Safflower: Safflower is an annual, thistle-like plant with many branches and little known use except for its oil, safflower oil. The oil, however, is a good replacement for other, less healthy vegetable oils that are widely used, so the market continues to increase around the world. Some of the health benefits of safflower oil include its ability to lower cholesterol levels, manage blood sugar, aid in weight loss, improve hair health, boost skin health, reduce the symptoms of PMS, control muscle contractions, and improve the immune system. Safflower oil has been shown to have a very high content of omega-6 fatty acids, which is a beneficial type of fatty acid that our body needs. It is otherwise known as linoleic acid. This acid can help the body to keep a healthy balance of cholesterol in the body, which decreases the chances of developing atherosclerosis, as well as the other health conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes, that are often the result of this condition. he omega-6 fatty acid has also been shown to manage blood sugar levels, thereby helping those people who suffer from diabetes to keep their blood sugar even. This can also prevent people from developing diabetes. Safflower oil is also rich in oleic acid, which is very beneficial for the scalp and hair. This vitamin increases circulation on the scalp, stimulating hair growth and strength in the follicles. It can also help to keep your hair shiny and vibrant, so it is often used in cosmetic applications. The high content of linoleic acid in safflower oil makes it ideal for boosting the quality and appearance of your skin. The linoleic acid can combine with sebum to unclog the pores and reduce blackheads, as well as acne, which is a result of sebum build-up under the skin. For women going through menstruation, it can be a painful and uncomfortable time. Safflower oil’s linoleic acid regulates the prostaglandins in the body, which can cause such dramatic hormonal fluctuations and symptoms during menstruation. Therefore, safflower oil can decrease the severity of the PMS symptoms and can also regulate menstrual cycles, just like hormonal supplements, without the dangerous side effects.
Sage: The traditional use of sage in medicine is well-documented and stretches back thousands of years. It was initially used for the treatment of snakebite, protecting against evil, boosting female fertility, and other uses that are no longer en vogue or relied on. Out of the many health benefits of sage, some of the most important include its ability to improve brain function, lower inflammation throughout the body, prevent chronic diseases, boost the strength of the immune system, regulate proper digestion, alleviate skin conditions, increase the health and strength of bones, slow the onset of cognitive disorders, and prevent the onset of diabetes. Research has shown that even small amounts of sage, whether smelled or consumed, can increase recall abilities and memory retention in subjects. The brain activity also demonstrates increased concentration and focus on a chosen topic, which means that for young people in school or for those in challenging, intellectually demanding careers, adding a bit of sage to your diet may be a subtle, but effective brain booster. Chewing on sage leaves is not always the most pleasant remedy, as the flavor can be quite intense, but this may be the most effective way to get the organic compounds acting in your system the fastest. Creating a tincture or steeping leaves can also do the trick, but if you suffer from inflammatory issues, particularly in the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts, you can eliminate that inflammation with this sage brew. The anti-inflammatory qualities of sage extend to health issues such as arthritis and gout, as well as general inflammation of the cardiovascular system, which can result in heart disease and increased blood pressure. The flavonoids and phenolic compounds found in sage are responsible for these beneficial effects. Antioxidant compounds found in sage, such as rosmarinic acid, luteolin, and apigenin, can all work to neutralize free radicals and prevent them from creating oxidative stress in the heart, organ systems, skin, joints, muscles, and even the brain. A topical salve can be created using sage leaves or a tincture of the plant that has been shown to be effective against certain skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne. These unsightly blemishes can be quickly soothed and their appearance can be reduced gradually if you regularly apply sage extracts and salves to the inflamed or affected area. You can create a topical application of sage (salve or tincture) and use it to prevent bacterial and viral infections that attack the body through the skin. A topical cream or antibacterial routine that includes sage could be an extra line of defense against that sort of illness vector. One of the most overlooked benefits of sage is actually its superior level of vitamin K, an essential vitamin for the body that isn’t found in many common foods. Vitamin K is a crucial element in developing bone density and ensuring the integrity of our bones as we age.
Scallion: Scallions are very low in calories; 100 g of fresh leaves provide just 31 calories. Nonetheless, they contain many noteworthy flavonoid anti-oxidants, plant fiber, minerals, and vitamins that have proven health benefits. Perhaps no big surprise, scallion may be added to soups or taken as a tea as a remedy for the common cold or flu in the very early stages. It may also be combined with garlic and cayenne in a broth and taken at the onset of cold or flu symptoms. It can also be used for the relief of nasal congestion, whether due to the common cold or for chronic rhinitis sufferers. It is a warming herb, so it is best used in cases where the mucus/phlegm is clear or white. Scallion is also used to relieve toxicity presenting as sores and abscesses on the skin. In these cases, the herb may be made into a poultice and applied externally.
Sea Salt: The health benefits of sea salt include good skin care, improved dental health, relief from rheumatoid arthritis, muscle cramps, psoriasis, and osteoarthritis. It also helps in providing relief from acne and rhinosinusitis. Furthermore, it is beneficial for exfoliation, nasal and eye wash, and an improved electrolytic balance of the body. It has healing properties that play a vital role in maintaining acid-alkali ratio, regular heartbeat, and relaxed sleep, along with providing relief from general body fatigue.Sea salt derives 82 essential trace nutrients from the mineral treasure trove present in seawater. These natural minerals are valuable for healthy functioning of the body. The nutritional wealth of sea salt includes vital minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bromide, chloride, iron, copper, and zinc among other beneficial elements.
Sea salt is alkalizing to the body, as it has not been exposed to high heat and stripped of its minerals, nor does it have any harmful man-made ingredients added to it. Thus it can help you to prevent and reverse high levels of acids in the body, which in turn eliminates the risks for serious and life-threatening diseases. The salt helps to preserve two essential hormones in the body that help you to better deal with stress. These hormones are serotonin and melatonin, which help you to feel good, and relax and sleep better at night.
Seaweed/ Kelp: Some of the health benefits of seaweed include relief from cancer, obesity, diabetes, influenza, and radiation poisoning. It helps in improving digestive health, dental health, cardiovascular health, and maintaining healthy skin and hair. It protects eyes and has anticoagulant properties. It also covers the body’s need for iodine and helps in detoxification. Seaweed contains a massive variety of health-promoting components as compared to the majority of other plant and animal-based foods available on land. Seaweed is a rich source of essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, copper, potassium, selenium, zinc, iodine, and iron, while also containing a very low amount of fats. Seaweed is also a treasure trove of antioxidants, phytonutrients and rich fiber content that is required by the body. Vitamins present in seaweed are vitamin A, B, C, E and K. Seaweeds also contains omega-3 fatty acids and all the vital amino acids that our bodies need.
Sesame Seeds: Although it is a seed, it can still bother people with nut allergies, and it has a distinctly nutty flavor. Many of the health benefits are derived from the oils, which are found in higher concentrations in sesame seeds that in any other oilseed crop in the world. The many health benefits of sesame seeds are due to its nutritional content, including vitamins,minerals, natural oils, and organic compounds which consist of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, zinc, fiber, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, protein, and tryptophan. Sesame seeds are extremely beneficial for health, but are often overlooked, and they include the ability to prevent diabetes, lower blood pressure, prevent a wide variety of cancers, build strong bones, protect against radiation, increase heart health, help cure sleep disorders, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, boost respiratory health, strengthen your oral health, aid in healthy growth, improve circulation, detoxify the body, and eliminate depression and chronic stress. With the wide range of essential vitamins and minerals contained in sesame seeds, it is no surprise that it has been linked to a reduction in the risk of cancer. Beyond the role of these more common minerals, including the powerful anti-carcinogenic effects of magnesium, sesame seeds also contain phytate, an uncommon cancer preventing compound that functions as an antioxidant and reduces the impact and effects of free radicals, those pesky and dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism that have been connected to many forms of cancer and various other conditions like heart diseases, premature aging, and cognitive malfunctions. Specific cancer prevention that sesame seeds have been linked to include leukemia, breast, lung, pancreatic, colon, and prostate cancers. One of the unusual organic compounds in sesame seeds is called sesamol, and it has been associated with protecting DNA from the harmful effects of radiation. This radiation could come from accidental sources, or from the treatment of cancer with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Skirret: Skirret is a root vegetable. A powder made from the root is commonly used as medicine. They are rich in natural sugar –sucrose and therefore people who need energy should eat it. The roots are rich in many minerals like zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese and iron. They are rich in glucosides and vitamins, especially vitamins A, B6 and C. Vitamin A helps you improve your eyesight and have shiny hair. Vitamin B6 is necessary for metabolism, good blood flow and nervous system. Vitamin C is good for boosting the immune system and fighting disease. It is also known to help in digestion problems when boiled and people suffering from constipation should eat it as it contains natural fiber. People who have loss of appetite are also known to take skirret with honey and ginger after boiling it in water. Besides fiber, it has lots of starch, which is the source of energy. However, for people suffering from diabetes, it is suggested that consuming in higher quantities is not good for their health. Also people who are on diet should take this in less quantity as this has high energy and can make you feel full. It is also very low in fat and therefore helps to control cholesterol. It is also free from gluten.
Soursop: Soursop, also known as Graviola, is widely used by many indigenous cultures for a variety of physical ailments. Many parts of the tree are used, including the leaves, fruit, bark and seeds, and each provides its own set of healing properties. Soursop fruit contains a high level of carbohydrates and fructose, which is a natural sugar. Significant levels of vitamins B1, B2 and C are also found in Soursop. In areas native to the Soursop, the fruit, leaves and seeds serve a variety of medicinal purposes for the people in these regions. Pulverized Soursop seeds are used as skin astringents, to kill off bedbugs and head lice and to reduce muscle spasms. Concoctions made from Soursop leaves are used for a range of treatment remedies, some of which include alleviating arthritis pain, reducing joint inflammation, reducing inflammation in nasal passages and the respiratory tract as a whole, acting as an effective tranquilizer or sedative and to treat skin conditions like eczema. The juice from the Soursop is often used as a diuretic. People who reside within the South America, Central America and Mexico regions also use the juice for other conditions, such as scurvy and dysentery. The bark, leaves and root portions of the tree can be used as a sedative/ tranquilizer and are also used to treat symptoms related to diabetes. Soursop leaf, seed and fruit extracts as potential treatments to reduce or eliminate the spread of cancer cells in the body. The active ingredients contained inside these portions of the plant are known as Annonaceous acetogenins and only exist within the Annonaceae plant family. Acetogenins are active compounds capable of preventing abnormal or cancer-type cells from producing the energy they need to grow and reproduce. They do this by interfering with the enzyme processes involved in producing ATP, the energy molecules that fuel cell activity. Without these molecules, cells are unable to carry out the basic functions that keep them alive and allow them to reproduce. These compounds also inhibit blood flow to abnormal cell bodies which work to cut off their nutrient supplies. Studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute also show these effects of Soursop extracts on several forms of cancer, some of which include breast, pancreatic, lung, liver and prostate cancer.
Sorghum Bran: Sorghum is a powerhouse in terms of nutrients,and can provide those wise individuals who add it to their diet with vitamins like niacin,riboflavin, and thiamin, as well as high levels of magnesium, iron, copper, calcium, phosphorous, and potassium, as well as nearly half the daily required intake of protein and a very significant amount of dietary fiber. The versatility of sorghum, combined with the fact that it is acceptable for people with wheat allergies to eat, makes it extremely important as a staple crop in the world. Furthermore, the vast health benefits associated with sorghum make it a great alternative to other types of grains, grasses, and cereals that are commonly consumed across the globe. Some of the health benefits of sorghum include its ability to prevent certain types of cancer, help control diabetes, offer a dietary option for people with Celiac disease, improve digestive health, build strong bones, promote red blood cell development, and boost energy and fuel production. Niacin, also known as vitamin B6, is a key component in transforming food into usable energy and fuel for the body. Breaking down and metabolizing nutrients into energy will keep your energy levels stable throughout the day, rather than the cheap peaks and troughs that sugar boosts give you. Sorghum contains 28% of your recommended niacin intake per day.
Soybean: Soybeans have a wealth of health benefits, including the ability to improve the metabolism, help people gain weight in a healthy way, protect heart health, defend against cancer, reduce the effects of menopause, improve digestive health, promotes bone health, protect against birth defects, increase circulation, decrease the risk of diabetes, and generally tones up the body. The many health benefits of soybeans comes from the wealth of nutrients, vitamins, organic compounds, and other nutrients, including a significant amount of dietary fiber and a very large amount of protein. In terms of vitamins, soybeans contains vitamin K, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B6, thiamin, and vitamin C. As for minerals, soybeans contain significant amounts of iron, manganese, phosphorus, copper, potassium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and calcium. It is also a good source of organic compounds and antioxidants, further boosting the healthy impact of soybeans.
Spaghetti Squash: Spaghetti squash also delivers a range of nutrients, including fiber and vitamins C and A. Spaghetti squash provides vitamin A in the form of the carotenoids called alpha-carotene and beta-carotene. It’s such a rich source that it ranks near the top of the USDA’s list for both kinds of these carotenoids. Carotenoids can be converted into the form of vitamin A that you need to maintain normal vision and healthy skin. They also work as antioxidants that prevent cellular damage from free radicals and fight inflammation. One cup of cooked spaghetti squash provides 6 percent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A. You won't get vitamin A from pasta unless it’s made with spinach or other vegetables. Vitamin C fights free radicals throughout your body. Free radicals are formed during normal metabolic processes, but they also result from other things that negatively impact your body, such as cigarette smoke, sunlight, severe life stress and lack of sleep. If they're not neutralized by an antioxidant, free radicals attach to cells and cause damage that leads to chronic illnesses. You also need vitamin C to support the immune system and to make collagen, which is a type of tissue in your skin and is involved in wound healing. One cup of cooked spaghetti squash gives you 7 percent of the recommended daily intake, while plain pasta doesn’t have any vitamin C. Potassium is one of several minerals that can carry an electrical charge through fluids in your body. It sustains a regular heartbeat and works together with another electrolyte, sodium, to stimulate muscles and nerves. The effort required by your body to maintain the proper intra- and extracellular ratios of potassium and sodium accounts for 20 to 40 percent of the energy you burn while resting, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. One cup of cooked spaghetti squash gives you 4 percent of the daily intake of potassium, which is three times more than the amount in a cup of cooked pasta without all the extra sugars and carbohydrates. Getting enough dietary calcium throughout your life is essential because old bone is constantly replaced with new minerals to maintain strength. Without enough calcium to support this rebuilding, your risk of developing osteoporosis increases. You also need calcium to stimulate muscles and nerves. If levels of calcium drop, your body takes it away from the bones to support those vital functions. You’ll get 3 percent of the recommended daily intake from 1 cup of cooked spaghetti squash, which is three times more than pasta.
Spinach: It has been used in various parts of the world as a medicinal plant specifically included in cooking to help increase overall health. The health benefits of spinach include improved eyesight, healthy blood pressure, stronger muscles, the prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, neurological benefits, bone mineralization, anti-ulcerative and anti-cancerous benefits, skin protection, healthy fetal development, and boosted growth for infants. The various health benefits of spinach are due to its low fat content and the presence of minerals, vitamins, pigments and phytonutrients, including potassium, manganese, zinc, magnesium, iron and calcium. It is also a source of vitamins like folate, niacin, vitamin A, B6, C and traces of the rest of the essential vitamins.
Spirulina: One of the oldest life forms on Earth, spirulina is a blue-green microalgae that helped produce the oxygen in our atmosphere billions of years ago so that other life forms could appear. It contains more nutrient than any other plant. The original 'superfood,' spirulina is so nutrient dense that you could survive on it and water alone. Hundreds of studies have confirmed spirulina's powerhouse status. It has 60-70% complete protein, meaning it has all 8 essential amino acids and 10 non-essential ones that support good health; that means it has more protein than beef, chicken or soybeans. Some of its other valuable components include: gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, vitamin B12, iron, nucleic acids RNA & DNA, chlorophyll and phycocyanin, which is found only in blue-green algae. Spirulina is highly digestible, protects the immune system, aids in mineral absorption and reduces cholesterol.
Spring/ Green Garlic: Green garlic is the younger form of the real garlic and this is collected before the cloves start to mature. has the anti-cancer element and it is known to cause the protection of the blood vessel lining and in the way the same is protected from being damaged. This happens as there is an increased production of the nitric oxide and this helps in the relaxation and the dilating of the blood vessels. If you take leeks in the right amount you are sure not to suffer from gastric cancer so make sure to have the vegetable in your daily diet. The sort of vegetable has the capacity to fight against several ailments. This is the best component to reduce chances of stomach and colorectal cancers. This is the reason the intake of the same is sure to help you stay safe and less endangered. Great for women during pregnancy. It also contains lots of antioxidants and vitamins.
Star Fruit: Many benefits can be obtained from the star fruit. Star fruit (Averrhoa Carambola) has efficacy as an antipyretic and expectorant, so it can be used for treating coughs in children. The fruits that contain lots of vitamin A and C has its benefits as antiinflammatory, analgesic, and a diuretic, so it is good for healing coughs, ulcers, sore throat, fever, and to overcome the problem of diabetes and cholesterol. Its vitamin C content is high also good to eat cancer patients. Roots starfruit also believed to cure headaches and joint pain. While the leaves can be used to treat stomach ulcers, purulent skin inflammations and boils. High fiber content, making starfruit useful to improve digestion. Star fruit contains insoluble dietary fiber. Insoluble dietary fiber plays an important role in keeping the digestive system and lowers blood cholesterol. High levels of potassium and low sodium, also suitable as a hypertension drug. For those who are overweight, starfruit good choice because it contains low calories. Star fruit contains an antimicrobial agent against certain types of diseases such as microbial Bacillus cereus, E. coli, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus.
Strawberry: If you're not already a fan of strawberries, you should be. Not only are they juicy, summery and delicious, they're a bona fide superfood, too. Nutrient-rich and packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, strawberries offer a wide range of health benefits, some of which may surprise you. The health benefits of strawberries include improved eye care, proper brain function, relief from high blood pressure,arthritis, gout and various cardiovascular diseases. The impressive polyphenolic and antioxidant content of strawberries make them good for improving the immune system, preventing against various types of cancers, and for reducing the signs of premature aging. Vitamin-C, folate, anthocyanins, quercetin and kaempferol are just a few of the many flavonoids in strawberries which possess excellent antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. Together, they form an excellent line of defense to fight cancer and tumor growth. The daily intake of strawberries is connected to a drastic reduction in the presence and metastasis of hazardous cancer cells. The vitamin-C and the phytochemicals in strawberries neutralize the effects of these oxidants and rejuvenate the system. Furthermore, strawberries are rich in iodine as well, which is very helpful for regulating the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. Potassium, which is found in significant quantities in strawberries, also has been linked to improved cognitive function by increasing the blood flow to the brain. Research studies on students have shown that when potassium levels of high, concentration, memory, and recall abilities seem to be strengthened in test-taking which is why they along with bananas are considered brain food.
Sugar: Sugar has always been categorised by as villain as far as health is concerned. But sugar has health benefits too. While it is true that sugar makes you put on weight, it is also true that your body needs sugar to stay healthy. The health benefits of sugar are not implicit under normal conditions. But when your health is down, nothing works like sugar. Your body needs sugar for strength and energy. Despite the fact that sugar leads to weight gain and several other disorders, you cannot deny that sugar gives you instant energy, just be sure to consume raw and naturally occurring types found in fruits and veggies.
Sunflower Seeds: They are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium. Magnesium helps reduce the severity of asthma, lower high blood pressure, help prevent migraine headaches, as well as help reduce the risk of heart attack and strokes.
Suma: Also known as Brazilian ginseng, Suma is used as an “adaptogen” to help the body adapt to stress by improving the immune system. Suma is also used as a treatment for cancer and tumors, diabetes, and male sexual performance problems; as a tonic to restore body function; and as an aphrodisiac to heighten sexual arousal. Suma is sometimes applied directly to the skin for wounds and skin problems. Some researchers think that the chemicals in suma may stop some cancers from developing, decrease swelling, and relieve pain. Suma root contains potent levels of many essential nutrients, including vitamins A, B, E, and K. In addition, Suma root also contains minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and electrolytes, all of which provide many of the root’s energizing effects. B vitamins and electrolytes, two nutrients that are plentiful in the plant’s raw material, are heralded for their energizing effects. Traditional use for the root includes supporting a healthy body weight, blood sugar support, and cardiovascular health. Some lab tests have even observed it to induce breast cancer cell death.
Sweet Potato: They are very rich in beta carotene, which is a major antioxidant, along with vitamin-C and B-complex vitamins, iron and phosphorus, sweet potatoes are excellent immune system boosters that can defend your body from a wide variety of conditions and afflictions. They are also effective for helping people quit addictions like smoking, drinking and taking certain narcotics. They are good for the health of the arteries and veins, as they protect their walls against hardening. The high concentration of beta carotene (an alternative form of vitamin-A) and phosphorus are excellent for both ocular and cardiac health. *Also see potato for more benefits.
Swiss Chard: The health benefits of swiss chard are amazing, and include the ability to regulate blood sugar levels, prevent various types of cancer, improve digestion, boost the immune system, reduce fever and combat inflammation, lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease, increase bone strength and development, detoxify the body, and strengthen the functioning of the brain. The many health benefits attributed to chard are due to its impressive list of vitamins, nutrients, and organic compounds, which include vitamins K, C, and A, as well as vitamin E, riboflavin, and vitamin B6. In terms of minerals, Swiss chard has a wealth of magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, sodium, and copper. Furthermore, in addition to dietary fiber, Swiss chard has a significant amount of polyphenolic antioxidants, phytonutrients, and enzymes that are unique and highly beneficial to your health.