Medicinal Benefits of Whole Foods

[Guest guest]

Medicinal Benefits of Whole Foods

For the first 5000 years of civilization, humans relied on foods and

herbs for medicine. Only in the past 50 years have we forgotten our

medicinal " roots " in favor of patent medicines. While pharmaceuticals

have their value, we should not forget the well-documented, non-toxic

and inexpensive healing properties of whole foods. The following list

is but a sampling of the health benefits from whole foods.

 

 

Apple. Lowers cholesterol and risk for cancer. Has mild

antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory estrogenic activity.

High in fiber, helps avoid constipation, suppresses appetite. Juice

can cause diarrhea in children.

 

Asparagus. A super source of the antioxidant glutathione, to lower

cancer risk.

 

Avocado. Benefits circulation, lowers cholesterol, dilates blood

vessels. It's main fat, monounsaturated oleic acid (also concentrated

in olive oil), acts as an antioxidant to block artery-destroying

toxicity of bad-type-LDL cholesterol. One of the richest sources of

glutathione, a powerful antioxidant shown to block thirty different

carcinogens and to block proliferation of the AIDS virus in test tube

experiments.

 

Banana and Plantain. Soothes the stomach. Good for dyspepsia (upset

stomach). Strengthens the stomach lining against acid and ulcers. Has

antibiotic activity.

 

Barley. Long known as a " heart medicine " in the Middle East. Reduces

cholesterol. Has anti-viral and anti-cancer activity. Contains potent

antioxidants, including tocotrienols.

 

Beans. (legumes, including navy, black, kidney, pinto, soy beans and

lentils). Potent medicine in lowering cholesterol. One-half cup of

cooked beans daily reduces cholesterol an average 10 percent.

Regulates blood sugar levels. An excellent food for diabetics. Linked

to lower rates of certain cancers. Very high in fiber. A leading

producer of intestinal gas in most people.

 

Beets. Richer than spinach in iron and other minerals. The greens are

helpful in cases of anemia, tuberculosis, constipation, poor

appetite, obesity, tumors, gout, pimples and helpful in the

elimination of irritating drug poisons. Beets are one of the best

foods to relieve constipation and they are also good for obesity.

 

Bell Pepper. Rich in antioxidant vitamin C. Helps to fight off colds,

asthma, bronchitis, respiratory infections, cataracts, macular

degeneration, angina, atherosclerosis and cancer.

 

Blueberry. Acts as an unusual type of antibiotic by blocking

attachment of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. Contains

chemicals that curb diarrhea. Also has anti-viral activity and high

in natural aspirin.

 

Broccoli. A unique package of versatile disease-fighters. Abundant in

antioxidants, including quercetin, glutathione, beta carotene,

indoles, vitamin C, lutein, glucarate, sulforaphane. Extremely high

in cancer fighting activity, particularly against lung, colon and

breast cancers. Like other cruciferous vegetables, it speeds up

removal of estrogen from the body, helping suppress breast cancer.

Rich in cholesterol-reducing.fiber. Has anti-viral, anti-ulcer

activity. A super source of chromium that helps regulate insulin and

blood sugar. Note: cooking and processing destroys some of the

antioxidants and anti-estrogenic agents, such as indoles and

glutathione. Most protective when eaten raw or lightly cooked.

 

Brussels Sprouts. Cruciferous family possesses some of the same

powers as broccoli and cabbage. Definitely anti-cancer, estrogenic

and packed with various antioxidants and indoles.

 

Cabbage (including bok choy). Revered in ancient Rome as a cancer

cure. Contains numerous anti-cancer and antioxidant compounds. Speeds

up estrogen metabolism, is thought to help block breast cancer and

suppress growth of polyps, a prelude to colon cancer. Eating cabbage

more than once a week cut men's colon cancer odds 66 percent. As

little as two daily tbsp. of cooked cabbage protected against stomach

cancer. Contains anti-ulcer compounds; cabbage juice helps heal

ulcers in humans. Has anti-bacterial and anti-viral powers. Can cause

flatulence in some. Some of these important compounds are destroyed

by cooking. Raw cabbage, as in cole slaw, appears to have stronger

overall health value.

 

Carrot. A super source of beta carotene, a powerful anticancer,

artery-protecting, immune-boosting, infection-fighting antioxidant

with wide protective powers. A carrot a day slashed stroke rates in

women by 68 percent. The beta-carotene in one medium carrot cuts lung

cancer risk in half, even among formerly heavy smokers. High doses of

beta carotene, as found in carrots, substantially reduces odds of

degenerative eye diseases (cataracts and macular degeneration as well

as chest pain (angina). The high soluble fiber in carrots depresses

blood cholesterol and promotes regularity. Cooking can make it easier

for the body to absorb carrot's beta-carotene.

 

Cauliflower. Cruciferous family member that contains many of the same

cancer-fighting, hormone-regulating compounds as its cousins,

broccoli and cabbage. Specifically thought to help ward off breast

and colon cancers. Eat raw, or lightly cooked.

 

Celery. A traditional Vietnamese remedy for high blood pressure.

Celery compounds reduce blood pressure in animals. Comparable human

dose: two to four stalks a day. Also has a mild diuretic effect.

Contains eight different families of anti-cancer compounds, such as

phthalides and polyacetylenes, that detoxify carcinogens, especially

cigarette smoke. Eating celery before or after vigorous exercise can

induce mild to serious allergic reactions in some.

 

Chili Pepper. Helps dissolve blood clots, opens up sinuses and air

passages, breaks up mucus in the lungs, acts as an expectorant or

decongestant, helps prevent bronchitis, emphysema and stomach ulcers.

Most of chili pepper's pharmacological activity is credited to

capsaicin (from the Latin " to bite " ), the compound that makes the

pepper taste hot. Also a potent painkiller, alleviating headaches

when inhaled, and joint pain when injected. Hot paprika made from hot

chili peppers is high in natural aspirin. Antibacterial, antioxidant

activity. Putting hot chili sauce on food also speeds up metabolism,

burning off calories. Chili peppers do not harm the stomach lining or

promote ulcers.

 

Cinnamon. A strong stimulator of insulin activity, thus potentially

helpful for those with Type 2 diabetes. Mild anti-coagulant activity.

 

Clove. Used to kill the pain of toothache and as an anti-inflammatory

against rheumatic diseases. Has anti-coagulant effects, (anti-

platelet aggregation), and its main ingredient, eugenol, is anti-

inflammatory.

 

Coffee. Most, but not all, of coffee's pharmacological impact comes

from its high concentration of caffeine a psychoactive drug.

Caffeine, depending on an individual's biological makeup and peculiar

sensitivity, can be a mood elevator and mental energizer. Improves

mental performance in some. An emergency remedy for asthma. Dilates

bronchial passages. Mildly addictive. Triggers headaches, anxiety and

panic attacks in some. In excess, may cause psychiatric disturbances.

Promotes insomnia. Coffee stimulates stomach acid secretions (both

caffeinated and decaf). Can aggravate heartburn. Promotes bowel

movements in many, causes diarrhea in others. Caffeine may promote

fibrocystic breast disease in some women.

 

Collard Greens. Full of anti-cancer, antioxidant compounds, including

lutein, vitamin C and beta carotene. In animals, blocks the spread of

breast cancer. Like other green leafy vegetables, associated with low

rates of all cancers.

 

Corn. Anticancer and antiviral activity, possibly induced by corn's

content of protease inhibitors. Has estrogen-boosting capabilities. A

very common cause of food intolerance linked to symptoms of

rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches and

migraine-related epilepsy in children.

 

Cranberry. Strong antibiotic properties with unusual abilities to

prevent infectious bacteria from sticking to the cells lining the

bladder and urinary tract. Thus, it helps prevent recurring urinary

tract (bladder) infections. Also has antiviral activity.

 

Cucumbers. Should be eaten freely by people who live on the desert or

in other hot climates—the most cooling food. Indicated for fevers,

constipation, skin eruptions, high blood pressure, rheumatism,

obesity, acidosis and is a mild diuretic.

 

Date. High in natural aspirin. Has laxative effect. Dried fruits,

including dates, are linked to lower rates of certain cancers,

especially pancreatic cancer. Contains compounds that may cause

headaches in susceptible individuals.

 

Eggplant. Eggplant substances, called glycoalkaloids, made into a

topical cream medication have been used to treat skin cancers such as

basal cell carcinoma, according to Australian researchers. Also,

eating eggplant may lower blood cholesterol and help counteract some

detrimental blood effects of fatty foods. Eggplant also has

antibacterial and diuretic properties.

 

Fenugreek Seed. A spice common in the Middle East and available in

many U.S. food markets. Has anti-diabetic powers. Helps control

surges of blood sugar and insulin. Also anti-diarrheal, anti-ulcer,

anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, tends to lower blood pressure, helps

prevent intestinal gas.

 

Flax seeds and oil. Used primarily for constipation. In cases of

gastritis, colitis or other inflammations of the digestive tract.

Lowers blood fat levels often associated with heart attacks and

strokes. Reduces harmful blood cholesterol levels with its soluble

fibers. Prevents colon and breast cancer through its rich source of

lignins, a documented anti-cancer agent. Improves moods, diminishes

allergies and produces healthier skin.

 

Fig. Helps to prevent cancer. Both extract of figs and the fig

compound, benzaidehyde, have helped shrink tumors in humans according

to Japanese tests. Also laxative, anti-ulcer, antibacterial and

antiparasitic powers. Triggers headaches in some people.

 

Fish and Fish Oil. An ounce a day has been shown to cut risk of heart

attacks by 50 percent. The omega-3 oil in fish can relieve symptoms

of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, psoriasis, high

blood pressure, Raynaud's disease, migraine headaches, ulcerative

colitis and, possibly, multiple sclerosis. May help ward off strokes.

A known anti-inflammatory agent and anti-coagulant. Raises good type

HDL cholesterol. Lowers triglycerides. Guards against glucose

intolerance and Type 11 diabetes. Some fish are high in antioxidants,

such as selenium and Coenzyme Q-10. Exhibits anti-cancer activity

especially in blocking development of colon cancer and spread of

breast cancer. Fish highest in omega-3 fatty acids include sardines,

mackerel, herring, salmon, tuna.

 

Garlic. Used to treat an array of ills since the dawn of

civilization. Broad-spectrum antibiotic that combats bacteria,

intestinal parasites and viruses. In high doses it has cured

encephalitis. Lowers blood pressure and blood cholesterol,

discourages dangerous blood clotting. Two or three cloves a day cut

the odds of subsequent heart attacks in half in heart patients.

Contains multiple anti-cancer compounds and antioxidants and tops the

National Cancer Institute's list as a potential cancer-preventive

food. Lessens chances of stomach cancer in particular. A good cold

medication. Acts as a decongestant, expectorant, anti-spasmodic, anti-

inflammatory agent. Boosts immune responses. Helps relieve gas, has

anti-diarrheal, estrogenic and diuretic activity. Appears to lift

mood and has a mild calming effect. High doses of raw garlic (more

than three cloves a day) have caused gas, bloating, diarrhea and

fever in some. Aged garlic may be better than cooked garlic. Eat

garlic both raw and cooked for all-around insurance.

 

Ginger. Used to treat nausea, vomiting, headaches, chest congestion,

cholera, colds, diarrhea, stomach ache, rheumatism, and nervous

diseases. Ginger is a proven anti-nausea, anti-motion sickness remedy

that matches or surpasses drugs such as Dramamine. Helps thwart and

prevent migraine headaches and osteo-arthritis. Relieves symptoms of

rheumatoid arthritis. Acts as an anti-thrombotic and anti-

inflammatory agent in humans; is an antibiotic in test tubes (kills

salmonella and staph bacteria), and an anti-ulcer agent in animals.

Also, has anti-depressant, anti-diarrheal and strong antioxidant

activity. High in anti-cancer activity.

 

Grape. Rich in antioxidant compounds. Red grapes (but not white or

green grapes) are high in the antioxidant quercetin. Grape skins

contain resveratrol, shown to inhibit blood-platelet clumping (and

consequently, blood clot formation) and boost good-type HDL

cholesterol. Red grapes are antibacterial and antiviral in test

tubes. Grape seed oil also raises good-type cholesterol.

 

Grapefruit. The pulp contains a unique pectin (in membranes and juice

sacs—not in juice) that lowers blood cholesterol and reverses

atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) in animals. Has anticancer

activity, and appears particularly protective against stomach and

pancreatic cancer. The juice is antiviral and high in various

antioxidants, especially vitamin C.

 

Honey. Strong antibiotic properties. Has sleep-inducing, sedative and

tranquilizing properties. Use sparingly as it is high in sugar.

 

Kale. Rich source of various anti-cancer chemicals. Has more beta

carotene than spinach and twice as much lutein, the most of any

vegetable tested. Kale is also a member of the cruciferous family,

endowing it with anti-cancer indoles that help regulate estrogen and

fight off colon cancer.

 

Kiwi Fruit. Commonly prescribed in Chinese traditional medicine to

treat stomach and breast cancer. High in vitamin C.

 

Lecithin. Protects the nerves. Improves memory. May help thyroid and

adrenal hypertension. Protects cells against damage by oxidation.

Emulsifies fat in the blood.

 

Lemon. This citrus fruit ranks very high in its medicinal value,

having many therapeutical uses. Lemon juice is a natural antiseptic

which may be safely applied directly to cuts, bruises and infections.

Lemon juice is good for asthma, headaches, pneumonia, and arthritis.

It is a good general blood and body purifier and a mild diuretic. Do

not take in cases of inflammations of the digestive tract. The juice

also aids in the removal of old drug residues (poisons) from the

body.

 

Licorice. Strong anti-cancer powers, possibly because of a high

concentration of glycyrrhizin. Mice drinking glycyrrhizin dissolved

in water have fewer skin cancers. Also kills bacteria, fights ulcers

and diarrhea. May act as a diuretic. Too much licorice can raise

blood pressure. Also it is not advised for pregnant women. Only real

licorice has these powers. Licorice " candy " sold in the United States

is made with anise instead of real licorice. Real licorice

says " licorice mass. " Imitation licorice is labeled " artificial

licorice " or " anise. "

 

Melon (green and yellow, such as cantaloupe and honeydew). Has anti-

coagulant (blood-thinning) activity. Contains the antioxidant beta

carotene.

 

Milk. Milk fat promotes cancer and heart disease. Milk is also an

unappreciated terror in triggering " allergic " reactions that induce

joint pain and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, irritable

bowel syndrome and diarrhea. In children and infants milk is

suspected to cause or contribute to colic, respiratory problems,

sleeplessness, itchy rashes, migraines, epileptic seizures, ear

infections and even diabetes. May retard healing of ulcers.

 

Mushroom (Asian, including shiitake). A longevity tonic, heart

medicine and cancer remedy in Asia. Current tests show mushrooms,

such as maitake, help prevent and/or treat cancer, viral diseases,

such as influenza and polio, high blood cholesterol, sticky blood

platelets and high blood pressure. Eaten daily, maitake or shiitake,

fresh (three ounces) or dried (one-third ounce), cut cholesterol by 7

and 12 percent respectively. A shiitake compound, lentinan, is a

broad-spectrum antiviral agent that potentiates immune functioning.

Used to treat leukemia in China and breast cancer in Japan. Extract

(sulfated B-glucans) has been declared by Japanese scientists more

effective as an AIDS drug than the common drug AZT. Eating black

( " tree ear') mushroom " thins the blood. " No therapeutic effects are

known for the common U.S. button mushroom. Some claim this species

has cancer-causing potential (hydrazides) unless cooked.

 

Mustard (including horseradish). Recognized for centuries as a

decongestant and expectorant. Helps break up mucus in air passages. A

good remedy for congestion caused by colds and sinus problems. Also

antibacterial. Increases metabolism, burning off extra calories. In

one British test about three-fifths of a teaspoon of ordinary yellow

mustard increased metabolic rate about 25 percent, burning forty-five

more calories in three hours.

 

Nuts. Anti-cancer and heart-protective properties. A key food among

Seventh-Day Adventists, known for their low rates of heart disease.

Walnuts and almonds help reduce cholesterol, contain high

concentrations of antioxidant oleic acid and mono-unsaturated fat,

similar to that in olive oil, known to protect arteries from damage.

Nuts generally are high in antioxidant vitamin E, shown to protect

against chest pain and artery damage. Brazil nuts are extremely rich

in selenium, an antioxidant linked to lower rates of heart disease

and cancer. Walnuts contain ellagic acid, an antioxidant and cancer-

fighter, and are also high in omega-3 type oil. Nuts, including

peanuts, are good regulators of insulin and blood sugar, preventing

steep rises, making them good foods for those with glucose

intolerance and diabetes. Peanuts also are estrogenic. Nuts have been

found lacking in the diets of those who later develop Parkinson's

disease. Prime cause of acute allergic reactions in susceptible

individuals.

 

Oats. Can depress cholesterol 10 percent or more, depending on

individual responses. Oats help stabilize blood sugar, have

estrogenic and antioxidant activity. They also contain psychoactive

compounds that may combat nicotine cravings and have anti-depressant

powers. High doses can cause gas, abdominal bloating and pain in

some.

 

Olive oil. Lowers bad LDL cholesterol without lowering good HDL

cholesterol. Helps keep bad cholesterol from being converted to a

toxic or " oxidized " form. Thus, helps protect arteries from plaque.

Reduces blood pressure, helps regulate blood sugar. Has potent

antioxidant activity. Best oil for kitchen cooking and salads.

 

Onion (including chives, shallots, scallions, leeks). Reputed in

ancient Mesopotamia to cure virtually everything. An exceptionally

strong antioxidant. Full of numerous anti-cancer agents. Blocks

cancer dramatcally in animals. The onion is the richest dietary

source of quercetin, a potent antioxidant (in shallots, yellow and

red onions only-not white onions). Specifically linked to inhibiting

human stomach cancer. Thins the blood, lowers cholesterol, raises

good-type HDL cholesterol (preferred dose: half a raw onion a day),

wards off blood clots, fights asthma, chronic bronchitis, hay fever,

diabetes, atherosclerosis and infections. Anti-inflammatory,

antibiotic, antiviral, thought to have diverse anti-cancer powers.

Quercetin is also a sedative. Onions aggravate heartburn, may promote

gas.

 

Orange. Natural cancer-inhibitor, includes carotenoids, terpenes and

flavonoids. Also rich in antioxidant vitamin C and beta-carotene.

Specifically tied to lower rates of pancreatic cancer. Orange juice

protected mice sperm from radiation damage. Because of its high

vitamin C, oranges may help ward off asthma attacks, bronchitis,

breast cancer, stomach cancer, atherosclerosis, gum disease, and

boost fertility and healthy sperm in some men. May aggravate

heartburn.

 

Parsley. Anti-cancer because of its high concentrations of

antioxidants, such as monoterpenes, phthalides, polyacetylenes. Can

help detoxify carcinogens and neutralize certain carcinogens in

tobacco smoke. Also, has diuretic activity.

 

Pineapple. Suppresses inflammation. A main constituent, an

antibacterial enzyme called bromelain, is anti-inflammatory.

Pineapple aids digestion, helps dissolve blood clots and is good for

preventing osteoporosis and bone fractures because of its very high

manganese content. It is also antibacterial and anti-viral and mildly

estrogenic.

 

Plum. Antibacterial. Anti-viral. Laxative.

 

Potato (white). Contains anticancer protease inhibitors. High in

potassium, thus may help prevent high blood -pressure and strokes.

Some estrogenic activity.

 

Prune. A well known laxative. High in fiber, sorbitol and natural

aspirin.

 

Pumpkin. Extremely high in beta carotene, the antioxidant reputed to

help ward off numerous health problems, including heart attacks,

cancer, cataracts.

 

Raspberry. Anti-viral, anti-cancer activity. High in natural aspirin.

 

Rice. Anti-diarrheal, anti-cancer activity. Like other seeds,

contains anti-cancer protease inhibitors. Of all grains and cereals,

it is the least likely to provoke intestinal gas or adverse reactions

(intolerances) causing bowel distress such as spastic colon. Rice

bran is excellent against constipation, lowers cholesterol and tends

to block development of kidney stones.

 

Seaweed and Kelp (brown or Laminaria type seaweed). One of the best

foods that you can eat in cases of hypo-thyroid. It is rich in many

important minerals. Antibacterial and anti-viral activity in brown

Laminaria type seaweed known as kelp. It kills herpes virus, for

example. Kelp may also lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Wakame

boosts immune functioning. Nori kills bacteria and seems to help heal

ulcers. A chemical from wakame seaweed is a clot-buster, in one test

twice as powerful as the common drug heparin. Most types of seaweed

have anti-cancer activity. Might aggravate acne flare-ups.

 

Soybean. Rich in hormones, it boosts estrogen levels in post-

menopausal women. Has anti-cancer activity and is thought to be

especially antagonistic to breast cancer, possibly one reason rates

of breast and prostate cancers are low among the Japanese. Soybeans

are the richest source of potent protease inhibitors which are anti-

cancer, anti-viral agents. Soybeans lower blood cholesterol

substantially. In animals, soybeans seem to deter and help dissolve

kidney stones.

 

Spinach. Tops the list, along with other green leafy vegetables, as a

food most eaten by people who don't get cancer. A super source of

antioxidants and cancer antagonists, containing about four times more

beta-carotene and three times more lutein than broccoli, for example.

Rich in fiber that helps lower blood cholesterol. Some of it's

antioxidants are destroyed by cooking. Eat raw or lightly cooked.

 

Strawberry. Anti-viral, anti-cancer activity. Often eaten by people

less likely to develop all types of cancer. Only eat organically

grown. Strawberries have the highest amount of pesticide

contaminates.

 

Sugar. Helps heal wounds when applied externally. Like other

carbohydrates, sugar helps induce cavities. Also may be related to

Crohn's disease. Triggers rise in blood sugar and stimulates insulin

production. One teaspoon of sugar is said to set the immune system

back 3 ½ hours. Causes fatigue and adrenal weakness.

 

Sweet Potato (yams). A source of the antioxidant beta carotene,

linked to preventing heart disease, cataracts strokes and numerous

cancers. One half cup of mashed sweet potatoes contains about 23,000

international units (lUs) of beta carotene, according to Department

of Agriculture figures.

 

Tea (including black, oolong and green tea, not herbal teas). Amazing

and diverse pharmacological activity, mainly due to catechins. Tea

acts as an anticoagulant, artery protector, antibiotic, anti-ulcer

agent, cavity-fighter, anti-diarrheal agent, anti-viral agent,

diuretic (caffeine), analgesic (caffeine), mild sedative

(decaffeinated). In animals tea and tea compounds are potent blockers

of various cancers. Tea drinkers appear to have less atherosclerosis

(damaged, clogged arteries) and fewer strokes. Excessive tea drinking

because of its caffeine could aggravate anxiety, insomnia and

symptoms of PMS. Tea may also promote kidney stones because of its

high oxalate content. Green tea, popular in Asian countries, is

highest in catechins, followed by oolong and ordinary black tea,

common in the United States. Green tea is considered most potent. One

human study, however, found no difference in benefits to arteries

from green or black tea.

 

Tomato. A major source of lycopene, an antioxidant and anti-cancer

agent that intervenes in devastating chain reactions of oxygen free

radical molecules. Tomatoes are linked in particular to lower rates

of pancreatic cancer and cervical cancer.

 

Tumeric. Truly one of the marvelous medicinal spices of the world.

Its main active ingredient is curcumin which gives turmeric its

intense cadmium yellow color. Curcumin, studies show, is an anti-

inflammatory agent on a par with cortisone, and has reduced

inflammation in animals and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in

humans. In other tests, it lowered cholesterol, hindered platelet

aggregation (blood clotting), protected the liver from toxins,

boosted stomach defenses against acid, lowered blood sugar in

diabetics, and was a powerful antagonist of numerous cancer-causing

agents. Anti-cancer activity.

 

Watermelon. High amounts of lycopene and glutathione, antioxidant and

anti-cancer compounds. Also mild anti-bacterial, anti-coagulant

activity.

 

Wheat. High-fiber whole wheat, and particularly wheat bran, ranks as

the world's greatest preventives of constipation. The bran is

potently anti-cancer. Remarkably, in humans, wheat bran can suppress

that which can develop into colon cancer. Anti-parasitic. Ranks

exceedingly high as a trigger of food intolerances and allergies,

resulting in symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel

syndrome and neurological illnesses.

 

Yogurt (use only organic yogurt). Goat yogurt is preferred. An

ancient wonder food, strongly antibacterial and anti-cancer. A cup or

two of yogurt a day boosts immune functioning by stimulating

production of gamma interferon. Also spurs activity of natural killer

cells that attack viruses and tumors. A daily cup of yogurt reduced

colds and other upper respiratory infections in humans. Helps prevent

and cure diarrhea. A daily cup of yogurt with acidophilus cultures

prevents vaginitis (yeast infections) in women. Helps fight bone

problems, such as osteoporosis, because of high available calcium

content. Acidophilus yogurt cultures neutralize cancer-causing agents

in the intestinal tract. Yogurts with L bulgaricus and S.

thermophilus cultures, both live and dead, blocked lung cancers in

animals. Yogurt with live cultures is safe for people with lactose

intolerance.