contains stearic acid, a type of saturated fat that is commonly found in cocoa butter. Of course, saturated fat is not healthy. However, compared to other types of fat, stearic acid does not increase your blood cholesterol as rapidly. In fact, stearic acid may even help your heart.

The protein in chocolate is another reason as to why this sweet stuff can be healthy for a person. Generally, chocolate bars contain three to four grams of protein and we know that protein is helpful to the human body.

The antioxidants found in chocolates (flavanoids) are also found to prevent cancer as well as thwart age-related diseases. Flavanoids can also accordingly lower blood cholesterol levels and help keep the blood levels at normal rates.

Did you know chocolates also have copper, calcium and magnesium? Most, if not all, people probably do not know that chocolate has these ingredients!

One has to familiarize him or herself with the various types of chocolates, to know what’s good and what’s not. Compared to other types of chocolate that have too much saturated fat, dark chocolate is popularly known to contain the “ideal ingredients”.

Given these facts, people’s outlook on chocolates has changed. Instead of labeling it as purely junk food, chocolate may now be considered as health food. This is because of the ingredients of chocolate that actually carry good results for the human body. These ingredients can help with heart problems, blood pressure and other health-related concerns.

Hence, to partake of chocolates is not bad after all! Health junkies need not stay away from them and people with that sweet tooth need not give them up. Chocolates can be healthy. Just remember to eat them in moderation.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Nutrition & Health.

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Tags: antioxidants, blood pressure, cholesterol, cocoa butter, dark chocolate, flavanoids, magnesium, Nutrition & Health

Diabetes mellitus is a medical condition when the amount of glucose in the blood becomes too high. Glucose is moved from the blood to the body’s cells via a hormone known as insulin. Should the insulin level become too low, the blood glucose levels may rise resulting in diabetes.

By eating a balanced diet and taking regular exercise whilst maintaining a healthy body weight, one can assist with the prevention and delay of type 2 diabetes. Those who have developed diabetes should maintain a weight that is considered healthy and ensure that their diet is low in saturated fat and salt. They should, however ensure that their diet contains at least five portions of fruit and vegetables along with carbohydrates that are starching such as pasta, rice and whole-grain bread.

Untreated diabetes may cause increased thirst, the need to urinate more, weight loss, itching of the genital organs, blurred vision and tiredness.

Type 1 diabetes is also referred to as insulin dependant diabetes. The body’s immune system turns against itself and as result the cells that produce insulin are destroyed and the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin. This type of diabetes usually develops in people under the age of 40 and in childhood.

Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin does not properly work. This type usually occurs in middle ages people. This type of diabetes is rapidly growing in the US due to people becoming fatter due to their poor diet and nutrition.

Treatment can include diet modification and physical activity for type 2 diabetes to help patients control their blood glucose level and help those patients who are overweight lose weight. It is usually possible to control this type of diabetes by diet and insulin. People with type 2 diabetes are advised to adhere to a healthy well balanced nutritious diet and will be give their individual dietary guidance by a health professional.

Likewise, a healthy nutritious diet and physical exercise can assist with the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Researchers have linked the regular consumption of whole grain foods to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Foods that are whole grain provide a person with many nutrients such as fibre, minerals, vitamins and resistant starch. They contain compounds such as antioxidants and phytoestrogens which can assist with disease prevention. Nutrients such as these may become lost in the refining process.

People with diabetes are advised to eat healthy – the same way that is recommended for the whole population. Their diet should contain plenty of fruit and vegetables, starchy foods and foods that are low in sugar, salt and fat. Bear in mind that cakes that are designed for the diabetic may not be beneficial as they can contain a lot of fat.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Nutrition & Health.

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Tags: antioxidants, diabetes, diet, exercise, glucose, immune system, Nutrition & Health, type-2-diabetes

Research is constantly being done on the benefits of vitamins and minerals, but garlic is actually one of the most beneficial and natural healthy foods.

Garlic has been found to be beneficial to the human body in a number of different ways. Research has shown many positive results of regular eating of garlic. For example, garlic is a natural form of an antibiotic in a general way as opposed to focusing on specific types of bacteria or parts of the body.

Garlic is generally helpful for pain relief, particularly when pain is due to problems in the circulatory system, such as angina pain.

There appear to be no people with allergies to garlic, which means that it can be broadly prescribed for its health benefits. Research has also shown that garlic, and in particular garlic that is aged, has positive and intense antioxidant qualities which can help with a number of circulatory diseases and even cancers. It is antioxidants that help to protect the body against what is known as free radicals in the human body. Free radicals are ions with free electrons which can wreak havoc in the body, causing rapid aging and problems with the immune system.

Garlic helps to counteract these effects, but other plants in the same family can have a similar effect. For example, onions have a great effect, although a bit less than garlic. Shallots, green onions and some edible flowers have the same benefits as well.

Garlic is excellent for supporting the hard work of the immune system. Garlic also lowers cholesterol, helps to prevent heart disease and fights all sorts of funguses that try to invade the body.

There are two ingredients in garlic that are medicinal in nature and have excellent health benefits. The two ingredients are allicin and the diallyl sulphides. Allicin is the more powerful of the two. Allicin is not found in garlic as a plant, but is released when garlic is either crushed or chopped into fine pieces. The finer the dicing, the more allicin will be created, and therefore the stronger will be the medicinal benefits. Allicin is anti-fungal in nature and is commonly used to treat many infections of the skin such as athlete’s foot and nail fungus.

Diallyl sulphides also have benefits, but not as great as allicin. Diallyl sulphides have no anti-fungal properties, but can be of great benefit for blood circulation and help to keep the overall circulatory system working to the best of its ability. Diallyl sulphides are beneficial to the immune system because they give it a much-needed boast and they also help to lower the LDL bad cholesterol” in the body.

There are many ways to incorporate more garlic into your diet. Garlic works well with many meat and vegetables dishes and it can be included in soups, casseroles and stir-fries. If you are not well versed in cooking with garlic then check the public library, your local bookstore or the Internet for some recipes that are simple and easy for you to prepare. If eating garlic is not to your liking because of the odor then look for garlic in tablet or capsule form at your local vitamin store or grocery store.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: antioxidants, cholesterol, free radicals, garlic, Herbal Remedies, immune system

Fruits are great cures for what ails you. There are many fruits that you can use; this article takes a look at only a few of them.

The fuzzy brown exterior of the kiwi fruit gives way to a bright green interior which is an excellent cancer fighter. Kiwis contain a lot of vitamin C and fiber. Vitamin C is believed to play an integral role in preventing cataracts.

Grapes are a tremendous source of boron, which is a type of mineral that may be connected to a lower risk of osteoporosis. Grapes when turned into red grape juice are full of not just boron but also something known as reservatrol. Reservatrol is a chemical that is believed to be able to ward off heart disease by inhibiting the clumping action of blood cells.

Mangoes are full of vitamin C and beta-carotene, both of which are considered to be anticancer antioxidants. This fruit is also full of copper and vitamin B6. The USDA research into the importance of vitamin C to the body has found that this essential vitamin is beneficial at lowering blood pressure.

Oranges and oranges made into orange juice are filled with vitamin C and folic acid. Folic acid is beneficial for preventing a number of birth defects such as spina bifida and encephalitis. Folic acid is believed to help reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

There are other types of citrus fruits besides orange juice that are full of limonoids which are substances that can help the body to detoxify itself and by so doing can decrease the risk of cancer. Be aware that smokers need twice the daily intake of vitamin C as non-smokers and should therefore drink double the quantity of orange juice.

Pears are not only delicious but they are also an excellent source of fiber. Fiber has a great deal of benefits but when combined with a diet low in fat it is able to decrease the chance that a person will develop polyps in the colon which can lead to the development of cancer. Pears are not just full of fiber but also they contain plenty of vitamin C, boron (which is also prevalent in grapes), and potassium (which is also prevalent in bananas).

Prunes are the recommended fruit for relief of constipation, however some people prefer to drink prune juice instead. Prunes are good for this purpose because they are full of fiber. Prunes they have a natural sugar called sorbitol. Prunes are excellent for the bones and like grapes contain boron as well as plenty of vitamins A and E.

Berries in general contain plenty of fiber and strawberries are a perfect example of this. Strawberries have more fiber as well as more vitamin C in them than the majority of other fruits. Strawberries contain a substance called ellagic acid, which is a natural chemical that is excellent at fighting cancer. Studies of ellagic acid have discovered that it very potent as an inhibitor of carcinogens that the body takes in, particularly for smokers, including nitrosamines and tobacco smoke.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Food Cures.

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Tags: acid folic, antioxidants, beta carotene, blood pressure, constipation, Fiber, Food Cures, grapes, kiwi fruit, prunes, strawberries

All fruits are healthy to the human body in specific ways. A combination of fruits in your diet can help to keep you healthy, and cure certain diseases as well. There is a huge variety of fruits that can help you, including apples, apricots, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, kiwi fruit, lemon/limes and oranges. Other healing fruits include papaya, pears, pineapple, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries and watermelon. Here we take a look at a variety of the healing properties of a selection of fruits.

Amaranth is a food that not everyone is familiar with. While technically a fruit, amaranth is commonly used as a type of grain that is found in many different types of breads, muffins, pasta and other foods that are as an adjunct to flour. The seeds of amaranth are extremely high in protein that builds muscle. Amaranth is much richer in protein than most grains. Amaranth seeds are also excellent at building up the immune system because they are high in zinc, copper and magnesium.

Apricots are excellent antioxidants. They are chock-full of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Research studies have yielded the fact that beta carotene is beneficial at protecting the body against lung cancer. Apricots are great sources of fiber. Apricots are more nutritious if you buy them fresh as opposed to canned.

Bananas are full of potassium, and therefore great at reducing blood pressure. Bananas are full of vitamin B6, which is good for encouraging the strength of the immune system. Bananas are particularly good to start off the day. Eat a banana with a glass of low fat milk and a piece of whole wheat bread (or toast) with peanut butter for breakfast and it will give you plenty of energy. For a change of pace whip up a banana shake in the blender and drink your start to a good day!

Cantaloupe is full of plenty of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, potassium and fiber. Research studies have shown that beta-carotene is particularly helpful at fighting cancers that originate in the lungs but more recent studies have shown that it is also worthwhile for fighting other types of cancers such as cancer of the cervix, uterine cancer, stomach cancer and oral forms of cancers. Evidence also supports that vitamin C decreases the incidence of mouth cancers, throat cancers, pancreatic cancer and stomach cancer.

Figs are beneficial to health and that is the case regardless of whether you choose to eat figs fresh or in their dried form. Figs have plenty of vitamin C, fiber, magnesium and potassium in them. Figs contain a type of fruit fiber that is able to decrease blood pressure, and in particular, systolic blood pressure, which is the top number of the blood pressure reading which in turn, calculates the pressure of the contractions of the heart. Fiber in general is connected to decreasing the bottom number of the blood pressure equation, which is the diastolic blood pressure. The diastolic blood pressure stands for the pressure of the heart when it is resting between its contracting action.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Food Cures.

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Tags: antioxidants, beta carotene, blood pressure, blueberries, cranberries, Food Cures, grapes, immune system, kiwi fruit, limes, magnesium, prunes, strawberries, vitamins, vitamins minerals, whole wheat

As we continue in the Oscar ceremonies for healthiest foods, we have two awards for Best Supporting Actor: Berries and Whole Grains.

Berries are in a big category. They include strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries and blackberries. Berries are some of the most nutritious of all fruits. They are full of vitamin C, fiber, folate and phytonutrients.

Berries are excellent cancer fighting agents because they are full of antioxidants. Blueberries for example are believed to be higher in their antioxidant properties than are strawberries. Blueberries are useful in helping people as they age; short-term memory loss is lessened thanks to their healthy benefits.

Berries are very simple fruits to prepare. All you need to do is wash them thoroughly and either cut them up or eat them raw. Berries do not require peeling like other fruits, such as oranges and peaches.

Whole grains are full of B vitamins, as well as vitamin E, fiber, magnesium and iron. Whole grains are also very rich in antioxidants and contain some that are not found in fruits or vegetables.

According to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Americans should eat plenty of grains on a daily basis. Half of all grains eaten should be whole grains, which works out to be three to five servings of whole grains on a daily basis. Always use whole-wheat flour when you bake as opposed to white flour. White flour is refined and is very bad for the body. When you buy such foods as breads, pasta, biscuits and cereal always look for the word “whole” on the packaging. Another way to add whole grains to your diet is to eat more brown rice, wild rice, barley or quinoa. Try experimenting with different ways to add these whole grain products to recipes, such as adding barley or quinoa to soups and casseroles.

Apples got the Oscar nomination, but not the Oscar itself. They nevertheless turn in an excellent performance and should be counted in the top ten. Apples are rich in vitamin C, which helps the body to absorb other types of nutrients such as folate and iron. Apples contain a substance called pectin, which is used in jams and jellies and as a thickener for sauces. Pectin is similar to fiber in that it helps to decrease cholesterol and moderate the level of glucose in the blood.

Wheat germ is the “heart of the wheat seed” and it is filled with nutrients. Wheat does not have much taste, so you might want to sprinkle it on cereal, porridge or yogurt. Wheat germ can also be added to batter when you are baking cookies, muffins, biscuits or pancakes. Wheat germ is rich in folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, thiamine and zinc. Two tablespoons a day is enough to optimize its health benefits. Thiamine is particularly beneficial for the proper functioning of the nerves while phosphorous encourages the development of strong teeth and bones. Iron, folate magnesium and zinc are all minerals that support healing in the body and are essential fro the growth of children.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Food Cures.

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Tags: 2005 dietary guidelines for americans, antioxidants, blueberries, cholesterol, cranberries, Fiber, folate, Food Cures, magnesium, phytonutrients, strawberries, vitamins, whole grains, wild rice

There are many herbs and spices that are beneficial to keeping the body functioning at its absolute best. In order to remain as healthy as possible, you should consume as many herbs and spices as possible every day.

Turmeric is a spice that not everyone is familiar with. Turmeric is a yellow spice that is most often to be found in mustards manufactured in the United States. Turmeric is also a staple of many Indian dishes. Turmeric is a healthy spice that has anti-inflammatory properties, and also works as an antioxidant. These properties help turmeric to prevent the development of cancer. Turmeric goes to work to help get rid of the many symptoms that can accompany arthritis, as well as tendonitis, autoimmune disorders and a selection of other disorders that involve any degree of inflammation such as swelling in muscles or joints.

Fresh or dried peppermint is especially beneficial for a number of stomach ailments from heartburn to indigestion to nausea. Peppermint is very soothing to the stomach and entire digestive tract. Studies have shown that it is able to help rid sufferers or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of many of their symptoms. Peppermint has been shown to be effective in slowing the growth of many types of bacteria and fungi and it is effective as well for those who suffer from respiratory problems, such as asthma and allergies. Peppermint can be brewed as a tea or it can be purchased in pill form. Individuals who suffer on a regular basis from upset stomach or nausea would benefit from the consumption of peppermint in one form or another.

Cayenne pepper, also known as chili pepper, red pepper or paprika is a fiery type of pepper that is used to help several organs. Pepper has been found beneficial in moderating many types of stomach ailments, such as stomach aches related to any number of causes, gas and many different types of heart problems. Cayenne pepper is effective at lowering cholesterol and it improves the circulation of blood and is believed to be beneficial in preventing circulatory disease. Cayenne pepper decreases the possibility that the blood will clot, which can help to prevent deadly blood clots forming, especially after surgery. Cayenne pepper is also beneficial when a person is suffering from a toothache.

The advantages of cayenne pepper do not end there. Cayenne pepper has been shown through research studies to be effective at alleviating migraine headaches. For migraine sufferers the cayenne cream is applied directly to the inside of the nose. Be aware that if you do this you should apply a very small quantity and some people’s noses are too sensitive for cayenne. Cayenne pepper can help to improve blood circulation. It can also be applied to the skin topically as a way to alleviate pain connected with rheumatoid arthritis.

The active ingredient in cayenne pepper is capsaicin and this ingredient has found to be effective for those suffering from Fibromylagia. As a cream cayenne can be applied to painful muscles and joints but be aware that sometimes cayenne cream causes a burning sensation on the skin and if it gets into the eyes it can cause some pain.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Food Cures.

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Tags: antioxidants, cayenne pepper, cholesterol, Food Cures, herbs and spices, mint, peppermint, turmeric, whole grains

When we think of healing foods, we don’t always consider herbs and spices. They are the little extras that we often put on our food to give it more seasoning and to make it tastier for everyone at the table.

Put the saltshaker away when you’re cooking, as too much salt in the diet can spell disaster for your circulatory system and kidneys. Reach instead for healthy herbs and seasonings to jazz up your next meal and help make you healthier to boot!

Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health and medical conditions. Examples of these include inflammatory conditions, infections, autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and nausea. There is no doubt that when it comes to herbs and spices there are plenty of healing properties you should get to know better.

Garlic has long been used as a folk remedy for many ailments. Garlic is a member of what is called the allium family as it contains a substance called allicin. Other members of this family include onions and scallions.

Research into the benefits of garlic has shown that it is a strong preventative agent against stroke and heart disease. Garlic is also instrumental in lowering high blood pressure. Further studies have shown that garlic is very close to a natural form of antibiotic. Garlic is full of substances that help to detoxify the body and are able to disperse carcinogens that are building in the system.

A number of research studies have shown that a diet rich in garlic helps to lower the total cholesterol rate of an individual, including the bad cholesterol or LDL while at the same time it raises the good HDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Garlic also fights a great number of bacteria and viruses and therefore helps to prevent infections.

Garlic is associated with a decreased risk of stomach cancer. Research in Italy and China support garlic’s beneficial effects. Garlic is best eaten in its raw state. The best way to benefit from garlic is to eat it raw: cut up, sliced up or chopped.

Ginger is a very odd looking substance. It can be found in every produce department, and should be used more for its beneficial effects on health. Ginger works well to calm an upset stomach. Ginger is particularly good to take before embarking on a road trip if you are prone to motion sickness. Ginger snaps and ginger bread are also effective at calming an upset stomach. Pregnant women are often encouraged to eat ginger to reduce the nausea from morning sickness.

Ginger is also believed to be helpful in the fight to lose weight, as it works as a natural dietary aid. The reason it works is that ginger helps to boost the rate in which the body burns calories. This benefit has been borne out in studies conducted by researchers in Australia. When coupled with other spices including rosemary, thyme, oregano and pepper, ginger is excellent in regards to its antioxidant properties and therefore is proficient at fighting cancer.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Food Cures.

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Tags: antioxidants, carcinogens, cholesterol, Food Cures, garlic, healing foods, herbs and spices, high blood pressure

Chocolate is not just a tasty treat. Chocolate is actually healthy for you in small quantities. Researchers have spent many years studying this delicious food (what a fun thing to research!) These researchers have found that dark chocolate, which is bitterer in taste than milk chocolate or other forms of chocolate, has a number of benefits to health. Dark chocolate, red wine and green tea have all been shown to share many of the same health benefits.

Antioxidants are to be found in dark chocolate, and one of the benefits of antioxidants is their cancer-fighting properties. Other health benefits that have been connected to dark chocolate include

• a tremendous improvement in the work of the arteries and blood vessels; the lowering if high blood pressure,
  a lower incidence of deaths related to heart disease;
• improved efficiency of the endothelial cells;
• better digestive process and increased stimulation of the kidneys.

Flavonoids found in chocolate have been found to help people who suffer from anemia, a poor appetite and kidney stones. Dark chocolate is instrumental in fighting bad cholesterol in the blood vessels and it lowers blood pressure and greatly improves the circulation of blood from the heart to the brain and then back again.

Dark chocolate is believed to set off a biochemical effect in the brain that helps to clot the blood much in the same way as aspirin does if a person suspects that they are suffering a heart attack.

Dark chocolate contains the minerals copper and magnesium. These minerals are necessary for a normal functioning heartbeat and for stable blood pressure.

There are potential downsides: be aware that chocolate is fattening, and it contains caffeine so never overdo a good thing!

Not just any dark chocolate will do. In order to get the dark chocolate, experts say that the very best source is the dried extract of roasted cocoa beans. If you cannot consume chocolate this way or if it is not for you then the second best option is to eat a small chocolate bar that is approximately 1.6 ounces. This is just enough chocolate to keep the heart as healthy as possible and to keep the blood vessels opened wide, allowing blood to freely circulate.

There are many dark chocolate bars on the market but one of the best in terms of high cocoa content is the Dove Dark chocolate bar. Even eating a few tiny pieces, such as three or four squares broken off from a chocolate bar can be of tremendous benefit to the heart.

Keep in mind that eating any type of chocolate is not enough to keep the heart “heart healthy.” What you need to eat specifically is dark chocolate as dark chocolate has the most cocoa in it and the most flavonoids.

Before it was discovered that cocoa contained healthy substances called flavonoids, chocolate manufacturers used to destroy this entire important ingredient in the processing. Now that the health benefits are known, they work hard to maintain an estimated 95 percent of it after processing.

Why just dark chocolate? Because milk chocolate, white chocolate, and other forms of chocolate do not have the same level of flavonoids. If you find dark chocolate too bitter then consider buying a dark chocolate bar that contains almonds or raisins or both to add a little more variety to the flavor.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Food Cures.

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Tags: almonds, antioxidants, caffeine, cholesterol, cocoa beans, dark chocolate, flavonoids, Food Cures, green tea, magnesium, red wine

Beans and lentils are healthy foods. They are sometimes neglected as a good source for health and nutrition because they can be perceived as boring and flavorless. Beans and lentils are nevertheless extremely nutritious and should be included as a part of a healthy diet.

Both beans and lentils are packed full of fiber and protein and contain very little fat. Beans and lentils are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which can be beneficial in fighting a number of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, inflammatory diseases, osteoporosis and depression.

Black beans are a source of soluble fiber and are effective in lowering bad cholesterol by as much as 24 percent. A side-benefit of this decrease in LDL’s is to lower blood pressure. The fiber in black beans is able to sufficiently keep sugar levels to within a healthy zone, while damping hunger. Black beans are good for diabetics because they can level out their calorie consumption without elevating their glucose levels.

These same beneficial effects can be found in a number of different kinds of beans. The most popular kinds of beans and peas include chickpeas (or garbanzo beans), lima beans, fava beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, navy beans, pinto beans and great northern beans.

Lentils are rich in many nutrients, but are particularly rich when it comes to the B vitamins. These B vitamins can help to prevent heart attacks. Lentils are also very rich in protein, fiber and a variety of minerals such as ones that help support the strength of the immune system. Examples of these are copper, zinc and manganese and iron. Lentils are particularly rich in iron, which recommends them for people with certain kinds of iron-deficiency anemia.

Miso may not be found in many American households, but it should be considered as a healthy alternative, and a great way to increase the number of beans in your diet. Miso is a type of soybean paste that is often used as a seasoning for sauces and soups. Miso is rich in substances called isoflavones which are believed to help protect against the development and growth of breast cancer because they inhibit the growth of the blood vessels that are responsible fro the rapid growth of tumors.

Also rich in both iron and calcium (when it is sufficiently processed with the salts of calcium) is soybean curd or tofu. Tempeh is another soy product that boasts high levels of vitaimin A, B6, magnesium and zinc. Tempeh has slightly lower levels of fat than does tofu. Other soy products are worth considering because of their nutritional value, including soymilk and other soy beverages such as chocolate soymilk, soy nuts, soy yogurt, tofu (as previously mentioned) and a variety of products made from tofu.

All soy products are derived from soybeans. This means that they all are high in protein content. Protein is made up of all of the essential amino acids that the body needs to function at its healthiest. Soybeans are also extremely rich in all of the B vitamins, as well as fiber, the omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and phosphorus.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Food Cures.

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Tags: antioxidants, beans, cholesterol, Depression, Fiber, Food Cures, immune system, lentils, magnesium, nutrition, nuts, omega 3 fatty acids