Superfood supplements by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Are there certain foods that offer more health benefits than other foods?
Superfoods from various exotic places like the Amazon,
and anti-ageing elixirs are becoming more popular. But, are there certain foods
that can be classified as superfoods? I think so. Although almost every
vegetable, fruit, herb, legume, grain etc, in its whole state is a healthy food,
certain ones seem to stand out. There is, of course, a wide range of viewpoints
on this topic and different scientists and nutritionists would have their own
list. I will present some of my own favorite superfoods and will add more to
the list over time.
I do wish to emphasize that it is very important to have a variety
of foods in one's diet. Even a superfood, when consumed too much at the expense
of other healthy food options, may not be a good thing.
My favorite list of superfoods
Not all foods have similar health benefits - some are so packed with
vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and other beneficial
substances that they've been deemed superfoods.
Acaí berry
Blue-Green-Algae are considered a superfood by some
people.
Chlorella supplements are considered to be a superfood.
Colostrum is a superfood since it has many substances that have immune boosting
properties.
Flaxseeds may lower the
rate of prostate cancer and are a wonderful stool softener, reducing the risk
for constipation. See for more information.
Ginger - I consider
ginger to be a superfood. This spice has so many healthful nutrients and
compounds in it. I try to eat a little bit of ginger root every day. I even take
along a piece of ginger root to a Japanese restaurant and slice a few pieces to
have with my wild caught salmon teriyaki dish. Some people prefer to take a
Ginger supplement.
Garlic and onions
Goji berries are
somewhat tart, but I have noticed improved vision after eating a palm full in
the morning. Occasionally I take a goji supplement and I do notice better vision
with
Goji pills, particularly after a few days of use.
Royal jelly is a super
food with lots of nutrients, protein, fatty acids, antioxidants, and other
substances that have an influence on the immune system, energy, and well being.
You can buy
Royal-Jelly supplements here.
Salmon roe have lots of
fish oils and phospholipids. The Japanese name in a sushi restaurant is Ikura. I
try to have some Ikura when I visit a Japanese restaurant.
Soy sauce is derived from fermented soya beans
and contains antioxidant
properties about many times more effective than red wine and vitamin C.
Green Foods
Nuts and Seeds
Sprouts
Other foods that have health
benefits
Beans and Lentils
Blueberries: Hidden within the juicy, deep blue-purple flesh of this tasty fruit
is cancer-fighting ellagic acid, an antioxidant that has been proven in
laboratory research to slow the growth of some cancerous tumors. Blueberry
extracts have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and help
prevent infectious bacteria from clinging to the walls of the gut, bladder and
urethra.
Buckwheat
Wild salmon: Full of omega-3 fats, wild salmon can help reduce the risk of
sudden-death heart attacks and contains lots of vitamin D and selenium for
healthy hair, skin, nails and bones. Wild salmon can be eaten with little fear
of mercury or excess contaminants and is more nutritionally rich than farmed
salmon. Wild salmon also has a smaller environmental impact.
Superfood Emails
Q. First, I'd like to thank you for all of this wonderful
pertinent information on your website. I tell about your website to all my
friends and customers...I'm a salon owner who tries to promote wellness
first...great reading on superfoods. I have found that taking my superfood
supplement first thing in the AM (before coffee) gives me a natural jump start,
actually puts me in a better mood and I don't have to have a cup of coffee until
9am. My eye exam actually improved and don't need another set of
eyeglasses...and...I have not had to use my glasses for distance
anymore...pretty amazing how many nutrients we are lacking and I thought I was
pretty healthy...sometimes I would rather drink my superfood (by Dr. Schultze)
than to make something nutritious...is this what "soylent green" was supposed to
be about?.. just kidding...have a great day and thank you again!!!
Q. I am writing a story for a health magazine on the
benefits of new " superfoods " including: pumpkin seeds, mangosteen, acai
berries, cherry
juice, pomegranate, goji berries, and green foods (spirulina, wheat grass,
etc.). I found your name while I was in the process of doing research and am
hoping you can speak to the health benefits of one or more of these foods.