by Sarah Heller

Created on: September 10, 2009

For centuries, people in different cultures have looked to certain foods to help them feel better, recover, from an injury or illness, or prevent a disease from occurring in the future. While recent scientific studies have disproved some of the myths surrounding some foods, other studies have shown certain foods to really have some health benefits. Below is a list of some common ailments, and what you can eat to prevent or fight against them.

Anti-aging People have known for years that eating cranberries can help prevent UTIs (urinary tract infections) but they are also an excellent source of antioxidants like vitamins C and E, that can help reduce your risk of cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Another good source of antioxidants is blueberries. Studies show that this fruit may help combat short-term memory loss. There is some preliminary evidence that suggests people who eat at least one serving of a food high in antioxidants live longer than those who don't, but no studies have been done with large groups of people, yet.

Eyesight I grew up with my mother telling me that eating carrots would improve my eyesight, but the truth is that eyesight is protected by the beta-carotene in the vegetable. The compound is a form of vitamin A that's full of antioxidant properties and is responsible for the carrot's bright orange color. Also try kiwis, which are packed with lutein. Studies have shown lutein can help keep your eyesight sharp and ward off macular degeneration. They're also packed with vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.

Disease-fighters Try broccoli, which packs a healthy dose of disease-fighting antioxidants and vitamins A and C. It's also filled with nutrients like calcium, potassium, and fiber. To get the most out of this food, eat it raw. Try pairing florets with a small amount of ranch dressing. If you don't like raw broccoli, steaming it is the next best thing. Toss one cup of steamed broccoli with a tablespoon of heart-healthy olive oil and a bit of fresh thyme (known for its immune boosting qualities) for a healthy and tasty side dish with dinner. If you absolutely can't stand broccoli, try tomatoes, which are an excellent source of lycopene. Lycopene is what makes fruit and vegetables like tomatoes look red, and it may be useful in battling prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease. It isn't even necessary to eat raw tomatoes to get lycopene; you can absorb the chemical from eating cooked tomatoes (like the kind found in spaghetti sauce and ketchup).

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