Friday, February 12, 2010

The Magnificent the 11 - SuperFoods

Wouldn't you love to access your fridge at home, like a mechanic accesses his toolbox, to heal yourself, as he would 'heal' his car? Sounds impossible right? Well it's not.


Through today's research a lot of the old anecdotes are now confirmed if not exceeded in their validity. We all heard the sayings "Eat your vegetables they will make grow big and strong" or even "It'll put hair on your chest!" (Though that latter one I still have my doubts on).


Through scientific research they have confirmed certain foods are in fact higher pound for pound in their nutritional and phytochemical content, thus making them 'SuperFoods', or foods that give you more bang for your buck.


What are phytochemicals? Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds that plants produce to protect themselves (against bacteria, viruses and fungi), improve their structure or even act as chemical messengers within the plant. Once eaten by humans however, they (phytochemicals) take on a new role turning into some of the most potent health enhancing substances known to man.


"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food"

(Hippocrates –AKA: 'the father of medicine' 460BC – 370BC)


So where to start and what are the best superfoods?

In the media there seems to be more and more foods being labelled 'SuperFoods' in a bid to cash in on this new catch term, unfortunately this is causing confusion within the public. So I have selected my best of the best, to get you kicked started quickly to optimum wellness. To begin your journey to optimum wellness it only takes one serve a day from the selection of SuperFoods below. Add more if you desire, though rotation is the key.


So here are my magnificent 11:

  1. Turmeric: Anti-oxidant, brain health, digestive health, anti-inflammatory, liver tonic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-microbial
  2. Garlic: Anti-microbial, lowers cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, assists weight loss, digestive health, anti-carcinogenic
  3. Cinnamon: Blood sugar lowering, digestive tonic, anti-microbial
  4. Blueberries: Anti-oxidant, assists weight loss, anti-carcinogenic, diabetic protective, vision health
  5. Quinoa: High (complete) protein grain, low allergenic, low GI, high fibre
  6. Walnuts: healthy heart & brain, high in EFA's
  7. Flaxseeds: healthy heart, joints & skin, anti-inflammatory, high in Omega 3's
  8. Red Grapes: Anti-oxidant, antiaging, heart health, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic
  9. Broccoli: Liver detoxifier, anti-carcinogenic
  10. Green Tea: are fantastic anti-oxidant, helps weight loss & anti-carcinogenic
  11. Salmon: Anti-inflammatory, healthy heart, joints & brain, protein rich


Other notable mentions include:
Maca (Peruvian vegetable), Noni juice, Pomegranates, Rooibos Tea, Goji Berries, Spirulina, & Avocados.


You won't find vitamin enriched Cereals (or the like) in the SuperFood group, every SuperFood is a 'whole' (unprocessed) food.




Bringing it all together...

No food is 'Super' on its own, so you can't get away with one 'SuperFood' in your diet and all the rest garbage (I know, I am sorry it doesn't work like that), it involves a balanced diet as well.

All the principles of a healthy diet apply. Though by adding these "bad boys" to the mix, unlimited health can be yours.

For Duncan Naturopathy and health runs in his blood, being a second generational Naturopath, Duncan has long known the benefits of living a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Duncan regularly presents to the community on a variety of health topics, and is in the middle of writing his first book on Anti-Aging & Natural Medicine.


Duncan is a scientific naturopath, meaning that diagnostic testing like food sensitivity testing, lactose intolerance, candida, celiac disease and many more tests are performed in his clinic. This ensures the best results for clients and gives a great way for both Duncan and his clients to monitor their progress. Because of this extensive research Duncan has seen firsthand the benefits that a healthy diet and lifestyle have on health and wellbeing.


For more information about Duncan please visit his web site www.sanctuarywellness.com.au