In the past, when people felt unwell, they would often think only of seeing a doctor, getting a prescription, picking up medicine, and taking pills... However, Joy Bauer, a renowned American nutritionist and author of the book "Food Cures," says, "It seems we should end the era of reaching for pills for every ailment! Today, the answers to many problems can be found in our refrigerators."
Whether you want lustrous hair or just something to help you sleep—Bauer's book has it all. Here are five of the most popular tips. 1. I want shiny hair
Healthy hair requires ample B vitamins: Folate—found in the highest amounts in peanut butter and almonds; Vitamin B6—abundant in beef, salmon, and cheese; Vitamin B12—plenty in black beans, cereals, and lentils; and Biotin—most concentrated in strawberries and avocados. Additionally, ensure you get enough protein with iron—rich in chicken breast, turkey, and oysters; Vitamin C—highest in pomegranates and yellow peppers; and beta-carotene—found in cherries, potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.
2. To make myself stand out
Want skin with a radiant glow like famous American singer Jennifer Lopez? Besides using a day cream containing Vitamin C and a night cream with Vitamin E, you should also supplement these nutrients from your diet. At the same time, you can drink more green tea to stimulate collagen production or consume enough zinc to help with skin regeneration. You can also eat more foods rich in selenium and omega-3 fatty acids. 3. To stop being forgetful
Yes, brain-boosting foods that can slow down or even stop memory "loss" do exist. Eat light-colored fruits and vegetables, such as cruciferous vegetables—broccoli, cabbage, and kale—as they contain components that can "save memory." To get anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant, eat more red or purple foods like onions and beets, and of course, red wine; Quercetin, which can slow brain aging, is mainly found in unsweetened cocoa powder and apple skins.
Fish is also essential for maintaining brain vitality. Studies have found that people who eat fish at least once a week have a 10% slower rate of memory loss than those who don't, and their memory is equivalent to that of several years younger.
4. To stop insomnia
Eating foods that soothe the mind while avoiding foods that inhibit sleep will bring you a good night's rest. Tryptophan is a natural sedative, and when combined with carbohydrates, it has the most potent hypnotic effect. Tryptophan can be obtained from poultry and eggs, and carbohydrate-rich foods include grains, bananas, papayas, corn, and squash. If you suffer from insomnia, avoid alcohol, coffee, or eating too much. 5. To relieve headaches
Many things can trigger migraines, and food is one of them. You should get into the habit of keeping a record of your migraine history to help identify trigger foods. Common trigger foods include: cheese (containing tyramine and phenylacetic acid), cured foods, smoked foods, salted foods, and pickled foods. If you have a history of migraines, avoid leftovers, processed cooked foods (containing nitrates), and drinks with artificial sweeteners. Try to eat more nuts and deep-sea fish rich in unsaturated fatty acids!