Today information on curatives and healthy foods are constantly suppressed, and substances are even prohibited, like cannabis (which remains turmeric’s fiercest competition for its balancing and curative effects.) In fact, the systematic suppression of information concerning the curative effects of foods and herbs like cannabis, turmeric, garlic, ginger and habanero (for a few simple but powerful examples), as well as systems of herbalism, traditional medicine, and anything natural and not pharmacological, has been so successful during the rise of allopathy and Big Pharma that rejecting natural remedies as “alternative” has become an automatic response among most in our society — so much so that to suggest their powerful medicinal potential in public is to be labeled as crazy, a fringe-dweller, or some such parallel.
The following superfoods are adaptogenic balancers and curatives I have come across on my journey as a ‘crazy’ writer, health nut, truth seeker, and the son of a farmer and a nurse.
1. Chaga
Chaga (pictured above) and other medicinal mushrooms are supremely powerful modes for increasing vitality and achieving healthy and balanced states. Chaga extract is one of the most powerful sources of antioxidants on the planet, and notably, has demonstrated anti-cancer properties. Chaga causes cell death of malformed cells without hurting the body otherwise, preventing the growth of cancer cells. It has also been shown to protect cellular DNA and stimulate the immune system.
In countries where the allopathic oligarchy has less of a stranglehold on the bounds of medicine and medical research, chaga is both well researched and medically prescribed, as is the reishi mushroom. In Russia in particular, chaga is widely utilized for its medicinal value, and is also being integrated with extracts of birch — the only tree chaga will grow on in nature — to potentially enhance the health effects of the chaga extract.
Personally, I very much enjoy consuming chaga with ginseng. If your needs are medicinal, I encourage you to do your own research to see if chaga, medicinal mushrooms, and/or ginseng might be appropriate for you.
Note: This is one of those times when tradition remains frustratingly ahead of science. The healing potential of mycotherapy (mushroom medicine) is vast, and while it is only just beginning to be understood by science, the scientific evidence is already inarguable, and yet psychoactive mushrooms remain widely prohibited by law regardless of their medicinal value. Even though chaga itself is not deemed illegal, the sense of ‘taboo’ surrounding mushroom medicine in our society has greatly diminished its therapeutic use.
2. Almonds and Apricots (in Combination)
I was in a Turkish Café in San Francisco, sometime after first learning about and experiencing internal alchemy of the almond and the apricot. They had a little apricot and almond pastry and I ordered one with my coffee. I said, “Oh, the almond and apricot, that’s the magic, I’ll have one of those.”
They looked at me like I just told them a secret in their native language. On picking up their jaws, they inquired how I knew about the magic of the almond and apricot.
The almond and apricot combination included in my pastry is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The simple combination has long been considered a cancer cure. It is associated with longevity, since one of the most well-aged peoples in the world, hun tzu in, eat almonds and apricots frequently. According to what I have experienced, it is also a powerful bowel cleanser! (Be advised, the combination does not cause diarrhea per se, but increases elimination.)
Western scientists have also utilized extracts to prove the effectiveness of the apricot and almond, however the curative properties could not be replicated by using only extracted compounds in isolation. Traditional Chinese Medicine noted that the alchemy of the digestion process potentiated their medicinal value, and extracts would thus not work.
3. Shilajit
Literally meaning “mountain tar”, Shilajit is a thick, sticky substance that seeps out of the rocks in the high mountains of Asia. Containing at least 85 minerals in their ionic form, it has been revered in Ayurveda for millennia as the best carrier of energy and nutrition into the human body.
A Vedic expression in regards to shilajit goes something like, “There is no disease which shilajit cannot defeat if consumed soon enough.” And from my own personal experience, I have started to think that shilajit is the actual philosopher’s stone for internal alchemy.
This stuff is straight-up illegal in Canada. Apparently there are a lot of poorly produced shilajit extracts on the global market, some containing lead. From what I understand it largely depends on how this extract is handled as to whether it contains toxins or not.
With an ancient history, legends of shilajit abound, and modern science still has many questions about shilajit — such as whether it is derived from a mineral or vegetable source, and how it behaves as an oil but is water soluble. What is undeniable is that shilajit is packed with minerals like no other substance on the planet, and generally has the effect of enhancing whatever herbal medicinal or food one consumes with it.
There are only a very few disorders I have come across which are not helped but hindered by the gentle inclusion of shilajit in one’s diet, however, again, I encourage you to do your own research about shilajit (also known as mumeo in Russia) and whether it is right for you.
4. Nothing But the Elements
The most powerful thing we can do for ourselves, often enough, is nothing! Being quiet in the four elements without trying to do anything is essentially one of the most powerful healing and strengthening practices you can undertake. Spend some time doing nothing and consuming nothing but the four elements in their purest form.
Fire: Go out and play in the Sun! Sunlight triggers healing potential in our bodies in hundreds of different ways. If you are sensitive to sunlight minimalize exposure and wear a hat. There is always the potential of using too much of any medicine, including heliotherapy.
Water: Drink pure water. Fast for a time and consume water only. Numerous immunological functions begin when we go without food for certain time periods; 16 hour, 1 day and 2 day water fasts can all be extremely beneficial.
Air: Breathe and play in the fresh air. Do nothing but breathe in nature — be it the mountaintop, beachhead, public park, or wherever is accommodating.
Earth: Take of your rubber shoes and connect with The Earth. The healing feel-good energy of the planet is as easy to connect with as removing your shoes! We are chemical electrical beings. Walking barefoot, or at least with shoes that do not disconnect us from literally being grounded into the electromagnetism of the earth, creates measurable chemical and electrical benefits. (Personally I recommend cotton soled tai chi/kung fu shoes for gentle walking.)
About the Author
Activist, author and Tai Chi teacher Ethan Indigo Smithwas born on a farm in Maine and lived in Manhattan for a number of years before migrating west to Mendocino, California. Guided by a keen sense of integrity and humanity, Ethan’s work is both deeply connected and extremely insightful, blending philosophy, politics, activism, spirituality, meditation and a unique sense of humour.
There is no question anymore about it. Chemtrails are real and are not to be confused with contrails. If you’re skeptical, that is okay, though please take a look at the CIA Director’s comments about geoengineering here.
For those understanding that chemtrails pose a real threat to humanity, together we’ll take a look at some foods and health supplements that can be used to help protect yourself against chemtrails.
When barium, nano particles of aluminum, radioactive thorium, mercury, lead, ethylene dibromide and many other toxic chemicals and heavy metals are being sprayed into our atmosphere, it is a good idea to learn how to properly defend your body from such contaminants.
Foods
The first thing to keep in mind regarding detoxification and health is that we must include foods that help us to naturally detoxify our body, while still taking in nutrients. Any food that has lots of chlorophyll in it will help tremendously in detoxing as well as providing essential nutrients our cells need. Ensuring to include plenty of spinach, green salads, arugula, cilantro, parsley, kale, cucumbers and other green veggies into your meals is a great way to begin.
Looking more specifically at cilantro, we find that when combined with chlorella, it can remove a very large amount of heavy metals within a short time frame. In fact, studies done at the Optimal Wellness Test Research Center showed that within 42 days of using cilantro and chlorella, 74% of aluminum, 91% of Mercury and 87% of lead within the body was removed. It was noted that using cilantro and chlorella in conjunction was important because cilantro mobilizes many more toxins than it can remove from the body, whereas with chlorella also in the bloodstream, it can act to remove the excess toxins found in the bloodstream.
Other foods to consider using are spirulina and medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Chaga and Agarikon. Chaga mushrooms have been scientifically proven to protect against DNA degradation, remove synthetic chemicals and heavy metals, and purify the blood.
Cilantro is a wonderful medicinal herb.
Health Supplements
Fulvic acid is a health supplement gaining massive attention in the health supplement field, thanks in large part to Dr. Dan Nuzum. Fulvic acid is the end product of a process called humification. Microorganisms decompose plant matter in the soil which results in fulvic and humic acids. These are perhaps the most important and nutrient rich substances on the planet. In fact, fulvic acid is the most potent anti-oxidant known as it contains over 14 tetratrillion electrons (that’s 14 with 21 zeroes behind it) that it can donate to neutralize free radicals.
This gives it an incredible ability to provide electrochemical balance within the cell, which is crucial for detoxification. It also is rich in electrolytes, increases the synthesis rate of RNA and DNA, increases assimilation of vitamins and minerals into cells.
It also reacts very quickly with radioactive material and renders them neutral and harmless upon contact with such destructive elements. According to Supreme Fulvic:
“Radioactive elements have an affinity for humic and fulvic acids. They form organo-metal complexes of different absorptive stability and solubility. Uranium and plutonium are influenced by humic substances as are other polluting metals, each being solubilized and absorbed, thereby annihilating that specific radioactivity. Radioactive substances react rapidly with fulvic acid, and only a brief time is required for equilibrium to be reached.”
“Fulvic acid has the power to form stable water soluble complexes with monovalent, divalent, trivalent, and ployvalent metal ions. It can aid the actual movement of metal ions that are normally difficult to mobilize or transport. Fulvic acids are excellent natural chelators and cation exchangers, and are vitally important in the nutrition of cells.”
The source of fulvic acid is important though as Optimally Organic notes that getting fulvic acid from vegetation rather than dried rock beds is best as the excess carbon found in the fulvic from rock beds makes the fulvic ineffective.
An incredible health supplement.
In addition to fulvic acid to help against destructive chemicals in the air, nascent iodine is something to also consider.
Nascent iodine is iodine that is in atomic form rather than molecular form. This form of iodine is easily absorbed by the body and is what is produced by the thyroid gland. Having enough iodine in the body is necessary for normal T3 and T4 hormone production as well as in assisting the detoxification process.
In a person who has given themselves sufficient iodine, radioactive iodine(extremely harmful) can’t bind into our body’s receptor cells and will be flushed out. However, it is important to ensure the body is receiving enough absorbable iodine, which nascent iodine provides.
Solar frequencies directly interact with our DNA.
Why Chemtrails?
There are a couple reasons discussed as to why chemtrails occur in our skies. The first is that some believe that shadow government want to keep people sick and unwell, so the pharmaceutical and western medical establishments continue to financially profit off of sick and unwell people. The second is that the shadow government wants to block out the Sun’s rays as much as possible. The first is that they know sunlight is actually healthy for a person and the second is so that our DNA does not continue to receive upgrades from the light that comes forth from the Sun. Remember that Russian scientists have scientifically shown how light positively affects DNA.
Additionally, engineer and scientist Maurice Cotterell has stated that genetic mutations and upgrades occur through the action of ionizing radiation and that X-rays and gamma rays from the Sun are the key factor in genetic leaps that species have taken and will continue to take.
What are your thoughts on all of this? Which supplements do you take to boost overall health? Do you take any specifically for protection from harmful chemicals being sprayed in the air and on genetically modified foods? What are your thoughts about the Sun affecting our DNA? Why are chemtrails happening?
Lance Schuttler graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Health Science and practices health coaching through his website Orgonlight Health. You can follow the Orgonlight Health facebook page or visit the website for more information on how to receive health coaching for yourself, a family member or a friend as well as view other inspiring articles.
Since time immemorial, human beings have been experimenting with what we eat. We have discovered, consumed, and created countless foods and substances – some of which taste amazing, some that make us feel invincible, and some that even induce profound and revelatory visions! – all in the name of trying to figure out who we are, how to live longer, and how to feel the best ever.
But something that is just now starting to be understood scientifically is that: a culture is what it eats – and food really does make us who we are!!
Via the internet, we now have access to thousands of years of indigenous knowledge in regards to the best and worst foods man has ever eaten – and today, the ones that pack serious nutritional power and medicinal qualities are now often referred to as ‘superfoods’. By choosing to learn about and consume only the healthiest foods on the planet, and understanding the reasons why we want to consume them, we have an unprecedented ability to support our bodies and consciously boost the evolutionary thrust of humankind via our diets!
So.. to start things off, here’s a list of 10 absolutely amazing superfoods that – along with just being superbly nutritious – will also start you on your path towards becoming a truly exemplary human being
10 Amazing Superfoods
10. Pine Pollen
Pine Pollen has been used as a medicine since the beginning of time. It is a truly super substance, and is now beginning to get a lot of attention in the health food community; very few substances on Earth have as many positive benefits as Pine Pollen.
Pine pollen is powerful tonic, which means it can be used for any length of time without becoming toxic to the body. It is also an androgen – containing both testosterone and DHEA- and is amazingly effective at balancing the ratio of androgens to estrogen, making it appropriate for both men and women. There are only a handful of substances in nature that naturally raise testosterone levels – and pine pollen is one of them! It is also a complete protein – containing all essential amino acids – as well as a complete nutritive, which means it contains a vast array of vitamins and minerals.
For thousands of years Pine Pollen has been used successfully by people from all different parts of the world to elevate libido, increase vitality, slow the aging process, boost energy levels, maintain mental integrity, and even fight against breast and prostate cancer! It can be be used externally to treat conditions like eczema, rashes, and acne; it also contains Phenylalanine, which stimulates dopamine production in the brain, and is an L-dopa precursor (more on L-dopa to come) – which itself is now being used widely to treat depression and other mental disorders, and is now widely available in supplement form.
The depth of benefits Pine Pollen provides are honestly to vast to list – more benefits are being discovered and researched everyday. Although Pine Pollen has proven itself throughout history, the power of this whole food tonic is just now starting to go mainstream – and the results for many people are staggering! One thing is for sure: if health, longevity and happiness are goals in your life, Pine Pollen would certainly be a great place to start.
9. Cordyceps
Cordyceps are a mycellium fungi that grow at very high elevations throughout China. It looks a bit strange – sometimes like a caterpillar, other times like a piece of grass – and is often used to treat immune deficiencies, boost energy, increase endurance, and improve chronic fatigue syndrome. More recently, it has received a lot of attention for apparently improving oxygen utilization in the body – which has been great news for endurance athletes!
It is incredibly difficult to harvest, and this is why traditionally it was very expensive to buy. However today, there are new methods of growing and harvesting Cordyceps that are more sustainable and much less difficult.
Cordyceps renowned ability to improve cardiovascular performance in endurance athletes began many years ago when it was used extensively by long distance runners in rural China. In Traditional Chinese medicine it has been, and still is, one of the most sought after super food medicines around. Cordyceps have been shown to increase oxygen uptake, boost immune function, improve digestion, raise testosterone levels – and again, for you athletes out there, this little fungus is now being used extensively to help slow down the onset of exercise induced fatigue while improving stamina, by increasing ATP (adenosine triphosphate) levels in the body (ATP is essentially the energy currency for the entire body). Not too shabby yeah?
If that weren’t enough, Cordyceps has also been used to treat kidney disorders, sexual dysfunction issues, heart and blood related ailments, anemia, high cholesterol levels, even liver disorders such as Hepatitis B.
Today in the United States, you can buy Cordyceps in many different forms – from whole extracts in capsule form, to powders, to liquid tinctures. Traditionally the whole fungus was consumed, as it is was believed that consuming the entire fungus was the best way to get all the beneficial compounds into your system in the right balancing ratios. Opinions vary on this, and the jury is still out on whether or not this is still the case, but many people still choose to use the entire fungus, as this is considered to be the true, holistic way.
Regardless of how you choose to take it, Cordyceps remains a profoundly powerful superfood that will definitely aid you in your quest towards becoming truly superhuman. Just give it a try! You won’t regret it.
8. Sacha Inchi Seeds
Very recently, Sacha Inchi Seeds (*see first image, above) have been re-popularized by the Vegan triathlete Brendan Brazier as an absolute must for any serious health nut (no pun intended). They are touted as being the absolute best source of Omega 3 fatty acids on the planet — with over 7000mg of heart-healthy Omega 3’s per one ounce serving — which is vastly higher than Chia seeds, salmon, or algae oil. Truly awesome.
Omega 3’s are important for more reasons than we can get into here – but if there is anything to walk away with about Omega 3’s, it’s this: they keep your body flexible and un-inflamed, your mind sharp and your brain healthy – and most importantly – they keep your spirit soaring! Without adequate daily Omega 3 intake we quickly become sad and depressed – it’s as simple as that. And so it’s very important that we start to increase and then balance our intake of Omega 3’s, as much as we can, and as soon as possible.
Unfortunately today, Omega 6 fatty acids are still the most abundantly consumed fatty acids all around the world. This is because most cooked foods are cooked in oils that are very high in Omega 6, and very low in Omega 3’s – and so unless you’ve been living a very healthy existence for most of your life, you are likely dealing with some degree of Omega 3 deficiency. To balance this deficiency, we have to start by increasing our intake of Omega 3’s daily, while also decreasing our intake of Omega 6 fatty acids – and supplementing Sachi Inchi Seeds into your diet is perhaps the best and healthiest way to do just that!
In addition to being am amazing source of healthy Omega 3 fatty acids, Sacha Inchi contain about 29 mg of the amino acid tryptophan per serving – much higher than any animal source. Tryptophan is essential for promoting a clam and positive mood, as well as helping one to sleep soundly. These amazing seeds are also very high in antioxidants, fiber, and are an excellent source of quality protein.
Given all these amazing attributes, it’s difficult to understand why superfoods like Sacha Inchi are not being talked about more. Hopefully after reading this however, you’ll not only go out and try them out for yourself, but maybe even start spreading the word and sharing them with your friends!
Man, what a healthier world it would be…!
7. Dulse
Dulse is pretty much an all around rockstar in the superfood game. It is a sea vegetable that has been used for thousands of years by many different cultures throughout East Asia, and is most widely utilized today in Japanese cuisine – in dishes ranging from soups, to salads, to sushi. Although it may not sound or look all that appealing, the vast benefits of eating Dulse are by far reason enough to begin adjusting your palate!
Dulse is incredibly high in vitamins and minerals – specifically Vitamins B6, B12,A, Iron, Potassium, Phosphorus, and Manganese. It helps to heal poor digestion, cleanses the body of heavy metals, is high in protein and fiber, supports healthy brain function, and is incredibly high in Iodine. (Iodine is paramount for healthy thyroid function, and is even being made into supplements now to help people with hyperthyroidism). Dulse is also a powerful liver detoxifier, healing and enhancing the liver’s ability to deal with stress of all kinds, while increasing its ability to detox the body.
Supplementing Dulse into your diet is not difficult – there are literally thousands of awesome recipes that utilize Dulse as a tasty additive. When dried, Dulse is quite salty, so it can easily be used in soups and salads to increase flavor. Dulse can also be sprinkled on basically any cooked dish instead of table salt, making it an ideal alternative for people looking to either reduce their salt intake, or transition to a healthier type of salt.
The Japanese are renowned for their long life spans and lack of debilitating diseases – and this has been directly linked to their continued use of seafoods and sea vegetables in their diet. In addition to adding Dulse to your diet, you can also find Dulse supplements, and it is often included in many green superfood powders. Therefore, if you’re looking for a way to get the benefits of Dulse without having to adjust to the taste, there are plenty of options out there for you.
NOTE: Due to the possible radiation contamination of much of the Pacific Ocean after the nuclear catastrophe at the Fukushima plant in Japan – as well as the concentration of heavy metals and other toxins in ocean fish and seaweeds due to other pollution – be sure to seek out only organic sources of Dulse and other seaweeds. There are organic options available – Eden Foods and Maine Cost products are great sources to start from. By choosing organic you will get all the amazing benefits of ocean seaweeds, without any possibility of contaminating your own health, so make the safe choice.
6. Macuna
Best known in Ayruvedic medicine as “Kapikachu”, Macuna is nourishing to all three Dosha types. In Indian medicine this essentially means it is balancing to all facets of the body/mind, and can be used by most people – a trait only a few other herbs and adaptogens possess (Ginseng is also nourishing to all three Doshas). Macuna is truly multifaceted in its medical uses. It is often used to treat fertility issues in men, libido issues in both men and women, to build muscle in weak individuals, and to treat depression, Parkinson’s, and other brain disorders.
Macuna’s high L-dopa content is part of what makes it so extraordinary. As stated earlier, L-dopa is a direct pre-cursor to dopamine, which is an essential neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood and balancing hormone levels, keeping the body/mind in balance and equilibrium. In addition, Macuna also contains trace amounts of the chemicals DMT, 5-meo-DMT, 5HT (serotonin), nicotine, and bufotenin – all of which have mind altering effects, and which contribute to Macuna’s anti-depressant activity. Some people say after taking Macuna for a period of time, that all of the grayness and boredom that used to plague their day-to-day life seemed to just fall away. Some even go so far as to say that Macuna gave them a second chance at life!
The real promise of Macuna is that it reportedly has an astounding ability to make life colorful again – by regulating depressive feelings, mildly heightening the senses, balancing brain chemistry, and increasing interest in other people and the environment. Furthermore, when mixed alchemically with other foods – such as Cacao – Macunas effects are not only compounded, but it also helps to mitigate the overstimulating effects that substances like Cacao have on some individuals – which basically makes the Macuna/Cacao combination a superbly balanced elixir treat!
So if you’re looking for an all-around awesome superfood, you really need look no further than Macuna. A powerful adaptogen, aphrodisiac and anti-depressant, this herb was truly made for the gods – which is really just another way of saying that it was made for you!
5. Moringa Oleifera
Tree of life! The mystical miracle tree! These are just a couple of the names people have used to refer to this amazing superfood, more commonly known as Moringa Oleifera – or just Moringa.
Moringa is a super-leaf that touts an incredibly vast and impressive nutritional profile. It contains 92 nutrients, 46 antioxidants, 36 anti-inflammatories, 18 amino acids, and 9 essential amino acids. It contains 125% daily value of Calcium, 225% daily value of vitamin A precursors (which means it basically blows carrots out of the water), 3X more potassium than bananas, and 7X the amount of vitamin C of oranges. Sometimes, the simplest looking foods are actually nature’s greatest heroes.
But what really makes Moringa so profound is its uncanny ability to boost energy levels (which isn’t hard to understand, given everything that’s in it). Many people are starting to replace their morning cup of joe with Moringa tea – yes, it’s that powerful – because they’re realizing that the over-stimulating nature of coffee is not ultimately the best thing for the body. The energy you get from Morninga lasts much longer, there’s no crash, and it doesn’t drain your adrenal glands – it’s the best of all worlds!
In addition to increasing physical energy, Moringa also helps with digestion, immune system function, mood and emotional balance, blood pressure, stomach ulcers, workout recovery, inflammation… again, there are so many benefits to taking Moringa that it really is impossible to list them all here! And really, if you’re not convinced yet, well then, perhaps this just isn’t your cup of tea!
Moringa can be taken in a number of ways, but the most popular are to either make a tea with the leaves, ingest the oil, or take it in powdered form. And while each method offers some benefits that the others do not (something you can experiment with), no matter how you decide to take Moringa, you will certainly not be disappointed. More than likely, you will soon find yourself preaching the word of the magical, mystical Tree of Life to everyone you meet!
4. Shilajit
The discovery of Shilajit in modern times is almost as awesome as the substance itself. Back in the 1860’s, some British explorers who were hiking in the himalayan mountains came upon a group of monkeys who were eating something gooey and strange that seemed to be oozing out from the rocks. After some research, it was soon discovered that these particular monkeys were aging much slower than others in the region – monkeys who were not consuming this substance each day. Coincidence? They didn’t think so… and they were right!
So what is this weird oozing substance exactly? Shilajit. It is basically very old plant life that has been concentrated and condensed under the perfect climactic conditions over hundreds of years, and has since turned into a thick mineral pitch, full of beneficial substances such as fulvic acid and ionic minerals. These minerals are said be absorbed on a cellular level (which is not the case with most foods), and this makes Shilajit the ideal anti-aging substance. The yogis of India say that Shilajit will make the human body like a rock, allowing it to further withstand the natural decay and destruction that usually accompanies the aging process.
In addition, Shilajit is believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac in Indian culture, and is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammation conditions such as arthritis, to cure depression, increase immunity, and boost brain function and metabolism. It is the perfect substance to pair along with other foods and herbs to further boost their bioavailability and e!ffectiveness- basically a superfood for superfoods!
All this said, it is very important if you are interested in supplementing Shilajit into your diet, that you seek out authentic and pure sources. lotusbloomingherbs.com is a good place to start, as long as you have some money in the bank. There are other quality brands out there as well, just make sure you read lots of reviews and do some research before you make any purchases, because unfortunately there are some fakers out there… and you definitely want the real stuff.
3. Baobab
The Baobab fruit (from the Baobab tree) has been used for thousands of years in Africa to treat a variety of diseases and ailments – it possesses powerful nutritional benefits that are so astounding, this superfood ranks in as one the most sought after in the entire world.
What makes Baobab so powerful is it’s incredibly high vitamin C content; a 100 gram serving of Baobab pulp contains almost 500 milligrams of vitamin C – nearly 10 times the amount in oranges. This places Baobab in a rare group of ‘super fruits’, for there are only a handful of fruits in the world containing Vitamin C at that level.
A note on Vitamin C…
The difference between naturally occurring Vitamin C and ascorbic acid is profound – it’s truly like day and night. Consider this quote: a vitamin is “a working process consisting of the nutrient, enzymes, coenzymes, antioxidants, and trace mineral activators” (Royal Lee “What Is a Vitamin?” Applied Trophology, August 1956).
Without the entire nutrient profile – that is, the whole food and everything that is in it – Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) does not contain the necessary counterparts to make it a truly effective and bioavailable medicine. By taking Vitamin C out of nature and into a lab, we destroy most of what makes Vitamin C beneficial, which is the complex relationship between a wide variety of contributing nutritional factors. Take away the relationship and the mutual support of the enzymes, antioxidants, and minerals that assist Vitamin C in being so effective, and your basically left with a hollow shell. This does not mean that there is no benefit to taking ascorbic acid, because there is. But comparatively speaking, natural vitamin C sources are vastly more effective for a wide range of diseases, disorders, and deficiencies.
In addition to it’s high Vitamin C content, Baobab has been shown to help overweight or obese people to reduce weight, by keeping insulin levels under control. This is due to its ability to balance starch/sugar digestion, and modulate glycemic response. It has been shown to support healthy skin due to it’s unusually high level of key minerals and antioxidants – such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. And finally, it has shown great potential as a treatment for heart disease and liver detoxification.
Again, the nutritional profile of Baobab works synergistically to create balance and health on a multitude of levels. Each mineral, coenzyme and hepato-protective property must be present in order for the food to do its best work, and you cannot divorce even one property from the rest without drastically reducing the quality of Baobab’s nutritional potential. This goes for all foods, but is especially important with superfoods, if indeed we are interested in becoming the best human beings ever!
Superfoods are the true powerhouses of nature’s healing potential, and Baobab is the perfect reminder of that fact. If you are looking to try this awesome superfood for yourself, there are several online retailers offering organic Baobab powder at reasonable prices.
2. Gynostemma (or Jiaogulan)
Gynostemma – or Jiaogulan in Chinese – is quite simply the best of the best when it comes to adaptogenic herbs. Sometimes referred to as southern Ginseng, Gynostemma is an amazingly diverse herb, and its applications (like many super foods on this list) are seemingly limitless! It is neither a stimulant nor a sedative, but rather promotes a balanced sense of invigoration and calmness. It has anti-aging effects, supports digestion, and is superbly powerful for building the immune system. It’s also widely known throughout China to induce a “spirit lifting” effect – enhancing ones mood, while also making one more social.
A true adaptogen, this herbal treasure has a stress modulating quality which keeps the neurological, immunological, metabolic, endocrine, and respiratory systems functioning at the highest level. There is no age at which one cannot safely consume Gynostemma, which makes it the ideal herb for anyone generally looking to improve their quality of life, throughout their life.
The ability of Gynostemma to be both invigorating and calming has to do with its effect on the central nervous system. Japanese scientists have recently done numerous studies with Gynostemma and have concluded that it has a double-directional and regulating effect on the CNS (a fancy way of saying that it is awesome at keeping the body in equilibrium).
The ingredients that make this herb so powerful are generally known as saponins, and in Gynostemma they are called gypenosides. There are over 100 active gypenosides in Gynostemma, and these are what give it its amazing healing and adaptogenic effects. There have been studies to suggest that these compounds may also be good for the heart, and that it even helps athletes, as well as underweight individuals, to build and maintain healthy muscle mass.
In order to get the most out of this herb and receive all of the beneficial gypenosides, you would do well to either buy the leaves yourself and make a tea – or my personal favorite – go out and try Ron Teeguardens Spring Dragon Tea from Dragon Herbs. Proclaimed to be “healthiest tea on earth”, it not only boasts Gynostemma as the main ingredient, this tea also contains 5 other tonic herbs – Schizandra fruit, Goji Berries, Eleuthero Root, Astragalus Root and Lou Han Guo – all of which have healing properties of their own.
1. Chaga
King of the medicinal mushrooms! Mushroom of immortality! A gift from God! These are just a few of the titles given to the amazing superfood commonly referred to as Chaga. The most nutritionally dense of all tree growths, Chaga mushroom has developed has become the masterful king of the forest over thousands of years of evolution. It concentrates natural compounds for its own protection in harsh climates (which is precisely what makes it such a powerful medicine) as well as to nurture and protect the tree it is attached to. There is truly nothing in the world like Chaga mushroom.
Tree’s can live a very long time – much longer than herbs or other plants. Chaga essentially takes the life giving properties of trees and concentrates them in itself, while also helping to heal the tree at the same time – it’s a symbiotic relationship. And so, by eating Chaga mushrooms, you are literally absorbing the energy and nutritional compounds of the longest living beings on Earth! What else do you need to know?!
Well, it actually gets a lot cooler. Chaga contains numerous B vitamins, flavonoids, phenols, minerals, enzymes, as well as SOD (superoxide dismutase) and phenolic compounds which are known as chromogenic complex; this complex is highly protective against all tissues in the human body, and is a complex only found in Chaga mushrooms. It is anti-inflammatory, anti- parasitic, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, and anti-allergenic, it’s a powerful blood sugar balancer and blood purifier, it has immunomodulating properties, it improves circulation, helps purify the liver, is cardio- protective… and the list just goes on and on!
But the real champion of Chaga mushroom lies in in its SOD content. Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme with great potency and the ability to halt oxidation – specifically the toxicity of a free radical known as singlet oxygen. Singlet oxidation is responsible for damaging and destroying tissues in the body, and is one of the main contributors to aging; SOD is able to halt this free radical and slow down the aging process, making people look, think, and feel younger again! It is also Chaga’s incredibly high SOD content which accounts for most of it’s historical powers. In addition, Chaga boasts one of the highest antioxidant contents of any food on Earth, and is already being used in a variety of anticancer protocols around the world for its uncanny affinity for fighting melanomas.
Russian scientists invented the term ‘adaptogen’ in reference to a class of tonics, herbs and mushrooms with incredibly beneficial properties. Of all the adaptogens they studied, Chaga was found to be the most beneficial across all spectrums. Chaga is backed up by thousands of scientific studies, many of which were first done in Russia, and which are still being conducted today in order to find out what else Chaga might be able to do for humanity. Chaga’s use in anti-cancer protocols has already been shown many times – now the word just needs to get out!!
When sold, Chaga comes in many different forms, each of which offers its own unique benefits (There’s a lot to go into on this topic so if you’d like to know more about how to prepare Chaga, David Wolfe’s amazing book ‘Chaga’ is highly recommended and the absolute best resource on the subject. There is also a lot of good information on Paul Stamets’ website as well as online).
You can make tinctures, teas, or just use the powder. And depending on which way you prepare Chaga, different compounds will be extracted in different ratios, while the bioavailability of those different compounds will also vary. Chaga tea is certainly the most popular, but they are all beneficial in their own way. So look into the research and try a few different methods; it is astonishingly effective regardless of how you take it.
In truth, we have yet to scratch the surface of how amazing this superfood could be for human beings – especially when combined with other super foods, tonics and adaptogens. Having seen all the amazing benefits of this powerful adaptogenic mushroom, it seems that Chaga may not only be the king of the medicinal mushrooms, but perhaps also the king of all superfoods as well!
