Superfoods

Superfood is a relatively new word in our vocabulary. It is described in the Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English as “a natural food regarded as especially beneficial because of its nutrient profile or its health-protecting qualities”. While definitions may vary, one thing most agree on is these foods can be helpful in both preventing and curing most diseases. Some nutritional experts claim that along with vitamins C and D, one or two superfoods are all the average person needs to supplement their daily diet.

Two of these superfoods are spirulina and chlorella. I’ve talked a little about them in a past article. They are both microscopic forms of algae that grow in fresh water. Together they are said to include nearly every nutrient required by man. It is even suggested that they may contain vitamins and/or minerals yet to be discovered.

Spirulina provides more protein than any other food. It is ideal for children, elders and everyone in between. It contains more beta-carotene (vitamin A) than carrots, (essential for eye health), and is also rich in vitamins B, C and E.

Every cell in our body is comprised of proteins. The chemical substances that make up these proteins are known as amino acids. There are 8 essential amino acids required for human nutrition, and you guessed it, spirulina includes every one of them.

Chlorella provides the richest source of chlorophyll, which is known as the most powerful cleansing agent found in nature. Chlorophyll detoxifies your bowels, liver, kidney and bloodstream.

What’s even more amazing about these two superfoods is that all of the nutrients that they contain are in perfect proportions with one-another. No wonder they are commonly referred to as the “perfect foods”.

If you are as concerned about your health, as I am with mine, then it only makes good sense to try and stay healthy, rather than get sick and then try to get better. Spirulina and chlorella are both excellent immune system boosters, and as we’ve discussed before, our bodies can prevent and beat any sickness with a strong immune system. And according to Mike Adams, who’s written many excellent articles on these two superfoods, both have been shown to actually rebuild nerve tissue in the brain and throughout the body, shrink cancer tumours and reverse cancer, regulate PH blood levels, increase mental capacity, repair DNA damage, and so much more.

You can purchase both spirulina and chlorella in health stores in tablets, capsules and powder form, ideal for adding to your favourite juices. You can’t overdose on either of these foods …. the more you eat, the more beneficial they are.

Here is a guideline for daily intake: For everyday good health: Spirulina – 10 grams a day. Chlorella – 5 grams a day. When sick Spirulina – 20 grams a day (or more). Chlorella – 10 grams a day (or more).

Another superfood that has been making headlines lately is the acai berry. (The most common pronunciation of this berry is ah-sigh-EE). The acai comes from the Amazon regions of Brazil. The small, acai purple fruits, about the size of a grape, have been used by Brazilian people for food and health for hundreds of years. It has been called “nature’s perfect energy fruit”. Just as with other superfoods, the acai berry has become a replacement for the multi-vitamin for many people.

Research has proven the acai berry contains more antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetable. Antioxidants fight cancer, slow down aging, prevent cell damage, and help with cardiac functioning and blood circulation. This could be beneficial for anybody suffering from any kind of inflammation or arthritis. The acai berry is also rich in fiber, and can be especially helpful to seniors who tend to have problems with their digestion.

Perhaps the acai berries greatest claim to fame is as a weight loss supplement. This can be largely explained by the increased metabolic rate it causes. This leads to faster fat breakdown, increased energy levels and less fatigue. Combined, these effects make the process of losing weight faster and easier without any side effects.

The acai berry is available in many formats, (powder, capsules, pills, etc.), but the best way to take it is as a juice. Look for products that are pure acai and do not contain fillers or any other additives.

Resveratrol, a compound found in the skin of red grapes, is another superfood garnering a lot of mainstream attention. It contains the same antioxidant benefits as the acai berry, and therefore can be used to prevent and cure many of the same illnesses.

Test results on animals have shown longer life spans due to this miracle food, and many experts believe that people will share the same results. Resveratrol is beneficial as a blood thinning agent, minimizing the formation of clots. It is even claimed to be used to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

I want to finish by mentioning one more food that promotes good overall health …. apple cider vinegar (pure and organic). Many people take one or two teaspoons every day, and it has been known for centuries for all of its healing benefits. It can also be used externally for sunburns, insect bites and as a natural hair cleanser.

My favourite method of taking apple cider vinegar is in a hot drink, and here are the ingredients. Boil a glass of hot water. Add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. Add a slice of lemon. (Lemons are great for stimulating the digestive system, and also help to purify the liver by eliminating toxins). Next add a pinch of cayenne pepper. (This “king of herbs” is able to kill prostate cancer cells, nourish the heart with vital nutrients, heal stomach ulcers, and so much more). And finally add enough honey to sweeten. (Nature’s sweetener, its powerful healing attributes have been used for thousands of years). This would be a great replacement for your morning cup of java!

We should be encouraged to know there are superfoods that we can all benefit from. Make the effort to add at least one of them to your diet.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and I don’t have any medical training. I am just an individual that researches information that other people have studied and proven to be effective, and I just pass that information on to you.