Superfoods
GREEN SUPERFOODS
FRUIT and NUT SUPERFOODS
SEAWEED SUPERFOODS
HERB SUPERFOODS
BEE SUPERFOODS
Greens are fantastic for our
health, Green Superfoods are even better! Every morning try to add a Green
Superfood to your Vitamix Green Smoothie. Green Superfoods have the highest
concentrations of easily digestible nutrients, fat burning compounds, vitamins
and minerals to protect and heal the body. They contain a wide array of
beneficial substances including proteins, protective photo-chemicals and
healthy bacteria helping you to build cleaner muscles and tissues, aid your
digestive system function and more effectively protect you against disease and
illness.
Green Superfoods are extremely rich in chlorophyll - the pigment that gives
plants their green colour. The molecular structure of chlorophyll is very
similar to that of human blood and studies show that when this is consumed, the
production of haemoglobin in blood is increased. Higher amounts of haemoglobin
in the bloodstream means more oxygen-rich blood, the first and most important
element that cells need to thrive.
Wheat grass - Wheat grass is the sprouted grass of a wheat seed.
Unlike the whole grain, because it has been sprouted, it no longer contains
gluten or other common allergic agents. Wheat grass is super alkalizing and is
excellent for promoting healthy blood. It normalizes the thyroid gland to
stimulate metabolism thus assisting digestion and promoting weight loss due
also to its high enzyme content and cleansing effect. Buy Now.
Barley grass - Barley grass has 11 times more calcium than cow’s
milk, 5 times more iron than spinach and 7 times more Vitamin C and
bio-flavonoids than orange juice. It contains significant amounts of Vitamin
B12 which is very important in a vegetarian diet. Barley grass juice has
anti-viral activities and neutralizes heavy metals such as mercury in the
blood. Buy Now.
Wild blue-green algae - Algae was the first form of life on Earth
and its power is immense. Wild blue - green alga is a phyto-plankton and
contains virtually every nutrient. With a 60% protein content and a more
complete amino acid profile than beef or soy beans. It contains one of the best
known food sources of beta carotene, B vitamins and chlorophyll. It has been
shown to improve brain function and memory, strengthen the immune system and
help with viruses, colds and flu.
Spirulina - Spirulina is a cultivated micro-algae which has been
consumed for thousands of years by the indigenous peoples in Mexico and Africa.
It is one of the highest known protein sources on Earth and contains 70%
complete protein, towering over steak which consists of only 25% protein once
cooked. Studies have shown that spirulina can help control blood sugar levels
and cravings thus making it a key food for diabetics, and can be used to assist
in weight loss and as a general nutritional supplement. Buy Now.
Chlorella - Chlorella is a fresh water algae and like its other
algae cousins contains a complete protein profile, all the B vitamins, vitamin
C and E and many minerals. It is amazing for the immune system and for reducing
cholesterol and preventing the hardening of the arteries, a precursor to heart
attacks and strokes. Buy Now.
Green leafy vegetables - Green leafy vegetables are so readily
available and so highly nutritious, however most people do not eat enough of
them. Studies continuously confirm that populations that eat a diet high in
green leafy vegetables run a far lower risk of heart disease and cancer. Fresh
raw green leafy vegetables contain high doses of chlorophyll, easily digestible
proteins, enzymes and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. These particular
vegetables act as mini-transfusions for the blood, a health tonic for the brain
and immune system and a cleanser of the kidneys. Try any of the following:
rocket, spinach, dandelion greens, kale, watercress, parsley, lettuce, endive, chicory,
broccoli sprouts and mustard sprouts.
Fruit and nut Superfoods are high in anti-oxidants that fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals may sound a little like an extremist terrorist sect evading capture and wreaking havoc across the globe and in fact within the context of your body this would be right. They are, in part, a natural occurrence through metabolism however extra and unnecessary free radical load can be put on our bodies by external factors including pollution, cigarette smoke, radiation, burnt foods, deep fried fats and cooked foods. When enough of these free radicals invade our immune system problems occurs. This is when you need antioxidants to build up the immune system and fight off the free radicals in the form of Superfoods or supplements.
Goji Berries - Goji berries are grown on vines in the protected
valleys of inner Mongolia and Tibet. These distinctively flavoured red berries
are a very rich source of vitamin C, having 500 times more vitamin C per ounce
than oranges and actually more than any other fruit. They are a superb source
of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E and contain a full complement of protein with
18 amino acids and 21 trace minerals. Most of all they are an excellent
antioxidant making it an ideal natural whole food for reversing aging and
protecting against disease. Buy Now.
Raw Cacao - For this nut we could easily dedicate a whole page, if not
a book. A word of warning before we start however, most cocoa powder and
commercial chocolate is processed via the "Dutch method" meaning it
is subjected to scorching temperatures of up to 150°C with the additional aid
of solvents, thus destroying most of the nutrients and antioxidants. Be sure to attain certified organic raw cacao in a
powder, nib or whole bean form as the temperature will have never been allowed
to exceed 40°C thus allowing all the heat-sensitive vitamins, minerals and
antioxidants to remain intact. Raw cacao beans contain possibly the world's
most concentrated source of antioxidants found in any food. Raw Cacao is the highest natural
source of magnesium, is the highest natural source of chromium, one of the highest
natural sources of iron, manganese, zinc and copper. And is also one of the
highest Vitamin C content foods in the world. For those concerned with
not getting enough iron it should be pleasing to know that one small 28 gram
serving of raw cacao beans gives 314% of the recommended daily allowance of
iron. And if that is not enough raw cacao beans have an antioxidant (ORAC)
score of 95,500. To put that into perspective, that is 14 times more flavonoids
(antioxidants) than red wine and 21 times more than green tea. Buy Now.
Camu Berry - The camu berry is an excellent source of calcium,
phosphorus, potassium, iron, the amino acids serine, valine and leucine, as
well as small amounts of the vitamins thiamine, riboflavin and niacin.
Traditionally, camu has been used to support the immune system, maintain
excellent eyesight, ward off viral infections, support strong collagen,
tendons, and ligaments and decrease inflammation.
Maca - Maca powder is from the Maca root, a flavourful ancient Superfood
from Peru. Maca has been cultivated for at least 2000 years and was consumed by
Inca warriors to increase strength and endurance. It is a highly nutritious
food that has been used traditionally to gain energy, promote sexual desire,
support fertility and enhance immune system function. It continues today to be
a significant staple food and medicinal plant for the Peruvian people and is
now widely available around the world as a whole food supplement. Buy Now.
Acai - Acai berries have long been a part of the staple diet of the
tribes in the Amazon. With the appearance of a purple grape and taste of a
tropical berry it has been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties thanks
to a high level of anthocyanin’s, pigments also found in red wine. The ORAC
rating of acai is 1,027. Make sure to look for the freeze dried acai fruit in
which the nutrients are kept intact or when buying the juice look for a brand
that has not been pasteurized or heated in any way. Buy Now.
Coconuts - Young coconuts are one of the highest sources of
electrolytes in nature. Electrolytes are ionized salts in our cells that
transport energy throughout the body. Coconut water is a much better
alternative to commercial sports drinks laden with artificial sugars and colours.
The molecular structure of coconut water is identical to human blood plasma,
which means that it is immediately recognized by the body and put to good use.
Drinking the juice from a young coconut is like giving your body an instant
blood transfusion. In fact this was common practice during World War II in the
Pacific, where both sides in the conflict regularly used coconut water,
siphoned directly from the coconut, to give emergency transfusions to wounded
soldiers. Buy Now.
Coconut oil- Coconut oil's saturated fat is of the medium-chain fatty acid
variety, which are digested more easily and utilized differently by the body
than other saturated fats (such as butter, meat and eggs). Whereas other
saturated fats are stored in the body's cells, the medium chain fatty acids in
coconut oil are sent directly to the liver where they are immediately converted
into energy. Coconut oil will actually speed up metabolism so your body will
burn more calories in a day which will contribute to weight loss. Coconut oil
supports healthy metabolic function and is a revered anti-bacterial, anti-viral
and anti-fungal agent. Pacific islanders deem coconut oil to be the cure-all
gift from nature for all illness.
Noni - This fruit has been
used by Polynesian islanders as a regenerative medicine for more than 1500
years. Research documents that the noni fruit has astounding anti-bacterial
properties, even against E-coli. It has anti-tumour activity, anti-inflammatory
properties, is effective as a pain reliever, generates cell repair and
strengthens the immune system. Noni contains a multitude of vitamins, minerals,
enzymes and phytonutrients. Many believe that the synergistic effect of the multi-spectrum
nutrients is what gives it its potency. It has been proven beneficial for colds
and flu's, digestive disorders, skin disorders, pain relief, headaches,
infections and more. For best results look for a freeze-dried product that uses
only the whole fruit or when buying the juice look for a brand that does not
use pasteurizing.
Seaweeds are the most
nutritionally dense plants on the planet as they have access to all the
nutrients in the ocean. They can contain up to 10 times more calcium than milk
and eight times as much as beef. The chemical composition of seaweeds is so
close to human blood plasma, that perhaps their greatest benefit is regulating
and purifying our blood system. They help to alkalize our blood, neutralizing
the over-acid effects of our modern diet and protect us from a wide array of
toxic elements in the environment, including heavy metals, pollutants and
radiation by-products converting them to harmless salts that the body can
eliminate.
But the most remarkable results with seaweeds we see is boosting weight loss
and deterring cellulite build-up. The high concentration of natural iodine
helps to stimulate the thyroid gland so that food fuels are used before they
can be turned into fatty deposits. At the same time, the minerals act like
electrolytes to break the chemical bond that seals the fat cells allowing
trapped wastes to escape. Both by eating sea vegetables or bathing in them
helps reduce cellulite and stimulates lymphatic drainage.
Nori - is best known for the seaweed used to make sushi rolls. You can make your own at home, make sure you use the untoasted nori sheets for maximum nutrient content.
Kelp - kelp is available in powder or capsule form for those who
feel awkward eating seaweed. It is also the most common seaweed found along the
ocean shores. Due to their thick leaves they are perfect for a hot seaweed
bath.
Dulse - a red seaweed, available in flakes. There is no need to
cook dulse. It is great to use as seasoning on salads, vegetables and soups.
Arame - consists of brown stringy seaweed. Soak in hot water for 5
minutes and it is ready to use.
Wakame - With a sweet flavor makes a great compliment to
sandwiches. Soak for 5 minutes in hot water.
Kombu - Used in Japan for centuries as a mineral rich flavour
enhancer. Add a strip of kombu when cooking beans making them more digestible
and reducing gas. Add a strip of kombu to your sprouts when soaking them to
allow them to soak up the minerals.
Herbs as nourishment offer the body a whole host of nutrients it may not have received either because of poor diet or environmental deficiencies in the soil or air. Herbs as medicine are essentially body balancers that work with the body functions so that it can heal and regulate itself. Herbs have been used for centuries as part of the wisdoms of natural healing methods. Herbs are best used in their whole form rather than isolating effective plant constituents so-called "active ingredients". Since all body parts and most disease symptoms are interrelated, it is wise to use herbs which can affect each part of the problem.
Reishi Mushroom (spirit mushroom) - A tremendous shen (heart and aura) building herb known to the Chinese for 5,000 years. It’s immune modulating and is a great liver support herb, a heart tonifying herb (great for high blood pressure), and an adaptogenic. Reishi is one of the great providers for well-being on Earth. Reishi is found in forests all over the world.
Asparagus Root - The root of common asparagus is considered one of the greatest superherbs in Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine. It nourishes the kidneys and lungs. It nourishes the sympathetic nervous system and builds bodily fluids. Asparagus root is a tonic, adrenal rejuvenator, anti-ulcerous and anti-inflammatory. The root of asparagus is also used in the treatment of nervous disorders, dyspepsia, diarrhea, dysentery, tumours, hyperdipsia, neuropathy and liver disease. This plant is reported to have immuno-modulating and antihepatotoxic and activities.
Chaga Mushroom - Perhaps the most powerful anti-cancer herb in the world. Chaga is the highest antioxidant food/herb substance in the temperate regions of the world. Its extraordinary concentration of non-polar polysaccharides as well as betulinic acid has been cited as the major source of its immune modulating activities. Chaga has anti-inflammatory properties.
Pau D’Arco (Lapacho) - This delicious tree bark from the Amazon and jungles of Central America contains powerful anti-fungal compounds. Pau d’Arco effectively fights fungal infections such as candida as well as cancer. This bark reduces fevers, assists in healing ulcers and is also used for venereal and rheumatic disorders. It is especially useful for fungal and viral skin disorders — especially eczema and herpes. Lapacho multiplies the body’s production of red blood cells. Pau d’Arco tea is often combined with an anti-viral superherb Una da Gato (Cat’s Claw).
Ho Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) - This prepared root nourishes and tonifies the kidneys,
liver, and the blood. It is a hair restoring tonic (fights baldness). This root
builds and replenishes kidney, adrenal, and sexual energy as well as increases
fertility. This longevity tonic contains antioxidants that help produce the
super enzyme SOD (super-oxide dismutase).
Nettle - The bowel mover. These plants are best known as stinging
nettle plants. However when the nettle leaves are dried and eaten the saliva
neutralizes the sting. Nettles are incredibly effective in removing unwanted
pounds. A cup of nettle tea in the morning is ideal to get things going in the
bowel department. The nettle leaves increase the thyroid function, increase
metabolism and releases mucus in the colon allowing for the flushing of excess
wastes.
Aloe vera - Aloe vera is a
perennial succulent that grows in a wild and seems to do best in tropical and
sub-tropical areas. It has been deemed a superfood after research studies identifying
its seventy-five healing compounds including natural steroids, antibiotic
agents, amino acids, minerals and enzymes. Aloe vera has been used since
Egyptian times as a skin moisturizer, and healer for burns, cuts, bruises, acne
and eczema. This is mostly due to the high concentration of natural sulphur
(MSM) that it contains. Aloe juices alkalizes the digestive tract preventing
over-acidity, a common cause of indigestion, acid reflux, heartburn and ulcers.
Echinacea - Echinacea is a
household name when it comes to warding off colds and flu. This herb is used as
a natural antibiotic and immune system stimulator, helping to build up
resistance. The reason for its effectiveness is because of its ability to
stimulate the lymph flow in the body. Lymph runs parallel with our bloodstream
and carries toxins out of the body. The herb can be taken in liquid or capsule
form for 2-3 week periods during "high risk" flu seasons. The tea
from this herb has also grown in popularity for treating infections and cancers
including skin cancer.
Ginseng - Ginseng is the
quintessential herb for handling stress. This ancient healing herb has been
used widely throughout Asia as an energizer tonic. This special herb is
particularly beneficial when recovering from illness or surgery for its
restorative and anti-infection properties. It promotes regeneration from stress
and fatigue
The Egyptians
wrote about it back in 5500 B.C., the Indians used it for their religious
ceremonies in 1000 B.C. and even the Babylonians have been noted to use it in
their medicinal practices. The western world actually discovered the benefits
of bee superfoods by accident during an investigation of native Russian
Beekeepers who regularly lived past 100 years of age who ate raw honey, rich in
bee pollen, every day.
Royal Jelly -
Royal Jelly is a milk like secretion from the head glands of the worker bees.
The queen bee lives almost exclusively on royal jelly and she lives around 40
times longer than the rest of the bees. Royal Jelly is a powerhouse of
nutrients containing every nutrient necessary to support life. It is the worlds
richest source of pantothenic acid (also known as Vitamin B5), which is known
to combat stress, fatigue and insomnia and is a vital nutrient for healthy skin
and hair.
Bee Pollen - Bee
pollen is collected by bees from flowering plants and formed into granules. Bee
pollen is the most complete food found in nature and has five to seven times
more protein than beef. It is especially beneficial for the extra nutritional
and energy needs of athletes and those recovering from illness. It is a natural
antidote for fighting allergies particulary hayfever and sinusitus. Research
shows that pollen counteracts the signs of aging and increases both mental and
physical capability.
Propolis -
Propolis is the substance that bees coat the walls of their hives with and bee
hives have often been referred to as the most antiseptic places in nature. The
powerful antibiotic properties of propolis can help protect humans from bacteria
and can strengthen our immune system. Propolis works against viruses, something
that antibiotics cannot do. Research shows that taking propolis during the high
risk 'cold and flu' season reduces colds, coughing and inflammation of the
mouth, tonsils and throat.