Fatigue… we all get it from time to time.
Stress, work, the kids, keeping up the house, it all adds up.
All that running around can leave you exhausted, tired, irritable and cranky.
Fortunately, nature has provided us with Ten Superfoods that can help us
increase energy, improve immunity, and invoke positive change.
Spirulina:
Spirulina is a micro algae that is found in sunny climates and alkaline
waters around the world. It is high in Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), Vitamin B-12,
Iron, Essential amino acids, the Nucleic Acids RNA and DNA, Chlorophyll, and Protein.
Spirulina is a naturally digestible food that aids in protecting the immune system, as well as cholesterol reduction, and mineral absorption.
Those suffering from unstable glucose levels may also benefit from taking Spirulina because of its high protein levels.
All in all, Spirulina provides the body with a powerhouse of nutrients needed for strength and energy.
Colostrum:
Colostrum is a thin, yellowish fluid secreted by the mammary glands of mothers in the first days after giving birth, before the production of milk begins.
Colostrum has high levels of protein, growth and immune factors, which help to protect the newborn against infection.
The best supplemental Colostrum is from cows that have been organically fed.
Supplemental Colostrum can boost the immunity, help the body to burn fat, and build lean muscle. It also has been shown to accelerate healing, as well as increase stamina and vitality.
Chlorella
Chlorella is tiny, single-celled water grown algae that contain an enormous amount of readily available chlorophyll.
Chlorella has Protein, Carbohydrates, all of the B Vitamins, Vitamins C and E, Amino Acids and Rare Trace Minerals. Chlorella is one of the few edible species of water grown algae.
Like Spirulina, it is almost a complete food in itself.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids:
Fish Oil is a good source of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamin D. Omega 3 is essential for rebuilding and producing new cells.
Vitamin D is important for proper absorption of Calcium and Magnesium, which are necessary for the health of every living cell.
EFA’s are becoming more popular as people are beginning to understand the need for the “right” healthy fats.
Green Papaya
Green Papaya is an excellent source of Vitamins, Minerals, and Enzymes. It naturally contains more Vitamin A than carrots and more Vitamin C that oranges, as well as an abundance of Vitamins B and E.
The enzymes that papaya has, helps to digest proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Eaten with or after a meal, Papaya helps to lighten the burden of the body’s digestive tract, thereby increasing energy.
Maitake
Maitake is a mushroom that grows wild in Japan as well as other wooded areas in eastern North America.
Maitake is an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body to adapt to stress and normalizes bodily functions. In laboratory studies, it was shown to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors, kill HIV, and enhance the activity of key immune cells.
It may also be helpful for Diabetes, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Obesity, and High Blood Pressure. Maitake can either be eaten as a food or taken in a supplement form.
Royal Jelly
Royal Jelly is a thick milky substance that is secreted by glands of nurse bees between their sixth and twelfth days of life.
When honey and pollen are combined and refined by these nurse bees, the substance royal jelly is created.
Royal Jelly naturally contains of the B-Complex Vitamins and is the only natural source of pure Acetylcholine.
Royal Jelly also contains Amino Acids, Minerals, Enzymes, Antibacterial and Antibiotic properties as well as Vitamins A, C, D, and E.
It is useful in Liver Disease, Pancreatitis, Insomnia, Stomach Ulcers, Kidney Disease, Bone Fractures, and strengthening the immune system.
Green Tea
Green Tea, a staple in Asian culture is becoming increasingly popular in the US as it contains powerful Antioxidants, which help to protect the body against free radical damage.
It also lowers Cholesterol levels, stimulates the immune system, helps regulate Blood Sugar levels, combats Mental Fatigue and also shows promise as a natural Weight Loss aid.
Garlic
Garlic, a Superfood that can be found in most any grocery store, contains many sulfur compounds, the tribute to its healing properties.
It helps to protect the body against infection by enhancing immune function and has also been reported to help regulate Blood Sugar levels, lower Blood Pressure, and improve Circulation.
Raw garlic is best, odorless supplements are also available.
Red Yeast Rice
Red Yeast Rice is a food product that is created by fermenting rice with a strain of red yeast
(Monascus purpureus Went yeast).
It has long been used in China and Japan as a remedy for Digestive Ailments and poor Circulation.
Recently Red Yeast Rice extract taken in supplemental form has been found to improve the ratio of “Good to Bad” Cholesterol.
The Cholesterol lowering compounds found in Red Yeast Rice are known as Statins. Studies have shown that Statins not only lower cholesterol levels but may also reduce the risk of Heart Attack or Stroke.
Health Benefits
Consuming these delicious nutrient dense superfoods in your diet can go a long ways to helping protect your body, improving heart health, help prevent disease, help reduce inflammation, increase energy, mental clarity and a host of other benefits. Check out a couple of recipes below to incorporate some of these foods in your daily diet!
Try these amazing recipes below that combines the benefits of Maitake Mushroom, Garlic and an array of nutrient dense vegetables as well as fruit! Your taste buds and your body will rejoice!
Vegetable Maitake Spaghetti
1 medium size Spaghetti Squash
1 Butternut Squash (peeled, cubed)
1 medium sized Vidalia Onion (chopped)
2-3 cloves of fresh Garlic (minced)
1 Red or Yellow Pepper (optional) no green as these are unripe peppers and difficult to digest
2 Zucchini Squash (one green, one yellow)
.3 Maitake mushrooms (chopped)
2 large cans of diced Italian Tomatoes (organic preferred)
Italian Seasonings (Oregano, Basil, Thyme) Salt/Pepper to taste
Directions:
Prepare the Spaghetti Squash by either baking or boiling whole until tender. Remove seeds, and fork out “spaghetti” in strands. Keep warm until serving.
In large skillet, sauté prepared Butternut Squash, lightly in olive oil
After, the Squash is tender, but still firm; add the: Onion, Garlic, Pepper, Zucchini and Mushrooms, along with any Seasonings.
(Cook until onion is transparent.)
Add the Tomatoes, and let simmer for 20-30 minutes until vegetables are desired texture. Serve over Spaghetti Squash.
This dish can be used as a main or side dish. The texture of the squashes resembles protein (Butternut) and carbohydrate (Spaghetti). Serves: 6-8 people
This DELIGHTFUL recipe utilizes the power of Papaya to helps with inflammation while at the same time giving your immune system a boost in Vitamin C!
Papaya Mango Delight
2 Papayas sliced (remove seeds)
1 Mango sliced
1 Banana
1/2 cup of Raisins
2 kiwi fruit
1/2 fresh pineapple or 1 can diced
1/2 cup of walnuts or pecans (chopped)
Mix ingredients together in large glass bowl. This makes a great dessert or side dish. Aids in digestion. Serves 4-6 people