Way back when in health coaching school, I learned about the benefits of raw foods and was introduced to some superfoods not so well known in the Standard American Diet (SAD). You see raw foods or “live” foods contain enzymes which act as a catalyst for detoxification and absorption of nutrients.
Superfoods are a class of the most potent, super-concentrated, and nutrient-rich foods on the planet. They are the optimum choice for improving overall health – increasing immune system, elevating serotonin production, enhancing sexuality, cleansing, lowering inflammation, and alkalizing the body! Are you using any of these superfoods in your diet?
Cacao (raw chocolate) is the seed/nut of a fruit of an Amazonian tree, cacao Is the highest antioxidant food on the planet, the #1 source of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, manganese, and chromium. It is also extremely high in PEA, theobromine (cardiovascular support), and anandamide (“bliss chemical”). Raw chocolate improves cardiovascular health, builds strong bones, is a natural aphrodisiac, elevates your mood and energy, and increases longevity.
Goji Berries (Wolfberries) have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 5,000 years, goji berries are regarded as a longevity, strength-building, and potency food of the highest order. This superfood contains 18 kinds of amino acids, including all eight essential amino acids, up to 21 trace minerals, high amounts of antioxidants, iron, polysaccharides, b & e vitamins, and many other nutrients.
Maca is a staple in the Peruvian Andes for thousands of years. This apoptogenic superfood increases energy, endurance, strength, and libido. Dried maca powder contains more than 10% protein and nearly 20 amino acids – including seven essential amino acids.
Hemp seeds are packed with 33% pure digestible protein, and are rich in iron, amino acids, and vitamin E as well as omega-3’s and GLA Gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. Hemp is a perfect food for growing children and adults looking to increase protein intake.
Spirulina is the world’s hIghest source of complete protein (65%). Spirulina provides a vast array of minerals, trace elements, phytonutrients, and enzymes.
AFA blue-green algae is a wild-grown superfood that is made up of 15% blue pigmented phycocyanin which, according to Christian Drapeau in his book Primordial food, increases our internal production of stem cells.
Bee products (Honey, Pollen, and Propolis) Bee pollen contains nearly all B vitamins especially vitamin B-9 (folate) and all 21 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Honey, in its organic/wild, raw, unfiltered states is rich in minerals, antioxidants, probiotics, and enzymes. If your metabolism can handle sweeteners, honey is the best.
Camu berry has the highest vitamin C source on the planet. Great for rebuilding tissue, purifying blood, and enhancing immunity and energy. Camu berry is one of the best anti- depressants, immune building, and eye-nourishing superfoods in the world.
Sea Vegetables such as Dulce, Kelp, Nori, etc., are rich in life-giving nutrients drawn in from the ocean and sun. They help remove heavy metals, detoxify the body of radioactive iodine, provide numerous trace minerals, regulate immunity, and decrease the risk of cancer. Seaweeds benefit the entire body, and are especially excellent for the thyroid, immune system, adrenals, and hormone function.
Medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi, Chaga, etc. are high in polysaccharides and super immune enhancing components, medicinal mushrooms are one of the most intelligent adaptogenic herb/ superfoods on the planet! They have also been proven effective in healing cancer and a variety of other ailments.
To get started on incorporating these superfoods into your diet, choose one and start experimenting! When I first learned about these superfoods, I started adding many of them to my morning smoothies and continue to do so today.