What is a superfood? I often get this question whenever I mention that my diet consists primarily of organic foods and in particular organic superfoods. Superfoods are foods which are extremely nutrient dense and give you the biggest bang for your buck compared to other foods. They contain ...What is a superfood? I often get this question whenever I mention that my diet consists primarily of organic foods and in particular organic superfoods. Superfoods are foods which are extremely nutrient dense and give you the biggest bang for your buck compared to other foods. They contain amazing medicinal like properties in that they have been used in different cultures for thousands of years for healing, for endurance, for vibrant health, and for their so called anti-aging characteristics.
They usually are high in antioxidants and minerals as well as enzyme rich. There are different levels of superfoods. In fact some superfoods are very well known and most people do not realize they are eating what has been "labeled" as a superfood. By labeled, I mean they are sometimes marketed as superfoods because there tends to be some evidence the foods are a healthier alternative and perhaps this is true, but in fact a true superfood will be at its healthiest state when it is in raw, uncooked form. Foods often marketed as superfoods include foods such as Garlic, broccoli, kale, tomatoes, papaya, Spinach, Parsley, Oats, Turkey, Eggs, Walnuts, Pumpkin, Almonds, Figs, Chili Peppers, Cayenne pepper, Pomegranate, Blueberries, raspberries, and Wild salmon. Some of these are in fact extremely healthy foods. Many of us have heard of these foods and have eaten them time and time again. It is certainly better to get the organic or wild variety of these foods in that they are even more "super" without the added chemicals and preservatives.
Some other superfoods are not as well known. These are the foods which can get you to the next level of Xtreme Health™. I have spent the last year researching some of these superfoods which I consider to be some of the best foods in the world and have used them in my daily diet with tremendous success. These superfoods which I am about to talk about are absolutely amazing and have helped cultures for thousands of years avoid famine and disease. Kings and queens would go to war to get more of these superfoods. For instance, it has been said that Alexander the great was persuaded by Aristotle to invade Egypt for the Aloe Vera plant so he could use it on his injured soldiers. Back then we didn't have clinical studies to tell us what was good and bad for us. They used foods to treat people and they either worked or didn't work. This process over 1000's of years brought the greatest of superfoods and herbs to the forefront of visibility by the leaders of great countries.
The following are some of the greatest superfoods I have learned about over the last year and for which are available on the internet as well as local health food stores. Hemp Seeds and Hemp Protein, Bee Pollen, Wild Honey, Maca powder, Spirulina, Blue Green Algae, Chlorella, Sprouts, Wheat grass, Barley Grass, Dulse, Kelp, Goji Berries, Cacao beans, Organic MSM, Avocado's, Coconut and coconut oil, Acai berries, Mangosteen, Agave Nectar, Royal Jelly, Flax seeds, and Green Tea.
Spirulina in particular is a food which fed mexico city for thousands of years. It is the highest source of protein on the planet (62% protein). It is great mixed with just plain spring water. Goji berries are another complete protein source. They are high in antioxidants, iron and vitamin C and contain 21 trace minerals and many other nutrients. They are small light and portable. I usually eat just one handful of goji berries before a cross country flight and do not have to eat anything the entire flight. Cacao beans are the actual raw chocolate bean which most people have never eaten. Most are familiar with the processed version of cacao called cocoa or chocolate which is mostly sugar and dairy mixed together with the cacao bean.
Most of these superfoods can be obtained in powdered form and added to your favorite super smoothie in the morning. You will get just about every vitamin, mineral, amino acid, good fat (Omega 3, 6 and 9) and hundreds of other phytonutrients by eating these foods. Every longevity and anti-aging diet should not be without these superfoods. Athletes in particular whose bodies are hungry for antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and minerals should incorporate these foods into their diet.
Cheers to living to 125 years old and beyond. You can take this to any level you want.
Level A - Xtreme Health™
Follow all the suggestions in this article over the course of the next several months Level B - Much better than most people
Drink a smoothie every morning containing at least one of the superfoods in this article Level C - A step above what you're doing now
Make it a point to educate yourself on the superfoods in this article and once a week visit your health food store and purchase one of the superfoods and experiment with adding them into your diet.
Will Byron has had a passion for health and wellness for over 30 years. Since age 10 his accomplishments include 4 years in the US Marines, a MSFT Programmer and a CPA. He has competed in hundreds of races from the collegiate through master's level including marathons, triathlons, cross country, and track and field. A degree in Computer Information systems and a Masters in Business led him to many entrepreneurial activities through the years including multiple franchise owner, real estate, and options trading. He is currently a Certified Sports Nutrition Coach and trains for Ironman Triathlon's as a semi-vegetarian utilizing primarily organic superfoods.