On the Healthy Living How To Facebook page, as a FUN way to engage readers while at the same time educating about the healing power of food, I like to play a little guessing game that starts with CAN YOU GUESS…
Can You Guess…The Answer Key
CAN YOU GUESS…this super food is rich in Vitamin K2. This little known vitamin plays a role in preventing many serious diseases, including cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease. It also contains CLA, which has anti-cancer properties and supports weight loss. Finally, this super food is a source of butyrate which improves digestive health.
ANSWER…Butter
Source: Butter Vs Margarine
CAN YOU GUESS…this amino acid is found in green tea, and is helpful for improving mood and increasing a sense of relaxation. Historically it has been used as a supplement to reduce anxiety and to promote relaxation.
ANSWER…Theanine
Source: The Most Effective Natural Cures On Earth
CAN YOU GUESS…the medicinal parts of this plant are contained in the oil extracted. Containing thymol and carvacrol, compounds that have antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. In one study 77% of patients treated for enteric parasites were parasite free after taking this oil for six weeks. It also inhibits growth of at least 10 different microbes including Candida albicans (yeast).
ANSWER…Oregano
Source: The Most Effective Natural Cures On Earth
CAN YOU GUESS…the oil of this herb can zap a headache, eliminate bad breath, relieve heartburn, sooth the stomach and prevent drowsiness. Researchers found students who inhaled this had less stress and anxiety when taking a test.
ANSWER…Peppermint Oil
CAN YOU GUESS…if you've ever had Jamaican cuisine who've experienced this healing spice. Loaded with antioxidants, this spice has been found in studies to reduce blood pressure and relieve symptoms of menopause.
ANSWER…Allspice
Source: Healing Spices: How to Use 50 Everyday and Exotic Spices to Boost Health and Beat Disease
CAN YOU GUESS…this artificial sweetener was banned twice by the FDA before becoming legal in our food supply. This toxic sweetener accounts for over 75 percent of the adverse reactions to food additives reported to the FDA. It has found its way in over 6,000 products and is consumed by over 2 million people.
ANSWER…Aspartame
Source: How Aspartame Made Its Way Into The Food Supply
CAN YOU GUESS…one of the most nutritionally balanced plant-derived foods — low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium, also has vitamin A, E, magnesium, zinc and selenium, as well as fiber, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, iron, copper, and manganese. A 5 ounce serving provides a whopping 60% of the recommended daily allowance of folate. Here's a hint…there are over 300 varieties, 20 of which are edible and are classified by color, green, white or purple.
ANSWER…Asparagus
Source: All About Asparagus
CAN YOU GUESS…in holistic medicine this superfood is thought to be a liver tonic and blood purifier. They are a dietary source of betaine and folate – together these work synergistically to reduce homocysteine levels and amino acid that can be harmful to blood vessels.
ANSWER…Beets
Source: 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth
CAN YOU GUESS…What's going to not only make you smarter but also less prone to brain disease? When you do this, you turn on genes linked to longevity as well as target the brain's growth hormone genes. This is the only thing that has been shown to actually grow new brain cells. No pharmaceutical drug can make that claim.
ANSWER…Exercise
Source: Grain Brain
CAN YOU GUESS…this super food ranks at the top for vitamin K which is critically important for bone health. Vitamin K activates a compound called osteocalcin that anchors calcium molecules inside the bone. This superfood is also an excellent source of calcium, vitamin A, magnesium, iron, vitamin C and the anti-inflammatory quercetin as well as a iron. A plant compound in this super food fights prostate cancer which may be why Popeye ate so much of it.
ANSWER…Spinach
Source: 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth
CAN YOU GUESS…40 percent of people between the ages of 26 and 83 have low blood levels of this important vitamin. Some of the symptoms we attribute to “normal” aging – such as memory loss, cognitive decline, decreased mobility, etc. – are at least in part caused by this deficiency. This vitamin is involved in the production of the myelin sheath around the nerves, and the conduction of nerve impulses. You can think of the brain and the nervous system as a big tangle of wires. Myelin is the insulation that protects those wires and helps them to conduct messages.
ANSWER…B12
Source: B12 Deficiency. A Silent Epidemic With Serious Consequences
CAN YOU GUESS…this super food has been found to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, cirrhosis and stroke. It may protect against liver cancer and those who consume this are less likely to get Parkinson's. It is not associated with an increase of heart disease and can improve brain function and physical performance. Finally it's the largest source of antioxidants in the Western diet.
ANSWER…Coffee
Source: 10 Ways Coffee Can Save Your Life
CAN YOU GUESS…this herb is used for many conditions, from treating an upset stomach to reducing water retention. It can also be used as a skin toner and blood tonic. The plant leaves are great in a salad and the root can be roasted to make a caffeine-free coffee substitute.
ANSWER…Dandelion
Source: The Most Effective Natural Cures On Earth
CAN YOU GUESS…this non-essential amino acid is abundant in the blood and depleted under stress. It is a key source of energy for the digestive tract. It aids the small intestine by increasing the number and health of intestinal cells. Taken supplemental this non-essential amino acid is also known to eliminate sugar cravings. It has also been studied for its use in cancer, chronic fatigue, cirrhosis of the liver, Crohn's, hypoglycemia and ulcerative colitis.
ANSWER…L-Glutamine
Source: Life Extension Disease Prevention and Treatment
CAN YOU GUESS…this chemical commonly found in antibacterial soaps appears to interfere with the body’s regulation of thyroid hormone, perhaps because it chemically resembles the hormone closely enough that it can bind to its receptor sites.
ANSWER…Triclosan
Source: 5 Reasons You Should Probably Stop Using Antibacterial Soap
CAN YOU GUESS…this antioxidant is produced in the body with high concentrations in the heart where it plays an important role in initiating cellular energy. Statin drugs significantly deplete this. Supplementing with this antioxidant has been found to increase energy and some evidence supports the use for therapy in cancer, dementia, macular degeneration and chronic fatigue.
ANSWER…CoQ10
Source: Life Extension Disease Prevention and Treatment
CAN YOU GUESS…this superfood is rich in numerous nutrients that have been found to support cardiovascular health. They are one of the most concentrated sources of EPA and DHA, which have been found to lower triglycerides. One serving contains over 50% of the daily value for these important nutrients. They are an excellent source of vitamin B12 and is one of the most concentrated food sources. Vitamin B12 promotes cardiovascular well-being since it is intricately tied to keeping levels of homocysteine.
ANSWER…Sardines
Source: The World's Healthiest Foods
CAN YOU GUESS…this powerful hormone. When released it motivates you to seek support and tell someone how you feel not bottle it up. This hormone acts a neurotransmitter on the brain as well as a stress hormone. The heart has receptors for this hormone that helps heart cells regenerate. You can boost this feel good hormone by giving someone a hug.
ANSWER…Oxytocin
Source: How You Think About Stress Matters
CAN YOU GUESS…this superfood is an excellent source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin K, thiamine, folic acid, and vitamin B6 — rich in phytochemicals with exceptional antioxidant activity. The red variety contains lycopene, a carotene that offers protection against cancer and heart disease. And the yellow have nearly five and a half times more vitamin C than an orange.
ANSWER…Bell Peppers
Source: 5 Reasons to Eat Bell Peppers
CAN YOU GUESS…people who consume this superfood report a wide array of health benefits, from increased metabolism and weight loss to relief from constipation and everything in between. While most of these reports are anecdotal, research has confirmed the health benefits of probiotics, something this superfood is loaded with. Probiotics are known to play a vital role in fighting off infections and viruses as well as help with digesting food and liver detoxification. In addition to probiotics, this super food also contains antioxidants and organic acids. Antioxidants are important as they prevent our cells from oxidation or “rusting” and the organic acids further lend to this superfoods' health benefit as a potent detoxifier.
ANSWER…Kombucha
Source: Kombucha Health Benefits
CAN YOU GUESS…when people participate in this healthy activity, they report higher levels of positive emotions, life satisfaction, vitality, optimism and lower levels of depression and stress. They have also been found to place less importance on material goods, are less likely to judge their own and others success and are less envious of others.
ANSWER…Being Grateful or Thankful
Source: Vitamin G: The vitamin everyone should be taking!
CAN YOU GUESS…this hormone plays a pivotal role in the optimization of your metabolism. It increases the rate in which your cells release energy while promoting protein synthesis and the use of fatty acids. Even a slight decrease in this hormone can negatively affect the body.
ANSWER…Thyroid Hormone
Source: Cracking The Metabolic Code
CAN YOU GUESS…this superfood has the highest selenium content of any food I know. Selenium is a trace element which has been shown to be protective against cancer. It protects the cells, boosts the immune system, fights cancer and prevents heart disease. The thyroid is dependent on selenium to function properly.
ANSWER…Brazil Nuts
Source: 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth
CAN YOU GUESS…several scientific studies have confirmed that participating in this unhealthy behavior may be inviting more problems than simply the annoyance of their friends and families. Studies seem to indicate that there are a number of real and serious health risks that can result from this unhealthy behavior, including, anxiety, depression and generally negative outlook on life. Like any unhealthy behavior that is repeated over and over again, it can at best develop into a bad habit like smoking or nail-biting. We know that it’s probably not good for us but we find it very hard to stop.
ANSWER…Complaining
Source: The Health Related Dangers of Complaining
CAN YOU GUESS…this superfood improves energy, increases mental and physical performance, removes toxins and wastes from the body, keeps skin healthy and glowing, and may even help you lose weight. If you don't get enough of this daily, your brain becomes less active, it is harder to concentrate and you feel fatigued.
ANSWER…Water
Source: 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth
CAN YOU GUESS…this superfood has long been valued as a source of the mineral zinc, an essential mineral that supports a healthy immune system. It is also a good source of bone-building phosphorus, magnesium and manganese and energy-producing iron. Also contains a wide variety of antioxidants and supportive phytosterols including beta-sitosterol, sitostanol, and avenasterol.
ANSWER….Pumpkin Seeds
Source: World's Healthiest Foods
CAN YOU GUESS…this superfood supports digestion, provides natural allergy relief, boosts joint and bone health, promotes healthy hair, skin and nails, supports weight loss, improves sleep, boosts immunity, increases wound healing, reduces cellulite and supports hormone balance.
ANSWER…Gelatin
Source: 14 Benefits of Gelatin
CAN YOU GUESS…this superfood, when traditionally prepared, contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, sodium, potassium, chondrotin sulfate, keratin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, collagen (gelatin), elastin, osteocytes and chondrocytes. Each of these lend a healing property for different ailments, from digestive disorders to general fatigue. Over 75 conditions are benefited from this superfood.
ANSWER…Bone Broth
Source: Bone Broth: Can Food Be Medicine
CAN YOU GUESS…this herb has been shown to relieve IBS as well as indigestion. Smelling it refreshes the mind, reduces anxiety and stress and clears nasal congestion. It has been found to stop the release of histamine which improves hay fever symptoms.
ANSWER…Mint
Source: Healing Spices
CAN YOU GUESS…this superfood is an excellent source of Vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin that allows your blood to clot, protects bones from fracture, prevents bone loss and calcification of the arteries. It is rich in compounds known as coumarins, which are useful in cancer prevention, enhancing the activity of white blood cells and alleviating migraines. Serves as a great electrolyte replacement as it is very good source of potassium and sodium. Has the phytochemical phthalides which lowers blood pressure by relaxing the muscle tissue in artery walls and increasing blood flow.
ANSWER…Celery
Source: Six Reasons To Eat More Celery
CAN YOU GUESS…this superfood contains more nutrients, gram for gram, than any other food. It provides protein, vitamin A, all of the B vitamins, the best source of folic acid, a highly usable form of iron, trace elements, copper, zinc and chromium as well as CoQ10, a nutrient that is especially important for cardiovascular function.
ANSWER…Liver
Source: The Liver Files
CAN YOU GUESS…this superfood has twice the vitamin C of an orange and as much calcium as whole milk. It contains selenium, a mineral that has been found to have anti-cancer and anti-viral properties as well as I3C a compound beneficial to healthy estrogen metabolism.
ANSWER…Broccoli
Source: Balance, Breast Cancer, Broccoli
CAN YOU GUESS…this superfood is rich in the healthy fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are critical to bone, brain, heart, and immune system function. It contains the cancer-fighting fatty acid conjugated linolenic acid which aids in weight loss and has been shown to slow the progression of some types of cancer and heart disease. Loaded with short chain fatty acids such as butyric acid–a fatty acid which is believed to prevent cancers and tumors – it helps restore the integrity of the gut lining, reduces inflammation, has anti-viral properties, and has been shown to benefit those with gut disorders such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
ANSWER…Butter or Ghee
Source: What The Heck Is Ghee
CAN YOU GUESS…this healing food is known as a “universal remedy” in Ayurvedic medicine. It stimulates saliva which helps aid in digestion. One benefit that has been noted for thousands of years is its ability to improve circulation.
ANSWER…Ginger
Source: 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth
CAN YOU GUESS…this fruit has twice as much potassium as bananas and is very low in fructose. In fact the overall sugar content of this fruit is negligible. This fruit ranks lowest for pesticide use and there are over 80 varieties.
ANSWER…Avocado
Source: All About Avocados
CAN YOU GUESS…this unhealthy activity is associated with a 112% increase in diabetes risk, 147% increase in cardiovascular disease risk, 90% increased risk in cardiovascular mortality and 49% increased risk of all-cause mortality.
ANSWER…Sitting
Source: Sitting Is Killing You. And What You Can Do About It.
CAN YOU GUESS…it's one of the oldest medicinal foods on the planet. It is lipid-lowering, antithrombotic, anti-blood coagulation, antihypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiparasitic. All have been documented in over 1200 studies.
ANSWER…Garlic
Source: 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth
CAN YOU GUESS…At the center of this superfood's health benefits are flavonoids, which work like a very low dose of aspirin to prevent blood platelets from aggregating. Also contains plant sterols sitosterol and stigmasterol. These sterols compete with cholesterol for absorption in the gut and contribute to improved blood lipid profiles by inhibiting the uptake of dietary cholesterol. Contains significant amounts of arginine, an amino acid that is required in the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to dilate, which helps regulate blood flow, inflammation, and blood pressure. Key areas of study for this superfood is its effect on cardiovascular disease.
ANSWER…Dark Chocolate
Source: Death By Dark Chocolate
CAN YOU GUESS…this mineral is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. It is a necessary mineral for the transmission of nerve impulses, temperature regulation, detoxification and energy production. Signs of deficiency of this mineral include, migraines, muscle spasms, restless legs, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, constipation, menstrual cramps, arrythmias and palpitations. 80% of the population is deficient.
ANSWER…Magnesium
Source: The Magnesium Miracle
CAN YOU GUESS…Look up the nutrition facts for this superfood and it reads more like a multi-vitamin. This superfood provides over 50% of your daily need for Vitamin D and Selenium, over 40% of Vitamin B12, over 25% of Vitamin B5 and Phosphorous, and over 15% of Iron, Folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B2. It also contains carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidants believed to help prevent against degeneration and chronic disease.
ANSWER…Egg Yolks
Source: What's So Healthy About Eggs
CAN YOU GUESS…this super food an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper. Six times more calcium, eleven times more phosphorus, and five times more potassium than milk. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, and protein.
ANSWER…Chia Seeds
Source: About Chia Seeds