Originally published August 26 2005
How to produce home-grown "medicine foods"
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The harvest season brings an abundance of nutritious fresh foods, which act as medicines for the body when eaten.
From now until September, family gardens and farmers markets will brim with fresh fruits and vegetables begging to be eaten.
Tomatoes beckon with an unmistakably sweet, yet slightly tart smell, and green beans promise a crunchy, snappy texture.
They are packed with vitamins and nutrients that can fight disease, cleanse body systems and restore memory functions.
Scientists are undertaking studies constantly to investigate and understand the properties found in foods like melons, corn and apples.
"We call them medicine foods," says Tammy Thornton, a registered dietitian and nutrition/wellness services coordinator with the Washington County Health Department.
Here are some of the harvest foods in season right now listed with what they offer in terms of nutrition.
One cup of watermelon has lots of antioxidants in the form of lycopene and vitamins A and C.
It is unclear how phytonutrients work in the human body once consumed, however research suggests that these nutrients "promote health by sparking body processes that fight or slow the development of some diseases," Thornton says.
"Vitamin K makes proteins that cause your blood to clot," explains Thornton.
With 8.9 percent of the recommended daily value per serving, green beans have twice as much iron as spinach, according to The World's Healthiest Foods Web site at whfoods.org.
One buzz word in the world of nutrition is lycopene, a pigment that gives red coloring to tomatoes, pink grapefruit and watermelon.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, explains Tim Higgins, registered dietitian and clinical manager of nutrition for Washington County Hospital.
Squash is available in abundance during the summer months, in varieties such as zucchini, crookneck, straightneck and patty pan squash.
Filling up on zucchini or any of the yellow varieties is an excellent way to enjoy the benefits of magnesium.
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