Super Foods

Slimy Superfood: How Aloe Slithers to the Limelight of Health

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People are never surprised to find out about the medicinal properties of aloe vera. After all, it has been one of the most ancient alternative cures for various diseases. Even before laboratory-produced antiseptics and band aids invaded the consciousness of men, aloe was already used to clean wounds and quicken the healing process.

Yet not everyone expected that the gooey extract from this succulent herb can be eaten to become promote wellness and beauty at the same time.

Aloe as Superfood

The raw and unprocessed gel of aloe is a superfood in its full glory. Each drop of extracts is brimming with vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, fiber, minerals and enzymes. Aloe is known to contain notable levels of

–          Vitamins A, C, and E

–          Calcium

–          Sulfur

–          Selenium

–          Magnesium

–          Chromium

–          Zinc

–          Antixodants

–          Sterols

–          Enzymes

–          Amino Acids

–          Lignins

–          Polysaccharides

Each of these comes with their own function and health benefits. The play of these substances makes up for the different advantages that you can get from including Aloe Vera in your regular diet.

Health Benefits of Aloe

For the record, Aloe is not a laxative albeit its ability to improve bowel movements. The gel can be taken to cure constipation. Obviously, the gel extract lubricates the walls of the intestines, making it easier for digested food to find their way out. Aloe was also found to prevent the growth of candida bacteria in the colon.

At the same time, the gel from the aloe can solve problems like acid reflux.

There’s also a reason why aloe is practically ubiquitous in beauty products. Drinking the juice from the succulent leaves clears the skin of acne and other flaws while keeping it glowing and moisturized.

Polysaccharides present in the extracts are also proven to play a role in alleviating pain from stiff joints while enhancing brain function. Given its anti-viral and anti-bacterial property, you can be safe from a wide range of diseases as your immune system is strengthened by the gel.

Note, however, that alow can only do its wonders when the juice is taken raw and unprocessed. It should not be pasteurized or exposed to heat, along with any other chemicals such as flavour enhancers.

The Best Way to Eat Aloe

Raw and fresh. Just like munching on carrots and snacking on celery, aloe vera leaves can be eaten right after they were cut off from the plant. Beginners, of course, are expected to have repulsion to this idea.

As such, they have the option to mix the extracts with their smoothies, fruit juices or pudding. Few pieces of the leaves can be liquefied using a blender. For as long as the gel is not subjected to heat, the minerals and nutrients remain intact and ready to put forth its breath of benefits.

There are also yummy concoctions that you can whip up using with aloe juice and lemon. Try finding more recipes and ideas online to enjoy the slimy but extremely beneficial juice of aloe vera leaves.

Superfood Spirulina: the Miracle Algae

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Spirulina is probably the most notable in the list of superfoods. It is not only super; it is also associated with magic and miracle.

This type of blue green algae is interesting as it is not considered a plant or an animal. Biologists may have classified is as an algae, but incessant studies are conducted to determine to which kingdom it belongs to. Spirulina’s cell structure and metabolic functions are not quite like plants, but it lacks several features for it to be categorized as an animal.

In essence, the blue green alga is a one-celled organism. It was discovered as a food source in 9th century when the algae were harvested and sold in a cake form. The dried flat cakes were then called “dihe” and eaten by the locals in Europe as a staple part of their meals.

At present, the spirulina was found to be an effective cure for many illnesses. Some even claim that the alga is the most viable solution to world hunger. After all, it can be easily cultured and produced as it can withstand extreme weather conditions and rapid changes in temperature.

Cure for the “Incurable”

From the studies done by Taiwan’d Department of Aquaculture, spirulina was found to have notable immune-boosting properties. The experiment was conducted by exposing white shrimps to mizture of seawater and spirulina extract. They were later transferred to 6.8 levelled pH of seawater.

The shrimps displayed a faster recovery process compared to the other shrimps who were not exposed to the extracts from the algae.

This led to the application of the algae in curing Crohn’s disease along with Lupus or fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic candida yeast. And with the world clamouring for cure to HIV and AIDS, spirulina may just provide answers. Extracts from the algae show promising properties in making immunodeficiency virus benign.

Keeping High Blood Pressure at Bay

Millions of Americans are diagnosed with hypertension each year. It was also named to be the leading cause of death among men and women. High blood pressure can translate to higher susceptibility to heart diseases and stroke.

Taking 4.5 grams of spirulina each day was proven to be effective in lowering blood pressure as shown by the study conducted by the Department of Biochemistry in Mexico. While it may be difficult for some countries to acquire the algae, health stores can have supplements mostly in tablet form.

Safely Normalizing Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol may have long been demonized, but lessening its level inside the body abruptly can lead to serious health conditions. Taking cholesterol medications may seem to be the most viable way out but it there are several side effects springing from the drugs. These would include anemia, sexual dysfunction, immune depression, damages in the pancreas or liver, acidosis, cataract and susceptibility to cancer.

Taking eight grams of spirulina (even in tablet dosages) for 16 consecutive weeks are highly recommended for patients between 60 and 87. Younger individuals with cholesterol problems can eat spirulina with their meals with lesser amount, or depending on what the physician recommends.

Small But Super: Wonders of Flax Seeds

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Since four thousand years ago, flaxseeds have been a staple part of those in Africa, Asia and Europe. But the well-deserved attention of the seeds has only been endowed recently when they were named as one of the modern superfoods.

And no matter how small each grain is, the health benefits they bring are colossal.

Flax seeds contain large amount of minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, soluble and insoluble fiber, and phytoestrogens. This gives them the ability to treat heart diseases and prevent cancer. The seeds are also known to regulate digestion and production of hormone among women, thereby reducing pre-menstrual syndrome and menopausal gripes.

Munching on a pack a day, or cooking them with your favourite dish can supply you with all the nutrients necessary to protect your body from different illnesses.

Digestion Regulators and Laxative

Nutritionists suggest that eating at least a couple of tablespoons of milled flaxseeds a day can satisfy 15% of USDA recommended daily intake of fiber. When the flax seeds are coupled with plenty of water, they can well promote regularity in the digestive system.

Experts suggest that you can get the most out of flax seeds benefits when you mix a tablespoon of flaxseeds with eight ounce of water. The mixture should be taken three times a day for three days. Doing so also works when you are suffering from constipation. Another way of taking flax seeds is to top them on rice. This is down in India to cure stomach aches and indigestion, along with frequent acid refluxes.

Be wary though, that eating flax seeds without flushing them down with water may result to instestinal blockage.

Lower Cholesterol in the Body

The Mayo Clinic conducted a study among animals fed with flax seeds. At the end of the experiment, they discovered that the grains have provided ample level of ALAS necessary in reducing the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Similar study by Mozaffarian D revealed that two to gree grams of flax seeds contain notable level of alpha linolenic acid. This substance can effectively prevent the build up of fats around the cardiovascular muscles, thereby preventing the occurrence of coronary heart disease.

When you indulge in fatty foods, it is therefore imperative to follow through with desserts made with flax seeds. Ground seeds mixed with water can replace an egg when you bake. Topping ice creams of yogurts with the seeds are just as mouth watering.

Fighting Cancer

Oncologists are convinced that 30 to 40% of all types of cancers can be prevented by proper diet and healthy lifestyle. And with the findings pointing to the potential of flax seeds in getting rid of almost all kinds of toxins inside the body, the grains may play a major role in the battle against cancer.

Lignas or phytoestrogens found in flaxseeds are great in creating blockage for homone-dependent cancers in the breast, ovary, and prostate.

On the same token, a research in Canada shows that dietary flaxseeds reduces tumor growth among women who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer. In less than a month, patients who included flax-rich muffins daily (approximately 25 grams of flaxseeds) were observed to have slower tumour cell growth and surge in the death of cancer cells.

Good Health as Token of Appreciation for the Honey Bees

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Honey is already in itself amazing, even before it reveals its health benefits. The fact that it is the only food that doesn’t go rancid even after a million years alone gives it its supernatural nature. But this is not uncanny. It’s simply being a superfood.

But don’t get this wrong. Honey can only do its wonders when it is eaten raw. The best honey is produced by bees that gathered nectar and pollen from fresh wild flowers. Chaparral, eucalyptus, mustard, sage and other local blossoms from trees are the most ideal source of honey.

Unprocessed honey has antioxidant components and brimming with minerals, vitamins, phynotutrients, carbohydrates, enzymes and amino acids.

It is imperative to discern unsullied honey from processed varieties. Studies conducted by the National Honey Board show that commercial honey that has been pasteurized and heated has high level of botulism and High Fructose Corn Syrup. These two components are dangerous to infants and diabetes patients.

Regularly eating a spoonful or two of untouched raw honey, on the other hand, can do wonders to your health. Over the centuries, it has been utilized to cure wounds, cataracts, skin ulcers, burns, and simple scrape. But of course, its therapeutic ability extends to the treatment of digestion problems and bronchitis.

With more benefits enjoyed from honey, being healthy has never been sweeter.

Protection and Cure from Allergies

The debate on whether honey can really combat allergens continues, but there are millions of patients that can attest to honey’s ability in relieving several symptoms. In one of the experiments conducted, it has been found that honey can reduce adverse reactions to birch pollen by 60%.

Several orthodox physicians are also recommending honey as an alternative cure to coughing and sneezing brought by seasonal allergies. Doctors explain that the small amounts of pollen contained in the raw honey exposes the body to tiny portion of allergens, thereby triggering the body’s natural defenses.

Natural Antibacterial

For many centuries, honey has been known as superfood and a powerful remedy for infections. Even in the modern times, many microbiologists are convinced that honey can well prevent streptococcus pyogenes bacteria from invading wounds. Researchers went on proving that honey can destroy a whole lot of bacterial cells around the wound.

Plus, it can be used to painlessly deal with dead tissues, pus and scabs that developed from a deep wound.

Superfood for the Sweet Tooth

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Being healthy is sweet especially when your plate is donning cacao.

As you have probably noticed, chocolate has been one of the most favorite subjects of research among nutritionists. The findings are always in favor of the treat, albeit the loads of myth that misconstrue its effect on the body. This alone proves that eating a regulated amount of chocolate can give your health its most needed boost.

Yet there’s a hint of truth on the rumored negative impacts of eating the sweets. Experts are rooting more for dark chocolate as it contains low levels of sugar. Browns and whites are found have some hostile effects on one’se weight and soundness of the tooth enamel.

This is why cacao – instead of its by-products – is named as a superfood.

Going Loco for Cocoa

Chocolate is produced from cacao beans. But more than just satisfying the sweet tooth of fanatics, cacao has also brought a myriad of health benefits since time immemorial.

You would be surprised to hear the tales and legends of cacao. To make the story short, it first captured the attention of both foodies and health savvies after the drinks made from it were found to be positively potent. Recent studies and experiments gave a strong evidence that cacao can be a source of nutrients that may not be gained else where.

But this does not give you any reason to gorge on dark chocolates. Remember that cacao contains stimulants and may cause you to turn hyper. There are loads of ways to consume this superfood other than splurging on desserts.

Why should you love cocoa?

There is a myriad of benefits that you can gain from consuming the bittersweet beans of cacao.

Enhanced blood circulation and increase of blood flow in the brain. Cacao keeps the mind sharp and alert. Drinking a cup of hot cocoa in the morning may therefore give you the fuel you need to withstand the hassle and bustle in the workplace.

Healthy blood. Iron is contained in the beans of Cacao. This is a mineral necessary to avert anemia. On top of this, the fruit also regulates and balances blood sugar level. That means you can enjoy your sweets without worrying about diabetes and other diseases. At the same time, the trace mineral manganese in cacao builds up hemoglobin which distributes oxygen in different parts of the body.

Younger-looking skin. The beans are rich in epicatechins, polyphenols and catechins which are popular antioxidants that can fight premature aging. These substances also battle out free radicals that can cause various diseases.

More vigor and vitality. Cacao contains magnesium that strengthens the cardiovascular muscles. This mineral also responsible also keeps the gut free from constipation. Plus, it prevents pre-menstrual syndrome and cramps.

Slimmer body. Consuming cacao is a way to load up on omega 6 fatty acid and trans fats that can contribute to weight lost. These substances can help quicken the pace of burning fats. To get the most out of this benefit, snack on cooked and processed chocolate. The fiber in the beans also improves the digestive system, and cleanses the toxins inside the body.