Algae
Fresh water blue green algae, chlorella and spirulina are close to nature's perfect foods. They contain a broad spectrum of amino acids, DNA and RNA, enzymes, essential nutrients and antioxidants in an easily digestible form. These enhance detoxification and healing, help our body repair and build healthy new cells, and boost our immune system. The quality of these superfoods is important. Only purchase algae that are "live" in frozen liquid form or have been freeze-dried rather than heated which destroys their enzymatic content.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass juice offers the highest concentration of chlorophyll of any plant (70% of dry weight) and contains 92 of the 102 trace elements that are available to plants from the soil. Chlorophyll is almost identical to the hemoglobin molecule and acts as "liquid oxygen" suppressing bacterial growth and enhancing detoxification. Wheatgrass is also rich in enzymes and many vitamins including B17 (laetrile) which has been shown to selectively destroy cancer cells.
Bee pollen
Bee pollen contains almost all the nutrients necessary to support human life. It is nearly 50% protein, of which much is in an easily digestible form. It is also rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Although an excellent food, it is important to recognize that it is bees' own food source and one teaspoon of pollen takes a bee one month to gather. As such you may wish to consider your imprint on the environment and choose a more sustainable superfood.
Goji berry
Native to China, "goji" or "wolf" berries have one of the highest beta carotene contents of all foods and contain up to 500 times more vitamin C than oranges. They are rich in many B vitamins, vitamin E and trace minerals and are believed to boost the immune system, enhance liver function and improve the senses. In China they are legendary for "sparking passion" leading the proverb "He who travels one thousand kilometers from home should not eat goji!"
Maca
Maca is a Peruvian root vegetable, available in powdered form, known as a hormonal regulator. It stimulates our pituitary gland which in turn regulates most of the other glands in our body. Maca is rich in many minerals, vitamins and amino acids and has been applied in menopause, male impotence and chronic fatigue. As a food rather than a medicinal herb it can be taken every day and is excellent for boosting the immune system.
Sea vegetables
Sea vegetables such as dulse, wakame, kelp and nori harness the minerals from the seas they grow in. One of the richest sources of sea minerals, they pass them on to us in an organic and easily absorbable form best for both body structure and function. Many types of seaweed are also rich sources of chlorophyll and its bountiful healing benefits.
Vital vegetables
We could call many vegetables superfoods but some are recognized as particularly strong sources of health-giving phytonutrients. Cruciferous veggies such as garlic, onions, cabbage and broccoli are rich in sulfur-containing compounds which support detoxification and enhance health. Eat them raw for the greatest benefit.
Sprouts
Germinating by soaking overnight activates the enzymes contained within seeds, grains and legumes. These enzymes have the power to spur the growth of tiny seeds into large plants. Sprouts are the richest source of dietary enzymes, and contain significant quantities of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytonutrients,
Superfood blends
There are a number of superfood blends that contain many of the foods above. These provide a convenient and tasty dose you can add to juice or sprinkle on your food. Check the quality and manufacturing standards associated with your chosen product by reading the label. All nutrients should be from food sources.
The best superfood for you depends on your state of health at a particular time and which nutrients you need most. However, any of these foods will have a positive effect on your well-being. Start including superfoods into your diet - you'll quickly feel healthier and more vibrant!
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