7 Foods that Heal and How to Use Them

I went to culinary school a few years ago and got a certification in general nutrition as it applies to the human body. This is some of what I learned in class that I thought I would share with you. It should not be taken as medical advice. I am not a doctor. If you have real problems then you need to go see a doctor.

Where do Onions Come From?

Full sided onions are mostly grown for the bulbs to be consumed, but the whole onion plant is edible.

How to Prepare Onions

Onions can be cooked in meat or vegetable dishes, eaten raw in both vegetable and protein salads, and juiced.

How Onions Help the Body

• Though onion juice and honey don't sound like the best tasting combination, they can be mixed together to make a pretty powerful cough suppressant.
• Consuming onions, both raw and cooked, can lower cholesterol. They will also aid the body in lowering the risk of having a heart attack, lowering risks of cancer, and can help boost the human sex drive.

Where does Vanilla Come From?

Vanilla beans are the mature seed pods of an orchid. The orchid grows up tree trunks like a vine, and takes years to be mature enough to produce pods.

How to Prepare Vanilla

Vanilla and Vanilla Extract can be added to drinks, smoothies, and juices. It can also be used in desserts, dips for fruits and vegetables, and added to fruit dishes.

How Vanilla Helps the Body

• Consuming vanilla is good for both the skin and boosting libido. It also has the ability to help the body fight off cancer and treat sickle cell.
• Vanilla is also a powerful antidepressant and helps to reduce inflammation and fight infection.

Where does Turmeric Come From?

Turmeric is a rhizome from the plant, Curcuma longa. All parts of the plant can be consumed, but it's usually grown for its roots.

How to Prepare Turmeric

Turmeric is a very good addition to meat and egg dishes. It also makes an interesting addition to soups, salad dressings, stews, sauces, and smoothies believe it or not.

How Turmeric Helps the Body

• Adding turmeric to the diet can help fight inflammation. It will also detoxify the liver, and kidneys.
• Turmeric can help relieve headaches and congestion, and also will speed up the healing time of wounds.

Where does Mint Come From?

Mint is very common worldwide. The leaves of this short, bushy herb are consumed, though the whole plant is edible.

How to Prepare Mint

Mint leaves can be used in drinks, smoothies, shakes, desserts, meat and fish dishes, salads and dressings...etc. It's a very versatile herb that can be consumed with just about anything. Just remember when preparing dishes with mint: A little goes a long way.

How Mint Helps the Body

• Mint is one of the most iconic breath freshening flavors, and helps in the prevention of tooth decay.
• Headaches, symptoms of PMS, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome are all relieved by the consumption of mint.
• Mint also aids the body in losing weight.

Where does Ginger Come From?

Ginger is the rhizome of the plant, Zingiber officinale. Though it's mainly grown for the roots, the whole plant can be consumed.

How to Prepare Ginger

Ginger is much like mint in that it can be used in almost any meat, fruit, or vegetable dish. It's also a refreshing addition to drinks like teas and smoothies. Also as with mint, add ginger in moderation because it will overpower a dish or drink fast.

How Ginger Helps the Body

• Ginger helps relieve migraines, nausea, and motion sickness.
• It also can relieve heartburn and help fight cancer.

Where does Cumin Come From?

Cumin is the seed of Cuminum cyminum, a member of the parsley family.

How to Prepare Cumin

Cumin is heavily used in Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisines. It's a very popular addition to meat and egg dishes, soups, stews, sauces, and dressings.

How Cumin Helps the Body

• Cumin can help in curing problems like dry skin and acne. It can also help nursing mothers increase the flow of milk.
• The consumption of cumin can also fight diabetes, treat food poisoning, and aid digestion.

Where does Cinnamon Come From?

Cinnamomum is the genus of the tree where cinnamon comes from. Cinnamon sticks are it's dried cambium layer of bark.

How to Prepare Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a nice addition to apple, grape or raisin, lamb, poultry or pork dishes. Use it in marinades, as a topping, an addition to both sweet and savory sauces, and as a flavoring for teas, smoothies, and shakes.

How Cinnamon Helps the Body

• Cinnamon consumption can help prevent and treat cancer. It can also strengthen the cardiovascular system and reduce blood sugar levels.
• It can also ease menstrual cycles and build up the immune system.