Last updated November 2, 2023
Whether you are looking to recover from disease or injury, increase energy levels or simply turn back the clock to look younger—nutrition heals. And by incorporating these top 10 healing foods into your life, you will get you there… faster.
Switching from over-processed foods, unhealthy fats and factory farmed meats to a healing, whole foods diet will change your life. In my health coaching practice, I have seen many clients turn their ships toward healthier shores and begin new lives by simply committing to eating these top 10 healing foods for one year.
A healing, whole foods diet reduces inflammation, improves heart health and mood, increases energy, boosts immunity and protects from disease. Eating the top 10 healing foods can even make you look younger as your body has what it needs to produce more high-quality collagen.
The effects don’t stop there, though. Eating a healing, whole foods diet is better for the planet plus it feels good!
So what’s the plan? Simple! Choose from these top 10 healing foods and see how nutrition heals.
Top 10 Healing Foods
1. Green Leafy Vegetables
Load up on kale, lettuce, swiss chard, spinach, arugula, dandelion leaf, watercress and microgreens. They are high in vitamins A, C, E, K and folate—all of the skin vitamins we need for tissue repair, new cell growth and collagen production.
2. Berries and Cherries
Berries and cherries are fun to eat, taste amazing and they reduce inflammation like nothing else. It’s the anthocyanins, a compound that creates those brilliant vibrant colors, that’s responsible for this gift.
Berries and cherries are also high in fiber, lower cholesterol, and fight off depression and anxiety. Cranberries heal the urinary tract system and cherry juice is used by athletes to speed muscle recovery time.
3. Citrus Fruits
Oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit are high in vitamins C and B which are super for boosting immunity and replenishing the nervous system. Citrus is also high in potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and copper which powers up the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.
4. Tropical Fruits
Pineapple, coconut, guava and avocado offer many unique benefits that should be enjoyed and included for their high fiber, vitamin and fat content especially if you live in the tropics. Avocado has a ton of vitamin E, unsaturated fats and Lutine which is wonderful for skin health and protects against disease.
Papaya is a potent source of vitamin A, dietary fiber and natural digestive enzymes that strengthen and replenish intestinal bacteria. Guavas have a lot of vitamin B and ascorbic acid which is great for skin health and immunity.
Coconuts are high in fiber, manganese, copper and iron which help form red blood cells; selenium, an important antioxidant for cell health, plus medium chain triglycerides MCT’s which promote fat loss and natural energy.
5. Probiotic Yogurt
Organic, whole milk, probiotic yogurt is super healing for gut microbiomes with its billions of healthy bacterium. It also contains many other nutrients that your body needs including calcium for healthy teeth and bones, B vitamins for the nervous system, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium.
Probiotic yogurt is a wonderful source of protein, regulates digestion, boosts immunity, reduces risk of cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis as well as aids in weight management. Look for whole milk organic probiotic yogurt that is not sweetened—and add the next thing on this list for best results.
6. Local to You Raw Honey
When buying honey, be mindful of the source. There are many fake honeys out there! Finding a local beekeeper will always be the best option. If you can’t do that then the health food store is the only other place you will find this.
Consuming local honey is a must to tune your body into your environment and location. By eating honey made by local bees created with pollen from neighboring wildflowers, your body makes peace with the pollen in the air (because it is a part of you now). So if you do have seasonal allergies, this may be your cure. Raw, small batch honey also slows aging and repels chronic disease.
7. Wild Caught Fatty Fish
Salmon, sardines, tuna, trout, mackerel and ono are packed with protein, B vitamins, selenium, iron, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fats. Omega 3 fats speed wound healing, enhance immunity and reduce inflammation.
Wild caught fatty fish also provides heart, brain, lungs, artery and circulation support. But please go wild because even if it’s a little more expensive, you don’t want the low energy of a fish in captivity with no life of its own.
8. Organic, Free Range Chicken
A great source of vitamin B, D, A, potassium, sodium and valuable protein building collagen which the body recognizes as its own and immediately sets to work building stronger bones and healthier skin and joints are the main reasons to enjoy organic free-range chicken at least once a week. Consuming free range organic chicken can even relieve pain if one already has arthritis. Again, make sure it’s free range and not a factory farm that changes the energetic qualities completely.
9. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel and juice contains bio active compounds and antioxidants known as polyphenols that promote healthy cell growth and go to work reducing inflammation and heat in the body immediately.
In fact, I recommend aloe juice to people with internal inflammation and any kind of skin rash for immediate relief. Aloe vera prevents infections with natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, and is wonderful for cellular turnover and detoxifying the liver. Aloe vera use is also superb for oral hygiene, reducing constipation and preventing wrinkles.
10. Nuts and Seeds
These little cuties are abundant sources of easy to absorb vitamins and minerals. Sesame seeds are a great source of selenium and copper which reduce inflammation and decrease risk of disease.
Sunflower seeds contain loads of vitamin C and high concentrations of phytosterols which lower cholesterol and boost cardiovascular health. Pumpkin seeds have a ton of zinc great for immunity, prostate health and healthy cholesterol.
Enjoy pistachios and cashews for bone and joint health. Chia seeds are packed with fiber, protein, and more Omega 3 healthy fats than salmon. Walnuts protect the heart.
Top 10 Healing Foods + Drink Up
In addition to following a healing, whole foods diet, don’t forget to hydrate. Drinking water flushes out waste from your body, regulates body temperature and helps your brain function properly.
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