14 Superfoods You Can't Live Without
A Superfood is a term used to describe whole foods that are loaded with vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients. They have special properties for improving health and are connected to reducing the risk of illness and promoting longevity. Superfoods are raw, untreated, uncooked and are nutrient-dense, something missing in many of our foods today. Consuming superfoods decreases cravings for sugar, carbs, processed foods, junk foods and other sweets by providing nutrients the body has been missing. Many Americans are over-fed, yet severely undernourished due to the declining quality of our food supply and reliance on convenience fast foods.
1. Bee Pollen: One of the most nutritious foods in existence
How many foods have nutrients from hundreds of different trees, bushes and flowers? The Institute of Apiculture in Taranov, Russia claims, "Honeybee pollen is the richest source of vitamins found in nature in a single food.” Bee Pollen is upwards of 40% protein and contains all the amino acids, including the essentials. It is well known for its allergy fighting properties. Bee Pollen also contains 60+ trace minerals and is one of the highest known natural sources of pantothenic acid, a B- Vitamin critical for adrenal function. Bee products also have the highest enzyme content of any food. The incredibly high source of rutin is critical for strength and integrity of your entire cardiovascular system.
2. Cacao: should be of the heirloom, organic variety Arriba Nacional
Most “chocolate” on the market has been heated, treated, processed, deodorized and loaded with sugar, making it very unhealthy. In its raw form, Cacao is a powerful food, known to inspire happiness, clear mindedness, focus and wakefulness. It is extremely high in antioxidants and minerals, with an especially high concentration of magnesium. With over 300 identifiable compounds, cacao is one of the most complex foods found in nature. This is the right way to make healthy chocolate desserts!
3. Chaga: “The Mushroom of Immortality”
Chaga possesses many health benefits as found in other medicinal mushrooms and plenty more. It is loaded with innumerable kinds of vitamins, minerals, B complexes, iron and other nutrients that you won’t find in any other medicinal mushroom, and in quantities unmatched. Chaga can help fight against most types of cancer like breast, liver, stomach, cervical, uterine, ovarian cancer, etc. It can help dissolve tumors, dissolve kidney stones, build and repair the liver, improve your immune system, detoxify your body, increase your longevity and fight environmental damage from free radicals.
4. Chlorella: the #1 selling health food supplement sold in Japan
It is estimated that over 10 million people around the world take chlorella. Chlorella is unique single-celled fresh water green algae. Being a whole food, chlorella contains a balance of phytonutrients and co-factors beneficial to overall restoration and maintenance of health. Studies report on numerous health benefits including improved immune system function, and detoxification of harmful toxins. According to the researchers "Chlorella has one of the highest Chlorophyll contents of any known plant." Chlorophyll has been the subject of some recent research regarding prevention of certain types of cancer. This may in part explain numerous published studies findings on Chlorella's ability to exert "anti-tumor activity". Chlorella has been used extensively in Japan as a detoxification agent. Chlorella is enclosed by an extremely tough outer cell wall. This cell wall has the ability to bind with heavy metals, pesticides and toxins and carry these substances out of the body.
5. Coconut: a “good fat”
that can increase metabolism, decrease cravings for sugar, provide sustainable energy throughout the day, heal and protect the skin, and fight viruses, parasites and other foreign pathogens in the body. Coconut is a true miracle food!
6. Cod Liver Oil: Once a standard supplement in traditional European societies
cod liver oil provides fat-soluble vitamins A and D, which Dr. Weston Price found present in the diet of primitives in amounts ten times higher than the typical American diet of his day. Cod liver oil supplements are a must for women and their male partners, to be taken for several months before conception, and for women during pregnancy. Growing children will also benefit greatly from a small daily dose. Cod liver oil is also rich in EPA and DHA, critical fats for the brain, nervous system and hormone production.
7. Goji: In the physician’s handbook,
written during the Ming Dynasty in Ancient China, Ben Cao Gang Mu wrote “Taking goji berry regularly may regulate the flow of vital energy and strengthen the physique, leading to longevity.” In China it is called the “Happy Berry.” Goji increases strength and stamina, balances hormones, increases libido, strengthens the immune system, improves eyesight and is one of the world’s richest supplies of vitamin C. It also contains 18 amino acids and 21 different trace minerals.
8. Hemp: 33% highly digestible protein
containing all 20 amino acids and is one of the best plant based sources of protein available. It is packed with Omega 3’s and 6’s, iron, fiber, and antioxidants. Hemp is perfect as a snack, on salads, in smoothies or to make hemp butter for a delicious spread!
9. Maca: from Peru is a hardy perennial plant
cultivated high in the Andean Mountains at altitudes from 11,000-14,500 feet. It has one of the highest frost tolerances among native cultivated species. Soon after the Spanish Conquest, the Spanish found that their livestock were reproducing poorly in the highlands. The local Indians recommended feeding the animals Maca and so remarkable were the results that Spanish chroniclers gave in-depth reports. It is a complete protein, and high in beneficial fatty acids. Historically, Maca has been used for both men and women to increase energy levels, stamina, balance hormones, increase sexual function, improve athletic performance, decrease stress levels and promote overall well-being.
10. Pomegranate: amazing tasting & powerful fruit.
Pomegranates on store shelves are picked before ripe and lack most of the nutritional and medicinal qualities. When raw, pure and straight from nature (available as a supplement in many health food stores), pomegranate has been shown to fight many types of cancers, specifically breast and prostate, reduces PSA levels in men with prostate concerns, protects the brain and cardiovascular system, and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.
11. Pumpkin Seeds: great for healing and reducing inflammation
especially when it comes to prostate concerns. It improves bladder function, reduces inflammation, prevents kidney stones, kills parasites, lowers cholesterol, and is very high in important minerals such as magnesium and zinc. This is important because these two minerals are common deficiencies in the standard American diet.
12. Quinoa: Quinoa is known as a “pseudocereal” or “pseudograin”
since it is not a true grain, but a seed. This seed has been eaten for thousands of years in South America and is known as the “mother grain” in the Incan culture. Quinoa holds a powerhouse of nutrition. High in protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and many other minerals, quinoa is an excellent replacement for processed noodles or pasta. There are many great recipes for quinoa, try quinoa salad!
13, Shilajit: Conqueror of mountains and destroyer of all weakness.
Shilajit is a kind of resin that oozes out from the Himalayan Mountains due to a heating effect of sun in the summer. Other names by which shilajit is famous are moomiyo, mineral pitch, and girij. Shilajit is the end product of the decomposition of over 7,000 different plants, making it one of the most nutrient dense substances known to exist. Shilajit is considered as one of the most effective herbs for diabetic people, due to the presence of fulvic acid and other associated humic compounds that prevent sugar accumulation in the blood stream. It works as a good anti-toxin removing the harmful toxins through urinary system.
14. Spirulina: arguably the most nutritious food on the entire planet
It has 39X more beta carotene than carrots, a complete amino acid profile, over 60% protein content (more than beef), more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach (51X more) and the highest chlorophyll content of any food known. Chlorophyll is a natural blood cleanser and deodorant. Beta carotene works synergistically at different sites in our body to enhance antioxidant protection and is good for healthy eyes and vision. Twenty years of research proves that eating beta carotene rich fruits and vegetables provides anti-cancer protection. Synthetic beta carotene has not always shown these benefits. Research in Israel showed natural beta carotene from algae was far more effective. Natural beta carotene is better assimilated and contains the key 9-cis isomer, lacking in synthetic. Spirulina is an ideal anti-aging food.
Have you ever used superfoods before? What are your favorites and how do you use them?
You can get these superfoods at the Spirit of Health Store: http://store.spiritofhealthkc.com