Gettin Down With Superfoods

Superfoods…sure we have all heard about bananas, blueberries, and tomatoes and then there are your tropical superfoods like papaya, pineapple and acai berries. Have you ever heard of goji berries, and mangosteen? Imagine a superfood -- not a drug -- powerful enough to help you lower your cholesterol, reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, and, for an added bonus, put you in a better mood. Did we mention that there are no side effects? You'd surely stock up on a lifetime supply. Guess what? These life-altering superfoods are available right now in your local supermarket. Here are some of my favorite superfoods.

Goji Berry
Often called the most nutrient-dense food on earth. Everyone knows that blueberries are high is antioxidants, they measure at 6,220, the goji berry measure in the 17,000 range! Wow that is one amazing berry. It also has one of the highest energy ratings ever recorded at 355,000 Bovis, human’s measure in at 6,500 Bovis. Ladies listen up… For 1,000’s of years Goji berries have been consumed by the Tibetan Himalayan people for their anti-aging properties. They contain more essential components of complete protein than wheat. You eat your grapes or spinach as a source of iron; Goji berries iron content is 20 times higher. Oranges contain vitamin C, while goji’s contain more vitamin C by weight than oranges and are packed with B1, B2 and B6. It’s also a great source of essential fatty acids. There are people undergoing chemotherapy benefit from goji berries ability to double white blood cell count and triple T cell count due to their polysaccharide content.
Bottom line is: About 30 berries (a handful) taken each day can help achieve great heath benefits such as, replenish vitality, enhance visual acuity, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, protect liver function, burn fat, strengthen bones and muscles and supply the heart with energy. A little secret …it also helps with impotence.

Mangosteen
Not to be confused with mangoes. This tropical fruit doesn’t taste or look like mangoes. Do you suffer from Arthritis or joint pains? Mangosteen is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine effects, which can help people prevent many disease systems and generally stimulates the immune system. Mangosteen fruit has been said to be anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral. It helps fend off all of these conditions in our bodies. This tropical fruit is also recognized as one of the greatest natural source of xanthones, a family of powerful antioxidants. In addition to cultivation of fresh mangosteens, several companies have launched production of mangosteen juice, which has a longer shelf-life than fresh mangosteens and is easier to export internationally. Find in your local health food store. Be aware of online knock offs!

Mangoes
I spent 2 months in Thailand where I would sit on the beach and eat fresh mangoes all day. Little did I know the health benefits that went along with this amazing fruit. This aromatic, sweet-flavored tropical fruit not only tastes delicious, it is a source of extremely powerful, protective antioxidants and a variety of phytochemicals and nutrients that qualify it as a superfood.They are a good source of vitamins A, C, E and B6 as well as copper, niacin, and folic acid. People who suffer from cramps and stress, Mangoes are an excellent source of potassium and magnesium. Mangoes are a good source of fiber and contain enzymes that aid indigestion. It protects against cancer, infectious disease, and intestinal disease and has even been proven to destroy viruses in clinical test tube experiments.

Hempseed
Seeds of the plant cannabis sativa, hemp seed, contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain healthy human life. No other single plant source has the essential amino acids in such an easily digestible form, nor has the essential fatty acids in as perfect a ratio to meet human nutritional needs. Hemp seed provides a rich source of chlorophyll to alkalize your body. It is also one of the most sustainable crops available. These can be added to your daily routine-simply sprinkle some on your cereal, yogurt or salad or do what I do and blend them into your daily smoothie!

Asparagus
Ever wonder why your pee smells like asparagus after eating it? I like to call this “aspara-pee”. Asparagus is a superior alkalizing vegetable, asparagus has the ability to quickly change the pH of the body resulting in “aspara-pee”. At just 20 calories in six spears, asparagus is a good source of folate, beta carotene and potassium. Asparagus is also a powerful antioxidant. It is also rich in folic acid and vitamin C. So next time you substitute your asparagas for something else, think twice…aspara-pee isn’t that bad, is it?

Blueberries
Packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, these berries are also high in potassium and vitamin C. Note that the darker they are, the more anti-oxidants they have. Not only can they lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, they are also anti-inflammatory but not as anti-inflammatory as cherries.

Chocolate
Not just an aphrodisiac…which men wish was true! Chocolate possesses amazing qualities and properties found in its most natural and unprocessed form. Raw chocolate in particular contains an impressive list of approximately 1,200 valuable nutrients, vitamins and minerals, some of which come in significant quantities as well.

Watercress
Watercress is a better source gram for gram of vitamins C, B1, B6, K and E, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc than apples, broccoli and tomatoes.. Only raw broccoli has more vitamin C and magnesium.

Although these and other superfoods have the capacity of being great health enhancers, always research your sources and eat organic, local food whenever possible.