What to add to your diet: Best products with healing properties

Chicken Pho

When it comes to a cold, this Vietnamese soup has more healing power than traditional chicken noodle soup. Chicken pho (pronounced "fu") also has the antiviral power of anise and the anti-inflammatory properties of cardamom and cinnamon. It contains antioxidants in the form of goji berries and coriander seeds. Jalapeño provides calcium and vitamins A and C, along with a bit of spice to clear the nose. Even simple chicken soup or broth during a cold can ease the condition.

Sardines

Sardines might not be the tastiest fish in the supermarket, but their small bones can help your broken bones heal faster. These tiny fish, usually packed in small cans with water, olive oil, or tomato juice, are rich in calcium and vitamin D. They also contain more omega-3 fatty acids to strengthen bones than most other fish.

Unripe bananas

Green bananas have a secret superpower: they are effective in treating diarrhea. They contain resistant starch, meaning it doesn't allow the small intestine to absorb it quickly. Instead, it nourishes good bacteria in the digestive tract and forces bad bacteria out. Bananas are also rich in electrolytes such as potassium, helping you replenish what you've lost.

Honey

Ditch honey-flavored lozenges and treat your cough with real remedies. Honey reduces inflammation, soothes pain, and kills bacteria. It is also rich in antibodies that fight viral infections. Honey is abundant in vitamins such as niacin and vitamin C, as well as minerals like calcium and iron, for a healthy energy boost. Add 2 tablespoons to warm water or tea for a natural cough remedy that provides great benefits.

Kimchi

This traditional Korean dish helps relieve gas and bloating. It is a spicy mix of vegetables, such as Napa cabbage and radish, fermented or pickled with natural beneficial bacteria. When consumed, it loads your intestines with beneficial bacteria, also known as probiotics, and flushes out harmful bacteria that can cause stomach upset. Some types of fermented cabbage and pickles have the same effect; look for "naturally fermented" on the label.

Horseradish

This relative of mustard, onion, and garlic is not subtle. When you grate horseradish, it crushes the root cells, releasing oils that give the skin its characteristic warmth. Even a small touch can cause tearing eyes and a runny nose. This is great news if you have sinus or nasal problems: horseradish expels mucus that attracts bacteria if it stays in your body for too long. The same goes for the green bitterness of wasabi, which comes with sushi.

Coffee

When you have a headache, the blood vessels supplying the brain constrict, then expand, pressing on nerves. This causes pulsation in your head. Caffeine in coffee, black tea, and chocolate makes your blood vessels shrink in size. Don't take it as permission to drink cup after cup: you may also experience a headache after consuming too much caffeine.

Cabbage

A small scratch? Cut? Start treating yourself with cabbage or other dark leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, cabbage, and turnip greens. They contain a significant amount of essential nutrient vitamin K, which helps blood cells clot. This not only prevents you from losing more blood; it also protects your wound. Moreover, it helps your body build healthy bone tissue.

Ginger

Whether you love or hate a spicy piece of ginger, it's beneficial for your stomach. Ginger root contains compounds called gingerols that block receptors in the digestive tract that cause nausea. Use it to treat morning sickness, motion sickness, as well as stomach issues related to postoperative operations or chemotherapy. Ginger is available in various forms: candied, dried, fresh, pickled, powdered, and ground.

Herbal tea

Soothe a sore throat with a cup of warm herbal tea. If you have a sore throat, peppermint tea has natural analgesic properties. Clove and green tea fight bacteria. Raspberry-flavored tea reduces inflammation. Chamomile soothes the throat: drink it if you're hoarse. Whatever you choose, make sure it's a caffeine-free beverage so you can rest and sleep.

Apples

You know what they say about apples, and it's not without reason. Apples contain a high amount of pectin - soluble fiber in cell walls. If you have constipation, it promotes bowel movement. And if you have diarrhea, it reduces inflammation and helps improve stool. To get the most fiber, leave the skin on. Other high-fiber foods include raspberries, cooked artichokes, and Brussels sprouts.

Earlier, we talked about the importance of potassium for the body and the products where you can look for it.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.