The power of plants brings life to the body
Plants are amazing right! I’m not just talking about the plants we eat. Do you have any plants around your home? Perhaps you like to bring in fresh cut flowers and revel in the beauty of them. I know I do. They always make me smile!
Maybe you have some Ivy, spider plants, or other green plants in your home. Keeping plants in the house is great not only to help maintain good oxygen in the home but also for you mentally.
There is scientific proof that being around plants, touching the leaves, smelling the scents can all create change within the body and mind. You may want to have a few around in case you don’t already.
If you are worried about having a green thumb, don’t. There are plenty of low maintenance plants just speak to your local nursery and they can assist you in choosing some. Plus, this is a fun, relaxing hobby to get into.
Now Let's Talk About The Power Of Plants in Food
Now let’s talk a little about the plants we eat.
Your health really relies on fruits and vegetables. They provide so many vitamins, minerals and nutrients that the body needs just to function on a daily basis. The power of plants is truly amazing.
If you have any health challenges, then this is extra important. Have you ever heard of “Eat to Beat Disease”? The proof is there. To learn more check out the documentary Forks over Knives or Earthlings. You will be shocked. Subsequently, by making changes in your diet you can decrease or beat many diseases.
Plant-based eating is really all about adding more plant based foods into your daily life. You do not need to go vegetarian or vegan unless that is an option you really want to try.
A 2017 report published in International Journal of Epidemiology suggests that eating fruits and vegetables are associated with reducing your risk of many chronic diseases as well as protect against certain cancers.
Plant based really means a diet that is primarily vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Something fun to try if your up to a challenge would be to go completely plant based for two to three months. See how your body feels and you know what else happens? Your body actually starts craving fruits and vegetables as it knows that those contain healthy, healing properties.
Be sure to eat a variety of colors. That way you will be the variety of phytochemicals, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals needed. By the way, the recommended guidelines are to eat 2 1/2 cups of vegetables and 1 1/5 cups of fruits per day. Be sure to include some deep colored fruits and vegetables so all of the nutrients are working together.
You can download some photos from either heart.org or veganeasy.org. to get some ideas.
Some Examples of Food and How They Help
Some examples of vegetables would be:
Red: These are rich in lycopene which seek out the free radicals in your body that cause problems all over your body. Red plants can lower the risk of some cancers and help with brain, eye and bone health. Try tomato, strawberries, cherries, apples, beets, and cranberries.
Green: Dark greens also have cancer-blocking chemicals like lutein, indoles and sulfides. They have calcium and folate needed for stronger bones, muscles and help with heart function. Eating Asparagus, kale, broccoli, kiwi, spinach, herbs, brussels sprouts, green beans, green tea and avocados are great choices.
Blue & Purple: Anthocyanins remove free radicals, reduce inflammation in the body as well as assist in a healthy brain. Try blueberries, plums, raisins, purple cabbage, figs, grapes and blackberries.
Yellow & Orange: These contain Vitamin C, carotenoids like beta-carotene . They help to detoxify the body, decrease inflammation, boost the immune system as well as heart health. Some options could be bananas, carrots, mango, tangerines, sweet potato, and pineapple.
White & Brown: Veggies like onions help lower cholesterol, decrease toxins in the body. Nuts have healthy fats, consume in small amounts. You will also get potassium which helps the heart, and with cramps. Choose cauliflower, garlic, mushrooms, nuts, onions, beans and whole grains.
To complete your plant based diet, for example, you may want to include probiotics to help with a healthy gut. You can find these either in a supplement form or in foods like yogurt, miso, sauerkraut and kimchi.
In addition to probiotics, you may also want to include prebiotics as these assist the probiotics. They are found in apples, bananas, garlic, and flaxseeds to name a few.
While this is a small list to get you started. It’s definitely worth adding in at least a few more plants into your every day life.
To help you get started I will be providing information on a short course during the next week.
As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions and suggestions.
In health,
Kathy
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