Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Did You Eat Your Superfoods Today?

The term "Superfood" is gaining a lot of popularity these days. Thanks to Raw-food pioneers like David Wolfe, the word "Superfood" has risen from the ranks of your average flashy supplement bottle and taken it's rightful place as "the most nutritional foods on Earth".

The benefits of eating superfoods are tremendous. With the lack of nutrients in our soil today due to: overfarming, harmful chemicals, and now the widespread use of GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms), these superfoods play a vital role in maintaining our well-being, supporting our immune sytems, and revitalizing our bodies.

Many of the vegetables we eat today have less than 30% of the nutrients they had just 50 years ago. There are many diseases and adverse conditions that can be helped and overcome with the high level of antioxidants and essential nutrients found in Superfoods. Scientific studies are now documenting the important benefits. Many indigenous cultures have been enjoying the benefits of Superfoods for thousands of years.

Let's take a look at 7 of these Superfoods:

1. Goji Berries

Goji berries are one of the most nutritionally-rich fruits on the planet. They contain 18 kinds of amino acids and contain all 8 essential amino acids (such as isoleucine and tryptophan).

Goji berries contain up to 21 trace minerals (the main ones being zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, and phosphorus).

Goji berries are the richest source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene (more beta carotene than carrots), of all known foods or plants on earth! Goji berries also contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E.

Goji berries contain polysaccharides which fortify the immune system. A polysaccharide found in this fruit has been found to be a powerful secretagogue (a substance that stimulates the secretion of rejuvenative human growth hormone by the pituitary gland).

Goji berries have been traditionally regarded as a longevity, strength-building, and sexual potency food of the highest order. In several study groups with elderly people the berry was given once a day for 3 weeks, many beneficial results were experienced and 67% of the patients T cell transformation functions tripled and the activity of the patients white cell interleukin-2 doubled. In addition, the results showed that all the patients spirit and optimism increased significantly, appetite improved in 95% of the patients, 95% of the patients slept better, and 35% of the patients partially recovered their sexual function.

The famed Li Qing Yuen, who apparently lived to the age of 252 years (1678-1930), consumed Goji berries daily. The life of Li Qing Yuen is the most well-documented case of extreme longevity known.

These Goji berries grow in protected valleys in million year old soil in wild and cultivated areas. The plants grow like bushes with vines that reach over 15 feet. The berries are never touched by hand as they will oxidize and turn black if touched while fresh. They are shaken onto mats, then dried in the shade.

A good daily intake of Goji berries is 10-30 grams (a small handful). Goji berries may be used as snacks or mixed with recipes or smoothies like other dried fruits.

2. Maca

Maca has been used by the Inca and earlier Peruvian cultures for more than 2000 years to increase endurance, mental clarity, fertility and sexual ability. It's known to reduce physical and mental stress and balances hormonal irregularities. Maca also promotes the growth of healthy hair, bones and teeth. Gives quick sustainable energy to tone the muscles of the human body. Today, Maca is used up to three times a day by modern Peruvian people from professional athletes to the elderly to give them energy and help recover from depression, addictions, traumas and disease.

Some of the other amazing benefits of Maca are that it helps: regulate the menstrual cycle, improve erectile dysfunction, stimulate and feed the endocrine system, improve fibromyalgia inflammation, reduce and improve thyroid imbalances and supports estrogen and progesterone production.

When you start taking Maca powder, I recommend taking only 1-2 teaspoons a day for the first couple weeks and be prepared for possible detox symptoms like feeling weak or mild dizziness as your body cleanses and strenghtens.

3. Noni

Modern research has identified several important and beneficial nutritional compounds in Noni. Studies have suggested an exciting finding: that Noni increases the efficacy of the immune system by stimulating white blood cells into "overdrive." Polysaccharide compounds (6-D-glucopyranose pentaacetate), which are found in the fruit, are generally believed to increase the overall killing power of white blood cells. Also, Noni fruit is full of many powerful antioxidants and compounds already believed to promote wellness such as: selenium (skin elasticity, skin health), xeronine (cell structure health and regeneration), glycosides (defense against free radicals), scopoletin (anti-inflammatory properties), terpine (helps the body detoxify), limonene and anthraquinones (antiseptic properties particularly for people with compromised or immune systems). Noni is also known to be effective in fighting cancer.

Newly discovered compounds found in Noni leaves have proven to be rich in flavonoid and other antioxidants that help protect cells and tissues from free radical damage. Tea made from the leaves helps to improve digestion, maintain normal blood sugar levels and eliminate toxins from the body. The tea also has antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Noni is also available in liquid form and has a very distinct taste. One way to improve the taste of noni is to add colloidal silver, this makes it a lot easier to swallow..

In Hawaii, Noni is known to traditional healers as the most powerful healing plant. Healers drink Noni Juice which is made by putting ripe fruit in a jar in the sun for sometimes weeks. It is also a common practice to wrap a sick person's body in Noni leaves and after a 3-8 hours the leaves turn from green to yellow. You can clearly see that the leaves absorb toxins from the body.

4. Purple Corn

Purple Corn is a rare commodity. Peru is the only country that produces purple corn commercially. Annually, around 12,000 to 15,000 acres are planted with non-GMO/non-hybridized purple corn.

The color of the purple corn comes from a group of chemical compounds called anthocyanines (from the Greek word Anthos: flower and Kyanos: blue). Anthocyanines are the largest group of water-soluble pigments in the vegetal kingdom. Within this group are the complex flavonoids called anthocyanidins that produce blue, purple or red colors. (This is part of the reason you're often encouraged to eat a variety of colorful foods.)

Colon cancer is the second most deadly of all forms of cancer. In Nagoya University, Japan, a group of researchers from the School of Medicine have demonstrated that the pigment in purple corn impedes the development of cancer in the colon.

Research shows that anthocyanidins like those found in purple corn encourage connective tissue regeneration, are anti-inflammatory and positively influence cholesterol. Anthocyanidins also seem to stabilize and protect capillaries from oxidative damage and have been shown to support healthy connective tissue, promote collagen formation and improve microcirculation.

5. Hemp Seed Protein Powder

Hemp seed is one of the plant kingdom's most concentrated, complete and balanced sources of essential amino acids (EAA's) and essential fatty acids (EFA's). Essential fatty acids are utilized by many of the body's systems to maintain proper tissue function and are also required for energy production, proper functioning of the nervous system, brain development and function, skin health and elasticity, digestive efficiency, normal cardiovascular function, hormone production, and efficient immune response.

Hemp seed protein contains all 10 essential amino acids, with 45-50% protein per serving, a well-balanced ratio of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids, and is a good source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).Studies have shown that GLA improves memory, and overall mental health, as well as reducing symptoms of skin ailments like eczema.

6. Incan Berries

These actually have three different names: the Cape Gooseberry, the Goldenberry and the Incan berry. They are larger than a raisin or Goji berry, yellow/orange in color, has a flavor like a sweet and sour lemon candy and are full of tiny healthy seeds. Cultivated in the Incan Empire, these Incan berries are packed with nutrition.

Incan berries are considered a good source of vitamin P (bioflavinoids) and are rich in pectin. Hundreds of studies on bioflavinoids have demonstrated they possess antiviral, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and antioxidant activities. They make a delicious, tart, and highly nutritious and exotic "raisin." They are high in phosphorous, vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, and B12. They are also extremely high in protein (16%) for a fruit.

7, Spirulina

Although Spirulina has nourished people in Africa and America for centuries, scientists rediscovered its benefits only recently. Offering an amazing array of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, this microalgae is 60% all-vegetable protein, rich in beta carotene and the rare essential fatty acid, Gamma Linolenic Acid. GLA is a Building block for nature's anti-inflammatory healing, an essential fatty acid..

Spirulina is nature's richest source of carotenoids, is high in B-Complex Vitamins as well as Thiamin, Riboflavin and Vitamin B-12. Rich in Iron, (a daily dose provides more iron than two cups of spinach) and a complete protein. In fact the richest source by weight in the plant and animal world. Sprirulina also contains many other phytonutrients and food co-factors like Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD). Scientific studies show remarkable health benefits in all areas of life.

Many people are starting to feel the amazing benefits of "super-charging" their diets with these powerful foods. More energy, increased vitality, healthier hair and skin just to name a few. In the East there is a much different view on medicine than in the West. Here, we wait until we get sick and then take something to get better (And in the case of many perscription drugs there are harmful side-effects involved in these "remedies"). In the East many people take supplements and the focus is on preventative action so that they don't get sick.

Superfoods can help play a vital role in preventing illness and encouraging healing and abundant energy. I recommend visiting your naturopath and getting tested for nutrient deficiencies. Many of us are lacking in certain areas and you will feel a big difference when your body gets "the right tools for the job".

Until next time, live vibrantly.

Jason Storm

Recipe: Jason's Super-Charged Smoothie

Blend:

1.5 cups rice or almond milk 1 banana 1 handful fresh berries 1 teaspoon Spirulina 1 tablespoon raw Cacao nibs 1 teaspoon Maca powder 2 tablespoons Hemp Protein Powder 1 tablespoon of Goji-berries (if you don't have a powerful blender, cut into tiny pieces)

Makes about 2 cups. Delicious, meet SUPER-Nutricious!

[Please note: While "Superfoods" can have many positive effects on your health, you may wish to discuss the use of specific fruits and herbs with your doctor or naturopath. Most, in moderate doses are completely safe on their own but your doctor can help you know if they can have any potentially adverse interactions with other medications you may be taking or any specific health conditions you may have.]
About the Author

JSun Storm is a Yoga Instructor and Teacher of Hawai'ian LomiLomi Massage. You can visit his website at http://www.learnhawaiianmassage.com/

9 comments:

Claire said...

You can buy most of these superfoods in the UK online from naturally greenand they deliver the next day. I've been using their maca powder for a few months now and i'm hooked!

sandine1500 said...

I got a chance to experience some of those "superfoods" bying them from www.globalfusion.us. They have all kinds of stuff! I am up for their authentic "Purple Corn" drink. It's not only health beneficial and satisfying it's part of thousands of years of history and wisdom from the Andes shipped right to your house.

sandine1500 said...

Just thought I'll share with you all a quick update on the superfoods. I found an article those folks at www.globalfusion.us recently published in their blog titled Purple Corn Drink - A Powerful Antioxidant. It's worth reading it. Also I got Yacon & Purple corn extract in capsules capsules for my mom because of her diabetes and decided to try myself their Yacon honey. This stuff tastes like carob/molasses syrup an is an awesome low glycemic index food, natural and full of nutrients.

Anonymous said...

Some superfoods are perfect against PMS. Here is the article I recommend - you can fix your hormonal health by just changing the diet plus some other secrets that you won't find anywhere else. Check it out if you want to be healthy!

Anonymous said...

That MACA stuff really works. I prefer the gelatinized type and buy it from Alpha Nutrients. I have tried others but theirs seems to be the best. They have other more esoteric products that I have not tried, but their Brain Support and Slim product are also good.

Yumberry UK said...

You missed out Yang-mei berry, an amazing 'superfruit' grown in china. With amazing health benifits. I like it so much i know worked for a company selling the juice form in the uk. check it out at www.yumberryuk.co.uk

Unknown said...

just bought some goji berries and there not half bad have you trued the spirulina protein shakes i think there vegan :D

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