Looking for some new health food ideas to add into your diet? Look no more. Here are 10 really awesome health providing foods from around the world. You can try these one by one adding them to your normal daily routine. All of the foods on this list are alkaline producing, and therefore by nature help with weight regulation, diabetes, heart disease and other degenerative diseases. Many of these come in a convenient powder form that can be added to your favorite juice, smoothie, or glass of freshly made vegetable juice. I hope you will be especially adventurous this year and try these wonderful foods from indigenous people all over the world, to improve your health, energy and stamina. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said “The first wealth, is health. ”
1. Muscadine Grapes – One of the oldest cultivated grapes in the US, and the most potent, with 40 times more antioxidant power than other grapes like pinot, chardonnay and cabernet. These grapes pack a real nutritional punch. They contain very concentrated doses of resveratrol, long with ellagic acid, quercetin. anthocyanin, oligomeric procyanidin (OPS’s), proanthocyanidins. vitamin C and lots of other phytochemicals to keep you healthy. Some of the ailments that are positively affected from the inclusion of muscadine grapes in your diet are: menopause and hot flashes, osteoporosis, heart disease, free radical reduction, cancer, Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, anti- aging and others. More information visit Nutra Grape.
2. Camu Camu Berries – A bush fruit, mainly grown in the Amazon region, camu camu is important for immune system and mood balancing. It is also one of the highest known food sources of Vitamin C. This bush grows partially submersed in water for a good part of the year, bringing to it many nutrients from the flooding waters. It is wonderful for boosting the immune system, adding Vitamin C, enhancing your mood, maintaining healthy gums, eyes and skin. Dr. James Duke, a former botanist for the USDA considers camu camu to be the best herb to effectively control asthma. Most commonly found in powdered form it easily combines with water, juice or smoothies. Read more on Camu Camu.
3. Green Papaya – Is the papaya fruit picked when it is green, before it become yellow, sweet and ripe. In this stage it contains 2 greatly needed systemic enzymes, papain and chymonpapain. These enzymes aid in the breakdown of protein and help clear the colon of mucous plaque. These enzymes are also unique in that they can function in a wide variety of PH levels. If green papaya is consumed with food it’s enzymes will be used to efficiently breakdown the food and protein into amino acids. However if it is ingested on an empty stomach the powerful enzymes will work to breakdown the undigested protein in the blood and rid the colon of built up mucus. There are other phytonutrients in the green papaya that help to create a healthier intestinal tract environment by restoring the proper flora balance. Be sure to purchase a pure organic green papaya powder, as some have added sulfites that can cause allergies. A recipe for green papaya salad.
4. Sea Buckthorn Powder or Oil – Grown in cold climates and mountainous regions in RUssia, India and China, the sea buckthorn plant’s bright orange berries have high vitamin C, vitamin E, essential fatty acids and antioxidant content. They have been used for centuries throughout Asia as a healing remedy. They are also great for any skin issues, either in their oil or powder form. It can be used internally or externally, and is wonderful for the skin. It is very dark orange and does stain, so be careful. Read more on Sea Buckthorn.
5. Turmeric Root – These little bright orange roots are one of the most natural powerful healers with their active ingredient being curcumin. Curcumin is a very strong natural anti-inflammatory food. A few health benefits of adding turmeric to your diet are: liver and blood cleansing, cox-2 inhibitor( anti-inflammatory ), fat metabolism aid, depression treatment, cancer inhibiting aid, cholesterol lowering, wound healing and antiseptic properties. Fresh turmeric root is the best, although a good organic powder will work well. It can be used in juices, smoothies, sauces, main dishes and soups. A great article on Turmeric.
6. Mesquite – A good desert area plant to mix with chocolate as it’s sweet and nutty flavor make a wonderful and flavorful compliment. This pod is very effective in balancing and maintaining a constant blood sugar. It is rich in iron, zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium and dietary fiber. It’s caramel flavor goes well in smoothies, tea, coffee, yogurt or other baked foods.
7. Durian Fruit – Called the “King of Fruits” in Southeast Asia it is one with an unusually strong and pungent odor. Durains are high in vitamins B, C and E, iron and essential fatty acids. They help lower cholesterol, clean the blood, build muscle and are reported as powerful aphrodisiacs. Best eaten fresh you can also find them frozen or powered in most Asian markets. More information on the Durian Fruit.
8. Red Pine Needle Oil – Japanese red pine oil comes from a special pine tree grown in a small region which includes Korea. It is the only pine oil that is safe for internal use and has been used for centuries to combat very serious health conditions. One of it’s greatest functions is to support the body’s immune function against parasites, bacteria, fungi, yeast, molds and viruses. This red pine needle oil has a small enough molecular size that it can penetrate the blood/brain barrier, producing an almost immediate sense of heightened clarity and energy. The ancient oriental books state that it is an energy booster and anti aging remedy. More information on Red Pine Oil.
9. Organic Almonds Raw/Unpasteurized – These nuts are one of only two alkaline forming nuts. They provide a wealth of minerals, vitamin E, protein, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, fiber and heart healthy oils. Almonds along with apricot seeds contain vitamin B17, laetrile, an anti-cancer nutrient. Small amounts of almonds per day have been shown by a Nurses’ Health Study, to aid weight loss. Be sure to soak your almonds in pure water overnight before you eat them so they are easily digested and you are able to realize their full benefit. Eat them plain, in salads, turn them into an alkaline milk and ice cream or grind them for flour in your favorite recipe. A good source of organic unpasteurized raw almonds.
10. Maqui Berry – A powerful ancient health secret of the Mapuche People, this berry is the source of strength and endurance. Wild grown in southern Chili and Patagonia and it comes freeze dried and full of anthocyanins and polyphenols. The berry has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, is known to relieve pain, skin inflammation, and help with weight loss. It can be mixed into water, juice or a smoothie for increased stamina, and energy. More information on the Maqui Berry.
11. Nopal Cactus – This green Nopal prickly pear cactus from the high mountain volcanic region of Mexico has been consumed for its nutritional and healing properties for over 12,000 years. It is mainly used to control blood sugar, weight gain, aid digestion and nutrient absorption. Nopal has 18 amino acids and vitamin B complex along with many other nutrients that are highly bioactive. It has been used to treat atherosclerosis, colon issues, gastric ulcers, liver function, immune and oxidative stress, and obesity. Nopal can be found fresh in some supermarkets or in freeze dried capsules, best taken before or during meals. for more information on Nopal Cactus.
I hope you enjoyed this list of healthy foods and will add some of these as well as other superfoods into your diet soon. Eat well, live well.
