No matter how much we take a bath every day or wash our hands regularly, keep ourselves as clean as possible, we often wonder why we still get sick. Living on and in us are tiny and microscopic organisms that may cause diseases and will compromise our health processes. Some of these microorganisms, whether they are bacteria or viruses or fungi, are really programmed to harm us. Some of them, however, are living within us but when our system has a problem, these particular microorganisms that thrive within us will attack our body and cause diseases.

When we get sick and the findings points out to microorganisms attacking our body, physicians will usually prescribe antibiotic medications to combat these organisms that cause the inflammatory processes and perhaps complicate one’s health problem. But there are actually foods that already have antibiotic properties, which can help in fighting these disease-causing organisms. By including them in the diet, there is assurance that the body will not only receive the vitamins and minerals required, but it will also receive protection from invaders.

1. Lime

   A type of citrus fruit which the horticulturists call Citrus aurantifolia, lime is oval or round shape with green-colored skin. Limes may either be sweet or sour. But between he two, the one which contains high levels of citric acid is the sour type. Unknown to many, lime is an effective antibiotic. One fourth cup of lime can provide almost half of the required daily vitamin C. Limes are specifically rich in the flavonoid called glycosides. This particular flavonoid has shown to inhibit the growth of several cancer cells.

   Moreover, this flavonoid is particularly valuable in fighting against the bacteria, Vibrio cholera, and the organism responsible for the development of the community disease cholera. Studies have been made regarding this finding, which is quite popular in West African villages where there is constant epidemic of cholera. But aside from this phytonutrient, the vitamin C in lime makes the human immune system stronger. Vitamin C can travel all over the body and scavenge on the free radicals that cause the easy entry of disease causing microorganisms. By ingesting lime regularly, there is assurance that optimal health is reached.

2. Garlic

   In folklores, garlic is being used to drive away bad spirits. But not only bad spirits are dumped by garlic, it also drive away disease causing organisms in the body. Chopped and made to stay for a longer hour before changing its temperature, garlic is able to activate the compounds that make it an effective health giving food. Several studies have been made on the health benefits of garlic and it was found out that the compounds containing sulfur is what provides the healing power of garlic. As an antibiotic, garlic has not only proven to be effective against bacteria, but also against the viruses and the fungi. Ajoene, the disulfide contained in garlic, has shown its effect in preventing Candida albicans from proliferating in the body. Candida albicans is one of the opportunistic pathogens in the body. Patients who are victims of burn are more likely to develop complications brought by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using garlic on the wound has shown to help prevent the bacteria to invade the tissues. Garlic is also effective against Helicobacter pylori, the major culprit in the development of gastric ulcers.

3. Horseradish

   When horseradish is sliced, there is activation of allyl-isothiocyanate, which is indicated by the pungent smell of the vegetable. But although the smell is undesirable, it can be overshadowed by the health effects of horseradish. This compound, which is also found in onions and garlic, actually has antibiotic properties. Horseradish is being used to treat upper respiratory tract infection, such as sinus problems and bronchitis. Additionally, it is effective for those suffering from urinary tract infections as it can kill the bacteria that cause the problem.

4. Cinnamon

   The smell of cinnamon usually brings that nostalgic aroma to many bakeries, but cinnamon is more than that. Cinnamon has been researched well and findings showed it has antibiotic properties. Highly rich in manganese and fiber, this brown bark of the cinnamon tree has long been used in medicine centuries ago. It is the essential oil of cinnamon that actually provides antibiotic effect. Candida albicans is one of the most common yeast or fungi problems because this bacterium normally thrives within the human body. In many tests conducted, this particular fungi can sometimes be resistant to medications made against fungus, such as fluconazole; but with the use of cinnamon extracts, the growth of Candida albicans is at times inhibited. Aside from this, cinnamon is also fast becoming a preserving agent. When food items are added with cinnamon, the growth of the bacteria Bacillus cereus in the preserved food is stopped. Perhaps this is the reason why cinnamon is the top ingredient in bakeries.

5. Onions

   Onion must be part of the daily diet. Together with garlic, onion is rich in phytonutrients that acts as antioxidant, which can contribute to the protection from development of cancer. But although not as studied compared to its garlic cousin, onion has shown to be effective in eliminating disease causing bacteria in the body. Onion has shown significance in fighting against two types of bacteria that are commonly found in the mouth and has been causing the tooth infection, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. Onions, especially when it is freshly cut and eaten raw, are effective against bacteria that causes gum diseases, such as Prevotella intermedia and Prophyromonas gingivalis. By this, it can be concluded that onion is important for maintaining healthy mouth.

6. Honey

   For centuries, honey has been regarded to have miraculous healing properties. That is why in traditional medicine, honey is being used especially in healing wounds. Honey is made by the bees. A raw honey contains resin that is used to protect the hive from invading microorganisms. Propolis, which came from plant and is collected by the bees are mixed with the bees’ secretions. By applying honey to the wound, bacteria, viruses and fungi will be prevented from invading and creating complications to health.

7. Cabbage

   Cabbage is becoming popular in the health arena these days. Thanks to sinigrin that is found in the vegetable. Sinigrin is a glucosinolate that can be converted into allyl-isothiocyanate, a compound that can prevent the development of cancer cells. Cabbage is rich in vitamin C. Just a cup of raw cabbage can already provide almost 43 percent of vitamin C’s required daily value. What are significant about vitamin C are its antibiotic properties. By increasing vitamin C intake, the body is assured that it is protected from infecting organisms, such as bacteria and viruses.

Sources
livestrong.com
rawearthliving.wordpress.com
whfoods.org