Superfoods and why the heck are they so good for us?

Workshop no 2: Super foods and their benefits

In the papers, on the TV and countless articles on the Internet, we are constantly reminded of these specialty foods called super foods. 

So what exactly are they?

Quite simply they are a foodstuff lesser known, containing ample amounts of nutrients and antioxidants which common foods such as fruits and vegetables,, grains and beans, seeds and nuts and spices can be lacking in order to reach our daily requirements.       

Why should we try them?

Extra nutrients in the diet go a long way in keeping our bodies healthier and more vital. Super foods boast a high antioxidant activity, to slow down the formation of ionized particles, which can destroy the cells causing mitosis, which contributes to serious illness. To put it simply antioxidants are here to help slow down cellular ageing and remove toxins, which contribute to illness and poor immunity.

Here is a small comprehensive list of the most notable super foods existing so far.

Acai berry:

Acai berries are harvested from the Acai palm trees, which are native to the South American rain forests.  They are tart in flavor and they have a large content of antioxidants.  They may be beneficial for arthritis as they are a powerful anti-inflammatory, they are more known for being efficient for metabolism and so could aid in weight loss. They are detoxifying so can promote general health; Studies have shown they lower cholesterol and improve the sex drive and help to clear the skin.

Acerola cherry

Acerola cherries are incredibly high in ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) which contains as much as 1000 to 4500 milligrams per 100 grams of the edible fruit. 

Vitamin c is responsible for our collagen production and acts as a powerful anti viral and anti bacterial agent. Did you know that vitamin C is strongest when the fruit derivative is unripe? Studies have suggested by researchers That Vitamin C can prevent furring of the arteries.

Acerola also contains high amounts of Vitamin A, which many studies have proven do in fact improve the eyesight by preventing the constriction of blood vessels, which can prevent retinopathy, lowering chances of potential blindness.

Ashwaganda

An Indian herb, known also as winter cherry. This herb is an adaptogen, which helps to lower our stress levels whilst energizing our cells, also known as the promotion of homeostasis. Ashwaganda helps to reset the nervous system and is a warming herb, which may prevent or work for depression and anxiety. Thyroid problems and arthritic conditions may also be addressed as this herb works with the endocrine system and is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Use of this herb may also assist in energizing the body, thus improving our overall wellbeing. 

Beetroot

Has been studied as a super food, which may reduce diabetes symptoms in people without interacting with traditional medicines. Beetroot is also being researched as potentially lowering the blood pressure. It’s high in iron and is also a fantastic liver cleanser.

Beetroot helps to improve stamina and improves bodily circulation

Bitter apricots

Grown in the Himalayas and eaten for centuries by the Hunza tribes. This little kernel found in the centre of Himalayan apricots is being studied as one of the best preventatives of cancer.  The nutrient this kernel contains is Vitamin B17.

We are only meant to eat one of these kernels a day.

Camu camu

Camu camu is the highest source of Vitamin C ever discovered on this planet! Don’t believe it? ½ a teaspoon of Camu camu provides over 400 percent of your recommended daily allowance! They provide an incredible quantity of antioxidants, which may improve the immune system. Camu camu is being studied for treating depressive patients. Research is concluding the possiblility of this fruit being an effective anti depressant.

Other benefits of Camu camu, an anti inflammatory, Anti hepatic, protects against liver disorders, anti viral like all foods high in Vitamin C

Cacao

Raw cacao bean is delicious when combined with a sweet medium. Cacao is a food, which helps to calm the body and stimulate it at the same time! This is due to the Magnesium levels which produce serotonin (the calming hormone) and the Theo bromine, which acts similarly to caffeine. Cacao has many antioxidants and is very healthy for us as it floods our bodies with feel good hormones. Cacao may be an aphrodisiac, anti inflammatory, immune booster, blood thinner, sugar balancer and could contribute to healthy skin hair and nails an even lower the blood pressure.

Chia seeds

Chia seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids! And become slimy when mixed with liquids, making them excellent for lubricating the colon enabling constipation to improve. They are another super food, which contains the 8 essential amino acids. Due to its exceptional fatty acid profile, these seeds may lower our cholesterol. When ground down, these seeds are rich in fibre too! But are soft for the digestion.

Chlorella

Seaweed which is high in vitamins and minerals and also contains lot’s of chlorophyll which alkalises the body and lowers the bodily ph. Chlorella has the benefit of removing heavy metals from the body and so assists in detox programs or just for general well being.  Another major benefit of chlorella is that it contains the 8 essential amino acids, which form a complete protein chain.

Goji berries

Goji berries are a one of a kind fruit, for starters they contain the 8 essential amino acids, They are rich in anti oxidants and carotenoids which prevent poor eyesight! zeaxanthin and lutein. A diet with increased levels of zeaxanthin and lutein has been helpful in decreasing the risk of developing age related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness and loss of vision in people above the age of 65!

Gojis boost the immune system and may promote longevity! One caution with these berries is, that Gojis are a nightshade fruit, like Tomatoes, potatoes, aubergine and Peppers. The nightshades contain alkaloids, which for some people may inflame the body and most commonly the joints.  Usually this is to excess, but if you have any existing arthritic conditions, it may be worth testing out a few weeks away from the nightshades to test if this is your culprit.

Lucuma

Lucuma is a fruit which may be used as a natural sweetener, It contains Beta carotene also known as vegetarian Vitamin A Lucuma is rich in Iron and can help to prevent anemia. It also contains Vitamin b3 (Niacin), which assists in digestion and muscle development and the regulation of stress and sex hormones. Lucuma is also an anti-inflammatory and so may assist in wound healing as well.

Hemp seeds

Hemp is another complete protein food containing the 8 essential amino acids. Hemp is anti-inflammatory and may be beneficial for people with digestive inflammations such as crohns disease, colitis, Ibs, Ulcers.

Hemp is rich in Omega 9 which has been studied as helpful for people suffering from eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and other skin conditions.

Hemp seed combined with any other food really bolsters your plant protein

And helps you reach your maximum amount of grams per day.

Maca

Also an adaptogen which energises and calms down the nervous system at the same time. Maca works also with the endocrine system as it contains Zinc, which helps to improve immunity and keep the hormones regulated in both male and females. Maca is rich in vitamin B vitamins, C, and E. It provides plenty of calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and phosphorous and amino acids.

This is the superfood of choice when working on the mind and clarity along with Ashwagandga.

Moringa

Is know to be highly anti viral, which is good news for people residing in the Uk as most of our illnesses tend to be viral more than bacterial, rendering anti-biotics possibly useless and yet are still being prescribed frequently for viral conditions. Moringa helps to boost the immune system and balances the blood sugar. Moringa has ample amount of protein and also contains Vitamin C and Calcium, Beta-carotene, Potassium and more!

Moringa may also lower cholesterol and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

(From www.Mercola.com)

Moringa leaves are loaded with vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and more. One hundred grams of dry moringa leaf contains

·       9 times the protein of yogurt

·       10 times the vitamin A of Carrots

·       15 times the potassium of bananas

·       17 times the calcium of milk

·       12 times the vitamin C of oranges

·       25 times the iron of spinach

Spirulina

Another seaweed, which is also alkalizing and high in vitamins and minerals and also boasts the 8 essential amino acids. Spirulina is milder for the digestion and so can make a wonderful beginners additive to begin cleansing the body. Seaweeds also contain vitamin B12, however studies have found that this version of B12 is analogue and the body cannot absorb this and may result in a false reading via the doctors

Wheat grass and Barley grass

Even though Wheat and Barely grains are high in gluten the resulting grass is actually known as a gluten free product! (Please check your label)

Studies have shown that Wheat grass is a waste of time, as the nutrition doesn’t penetrate the cells. This isn’t the case however with freeze-dried grasses as they were dried after the grass had been juiced, keeping all of the nutrition and most all the enzymes! They both contain an incredible amount of trace nutrient and may assist a detox program or just help with general wellbeing. They are high antioxidants and contain chlorophyll, which is plant oxygen, and so can alkalise the body and free us from a high Ph., which keeps the body stressed, and producing free radicals.