Here is a list of some of the most nutrient-dense natural foods on the planet.
1. Avocado
Avocado has a myriad of healthy fats and nutrients such as oleic acid, lutein, folate, Vitamin E and glutathione. Avocado provides nutrients that can support the body to combat heart disease, immune system challenges and a degenerative eye and brain diseases. Plus they taste great on toast, in salad or a smoothie!
2. Goji Berries
Used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5000 years, Goji Berries contain 18 kinds of amino acids, up to 21 trace minerals, high amounts of antioxidants. iron, polysaccharides, Vitamin B & E, and many other healthy nutrients. Goji Berries are known for promoting longevity, strength-building and high levels of natural sustainable energy.
3. Maca
A stable part of the diet in the Peruvian Andes for thousands of years, this potent Superfood consists of nearly 10% Protein and contains nearly 20 amino acids, including 7 essential amino acids. To put that in perspective, Maca has nearly five times more protein than a potato and four times more fibre. This Superfood is great for naturally increasing energy, endurance, strength, and libido.
4. Spirulina
Spirulina is a natural “algae” powder that is the world’s highest source of complete protein. Consisting of 65% protein by weight, Spirulina also provides a vast array of minerals, trace elements, enzymes and phytonutrients. Studies have found Spirulina to be brilliant in supporting healthy eye and brain function and effective in Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and liver disease.
5. Kale
Kale is a member of the cabbage family and one cup has 9% of the daily recommended value of calcium, 206% of vitamin A, 134% of vitamin C and a whopping 684% of vitamin K. It is also a good source of minerals copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus. Kale is great for supporting healthy eyes, bone health and combatting osteoporosis and a Harvard study even found it slowed age-related decline in memory.
6. Raw Cacao (healthy chocolate!)
Derived from the nut of an Amazonian tree, Raw Cacoa is incredibly high in antioxidants, magnesium, iron, chromium, manganese, PEA, theobromine and anandamide. Raw Cacoa has been shown to support cardiovascular health, strong bones, mood, energy levels and longevity.
7. Camu Berry:
One of the highest source of Vitamin C by weight on the planet (60 times more Vitamin C than an Orange), Camu Berries comes from a South American plant are fantastic for supporting strong immune systems, rebuilding tissue, nourishing eyes and are even considered by many to be an excellent natural anti-depressant.
8. Blueberries
Blueberries are loaded with powerful anthocyanins, plant-chemicals that give the delicious berries their purple, red and blue colour. Packed with antioxidants, a Harvard 2012 found a 2.5-year delay in mental decline in women who ate blueberries each day. Blueberries are great for those looking to improve their brain and nervous system health.
9. Chia Seeds
Chia Seeds top the list of plant-based sources of Omega-3 and are also a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Chia Seeds also contain key nutrients that enable the body to burn carbohydrates, fats and protein. Chia Seeds are great for supporting a healthy heart, immune system, nervous system, healthy hair and strong bones. On the downside, they are not that easy to eat. For ways to make Chia Seeds more palatable go here.
10. Coconuts
Whether you eat the meat, drink the juice or use the oil, coconuts are a delicious source of fibre, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Coconuts contain high amounts of calcium, potassium, magnesium and electrolytes. Coconut oil is great for keeping skin, hair, bones and teeth looking young and beautiful. Coconut water is known to have the same electrolyte level as human plasma and has even been used for plasma transfusions. Coconut meat, contrary to popular belief, may actually reduce the risk the risk of stroke and heart disease. [1]
So that’s it. 10 Superfoods packed with nutrient-dense health benefits. To optimise the effectiveness of these Superfoods, it pays to go Organic. Most of these foods are readily available on Amazon or simply Google them.
Which Superfoods do you enjoy and which ones would you add to the list? Share in the Comments Below.
For Simple Ways to Live a Healthy Life; visit: www.organichealth.co.za
Article Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-truth-about-kale
http://www.drfranklipman.com/the-super-7-foods-with-benefits/
http://www.healwithfood.org/nutrition-facts/chia-seeds-value.php
http://www.joybauer.com/photo-gallery/kale
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4408/Top-10-Health-Benefits-of-Eating-Kale.html
http://www.healwithfood.org/nutrition-facts/chia-seeds-value.php#ixzz3CF9VjwTd
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-numerous-health-benefits-of-coconuts-2.html
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=8
http://authoritynutrition.com/why-is-coconut-oil-good-for-you/
[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8450295
