Super Foods for Performers | High, Also, Used, Bull, Anti, Vitamin

Super Foods for Performers

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By Seth D. Braun, on 30-12-2007 17:53

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A Complete List of Superfoods:
Greater and Lesser Superfoods, Superfood/Herbs

*The primary observation I have made in compiling this list is the vast availability of amazing food and the opportunity to eat a varied diet.

Greater Superfoods: These foods have multiple and outstanding benefits for most people and can be considered tonics.

•   Goji Berries: Also known as Lycium barbarum, Chinese wolfberry, or go qui zi. Goji berries are a unique source of a one three quarter turn susqueterpenoid

•   Camu Camu Berries: also known as Cacari and Camocamo berries. Contains powerful phytochemicals, bioflavonoid, anti-oxidants, anti- virals, and vitamin C. It strengthens the immune system. Ranked high in the overall effectiveness in health conditions including asthma, atherosclerosis, colds, depression, edema, glaucoma, hepatitis, and osteoarthritis.

•   Raw Cacao: is one of the most nutrient rich and complex foods known to man. It is a true super food that has the highest know anti-oxidant capacity of any food by a factor of 5. It diminished appetite, aids in weightless, helps healing, increases cardiovascular functions, and prevents cancer and tumors, and cardiovascular diseases. Contains over 400 distinct chemical constituents, including, phenethylamine, and amphetamine class compound considered to be the “love chemical.” The scope of this document cannot cover the totality of cacao. I consider cacao the most amazing food on the planet earth.

•   Chlorella: is rich in protein, carotinoids, chlorophyll, RNA-DNA, minerals, B vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin K, and essential fatty acids. It has strong effects on the immune system and related processing of toxic elements and strong cancer and tumor fighting properties. It also removes harmful heavy metals, pesticides, and carcinogens from the body.

•   Yeast (known as Nutritional Yeast or Saccharomyces cerevisiae): is an excellent natural source of B complex vitamins (except for B12) plus a variety of minerals. Look for yeast that has been processed at low temperatures. Yeast does not contribute to candida as has been claimed—candida feeds on refined carbohydrates, and the product generally sold in stores is no longer active (as baking yeast is).

•   Wild Blueberry: Wild Blueberries are rich in phytonutrients – antioxidants such as anthocyanin, as well as anti-inflammatories. What distinguishes wild blueberries, wild crafted in this case, is the subtle difference in the energetics and the way that translates into physical constituentcies. Wild foods develop higher anti-oxidant levels as this is the plants way of protecting itself in harsh conditions. You take on the system of energy of food and wild crafted foods offer more robust life systems. Low glycemic load, high in fiber and taste great and feel great!

•   Mangosteen: is considered a true “superfruit” that has been known for being very nutrient rich, high in anti-oxidants, and potential strength in reducing risk for numerous human diseases. It is used to overcome dysentery and skin disorders when used orally.

•   Kombucha: naturally assists in digestions by detoxifying and re-energizing. A fermented beverage, it is mistakenly referred to as “mushroom tea,” when in fact, it is a symbiotic organism of beneficial yeasts and bacteria. Kombucha has been traditionally used for thousands of years and was actively promoted by both the German and Russian governments in the mid 20th century as a health promoting beverage, inexpensively made at home. Anectdotal evidence points to Ukranian families negating some of the ill-effect of Chernobyl radiation by consuming lacto-feremented beverages, such as Kombucha.

•   Noni: also commonly known as morinda, is rich in vitamin C and provides a high amount of natural anti-oxidants, has been used for hundreds of years to promote health of the entire body and to treat a wide range of symptoms, including poor digestion, high blood pressure, reparatory problems, menstrual problems, and immune deficiencies. It has also been found to fight cancer. Sold fresh or as a juice. Fresh noni, which I had last year, tastes like something very bad, which I can’t quite describe. The feeling is incredible though.

•   Noni Juice: known for its curative powers, possibly due to the presence of an alkaloid precursor called xeronine, which contributes to the effectiveness of proteins on the cellular level. Noni juice is made by fermenting the noni fruit.

•   Hemp Seed: is a great source of essential fatty acids, polyunsaturated Omega 6 derivative GLA, Oleic acid, Stearidonic acid, vitamin E and other vitamins and minerals. It is high in protein, easy to digest and is an easily renewable resource.

•   Sea Vegetabls: (there are too many to review all, here are my favorite) Sea vegetables are wild ocean plants, or marine algae, enjoyed daily as staple and healing foods in many coastal parts of the world. Sea vegetables are rich in minerals and trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, iodine, manganese, chromium and more, at levels much greater than those found in land vegetables. Sea veggies also provide vitamins, fiber, enzymes, and high quality protein. Marine phytochemicals found only in sea vegetables have been shown to absorb and eliminate radioactive elements and heavy metal contaminants from our bodies.
o   Kelp: also commonly known as bladderwrack, has an enormous supple of essential nutrients, including protein, essential fatty acids, fiber, sodium, potassium, and a variety of other substances. Laxative, tonic to the thyroid, and used for clinical administration of minerals and iodine. Not a culinary food.
o   Arame: Simmer with tamari, lemon juice and rice wine (mirin) for 20 minutes or until tender. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
o   Sea Palm: A powerful plant, living in the tidal zones, which continually withstands the daily beating of the waves, while holding onto rocks with tiny “roots,” I eat this food to give me strength and for enduring long days of work.
o   Dulse: Dulse is a good source of vegetable protein, iron, potassium, magnesium, iodine, chlorophyll, enzymes, Vitamin A, Vitamin B's, and dietary fiber. It is tasty in soups, zesty when fried, and it has a soft chewy texture, distinctive taste and a rich red color.
o   Kombu: Kombu for beans; speeds cooking time, softens the beans, and thickens broth. A four-to-six-inch long strip of kombu will be sufficient for a large pot of beans

•   Bee Pollen: is regularly used for strength and endurance. It has been used successfully to treat a variety of ailments including allergies, asthma, menstrual irregularities, constipation, diarrhea, anemia, low energy, cancer, rheumatism, arthritis and toxic conditions. Bee pollen contains 22 amino acids including the eight essential ones, 27 minerals and the full gamut of vitamins, hormones and fatty acids. Most importantly, bee pollen contains more than 5,000 enzymes and coenzymes. It is the presence of enzymes, many of which have immediate detoxifying effects.

•   Royal Jelly: rich in protein, vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, E, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, inositol, and folic acid. It is know to help with bone fractures, kidney disorders, bronchial asthma, pancreatic disorders, stomach ulcers, insomnia, skin disorders, mental fatigue, anemia, and depression. It is also know to support organs and body systems. Controversial in use since it is invasive to the hive to collect. I recommend using only in extreme deficiency or for short periods of intense stress. I have experimented with Royal Jelly and from personal experience found it to be a powerful tonic food that could dramatically improve mood, energy and immune response under intense stress.

•   Raw Honey: is high in essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. It is a great anti-microbial agent and anti-oxidant as well as a anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal substance. The best use of raw honey is for the enjoyment! The second best use is for the enzyme activity in digestion and absorbtion. No other food has the level of enzymes. But you have to get “really-raw” or “unheated” honey, not just “raw honey,” which can still get up to around 150 or 160 degrees in processing loses enzyme profiles.

•   Maca: also known as Lepidium meyenii, contains a high amount of natural occurring phytochemicals and a high profile of amino acids, minerals, sterols, and fatty acids. It has been called the perfect endocrine adaptogen. It increases the functioning of the hypothalamus, adrenal glands, thyroid & parathyroid glands, pancreas, and thymus. It is helpful for the libido too.

•   Acai: is particularly high in anti-oxidant phytochemicals and rich in fatty acids. Eaten for generations as an energy tonic. Power house of nutrition.

•   Spirulina: is high in vitamin A, vitamin B-1, vitamin B-2, Niacin, Folate, vitamin B-12, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, ALA, GLA, chlorophyll, caratenoids, and boron. It is deeply cooling, therefore, use with observation and consideration especially if you are thin, tend to be cold, and are known to be spacey.

•   Blue Green Algae: is said to be one of the most nutrient dense and perfectly balanced foods in the world. Blue-green algae has an extraordinarily high content of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and live enzymes. The highest (naturally occurring) protein food, once for once on the planet. Chlorophyl rich and ancient in form, which energetically contributes to robustness.

•   Cereal Grasses: Biblical reference to grasses comes from Daniel, where the profit Daniel advises King Nebuchadnezzar to eat grass after he had gone mad. Cereal grasses are rich in chlorophyll, cleanse the liver, the blood, and the detox the body. Barley Grass, Wheat Grass and Kamut Grass are high in phyto-nutrients and chlorophyll, and are essential in helping to strengthen the immune system and improve energy levels. Kamut, Spelt, Wheat, Oat and Barley grass are widely available.

•   Incan Berry: also commonly known as Gooseberry, is a good source of bioflavinoids and pectin. They possess antiviral, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and antioxidant activities. They are high in phosphorous, vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, and B12. These may help strengthen immune and nervous systems.

•   Coconut: historically, coconuts and their extracted oil have served man as important foods for thousands of years, In Sanskrit, the coconut palm is know as “Kalpa Vriksha”, which means ‘the tree which gives all that is necessary for living’; a name that fits since most parts of the palm can be used by humans. Leaves can be used for baskets, thatched roofs and hats. The trunk can be used for building, the husk will make rope, rugs, and material for shoes. Coconut shells are perfect for bowls, cups, and can be carved into eating utensils. Coconut meat can be used to produce coconut oil, coconut butter, coconut flour, shredded coconut.
•   Water/Jelly: from young coconut, one of natures gifts to humans, coconut water is one of the most hydrating liquids on the globe, considered isotonic, closest natural substance to plasma, has been used to give blood transfusions to wounded soldiers.
•   Milk: Excellent source of coconut oil, and a delicious addition to many dishes. Made by boiling and pressing shredded coconut flakes. More like a ‘coconut cream’ than milk. Use the full fat version, as the low fat versions are thickened with gums and do not offer the excellent benefits of coconut oil
•   Meat: Used to make dessicated flakes, shredded coconut, coconut flour and eaten fresh and raw.
•   Oil: major antimicrobial and anticancer benefits, major source of medium chain lauric acid, which inhibats pathogenic proliferation and supports a robust metabolism and healthy thyroid. Avoid chemically extracted, cheap and low quality coconut oils.

•   High Vitamin Butter: is deep yellow butter oil from cows eating rapidly growing green grass supplies not only vitamins A and D but also the X Factor, discovered by Dr. Weston Price. It can be used as a supplement to regular dietary butter, particularly during winter and early spring. (refer to Nourishing Traditions and Nutrition and Physical Degeneration)

•   Glandular and Organ Extracts: Organ meats from healthy, pastured and humanely treated animals are nutrient dense and of great benefit to the human body. Dried tissue from the glands and organs of animals are being successfully used to treat the same gland or organ in human beings including thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, liver, thymus, spleen, kidney and eye tissue.

•   Wild Mulberry: There are several varieties of mulberry on the market, usually originating form the middle east, Turkey, or Baltic states. Popular with raw foodists. I would like to point you in the direction of the American Mulberry tree, which has almost passed into obscurity in the modern dietary palette. Find and wild-craft your own ripe mulberries in late summer. You will be glad you did!

•   Cod Liver Oil / High Purity Fish Oil: Influences anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, great for brain and nervous function. Excellent for hormone balance. It has high levels of the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, and very high levels of vitamin A, and vitamin D. Cod liver oil is widely taken to ease the pain and joint stiffness associated with arthritis, but has also been clinically proven to have a positive effect on heart, bone, and brain, as well as helping to nourish skin, hair, and nails.

•   Fish Oil: contains the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), precursors to eicosanoids that reduce inflammation throughout the body. It can help regulate cholesterol in the body and it has great anti-inflammatory properties and positive effects on body composition.

•   Garlic: contains sulfur compounds, selenium, vitamins A, and C. It is a potent anti-oxidant that inhibit tumor cell formation and is effective in fighting stomach, skin, and colon cancer, and protects cell membranes and DNA from damage and disease. Used in conjunction with antibiotics, it seems to protest the flora in the GI tract as well as improving the efficacy of antibiotics and is used alone for that very same purpose.

Lesser Superfoods:

Raw Dried Seeds: Raw dried refers to soaking and drying seeds so as to remove phytic acid, allow for short term sprouting to activate dormant life potential, while retaining the enzyme benefits of raw seeds.

•   Pumpkin seed: high protein, excellent source of healthy fat, high in minerals, especailly zinc. Great for men and women but considered by Asian food healing systems as the ultimate tonic snack for men’s prostate health.

•   Sunflower seed: are a great source of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, as well as an excellent source of dietary fiber, protein, Vitamin E, B Vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium, iron, phosphorus, selenium and zinc.

Raw Dried Nuts: Raw dried refers to soaking and drying nuts so as to remove phytic acid, allow for short term sprouting to activate dormant life potential, while retaining the enzyme benefits of raw nuts.

•   Almonds: are full of healthy monounsaturated fatty acids as well as B vitamins and other essential nutrients. They improve complexion, improve movement of food through the colon and may be of benefit in reversing some cancers. High in tocopherols (vit. E) magnesium, calcium phosphorous, also contain folic acid, zinc, phytochemicals, selenium, copper, biotin, riboflavin, niacin, and iron, making them a true nutritional powerhouse.

•   Walnuts: also are high in monounsaturated fatty acids as well as B vitamins and other essential nutrients. They are particularly high in antioxidants and contain arginine. These results suggest that walnuts may benefit cognitive abilites. IN the doctrine of signatures, the way a food looks suggest beneift to correspondinng systems in the body, thus the brain – walnut connecetion.

•   Pecans: are a good source of protein and unsaturated fats. A diet rich in nuts can lower the risk of gallstones in women. The antioxidants and plant sterols found in pecans reduce high cholesterol by reducing the "bad" LDL cholesterol levels. Pecans may reduce the risk of heart disease. They are an important source of ellagic acid. Pecan nuts are a good low fat source of vitamin E and also have anti-cancer effects. They can also lead to lower cholesterol levels.
Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil or Black Currant Oil: High in gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which can be produced in the body from linoleic acid, but is often compromised due to modern dietary influx of polyunsaturate oils. Use to increase liver health and mental sharpness. Paul Pitchford suggests use for those who were not breastfed, as a defficiency in GLA may be present.

Yacon Root: prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS), may be helpful in regulating blood sugar for people with type II diabetes or other blood sugar issues. Regardless, the sweet taste of this food is primarlily from the inulin (FOS) and therefore has not metabolic effect, and can be a way to enjoy the sweet flavor in your diet without the glycemic load. the tuber can give you 20 amino acids. It is very high in potassium also high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron.

Blueberry: contain anthocyanins, other antioxidant pigments and other phytochemicals which may have a role in reducing the risks of some diseases, including cancers. Researchers have shown that blueberry anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols and tannins inhibit mechanisms of cancer cell development in vitro. They also may alleviate the cognitive decline occurring in Alzheimer's Disease and other conditions of aging. Blueberries are high in manganese as well as vitamin K. Low glycemic load, high in fiber and taste great and feel great!

Cactus Pear: rarely consumed in western cuisine, grows wild here in the foot hills of Boulder. Grows around the world in varieties. Contains unique alkaloids of benefit and a range of phenethylamines, amphetamine-like substances. I have eaten without wisdom and spiked my lips and tongue with small pins. Not fun. Roll in sand, with gloves, to wear down the spines. Would like to experiment further, so please pass along information to me.

Flax: contain high levels of lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids. It benefit the heart, possess anti-cancer properties and may help stabilize blood sugar. The unique fiber and mucligenic properties aid in maintaining a health GI track. Flax crackers are one of my favorite ways to get the cracker experience with a high energy feeling afterword.

Dandelion leaf: is a powerful diuretic that improves appetite and digestion. Its also acts as a blood purifier that helps both the kidneys and the liver to remove toxins and poisons from the blood. It is also incredibly rich in minerals. The typical modern diet is lacking in bitter taste but this food is worth getting used to.

Dandelion root: Used herbally for extensive treatments, can be cooked and eaten as a food. Clears the gallbladder, improves bile production and digestion. Contains long chain sugars that are pre-biotic (fructa-ogilosaccharides), meaning they feed healthy pro-biotics and benefit the GI flora. Rich in minerals and used in traditional Chinese medicine congees to boost the immune system.

Azomite Mineral Powder: a mineral supplement, containing montmorillonite clay, comes from an ancient seabed. It is an excellent source of silica, calcium, magnesium and the gamut of trace minerals. Clay also has detoxifying effects as the negatively charged clay particles attract positively charged pathogens and take them out of the body.

Acerola: is a berry rich in ascorbic acid, acerola provides vitamin C with numerous cofactors, including bioflavonoids and rutin, to optimize the body's uptake and use of ascorbic acid. Vitamin C, the most familiar dietary antioxidant, was popularized by Linus Pauling. But the cofactors make Vitamin C most effective for our physical health, thus foods like acerola are much more effective than single ascorbic acid.

Swedish bitters: is a remedy for stomach maladies. It is known to settle mild cases of nausea, and is used to stimulate the appetite. It has also been used as an astringent in cosmetics and to prevent kidney stones. Bitters are mineral-rich herbs are a traditional tonic for stimulating the bile and increasing digestion and assimilation of fats. They often are the best remedy for calming a queasy stomach. It also is known for it cleansing, strengthening and healing properties.

Wheat germ: excellent source of vitamin E, folic acid, protein, potassium, iron, riboflavin, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin A, B1, and B3. It contains a high amount of anti-oxidants and prevents aging, heart diseases, blood clots. Best used fresh to maintain integrity of the oils.

Burdock Root: Energetically grounding, eaten as a root vegetable, the deep tap root imparts the quality of earthiness. Traditionally used as a blood purifier, also contains beneficial dietary fibers, inulin (a prebiotic long chain glyconutrients) and substantial potassium.

Aloe vera: has been used externally to treat various skin conditions such as cuts, burns, eczema, and dru skin. Internally, aloe is an amazing tonic that heals the GI tract and contains unique glyconutrients that appears to be defficient in the modern diet, mannose and galactose. The best source is raw, fresh aloe, not bottled pastuerized liquid. You can purchase whole aloe leaf, but DO NOT EAT THE SKIN, only the “meat” of the leaf.

Cherry: contain anthocyanins, which is the red pigment in berries. Cherry anthocyanins have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation. Anthocyanins are also potent antioxidants. Cherries have also been shown to contain high levels of melatonin, which if important for the function of the immune system.

Chokecherries: very high in antioxidant pigment compounds. I love to pick these ripe in the late summer in Boulder. Wild-crafted berries and fruits contain a much more robust antioxidant profile than conventional varieties. I haven’t seen the research, but I would bet that chokecherry is chok full of anthocyanins, like the sweet cousin.

Elderberry: contains considerable amounts of vitamins B, C, and A as well as flavonoids, tannins, carotinoids, and amino acids. It is packed with the natural compound anthocyanins, which enhances the immune system, and primarily used to treat colds, sinus infections and the flu with its ability to fight off infections and viruses. Elderberry are beneficial to nerve disorders, back pain, as well as a diuretic.

Premium grade green tea: This is not your Litpon tea bags. This is fine, loose tea, most likely from Japan. Here are a few of the most well known, but this is just the tip of the iceburg. The interesting compounds in green tea are catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant.
•   Sencha: The leaves for this tea are steamed to preclude any oxidation and lock in the original green flavors of the Camellia sinensis plant.
•   Dragon Well/Lung Ching: Lung Ching (Dragon Well) comes from West Lake in Hangzhou, China and is perhaps the most famous of all green teas. Pan fired in a wok, the flat green leaves produce a mellow, almost buttery green flavor that finishes with a delicate freshness.
•   Oolong: Many varieties of oxidized green tea that add a full body flavor.

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