I'm always reading articles and books trying to find the healthiest foods around. Everyone knows (but doesn't often adhere to) the notion that the healthiest foods are the freshest fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and meats you can find. Nowadays you also have to think about organics, GMOs and sustainable farming methods, but that's a post for another day. Today I'll let you know about some of the most unusual and beneficial superfoods I've come across, and I don't mean the usual acai, gogi, chia and salmon. I'm talking about foods you've probably never even heard of, I know I didn't when I followed a web of links and articles from place to place, foods like kefir, apricot seeds, maca powder and moringa oleifera. I'll give you the lowdown on the benefits (and warnings) of each one, along with links to articles found on the web and where you can buy it. I also recommend reading the following article. I stumbled upon it last year and was totally amazed and inspired by this guy and the changes he made so late in life (he began at 40), when it's common thinking that you can only get yourself on a healthy path while you're young. This guy shows you that is incorrect - anyone can do it at any age, all it takes is some commitment to positive change. All links open a new window so you won't have to leave my page. **DISCLAIMER** Any and all reports of any of these foods being used to combat diseases are for reference only. Always consult a medical expert when dealing with any serious health issues. Apricot Kernels Apricot kernels are the bitter inside pit of an apricot seed. It is also one of the most hotly debated "cures" for cancer on the internet. Google 'apricot seed' and 'cancer' and you'll see what I mean. Read the articles and judge for yourself, but make sure that if you are eating the kernels for whatever health reasons, they should be organic, bitter and raw - sun dried or roasted kernels have lost all the beneficial enzymes. Health benefits of apricot kernels include: High amounts of vitamin B17 can help lower blood pressure, alleviate arthritis pain and cure cancers stage 3 and lower. Yup - I said cure. That is where all the controversy comes from. Here are some sites on the pro side of this fence: greatstuff.hubpages.com naturalnews.com myapricotseeds.com Side effects of apricot kernels include: Well, death from cyanide poisoning. Some places say that no more than 2 kernels a day are safe, while most proponents of apricot kernels want you to work your way up to 50 per day. To be fair, here are some sites on the con side of the fence: dailymail.co.uk theage.com.au hc-sc.gc.ca Where to buy raw bitter apricot kernels: Our Father's Farm Earth Notions Raw Nutrition If you're interested in more information about the benefits of eating (raw & cooked) apricot flesh, and not just the seeds, a great blog came to my attention filled with some fantastic information about the health benefits of this delicious fruit. There are also some really delish sounding recipes your can try at home. I am personally looking forward to trying the apricot cheesecake! Here's the link: jenreviews.com Thanks Jacky M. for the heads-up - great post! Aronia Berries Aronia berries are the re-branded, better known, black chokeberries that are starting to gain some footing in the superfood race for supremacy. These berries have the highest concentration of anti-oxidants found in any berry to date. Eating the dried berries makes the most out of all this little purple berry has to offer. Health benefits of aronia berries include: Improves blood circulation, anti-inflammatory, urinary tract health, improve blood circulation, strengthens blood vessels, eye protection properties and weight control. Has been shown to lower blood pressure and has a protective effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Contains vitamins A, C, E and folic acid. May help treatment/prevention of: cancer, heart disease, kidney problems and suppression of viruses. Side effects of aronia berries include: No side effects have yet been reported. Where to buy aronia berries: (it is really difficult to find anyone selling these in Canada) Upaya Naturals - powder form Aronia Berry Inc - juice + frozen berries Native Plants in Clairmont - buy the shrub & grow your own For more info on the web: organicaronia.com healwithfood.org aroniaberrynews.com Camu Camu Powder Camu Camu is a berry which grows in the South American rainforest and is super high in vitamin C, among other things. Health benefits of camu camu include: Improves lung, eye and heart health, improves muscle tone, supports healthy ligaments, collagen and tendons, helps prevent viral and bacterial infections, boosts immune system. Contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, C and calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron. May help treatment/prevention of: cancer, degenerative brain disease and depression. Side effects of camu camu include: All side effects reported consist of too much of a good thing. Taking too much camu camu powder will give your body way more vitamin C than it can handle and you may experience any of the following: rapid heart rate, iron poisoning, loss of sleep, loss of appetite, diarrhea and difficulty with digestion. Where to buy camu camu powder: Upaya Naturals Raw Nutrition Truly Organic Foods For more info on the web: naturalnews.com bibliotecapleyades.net wholeworldbotanicals.com Kefir Kefir is a probiotic-rich drink which is made with grains and milk from cows, goats or sheep or water kefir, which is made with other sugary liquids such as sugar or coconut water. Both versions are good for you, with the water kefir being only slightly less potent. Once you get the first batch started, you have a pretty much infinite supply, as long as you keep a new batch going from the old. In that respect it's great because you're only paying for the first batch of grains, and it's not even that expensive. Health benefits of drinking kefir include: Promotes your body's healing and repair, anti-tumor effects, regulates immune function, beneficial to bone health, may lower allergic response, promotes bowel movements and reduces flatulence. It also has a tranquilizing effect on the nervous system. Contains vitamins biotin (H or B7), B12 and K2 and minerals thiamin, calcium, folate, magnesium and phosphorus. May help treatment/prevention of: colitis, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, sleep disorders, depression and ADHD. Side effects of drinking kefir include: Constipation and intestinal cramping when first starting out - start slow to combat these effects. Where to buy kefir: Upaya Naturals - I highly recommend this website. They have a huge selection of organic and raw foods. I have previously ordered from them with no issues. They also have a convenient pick up location in Toronto. Cultures for Health Kijiji - I entered 'kefir' in the search box and got quite a few results. However, remember these are just average people selling their own kefir grains. For more info on the web: healthygutbugs.com chriskresser.com helladelicious.com Maca Root Powder Maca is a Peruvian root ground into powder form which can have adverse effects if too much is taken too soon. It's important to start small and slowly to allow your body to adjust, otherwise all the benefits you're looking for will actually become the adverse effects. For example: you're taking it to clear your blemishes. If you take too much, you'll actually end up with more acne! Health benefits of maca powder include: Improved libido and sexual endurance for both men and women (yes, I listed that one first!), balances hormones, increases fertility, increases stamina (ahem, for athletes) and energy levels, helps to clear acne & blemishes, helps with memory, alleviates stress and mood swings, helps with menstrual pain and symptoms of menopause. Contains vitamins B, C, and E and minerals calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium and phosphorous. May help treatment/prevention of: depression, osteoporosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, erectile dysfunction, tuberculosis and leukemia. Side effects of maca powder include: Most of these side effects are associated with taking too much or starting off too quickly. Acne breakouts, heart racing, sleeplessness, nausea, upset stomach, heartburn and headaches. Also, hormonal imbalances in women (too much testosterone). If you are on a low-sodium diet there is an increased change of developing goiters. Do not use maca if you have Thyroid Disease - it contains too much iodine. Where to buy maca powder: Truly Organic Foods Dilesta Upaya Naturals For more info on the web: vegkitchen.com webmd.com macapowderbenefits.net Maitake Mushrooms Maitake mushrooms are an edible fungus grown and consumed primarily in Asia as food and used medicinally. They also grow in North America and are often called 'king of mushrooms' and 'hen of the woods'. Health benefits of maitake mushrooms include: Everything I'm reading about this mushroom indicate that it is being researched by the medical community in regards to treating/prevention of: cancer (notably breast, liver and lung. There have been some promising results with tumors shrinking), diabetes (helping to control blood glucose levels), HIV/AIDS (through immunostimulation), high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Side effects of maitake mushrooms include: When eating the fungus - none unless you're allergic. As for the supplements, well it's either absolutely none or doom and gloom, depending on which article you read. The side effects read the same as the benefits list on some of the websites. Where to buy maitake mushrooms: The Mushroom Patch - grow your own! Vitamart - supplement Upaya Naturals - whole dried For more info on the web: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center mushroom-appreciation.com healthcastle.com Moringa OleiferaMoringa oleifera is also known as the 'Tree of Life' because it contains more nutrients and antioxidants than many fruits and vegetables combined. It's been used in the Himalayas for centuries for it's numerous medicinal values, using every part of the tree except for the toxic root. Health benefits of Moringa oleifera include: Increased energy, stress reliever, improves mood, mental clarity, anti-aging properties, weight loss, anti-inflammatory, improved circulation, acne relief, promotes healthy digestion and protects stomach lining. Contains vitamins C, D, K, E all Bs, minerals calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. It also contains numerous amino acids. May help treatment/prevention of: high blood pressure, cancer, gastric ulcers, asthma, diabetes and kidney stones. Side effects of Moringa oleifera include: Most of these side effects are associated with taking too much or starting off too quickly. Nausea, diarrhea and heartburn. Where to buy Moringa Oleifera powder: The Moringa Canada Moringa Upaya Naturals For more info on the web: idealbite.com webmd.com miracletrees.org Natto Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans and may take a little getting used to due to it's reported powerful smell like strong cheese, a savory, salty, barbecuey (?) bean taste and apparently the slimy texture of boogers! You can buy it at Japanese shops (in the freezer section) and you can also try to make it at home yourself. Health benefits of natto include: Increased circulation, better skin, purifies blood, promotes longevity, healthy heart, strong bones and a sharper mind. Prevents and breaks up blood clots, beneficial for the intestine and stomach. Contains vitamin K2 and PQQ. May help treatment/prevention of: heart attack, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, cancer, heart disease, stroke, senility, intestinal diseases. Side effects of natto include: There are no known side effects to eating natto (unless you have a soybean allergy), there are risks such as lowered blood pressure and blood thinning if you decide to take the Nattokinase supplement. Where to buy natto: Japanese Traditional Foods Inc. Cultures For Health Natural Import For more info on the web: meguminatto.com undergroundhealthreporter.com kimonobox.com Pu-erh Tea Pu-erh tea is also called aged tea and comes from Yunnan Province in China. It is available in green (raw) and black (cooked) forms. This tea is fermented and generally gets it's signature taste after 5 years, but is drinkable after 3 months. Health benefits of Pu-erh tea include: May reduce blood sugar levels, aids in digestion & fat breakdown. Has high levels of vitamin C. May help treatment/prevention of: Diabetes, arteriosclerosis, colds, bleeding and hepatitis. Side effects of Pu-erh tea include: Only those associated with any excessive intake of caffeine. Where to buy Pu-erh tea: David's Tea Mighty Leaf The Chinese Tea Shop For more info on the web: thechineseteashop.com purepuer.com hojotea.com These are 10 very interesting superfoods I've come across that I find extremely interesting and thought I'd pass on to all of you. I actually have found more on my travels through the web (don't we always find one more article we want to read?) and will most likely do a similar post with those listed at a later date. In the meantime, I wish good health to you all!
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AuthorHi! I'm Sonja and I'm glad you're here! I'm happy to share some recipes and gardening tips with you while I let you know about great (or not so great) products, services, and media I encounter. Visit my online shop at MysteriousDragonfyre.com
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