Going to the doctor for an illness tends to be the natural reaction. However, there are many natural cures for common ailments that can be found at the local grocery store. Here are three natural medicines that you can take a bite out of:  

GCM photos by Derek Stonebraker

Pineapple: If you are living an active lifestyle, then you are bound to get a few bumps and bruises along the way. Fortunately for you, pineapple is the perfect fruit to cure those bumps and bruises.            

Pineapple contains an interesting enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce swollen limbs and helps to relieve pain of certain types of arthritis. Therefore, substituting a bottle of ibuprofen for a pineapple might be a tastier and less harmful alternative.            

Bromelain also is shown to help prevent indigestion as well, particularly an upset stomach and heart burn. 

Garlic:  Garlic helps to fight off the common cold and flu and it helps to prevent heart disease and colon cancer.

Doctors at the University of Maryland's Medical Center said, "A well-designed study of nearly 150 people found that garlic helps prevent and treat the common cold".  Garlic also has an interesting affect on blood and is used as a way to prevent atherosclerosis, a common threat in heart disease. In essence, it makes blood less sticky which enables it to pass through arteries easier and prevents build up.

Garlic also has shown to aid in preventing weight loss and intestinal damage caused by chemotherapy.

Alcohol: College students who enjoy embarking on quests to get drunk and party should be wiser in their alcoholic

GCM photos by Derek Stonebraker

beveragechoices. Some types of alcoholic beverages can actually have health benefits but it is important to know which ones.

Of course all this information is assuming that you are drinking in moderation.            

One type of alcohol most people know to be healthy is red wine, which is good for the heart and has antioxidants. According to the Mayo Clinics Web site, red wine has polyphenols which is believed to help protect the lining of blood vessels. The Web site also said that red wine has reservratrol which "helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces "bad" cholesterol and prevents blood clots."            

Beer, strangely enough, is healthy for you according to an article in Forbes Magazine called "Eight Healthy Reasons to Drink Beer." Beer has been shown to help slow aging and boost brain function when done in moderation. Mixed drinks and other forms of hard alcohol should be avoided all together.

Disclaimer: Information contained in this article is to not replace the advice of your physician. All information is assumed that a person is good health with no allergies to the food and is meant to be done in moderation.

 

By Jared Leatzow

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