8 Essential Raw Superfoods For Optimum Health
February 15th, 2008
A while back I wrote a post entitled, The Best Superfoods, with the intention of creating a list of foods considered healthy enough (by many nutritionists) to be classified as “superfoods”.
In this post I’ll be concentrating on superfoods that can be eaten raw, or usually come in dried or powder form. In other words, my focus will be on superfoods that are suitable for raw foodists, foods packed with an amazing array of nutrients, amino acids and other beneficial ingredients.
What is a superfood?
Here are a few definitions worth noting:
Why eat superfoods?
The simple answer… because superfoods are healthier for you than say, a Big Mac or a bag of chips.
But seriously…
People interested in improving their health, boosting peak performance in sports, etc… (or simply wanting to improve their overall sense of well-being), can benefit substantially by eating foods that provide the most nutrients and life-enhancing properties. And this is where the whole concept of eating superfoods makes sense.
Incidentally, most (if not all) superfoods CAN be eaten in their raw, natural state. In fact, it makes perfect sense to eat superfoods raw for a couple of really good reasons:
That said, let’s take a look at our list of 8 essential raw superfoods.
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8 Essential Raw Superfoods For Optimum Health
Aloe Vera has long been used as a healing agent, for cuts, burns and eczema. It also has softening qualities that make it useful in keeping the skin and facial complexion soft and youthful. Taken as a juice or extract mixed with water, Aloe Vera is good for cleansing the digestive tract and as an over-all tonic.
Aloe will purify the blood and liver as well as soothe the colon and help heal ulcers, colitis, and hemorrhoids. Due to its strong effects in cleansing the liver, pregnant women and young children should not take aloe vera internally.
Goji Berries have a long history in Chinese Medicine as a wonder food. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of Goji Berries: Contains the 8 essential amino acids (a total of 18 amino acids), 21 trace minerals (the main ones being zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, and phosphorus), also contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E, and Goji Berries contain about 11 mg of iron per 100 grams, beta-sisterol (an anti-inflammatory agent), linoleic acid (a fatty acid), sesquiterpenoids (cyperone, solavetivone), tetraterpenoids (zeaxanthin, physalin), and betaine (0.1%). It’s no wonder that this superfood has garnered so much attention among Raw Foodists. Goji Berries are probably the most essential on this list!
Chocoholics like myself can rejoice at the fact that we can be raw vegan and still have our chocolate! The combination of raw cacao powder (with a natural sweetener like raw agave nectar) can be made into a delicious smoothie of pure heaven. Not only that, cacao beans are a rich source of Magnesium, a mineral chronically lacking in the Standard American Diet (SAD).
A neurotransmitter called anandamide, has been isolated in cacao. Anandamide is also produced naturally in the brain. Anandamide is known as “The Bliss Chemical” because it is released while we are feeling great.
Seaweed is a superfood that has been a large part of Japanese Cuisine for centuries, whether in miso soup, salads or as sushi nori. The dried or granularized form is available to Raw Foodists. Seaweed is an “especially rich source of potassium, iron, iodine, vitamin B6, riboflavin, and dietary fiber, and also contain a natural substance, glutamic acid, that enhances flavor and tenderizes fibrous foods.”
Spirulina is a form of Blue-Green Algae that is composed of mostly protein (65% and more). It usually comes as a supplement in tablet form.
Spirulina is the world’s highest known plant-source of vitamin B-12 and also includes vitamins A, B-1, B-2, B-6, E, K, chlorophyll, cell salts, phytonutrients, and enzymes. The ancient Aztecs thrived on Spirulina from Lake Texcoco in Mexico.
If you’re only going to eat one vegetable, make sure it’s broccoli. Some experts say it is the one vegetable that contains the most nutrients and is a rich source of soluble fiber.
It is high in vitamin C and soluble fiber and contains the multiple nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties including diindolylmethane and selenium
Blueberries “contain anthocyanins, other antioxidant pigments and other phytochemicals which may have a role in reducing the risks of some diseases, including cancers.” In addition to an abundance of anitoxidants, blueberries help to lower cholesterol levels, stroke and cardiovascular disease. Blueberries are also rich in Manganese and Vitamin K.
Originating from Peru and Incan cultures, Maca “is a superfood-food-herb with an outstanding ability to increase energy, endurance and strength. Maca is a favorite of raw-foodists, vegetarians, adventurers, extreme athletes, dessert chefs and food alchemists.”
And this wraps up my list of 8 Essential Raw Superfoods.
Here are some further readings to explore:
10 Superfoods For Age-Defying Beauty
Superfoods 101
The Sunfood Diet Success System
Superfoods Thought To Prevent Disease and Increase Longevity
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February 15th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
how do you react to maca? does it agree with you? i always wondered if it wasn’t too much of a stimulant, sort of like the organic version of ten red bulls…
February 16th, 2008 at 6:55 am
tokyorose: i’ve only started using Maca in powdered form in my smoothies. so far so good. haven’t had any bad reactions to it. but my cacao smoothies usually boost my energy anyway.
but then again maybe i’m not using enough of it to tell the difference in significant energy levels… wow, 10 red bulls? :o)
February 16th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
did the red bull thing make you want to use less, or more? ^__^
February 16th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
tokyorose: i get the impression that maca in powder form is pretty powerful stuff and should be respected. :o)
one thing though… too much energy foods (all of the time) isn’t really entirely good. one needs to rest, and one needs to known when to take it.
like today. i feel very energized, but i need to taper off the energy foods at night so i won’t be up until 3am. so, it does have it’s time and place. ;o)
March 26th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Nice article, very informative and useful. Please check out my article on.Raw plant foods are healthy, regenerative, cleansing and energizing, packed with potent compounds that gift the body in numerous ways.