🌿 Cranberries

Cranberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, A, and beta carotene. They are packed with antioxidants and rate very high on the ORAC scale making it an ideal anti-aging and memory enhancing food. Cranberries have amazing anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and are a vital food and supplement for anyone struggling with any chronic illness or disease. They are known to significantly boost the immune system and have a natural antibiotic effect in the body. Cranberries contain one of nature's most potent vasodilators which opens up congested bronchial tubes and pathways making it essential for healing any respiratory condition. Cranberries are very high in tannic acids which gives them there powerful ability to protect and heal urinary tract, bladder, and kidney infections. These tannic acids are made up of compounds called proanthocyanidins which essentially coats the infection forming bacteria, such as E.coli and H.Pylori, with a slick cover and prevents them from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract and digestive tract. Since the bacteria are unable to attach themselves to anything they are flushed out of the system and unable to cause any infection or harm. This anti-adhesion ability also help to prevent stomach ulcers, gum disease, and cavities. This ability also helps to prevent cardiovascular disease by stopping cholesterol plaque formation Part 2: Foods and Their Healing Powers in the heart and blood vessels and by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels in the blood. Cranberry juice has also been shown to increase the desirable "friendly" bacteria in the digestive tract which benefits digestive disorders such as IBS, colitis, gastritis, indigestion, gas, bloating, and constipation. Cranberry juice has also been known to help treat diaper rash by reducing pH levels in the diaper and thereby reducing irritation. Native Americans commonly ate their cranberries simmered in honey or maple syrup or sun-dried and mixed with nuts to last them through the winter months. Fresh cranberries can be added to salads, smoothies, fresh juices, and fruit and nut salads or cooked down into the classic cranberry sauce. Sun-dried cranberries are an excellent addition to trail mixes, hot or cold breakfast cereals, grain and vegetables dishes, and wholesome baked goods. Sun-dried cranberries can also be made into a medicinal tea by soaking in water overnight. Pure cranberry juice can be taken straight or mixed with spring water, coconut water, or apple or grape juice to receive its healing benefits. Cranberry extracts can also be found in capsule and tincture form online and in your local health food store for year-round use. Crimini Mushrooms (Baby Portobello Mushrooms) Crimini Mushrooms, also known as baby portobello mushrooms, are a medicinal powerhouse and contain several unique health promoting compounds. They are a good source of vitamins E, B12, and D and minerals such as zinc, selenium, iron, and calcium. Crimini mushrooms contain potent anti-cancer compounds such as conjugated-linoleic acid (CLA) that are specifically beneficial for breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers due to its ability to prevent high levels of estrogen from circulating within the body. They also have powerful anti- inflammatory properties that can effectively regulate inflammation in the heart, joints, organs, and tissues making them especially good for those who suffer with arthritis, heart disease, asthma, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Crimini mushrooms also contain an antioxidant compound called L-ergothioneine which is known to be incredibly important for cognitive function, eye health, reproductive health, and lung health. Crimini mushrooms are also excellent for strengthening the immune system and can significantly lower the risk of colds, flu, ear infections, bronchitis, swollen glands, sore throats, and chronic infections. They have even been shown to slow down or prevent the onset of tumors in the body. Crimini mushrooms also contain tryptophan which effects serotonin levels in the body and is essential to stabilize mood swings and create a balanced sleep pattern. Crimini mushrooms are a delicious and healthy addition to the diet and can be enjoyed raw, steamed, sautéed, or roasted and can be added to salads, soups, and vegetable dishes. The medicinal properties of mushrooms can also be found in capsule, tincture, tea, and extract form online or at your local health food store.