Ha! GOMBS sounds like a funny word, but it is an acronym for some yummy health! 🙂

GREENS– Green Vegetables and Fruits contain nutrients found to reduce cancer risks, lower blood pressure and cholesterol as well as help the body fight illness. I will add GARLIC to this list of fighting foods too!

Examples are Artichokes, Aspargus, Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Cabbage, Celery, Cucumbers, Green apples, Green beans, Green grapes, Green onion. Green pears, Green peppers, Honeydew melon, Leafy greens, Lettuce, Okra, Peas, Spinach, Snap peas, Zucchini, Kalirabi, Limes, Kiwi, Avocadoes, Kale, Collards, Bok Choy and gooseberries! 😀

ONIONS– onions are not only known for their power to make a grown person cry, but they are a superfood of health too! They have potassium, Vitamin C, B vitamins, kill germs, help your heart and fight cancer. Did you know why most hamburger is browned in the skillet with onions? Onions help fight bacteria, so putting them in the pan with meat will help neutralize any particles of salmonella and prevent the formation of potential cancer-causing compounds called heterocyclic amines. (1)  They have also been used to kill funguses, yeasts, parasites, soothe the sting of insect bites, and ward off infection from stingray wounds. (1) Woo hoo! Start eating more onions! 😀

MUSHROOMS– Many people like hunting for edible mushrooms in the woods during the spring, but why do they like eating mushrooms anyway? Aren’t they just a fungus? 🙂 Mushrooms are known for helping lower cholesterol, level blood pressure, fight against bacteria, viruses, and cancer and strengthen your bones. They are mostly comprised of water, but are also a source of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, Vitamin D, riboflavin, niacin, potassium, selenium, and copper, low fat, low sodium and low calories! There are many types of mushrooms, but only a few out of the hundreds of different kinds are actually edible. Do some research to know what you are planning to put into your mouth BEFORE you eat it! 🙂

BEANS & BERRIES– Beans are known for being a great source of protein and fiber but they also help prevent constipation, help hemorrhoids, lower cholesterol, fight against cancer, preserve sexual function and stabilize blood sugar. When preparing dry beans, be sure to soak them for 5 hrs, then cook them in fresh water for at least 10 min to help release the toxin known as phytohaemagglutinin. (This is mainly in red kidney beans, but it is still good to soak other beans.) If you change the water several times that the beans are cooking in, you will reduce the amount of gas you may experience by consuming them.

Berries are known for fighting against cancer and heart disease as well as increase brain function. Strawberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cranberries etc are “berry” good in fighting cancer with their natural chemicals of anthocyanin and ellagic acid.

SEEDS & NUTS– Consuming raw seeds and nuts will add phytochemicals and healthy fats to your dietary intake. They assist in fighting inflammation, lowering cholesterol and help other micronutrients be absorbed more readily into your body. Examples include sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, or Brazilian nuts. Try some almond butter, cashew butter or sunflower seed butter next time you go to the grocery! 🙂 (Get outside your “box” of foods you eat! Try something new!)

Cheers for GGOMBBS!! 😀

~Coach Shannon

Resources:

1. Eat and Heal by the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing (buy it for as low as 1 cent on Amazon!!)
2. Dr Fuhrman: GOMBS
3. Healthy Nuts & Seeds