Whether you’re old or young, the human body is susceptible to conditions that are both annoying as well as uncomfortable. Even keeping our skin youthful and wrinkle-free can be a challenge. Instead of spending money on costly procedures or loading up on pills that promise wonder results, maybe it’s time to turn to good ole fashioned foods to nourish and heal us in a way that is completely natural, safe and tasty!

The Ailment: Cataracts

The Solution: Cereal Nut Mix

Did you know that when you consume vitamin E in regular foods instead of in supplement/pill form, it may help prevent cataracts? This easy to make recipe is filled with more than 90% of the daily requirement of vitamin E and is also loaded with B vitamins—specifically riboflavin (B2) and niacin (B3).

Simply combine the following into a large bowl: ½ cup of unsalted, oil-roasted peanuts, ½ cup raw almonds, 4 cups of whole grain cereal, and ¼ cup of unsalted sunflower seeds. After you’ve mixed everything thoroughly, divide the mix evenly into six small plastic bags and whenever you need a snack, reach for this tasty helping of whole grain foods.

The Ailment: Pain from arthritis and similar conditions

The Solution: Ginger-Spiced Pumpkin Muffins

When it comes to arthritis and other painful joint problems, the key is to use ingredients that possess anti-inflammatory properties. What better way than to do it with food? This recipe is chock-full of foods that contain natural anti-inflammatory properties: the pumpkin puree contains free-radical fighting carotenes and the ginger works to reduce inflammation.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and lightly coat a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. Stir 1 ½ cups of whole wheat flour, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a large mixing bowl. Next, beat 1 egg in a small separate bowl for 30 seconds until it’s foamy. Add 1 cup of fat-free milk, ½ cup of canned 100% pure pumpkin, ¼ cup of canola oil, and ½ teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest to the egg and beat well. Now add this mixture to the large bowl of ingredients and stir together until moist. Fill each muffin cup ¾ full of your mixture/batter. Bake for 15-17 minutes and bring out to cool.

The Ailment: Insomnia

The Solution: Banana-Mango Parfait

When you can’t sleep, you need something that will calm your mind. The mango, banana and fat-free ricotta cheese in this recipe contain tryptophan and carbohydrates. Tryptophan is a type of amino acid that encourages the brain’s production of serotonin. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter known for creating a sleepy, calm feeling. Adding carbohydrates into the mix helps the amino acid move faster to the brain to get the job done.

Take one medium, ripe, peeled and cubed pureed mango and 2 tablespoons of sugar and mix in a food processor or blender until smooth. Next, spoon 2 tablespoons of ricotta into a parfait glass. Top with banana slices (one large banana will do), a few spoonfuls of your mango/sugar mix, and ½ teaspoon of mint (from a mint leaf). Now top with another helping of ricotta cheese, banana slices, mango/sugar mix and mint.

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