So Why Super Foods

There are so many SUPER DUPER FOODS out there these days, its hard to know what way to go. Below I have listed SOME of my favourites that I love to use and SOME of there healing benefits.

Did You know ?

Coconut oil

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IT is the world's most weight loss friendly fat.

It contains a unique combination of fatty acids with powerful effects on metabolism.
Several studies show that just by adding coconut oil to your diet, you can lose fat, especially the "dangerous" fat in the abdominal cavity.
This article explains how coconut oil can help you lose weight and belly fat.
If coconut oil can boost metabolism and reduce appetite, then it should help you lose fat over the long term.
In fact, there are several studies that support this.

In one study, 40 women were given either 30 grams (2 tablespoons) of either coconut oil or soybean oil for 28 days.They were instructed to eat fewer calories and walk every day. These were the results.

Both groups lost weight (about 2 pounds).
Only the coconut oil group had decreased waist circumference (belly fat) while the soybean oil actually had a mild increase in belly fat.
The coconut oil group had increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels, while the soybean oil had reduced HDL and increased LDL.
In this study, coconut oil did not cause overall weight loss compared to soybean oil, but it did lead to a significant reduction in belly fat.
In another study in obese men, 30 grams of coconut oil for 4 weeks reduced waist circumference by 2.86 cm, or 1.1 inches.
There are also other studies showing that medium chain fats lead to weight loss, reduced waist circumference and various improvements in metabolic health.
The weight loss effects of coconut oil appear to be fairly mild, except for the abdominal fat.
Abdominal fat, also called visceral fat or belly fat, is the fat that tends to lodge around your organs and cause inflammation, diabetes and heart disease.
Any reduction in abdominal fat is likely to have very positive effects on your metabolic health, longevity and drastically reduce your risk of chronic disease.
These results are far from being dramatic, but consider that all these people are doing is adding coconut oil to their diet.
Combined with other proven weight loss strategies (like cutting carbs and increasing protein), all of this can add up to a significant amount.
Therefore, coconut oil can support a healthy, real-food based weight loss diet, but don't expect it to work any miracles on its own.

NONI

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This wonder juice when consumed is known to naturally cure various diseases, ensure good health and general well being. It has also been recognized as an effective weight reducing agent worldwide. Noni extracts are also found in capsule and pulp powder form. This alternative medicine has many benefits.
Noni juice benefits for weight loss, treating obesity as it is known to have properties that promote weight reduction. This nutrient rich juice helps to maintain the health of the individual, thereby boosting the immune system and increasing stamina. Enhanced endurance and strength helps in increasing the ability to exercise and enhances the stamina helping one take up high intensity workout schedules. This leads to faster burning of fats in the body thereby, helping to lose weight effectively.
The active antioxidants present in this juice help to improve metabolism in the body. Noni juice produces nitric acid in the body which in turn uses the fat cells to draw in energy for the body. Triglycerides that are stored in fat cells helps to reduce or remove them, resulting in weight loss. An increased energy and good mood is also the result of this wonder fruit. Noni juice is full of antioxidants. The juice also helps to reduce parasites from the tract, cleans the system. Hence, it helps reduce the fat content in the body. Various diets and exercises also help you to reduce weight but the weight loss due to noni has no side effects on health and also, the increase in weight after eliminating the consumption of noni is minimal. Not much research has been done as to how it leads to weight loss but those taking noni can swear by its health benefits. This may be the reason why kitchens in Indonesia and Philippines stack it.

MORINGA

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Stimulates Metabolism

Your metabolism is the fire that burns your fuel. Regular exercise can increase your metabolism by burning through your reserves and moving on to burn through fats for energy. As you age, metabolism slows down and fat gets distributed in certain unwanted areas. Muscle burns through fat for energy, which is another reason why it’s important to stay active as you age. Muscle burns more calories than fat.
Along with exercise and proper diet, moringa has been shown to support and stimulate your metabolism. You can take moringa powder, often in a tea or added to recipes, can steep the leaves to make a tea, bake the seeds for a snack, or take it as a daily supplement. Moringa is high in glucosinolates, which is a natural component in many pungent plants like cabbage, broccoli, mustard, and horseradish.
These vegetables are known to prevent certain cancers and promote weight loss. It is also high in fatty acids, which is great for inflammation and anti-aging. Saturated fats are harder to break down, and often get stored in the body. Moringa breaks down these saturated fats, thus preventing the accumulation of fat in the gut.

High Fiber for a Healthy Digestion

Fibrous foods act like a broom to sweep out debris, waste, and leftover food that has accumulated in your colon. Digestive health is so important for many things like your immune system, mood, skin, sleep, and weight loss. There are more bacteria cells than human cells in the human body, up to 7 billion bacteria!
A probiotic, or “good bacteria” is a useful supplement to take during weight loss but also in general to keep the good bacteria in high quantities. These good bacteria promote a healthy immune system so you are less likely to get sick, and help the body eliminate gas and bloating, while getting rid of toxins.
There is also more serotonin, the neurotransmitter that makes you feel good, in your gut than your brain. Most people think of taking an SSRI (selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitor) or antidepressant for anxiety and stress, yet taking care of your gut health should be the first priority. Eliminating toxins and waste through your colon also promotes healthy and glowing skin and restful sleep.
Moringa is high in fiber, which prevents fat from accumulating in the gut. Fiber also prevents constipation, bloating, and also prevents over-eating and cravings by giving the body signals that it is “full.”

Helps the Liver Detox

Moringa is high in chlorophyll, which you can think of as the red blood cell of the plant world. Chlorophyll is known as a superfood for its antioxidant, anti-cancer, and overall health benefits. It improves liver function and detoxification, and is great for digestion and skin health.
Moringa supports liver function to detoxify heavy metals that can accumulate in the body from environmental toxins, food, and other health and beauty products. Liver function is vital to overall health and longevity. If your liver is not functioning properly, it cannot detoxify and process the toxins that are needed to be eliminated for optimal health and weight loss goals.

MACA

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How many times have we been told that an herbal supplement will magically help us shed pounds? Being of perimenopausal age, I know full well how frustrating it is when sudden weight gain hits. So when I heard the many claims associated with maca root – precisely the claims of maca root’s ability to enhance metabolism, assist with weight loss, and increase energy – I decided to investigate.

What Is Maca Root?

Maca is a root vegetable in the mustard family grown in mountainous regions of Peru that have been cultivated for thousands of years. It was not only used as a food source for the Incans, but also as a ritual energizing potion before the battle, and as an aphrodisiac – two of the health benefits that are still associated with maca root today. In fact, many refer to maca as “Peruvian ginseng,” which causes maca to have a reputation similar to the properties of Siberian ginseng.
What Forms of Maca Are Available?
Maca can be eaten as you would a root vegetable, although it is typically not something that you’ll find in North American grocery stores. It is also available freeze-dried in capsules, or in liquid extract form. You may see maca labeled as cream, red, or black – this indicates the varietal color of the actual root the product has been processed from, and in many cases the particular colors are associated with different health benefits. (For example, the cream colored maca has been associated with energy and vitality.)
What Health Benefits Are Claimed?
Maca is a herb that you’ll find an extensive list of benefits for, including weight loss, energy, speeding up metabolism, chronic fatigue syndrome, male impotence, infertility, and hormone balancing. One of the claims specifically regarding weight gain states that maca has been noted to regulate stress hormones, thereby putting an end to our unhappy binge eating. With all of these claims – and more – it’s no wonder that maca has been under the spotlight lately, being hailed as the newest “superfood.”

COCOA

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How Cocoa Powder Can Benefit You
Though cocoa powder is certainly a sweetener, when used in moderation, it can offer your body a slew of health benefits that just can’t be denied.

Cocoa powder can:

Increase fat metabolism– Supplementing your diet with raw, organic cocoa powder can actually improve your body’s ability to metabolize fat and use it as energy. In fact, according to a 2005 study in Nutrition magazine, when rats were fed real cocoa as a part of their diet, they exhibited significantly lower rates of fatty tissue than rats that weren’t.
Help you lose weight –Cocoa can help boost your weight loss results in a number of ways. First, it helps stimulate serotonin production in the brain. This chemical regulates your mood and helps suppress your appetite, which means you’ll consume less calories in the long run. Additionally, cocoa is naturally low in calories, with a mere 90 per serving. This makes cutting calories – and losing weight – a breeze.
Ward off diseases and health conditions– According to research from Harvard Medical Schools, populations that have a high intake of raw cocoa powder have extremely low rates of cancer, heart disease and stroke, three of the biggest health problems plaguing our world today.
Improve heart health– Cocoa powder can have numerous benefits on the heart, lowering blood pressure, increasing blood flow and warding off high cholesterol. It also raises good cholesterol levels (HDLs), thins your blood and fights off plaque formation and build-up. That means a lower chance of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke and more.
Boost your immune system– Studies show that cocoa powder can also improve your immune system, helping you fight off infection, disease and other adverse health conditions. In some people, it can even be used to treat cancer.
Detox the body– Cocoa powder has a high fiber contact, which helps keep your digestive system properly process and remove waste and toxins from your body. Cocoa powder is also full of flavonoids, natural antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals and other harmful substances.
Decrease inflammation– A new study by Louisiana State University shows that cocoa powder can actually lead to an anti-inflammatory response – particularly in the digestive tract. Cutting down on inflammation in this area reduces bloating and improves overall bodily function.
Improve nails and hair – Because of its high sulfur content, cocoa powder can actually improve your hair and nails, too. It can help them grow faster and improve their overall strength and durability in the long run.
Better your mood –Raw cocoa powder is also known to be a natural mood enhancer. It contains both anandamide and phenylethylamine, both of which induce euphoria, act as an aphrodisiac and boost overall mood.

BAOBAB

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Based on ORAC values, it is one of the highest antioxidant substances on earth; 40% more than acai and nearly 30x higher than blueberries.
Baobab contains more fiber than any other superfruit– over 50% of its content is fiber. When you’re trying to drop those pounds, healthy fiber intake is important to help you feel full. The more satisfied you feel when eating, the less likely you are to keep eating!
How people use it You don’t need much of this exotic African fruit. Add a tablespoon or two to your yogurt, smoothie, protein shake, oatmeal, or even into the batter of baked goods you make. It tastes slightly sweet but has very low sugar content and is a neutral flavor, which makes it easy to include in almost any recipe. Because it is so high fiber, don’t use too much.

Green tea

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This is not some flavor of the week fad. For a long time now, green tea has been studied for reportedly offering weight loss benefits and it does not appear to be caused by the caffeine.
According to the results from a study published in theAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it had thermogenic effect on participants, boosting metabolism burn by 4%over a 24 hour period when compared to those on a placebo.
How people use it
The research suggests both regular and decaf green tea has the same effect. Try substituting your morning coffee with freshly brewed green tea. During the afternoon and evening hours, stick with the decaf so you don’t lose sleep at night.

Apple cider vinegar

Best Apple Cider Vinegar

Although a more recent trend in the United States, reportedly in North African culture women have been using apple cider vinegar “to achieve weight loss for generations”and men (bodybuilders) are said to use it for purported rapid results before competitions. Despite being one of the most popular foods for dropping the pounds, clinical trials have not been done to validate this claim.
We are not making any claims about whether or not it works. All we know is that for us personally, we find that when we use it 30 to 60 minutes before a meal, we end up eating less.
How people use it You should never consume vinegars straight. They need to be diluted in water. Undiluted apple cider vinegar – as well as all other varieties of vinegar – can destroy your teeth enamel if not watered down first
Stir 1 to 2 tsps of in 8 oz. glass of water. Optionally, you can add a sweetener like organic honey, monk fruit, or molasses.

Chia seeds

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Chia is a controversial food. Many people claim that it’s a superfood that encourages losing weight, but the research does not support that. There have not been many clinical studies so far, but for the ones that have been done, those consuming chia did not lose more weight versus those who weren’t. However I still like chia because it is a very fiber-richfood and has more omega 3’s than salmonbased on an equal ounce vs. ounce comparison.

Apples

Not every dieting food needs to be coming from some far off exotic destination like quinoa from South America or goji from China. We have many in our backyard and while an apple may seem boring to you, it’s an excellent food for dieting.
For starters, the average apple with skinhas about 2/3 the antioxidants as blueberriesand about the same amount as fresh goji berries, when compared on an equal ounce vs. ounce basis. But unlike fresh berries which cost a fortune, apples are affordable. One medium apple is only 95 calories, but thanks to its high fiber content its a satisfying snack.

Purple sweet potatoes

You won’t hear the Atkins diet crowd saying you should eat a potato because – gasp – they contain carbs! Well news flash… carbs are actually neededin your diet for energy. Just like most nutrients, in moderation they’re healthy, in excess they’re not. The USDA actually recommends the following for adults.
45 to 65% of calories from carbohydrates
20 to 35% from fats
10 to 35% from proteins
Eliminating the largest category is foolish. Even if you want to consume less, you still need plenty of carbs on a daily basis. Not only are sweet potatoes very high in antioxidants, but if you prepare them the right way an entire potato is only around 130 calories. That can be a very filling and nutritious portion of your lunch or dinner!

Chilli Peppers

Not everyone is a fan of spicy food, but if you are there are actually health benefits of advantages of consuming them. As a spice, whether it’s or plain black pepper,they’re high in antioxidants.
The same holds true for the fresh peppers. In fact, dried jelopenos have 2x the antioxidants as fresh blueberries when compared on an equal weight basis (but of course you can consume berries in abundance, spicy peppers must be consumed in much smaller amounts).
For obesity, these foods may offer benefits too. Capsaicin – the phytochemical which makes them spicy – has been shown to increase metabolism in a plethora of studies. It has also been shown to reduce appetite. If you like the heat and can handle it, then these two characteristics make hot chili peppers a great diet food/ingredient to include in your meals.

TEFF

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What is teff? It’s a gluten free supergrain your diet shouldn’t be without. It’s the same stuff which is used in that spongy bread you get at Ethiopian restaurants. Your local supermarket is unlikely to sell it, but you can easily purchase it online. It’s already a favorite among those on a gluten free diet because it’s the best grain for creating that fluffy “real” bread texture without wheat or eggs. In the future, it may also become a favorite superfood for those trying to lose weight.

Did you know that teff flour contains FIVE TIMES as much fiber as wheat flour?

“One ounce of teff flour contains about five grams of fiber, compared to all-purpose wheat flour which only contains 1 gram,” explains the Global Healing Center.
Fiber is beneficial for good health, as it moves through the digestive tract and helps clear out accumulated waste, food and toxins. It promotes digestive regularity as well as nutrient absorption, making it vital component of a healthy diet.

It Can Help You Lose Weight

Speaking of fiber, did you know that fiber is one of the most important building blocks of any weight loss program? While low-fat diets help people lose weight with lots of fiber from whole grains, low-carb diets also include plenty of fiber in the form of vegetables. No matter which camp you fall into, you can’t deny that fiber is a crucial part of weight loss.
In fact, a research paper published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that making only one dietary change—increasing the amount of fiber in your diet—can result in effective weight loss.
Teff flour’s high fiber content can be a great way to boost your efforts if you’re interested in losing weight. The combination of the grain’s fiber content, gluten-free nature and plentiful calcium make it an all-around great choice for vibrant health.

HEMP

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Hemp- before you start to imagine any type of addiction or making marijuana connections. In medieval Europe, hemp meant fibre. For centuries it has been used as a source for many varieties of products including the manufacture of cordage, durable clothing, nutritional products, oil, source of proteins for humans and animals. It is only with the time, mainly in the XX century when it got confused as the name was mainly used for Cannabis plants ( or rather when the war against hemp started as it’s production was not of interest of a few big industries). But hemp should not be confused with its close relative Cannabiswhich is widely used as a drug, commonly known as marijuana. Its good to know, that there are varieties of the Cannabis Sativa and each part of the plant is harvested differently, depending on the purpose of its use (industrial fibre, seed oil, food, recreation, religious and spiritual moods, and medicine).

Gluten, wheat and grain free, so it’s safe for those fighting with Coealiac disease and gluten intolerance.
very nutritious, including 5.6% essential fatty acid: Omega 3 (good for cardiovascular health) , Omega 6 (brain functioning, bone health, metabolism), and GLA– gamma linolenic acidsource of amino acids including the 9 essential amino acids which our bodies cannot produce
Lots of fibre: necessary for the well functioning of digestive system. Makes you feel full longer full as it is full of protein: Hemp flour is 33% protein
rich in minerals: magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, niacin, riboflavin, thiaminVitamin E: antioxidant (necessary for cancer prevention)
It is very high in phosporus, which is an essential micro nutrient crucial for the development of bones and teeth and very important in maintaining the pH level of body fluids.
Vitamin E protects essential fatty acids (EFAs) from oxidation in our bodies cells, prevents breakdown of body tissues and keep the wrinklers away.
It is also a good source of Vitamin B complex, which is essential for energy production, a healthy nervous system and good digestion. Being a source of Vitamin B Complex makes it nutritious and wholesome especially for children and pregnant women (Vitamin B9 prevents neural tube effects in the fetus during pregnancy).
Most of dietary fiber found in hemp is composed of insoluble fiber that also cleanses and nourishes the colon, providing good laxative action and beneficial effect on body chemistry.
The essential trio, copper, iron and zinc cannot be synthesized by the body. Copper is necessary for blood vesel formation, a healthy heart and for stabilizing the connective tissue in the body. Zinc plays crucial role in more than 300 enzymes in human body, including growth and fertility and a health immune system. Iron is an integral part of many proteins and enzymes that mantain oxygen transport and the regulation of cells growth.

Hemp flour can contribute to treat:

weight loss
colon and digestive track
skin diseases (psoriasis, acne, minor abrasions, eczema)