The Top 7 Super Foods

• Sugarcane
• Aloe Vera
• Banana
• Bay Laurel Super Plant (Bay Leaf Tree)
• Spinach
• Blue & Red Vervain
• The Peperomia Pellucida Plant (Shining Bush)

 

The Top 7 SuperFoods

Super Foods, this term has become increasingly popular and more mainstream in recent years. is Consequently, a term coined to describe or label foods which are evidently composed of a combination of nutrients which serve the body’s highest good.

Although not found in a particular food group, Super Foods can be any nutrient- dense food from leafy greens to fish, etc… For the purpose of this article however, we will present plant- based superfoods and the benefits of adding them into your everyday living.

Sugarcane is a Superfood

Sugarcane, scientifically known as Saccharum Officinarum, is of the family Poaceae, this crop is popularly known for its juice from which sugar is processed and is mostly found in tropic regions. Sugarcane juice is the nutritious and sweet water which is cold pressed from sugarcane. It is a beverage that has been long enjoyed in many cultures worldwide. This novel juice is considered as a powerful medicinal beverage in Ayurveda, a 5,000 year old system of natural healing with roots in India. This natural drink contains a healthy and incredible mix of electrolytes, antioxidants and complex carbs which is highly beneficial on blood sugar levels.

1. Cane juice is an instant energizer; There’s a reason why cane juice is popularly seen selling at many stalls during the summer. This drink is an excellent source of not just energy, but will also prevent dehydration. Sugar levels are easily replenished since the body can easily absorb the simple sugars found in cane juice.
2. Cane juice is a diuretic; This means that this beverage helps treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones and ensure proper functioning of the kidneys by flushing toxins from the body. Cane juice is also alkaline in nature which further helps to flush toxins and balances pH levels in the body.
3. Is anti-cancerous, ridding the body of harmful cancer cells; It has been previously mentioned that cane juice is alkaline in nature. This is a consequence of high levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and manganese. Flavonoids found in cane juice play an integral role in fighting cancer as well. Since flavonoids produce powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, they are efficient in ridding the body of inflammation and everyday stress and harmful toxins which encourages cancer to manifest in the body.
4. Promotes superb kidney health; Support your kidneys by drinking cane juice. This drink provides a naturally sweet beverage that contains no harmful fats and very little sodium, while providing iron, potassium, and a far- reaching list of antioxidants to keep the kidneys functioning at its most favorable!

 

Aloe Vera Is A Superfood

The Aloe Vera plant, scientifically known as Barbadensis miller, is a shrubby, succulent plant when healthy it maintains a green color. Traced, with its roots to the continent of Africa, is referred to as the “lily of the desert”, the “plant of immortality” and the “medicine plant”. History has provided evidence of its bounteous healing in ancient China and Kemet. Aloe is also known for its abilities in treating ailments such as malarial fever, HIV/AIDS, jaundice, yellow fever, hepatitis, high blood pressure among countless others! The leaves of the Aloe Vera plant are filled with an enzyme- concentrated gel. This gel is then used as a topical remedy for countless different skin injuries including burns. Aloe Vera gel is fibroblastic, responsible for assisting in tissue repair. Many natural and synthetic dyes are derived from the chemical found in Aloe Vera leaves, this chemical acts as a laxative and encourages natural bowel movements. Aloe Vera gel is vastly rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B12 and E, essential fatty acids and also contains increased levels of:

• Vitamin C- This champions growth, management of the immune system and nameless other benefits.
• Amino acids- These are compounds of atoms fashioning protein in our body.
• Enzymes- Are known to improve digestion and can be used to support reduced inflammation levels in the body.
• Germanium- This metalloid has been utilized for its benefits in treating asthma, arthritis, cancers, as well as, improving oxygen supply in the body and eradicating free radicals.

FUN FACT: The aloe vera plant is famous for its ability to purify air! It eliminates harmful compounds, removes carbon dioxide, all the while improving the air quality of your home. Why not keep one in your kitchen!

 

Banana: A Great Superfood

This fruit is an important and profitable crop across the globe. They provide a wealth of nutrients and are also delicious! Bananas are jammed packed with vitamins B6 and C. Their potassium content promotes healthy muscles and muscle contraction – perfect for strength building and flexibility training in yoga and many other practices.

Bananas are low in calories , which makes them great alternative sweeteners plus they contain loads of soluble fiber that helps the body to retain the energy you get from bananas longer. What’s more, bananas digest easily and even promote good gut health, so if you do eat one close to practicing yoga, you’re not going to feel lethargic. Another interesting but bizarre fact about bananas, is that they aren’t a fruit! Mind Blown right?! But it’s true. This popular fruit is actually related to roots such as ginger and turmeric. In botanical terms, since banana trees never form a traditional wooden trunk as with regular trees, but rather it has what is called a pseudo stem- a succulent stalk. A small shoot called from an underground rhizome referred to as a corm. This shoot continues to grow into a single stalk where this stalk is actually composed of a spiral of leaf sheaths. As this succulent stalk grows, the banana leaves begin to unfurl at the top creating the canopy of the banana tree. Within the year, the stalk which bears fruit will push its way through the center, displaying a fruit-bearing bud referred to as the “heart” or in botanical terms inflorescence. The flowering stage reveals a large deep purple bud. As the heart blooms, double rows of nectar- rich blossoms are revealed. These blossoms are female flowers which mature into the “hands” of bananas we are all so familiar with. Now here is where the berry fact comes into play- since this fruit originated from a single ovary on the flower, the banana is actually a berry.

FUN FACT: Bananas aren’t actually super fruit, but are categorized as a berry, whereas the banana plant/tree is a herb

 

 

Bay Laurel Super Plant (Bay Leaf Tree)

The origins of this savory herb dates back to 27 BC. Some studies reveal that the Bay Leaf tree, later known as the bay laurel, was first found in regions within Asia. Laurus nobilis, related to the evergreen Lauraceae, later became native to what was called the Mediterranean countries.

In the course of the Middle Ages, this herb has been sought out and utilized for its medicinal functions. With an array of health benefits and an aromatic smell that is sure to entice in culinary dishes, the leaves of the bay laurel make a very hot commodity. Indeed worthy of making our top superfoods list!

Alongside its robust qualities as a diuretic, the chemical makeup of bay leaves are very efficient at combating stomach queasiness. Proving to be quite adept at increasing the functions of our gastrointestinal system. It can also act as a laxative, working to dispel toxins from the body when something harmful is consumed.

Furthermore, this superfood has been adopted as a treatment against irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive ailments. As a result of the unique enzymes that encourage proper digestion and nutrient absorption, this makes a powerful ally when it comes to managing the intricate proteins involved in the modern diets of today!

On the list of excellent benefits the bay laurel leaf is known for is its anti- inflammatory properties. As a consequence of the presence of a phytonutrient called parthenolide, bay leaves have proven to reduce inflammation levels in the body. When topically applied its anti- inflammatory effects work against arthritic symptoms, sore joints and other types of inflammation that arise.

 

 

All Spinach Is Super

When this particular Super Food is mentioned, one can’t help but envision Popeye the strongman! Although, realistically it will take a lot more than just spinach to inherit his strength and physique. Consuming spinach can put you on the path to enhanced living, this top superfood is loaded with outstanding benefits. Read further as this piece seeks to reveal some of the amazing qualities and benefits this super green food has to offer!

Let’s begin with this organic superfood’s nutritional value. With copious amounts of vitamins and minerals, it’s no wonder this plant is referred to as a superfood. Spinach contains high levels of vitamin A, C and K. As well as folic acid, calcium and of course iron. Consequently, this super green food is rich in many profitable plant compounds, which boost the nutrient content in this plant! We can’t forget other minerals such as potassium, magnesium and vitamin B as well. Additionally, since spinach consists of 91% water, it increases the advantages of this superfood.

Lutein, this is an organic dye labeled as a carotenoid. Because of its relation to beta- carotene and vitamin A, it is referred to as “the eye vitamin”. Moreover, lutein is one of two carotenoids that exists in the macula and retina of the human eye. Quercetin is another useful compound found in spinach. This flavonoid has amazing anti- inflammatory and antioxidant properties. And spinach is crowned champion when it comes to who holds the richest amount of this powerful flavonoid.

As a result of its high vitamin A content and the presence of lutein, spinach encourages healthy eyes. Regular consumption of this green food builds healthy mucus membranes, ideal for maintaining healthy eyesight. Lutein is also known for managing damage done to the eyes by blue light, evidently protecting vision against macular degeneration and cataracts.

Lastly, studies show that spinach has been effective in combating cancer. The chemicals MGDG and SQDG (galactolipids), found in spinach, evidently have proven vital in decreasing harmful growth of cancer cells. Consequently, the presence of antioxidants and carotenoids, also lend a hand in eliminating free radicals in the body. Proving effective in removing these unstable molecules before extensive damage can be done to our systems.

FUN FACT: Spinach consists of insoluble fiber, as well as insoluble iron- drink beverages rich in vitamin C to ensure your body optimizes these nutrients!

 

 

Blue & Red Vervain

The Peperomia Pellucida Plant (Shining Bush)

Commonly known as shiny bush, silverbush or pepper elder, this fleshy herb is utilized for medicinal purposes, and can be often overlooked as a simple herb. With heart shaped leaves, this plant carries green translucent stalks and small bi- sexual flowers growing similar to spikes. The fruit of this herb are small, round and green in color upon infancy. However, as the fruit matures, they turn black in appearance.

Found to be native to Central and South America, this superfood is widely cultivated in many tropical regions, from India to many African countries and even the Caribbean. To add, this super green food is also sought after for culinary purposes as its mustard-like aroma makes for a unique ingredient when combined with fresh salads.

Highly sought after and potent in its use in natural remedies, shiny bush is vastly employed by various countries and adopted in a multitude of different combative antidotes. For example, plant extracts from the leaves of this top superfood assist in diminishing the growth of free radicals throughout the body.

This extract, called peperomin E or PepE, is shown as an active element in treating non-small lung cancer as a result of its ability to decrease the advancement of bacteria and numerous pathogens. And should also be mentioned as a heavily used anticancer treatment in Chinese folk medicine.

This plant is also significant in managing uric acid levels. Extracts from peperomia pellucida contain compounds that can be used to efficiently reduce the levels of protein in urine. It should be no surprise then that this herb has been used in the Philippines and Asia to treat urinary and renal diseases. It is usually prepared as an herbal tea, and ingested to decrease the uric acid within the body.

In etho-medicines, native persons have manipulated this plant in the treatment of acne, fatigue, gout, headache, measles, impotence, smallpox, abdominal pain and mental disorders. In areas of Nigeria, this herb is used against hypertension. Whereas, in Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to combat kidney issues, urinary retention, constipation and coughs, just to name a few. Leaving no part of this superfood to waste, the sap from the shiny bush is administered against cataracts and similar eye infections.

FUN FACT: The succulent leaves of this wondrous plant would make the perfect healthy addition to your fresh green salad, why not add some in to make a unique dish!  

 

The Top 7 Super Foods