By Cheshire Que, RND, RN, RD The old adage says: The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I say, the way to good health is through the kitchen. Nutrition begins at home. The food available and the way they are prepared greatly impact each family member’s overall health. If the kitchen is full of junk and produces unhealthy dishes, naturally the family’s health suffers. It renders them defenseless against the development of various illnesses. Think of your kitchen as an arsenal of weapons that will help you combat adversaries, much like in a battle. Wage war against harmful microorganisms, cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, and all those dreadful ailments by equipping your kitchen with foods that heal. Honey was used since the ancient times not only for its culinary and medicinal purposes but even embalming the dead among the Egyptians! This sweet precious liquid in modern times is used as an alternative to sugar without consumers realizing that it offers more than just flavor. Honey is a natural cough suppressant. It has antimicrobial properties and helps boost the immune system. It also relieves symptoms of seasonal allergies caused by pollen. Honey contains simple sugars and must be taken in moderation. One tablespoon is equal to eating one medium-sized apple in terms of calories. It must not be given to infants below one year of age to prevent infant botulism. Cinnamon is a spice revered in the ancient times and offered as a gift to monarchs and deities. Nowadays, it has gone from just being an aromatic ingredient used in cinnamon rolls to something that is potentially beneficial to our health. Cinnamon contains coumarin, a natural anticoagulant or blood thinner. This characteristic promotes good blood circulation. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve arthritic pain. Consult your doctor if you are on anticoagulant medications before consuming large quantities of this spice. Ginger, garlic, and onion are mainstay ingredients used for cooking but must also be consumed especially during flu season. This trio has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that boost the immune system. Ginger calms the stomach and helps relieve symptoms of gastric reflux, as well as, soothes sore throat. Garlic lowers blood pressure and onion is good for asthma. Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which converts cholesterol into bile in the body.  Bile is essential in digesting fat. This vitamin promotes the absorption of iron and is beneficial to individuals with anemia. Drink lemon juice mixed with honey as a cough and cold remedy. Turmeric is commonly used in Asian dishes. It contains curcumin, which is anti-inflammatory in nature. Recent studies have shown turmeric to have anti-cancer effects by reducing the size of tumors and preventing further growth. Consumption of turmeric, however, is not recommended to replace any medical treatment for cancer. Olive oil is largely used in Mediterranean cooking and the Mediterranean diet has been known to promote heart health. It improves the flow of bile and may prevent the formation of gallstones. Olive oil comes in three different types. Extra virgin must never be cooked. Pure olive oil can be used for sautéing and pomace can be used for high heat and deep frying. Olive oil can also be used for skin care. It is a natural moisturizer and has antibacterial properties. Parsley is often used as a garnish and discarded afterwards. The next time you see parsley on your restaurant dish, remind yourself that it has health benefits. It is a natural diuretic and aids in increasing urine production to relieve bloating and water retention due to its potassium content. It is also an effective breath freshener especially for individuals suffering from halitosis or bad breath. Never underestimate the power of natural ingredients found in your kitchen pantry. Learn about their benefits and the many ways on how to incorporate them into your daily diet.   [email protected]/ www.cheshireque.com/ Instagram:@cheshirequerdn