Superfoods and Health Foods – What Are They And What Do They Do? (part 1)

Hippocrates was born in 460 BC in Greece and had such influence on medicine that he is now considered the father of modern medicine.  Contrary to the popularly held belief of his time, that all diseases were due to evil spirits from the gods, Hippocrates held the belief that the body must be treated as a whole and not just “parts,” and that by carefully observing all aspects of a patient, including the lifestyle, diet and home environment, an accurate diagnosis and treatment could be made.  He once was quoted as saying “Let medicine be your food and your food be your medicine.“  This still is true today.  In this issue, we will discuss two types of foods – superfoods and health foods.  As you read this issue, consider how you can best integrate these special foods into your daily life, thereby improving your life!

Feel Super With Superfoods

Did you know that there are some foods with such extraordinary capacities to heal and to maintain the body that they are called superfoods?  Many of us realize that fresh, sun-ripened, organically grown foods and products from such foods are great for our health and well being.  The superfoods may surprise you.  Nutritional experts have recommended some, like yogurt and wheat germ, for decades.  Others are not so famous, but have very positive effects on our health. So what are they?

1. Amaranth – Amaranth was so important to the Aztecs that Cortez tried to subjugate the Aztecs by destroying the crop.  This tiny, delicate grain contains high protein content and more of the essential amino acids than any other grain, including lysine.  Combined with wheat, a complete protein content is made without animal fats or cholesterol.  Amaranth contains more calcium than milk and is high in niacin, riboflavin, thiamine and iron.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar – Not clear white or clear brown vinegar found in super markets, apple cider vinegar contains the “mother” and is cloudy brown as a result.  It helps balance our body pH – acidity vs. alkalinity – and helps us digest and assimilate calcium.  Calcium is essential for normal bone and joint formation, normal heartbeat, normal muscle contraction, and prevents muscle cramps.

3. Bee Pollen – Pollen contains B vitamins, including B12, minerals, trace elements enzymes and plant steroid hormone substances similar to gonadotropin, which stimulates the sex glands.  It is reported to be useful in asthma, allergies, hay fever, digestive disorders and chronic bronchitis.

4. Blackstrap Molasses – A staple in grandma’s cupboard, blackstrap molasses is a rich source of many B vitamins, iron, copper, calcium and especially potassium.  It also is a pretty good laxative, so go easy! 

5. Bran – Bran is important because of the roughage (fiber) it provides for the digestive system.  Fiber encourages the growth of the “good” bacteria in our intestines and aids in weight loss.  Bran can be sprinkled on just about any food to add filling fiber. 

6. Buckwheat – This grain has a general beneficial effect on the circulatory system.  It supplies rutin, a bioflavonoid that has been linked with lower blood pressure.  Buckwheat can be purchased as kashi or groats.  Approximately 20 nutrients have milled out of white flour.  Buckwheat has all its nutrients intact.

7. Garlic – A member of the lily family, garlic has been called “the supreme food,” “the stinking rose,” and similar glowing and not so glowing terms.  There is evidence it has been used since before recorded history.  Paavo Airola, author of The Miracle Of Garlic describes garlic as “…a super nutritious vegetable and a miracle medicine.  The therapeutic value of garlic is proven by thousands of years of use and by irrefutable worldwide research.”  Garlic is a rich source of selenium, important in immune system response – which means garlic may help with allergies and the common cold.  Best eaten raw, it can lend it’s properties to cooked foods and is available in capsule form from fine health food stores.

8. Honey – Ancient peoples considered honey to be a gift from heaven.  It takes a single bee 18 hours to produce one drop and 30-40,000 miles are flown to produce a pound.  Honey has wide-ranging benefits to overall good health.  Honey is a sweet which nature herself did a remarkable job of refining.  It should be used in moderation, but should always be used in place of refined sugar, which has no nutritionally redeeming qualities.  Be sure to purchase uncooked, unfiltered types, which still have all the nutrients.  A wonderful facial can be enjoyed by mixing a drop or two of honey and a little cream in the palm and massaging it onto the face.  Rinse off after 15-20 minutes with warm water.

Health is not everything, but without spiritual and physical health, everything is nothing. Until next time we meet – may God Bless you with good health, with a little help from you!

The information in these columns is for educational purposes only and not to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please consult your physician for any serious condition.

Len Rossi, ND has been a proponent of Natural Healing for 30 years. After a 25-year career as a pro wrestler, Len earned his Doctor Of Naturopathy degree in 1982 and is a Licensed Massage Therapist.