The Healing Harvest of Fall

[Guest guest]

Good Morning!

 

The Healing Harvest of Fall

 

The crisp Autumn air hit my face as I was walking through the

Farmer's Market here in New York City this morning. I had a difficult

time getting up and felt as if I had molasses in my blood! I had no

motivation and found it difficult to even open my eyes all the way.

Just the opposite of my usual Yang personality!

 

As I strolled through the market, my eyes opened wide as I caught all

the wonderful, bright colors of the Fall fruits and vegetables. Fresh

herbs filled the air with their scent as I become very inspired and

ran home to write this article.

 

The Full Force of Fall is in Fruition!

 

Take advantage of the glorious healing properties of this Fall's

Bounty!

 

Apples: contain naturally-occurring chemical compounds known as

phytochemicals, polyphenols, or flavonoids, some of which have been

proven to have antioxidant activity that inhibits, or scavenges, the

activity of free radicals in the body. Cell damage from free radicals

can be a factor in certain cancers, heart disease, strokes, and other

conditions. The major antioxidant components in apples are

polyphenols contained mainly in the skin known as quercetin

glycoside, phloretin glycoside, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin.

The names are complex, but their health value is clear: Quercetin has

been reported to reduce carcinogenic activity, inhibit enzymatic

activities associated with several types of tumor cells, enhance the

antiproliferative activity of anticancer agents, and inhibit the

growth of transformed tumorigenic cells.

 

 

Citrus Fruits: Hundreds of studies have been conducted on the

nutrients found in citrus fruit, including orange juice, and the role

these nutrients play in reducing the risk of such diseases as cancer

and heart disease, when part of a low fat diet rich in fruits and

vegetables. Citrus fruit, which contain essential vitamins and

minerals, are an important part of a healthy diet for all men, women

and children. In both fresh and juice form, citrus - including

oranges, grapefruit and specialty varieties such a temple oranges,

tangerines and tangelos - have many important nutritional benefits.

 

 

Barley Grass and Wheat Grass: Eating barley and wheat grass is like

eating a plate of green vegetables. These cereal grasses, are

harvested young and are ecologically grown in nutrient rich soil.

They are approximately 25% protein and contains all the essential

amino acids, concentrated vitamins, minerals and fiber. They have

been shown to increase our overall health by reducing intestinal

putrefaction and maintaining healthy blood another important

component of cleansing.

 

 

Broccoli: Broccoli is known as the " Crown Jewel of Nutrition " for its

vitamin-rich, high in fiber, and low in calorie properties. Not only

does broccoli give you the best vegetable nutrition available, it

also gives you many ways to lead a healthier, longer life. Heart

disease is the number one cause of death in the United States with

cancer as the second, and broccoli gives you many ways to help fight

and prevent these and other diseases. Broccoli has multiple cancer-

fighting properties including vitamin C, beta carotene, and fiber. It

is also rich of phytochemicals which appear to offer us protection

against certain cancers and heart disease. Indole carbinol and

sulforaphane are two different phytochemicals that are found in

broccoli.

 

 

Buckthorn Bark: Acts on the liver, gallbladder, blood and intestines.

Has a stimulating effect on the bile and conditions of the, liver,

gallbladder and lower bowels; does not gripe and keeps the bowels

regular without irritation.

 

 

Burdock: Supports the blood, kidneys and liver. A natural blood

purifier which eliminates uric acid and excess waste material.

Burdock is quite effective in treating dry and scaly skin disorders

such as psoriasis, dandruff and eczema, also helps break sown

calcification in joints.

 

 

Cabbage, Cauliflower: Nutritionally and medicinally, the cauliflower

is similar to the cabbage. Of course, the lower sulphur content is

obvious. Cabbage and cauliflower are rich in antioxidants, which help

prevent cancer, and prevent heart disease caused by oxidative damage

to blood vessels. It is especially rich in Vitamin C - one cup of

chopped flowerets or laces of cabbage meets a whole day's requirement

of this vitamin. A deficiency of Vitamin C causes scurvy because it

interferes with collagen synthesis. Collagen is one of the structural

frameworks of normal tissues. Other anti-cancer molecules present in

significant amounts included the phytochemicals sulforaphane and

indole-3-carbinol.

 

 

Leafy Greens, Spinach: Leaf lettuce, beet greens, and spinach are

just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these salad vegetables.

Greens actually come in a wide variety of colors, textures, shapes,

and flavors. They may be green to yellow-white, or red to purple,

soft to crisp, curly to flat, and peppery to bitter to mild. Mix and

match them and you've created an exciting salad! Greens are an

excellent source of vitamin A and a good source of vitamin C. For a

bigger boost of vitamin A, buy greens that are medium to dark green

(the darker the leaves, the more vitamin A). Many greens, such as

spinach, kale, and collards are known for their mineral content,

especially iron, calcium, magnesium-as well as the vitamins folate,

riboflavin (B2) and vitamin K. Leaves are very rich in antioxidants--

the carotenoids and beta-carotene, the tocopherols (vitamin E) and of

course, vitamin C.

 

 

Onions: Diaphoretic, lubricating to muscles. Rich in sulfur compounds

called Thiosulfinates-they are anti-inflammatory and contain Vitamin

C, Quercetin and are a powerful antioxidant.

 

 

Scallion Bulb: very helpful in reducing the early symptoms of a cold.

This is a great remedy for diarrhea in the aged, as well.

 

 

Taro Root: Nutritious, assists the stomach, builds blood.

 

 

Consider all these wonderful healing foods when you stroll through

your Fall garden or Farmer's Market!

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/fall.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit