Quick Reference to SUPER FOODS

I was watching this documentary called "Food Matters."

It highlights how we need to turn to REAL FOOD to help heal our bodies.

It listed off all of the SUPER FOODS below.

*By the way, I highly recommend checking out "Food Matters." It's very interesting how they explain that REAL FOOD can heal us and how Processed Foods are hurting us.

Half of them I've never even heard of before.  

So I did some research on how each of these SUPER FOODS 

can benefit us and especially how to take/ eat the superfood.

Also, keep in mind there are plenty of other Super Foods out there.

I wanted to especially include these only because I think many of these 

SUPER FOODS are unknown to most of the population and how you can

benefit from them :)

Maca (herb, native to the Andes Mtns.) - improves libido, hormones, energy levels, pain, depression, anemia, metabolism.

*How to TAKE-  capsules/ tablets, powder (put in smoothies)

Goji berries (comes from a shrub, native to China) - diabetes, high blood pressure, fever, age-related eye problems, antioxidants, minimizes damage of free radicals

*How to TAKE- powder form (smoothies), dried Goji berries, Fresh is best

Spirulina (blue-green algae, taste & odor similar to seaweed) - amino acids, superior to typical plant protein, Vitamin A K B, Iron,

*How to TAKE- tablets/capsules, powder 1/2 tsp in smoothie

Turmeric (spice from India, part of ginger family) - antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

*How to TAKE- on squash, vegetables, soups (avocado soup), rice dish

Bee pollen - for allergies, stomach problems, enhance athletic performance, contains vitamins, minerals, carbs, lipids and protein, 

*How to TAKE- granules, tablets and capsules, put into smoothies

How to KEEP- keep in freezer year round

Ginger - improves absorption of nutrients in the body, clears sinuses, nausea, helps flatulence, joint pain, rid of sore throat and nose congestion, depression

*How to TAKE- juicer/smoothies, (rice-garlic, ginger, green chilies, cilantro leaves) add to sorbet/ice-cream

Coconut - immunity, fiber, calcium, potassium, magnesium, electrolytes, antioxidants, healthy bones

*How to TAKE- Organic coconut oil- by spoonful 1-4 times a day, cook & bake with. Also, you can try Coconut flakes, Coconut liquid oil, coconut butter, Coconut flour, etc.

Kelp (brown algae, comes from deep under the sea)- Vitamin C, iron, calcium, helps thyroid function, helps in shedding water weight, strengthens nails and hair growth, potassium, helps fight off infection- flu season, sinus congestion. magnesium 

*How to TAKE- tablet form, or made into a tea

Echinacea (a perennial plantherb) - helps immune system, treatment of flu and colds

*How to TAKE- teas, liquid extracts, a dried herb, capsules or tablets

Acai berries - antioxidants, resistant to harmful organisms, aids in weight-loss( reduces the negative effects of a high-fat diet), promotes skin health, helps with digestive upset, anti-inflammatory properties, improved cellular health (helps keep cells strong against the invasion of free radicals (toxins), anti-aging effects, energy boost, may help fight cancer, may contribute a boost in sex drive, improves mental function

*How to TAKE- acai juice, dried, pulp form, juiced or acai powder in acai capsules (desserts and smoothies)

Kombu (seaweed, cultivated in Japan) - reduces risk of cancer, helps thyroid, protein, calcium, iodine, magnesium, iron and folate

How to TAKE- fresh, dried, pickled and frozen in asian markets, soup, salad

Goldenseal (perennial herb) - strong antibiotic, anti-inflammatory (internal & external) and immune booster.

*How to TAKE- tablets/capsules, tinctures, liquid extract

Nettle (herb) - allergy symptoms, reduce inflammation, arthritis,asthma, alzheimer's disease, kidney stones, PMS, bladder infections, bronchitis, gingivitis, gout, hives, laryngitis, multiple sclerosis, tendenitis, improve appearance of hair (remedy against oily hair and dandruff and much more)

*How to Take- use it as a tea, steamed nettle as a vegetable

Royal Jelly (honeybee-derived)- antioxidants, immune modulator, brain function enhancement, liver protection, inflammation, skin healing,  diabetes and blood sugar control, osteoporosis and bone loss, cholesterol control, breast cancer, balances hormones

*How to TAKE- Capsule form or raw jelly form by spoon ( take 1/2 tsp twice a day from jar, once before breakfast and once after dinner - not to have a full stomach of food before taking it in order for it to be effective)

Propolis (honeybee-derived)- infections, inflammation, cancer, antioxidants, 

*How to TAKE- Tinctures  (drops), Chunks (raw pieces of bee propolis), capsules

Barley Grass (seedling of barley plant)- antioxidants, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, vitamin c B and folic acid, electrolytes- potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, high cholesterol, cancer prevention, clear up skin problems

*How to TAKE- extract, powder or pill form, best taken on an empty stomach 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal

Chlorella (green algae)- cancer, hypoglycemia, depession, intestinal ulcers and asthma, constipation, body odor, balancing ph level, normalizing blood pressure and blood sugar, improving digestive system, helps heart utilize magnesium.

*How to TAKE- powder or liquid form - fruit juices, smoothies, or with water

Raw Honey- contains magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, and phosphate, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1 B2 B3 B5 B6.

*How to TAKE- Raw & Organic is recommended