We have been blessed to live on a beautiful planet that is naturally rich with plants that provide us with foods that have extraordinary health benefits. These “superfoods” aid in fighting disease, promoting longevity, and strengthening all different parts of our bodies. Superfoods are nutrient dense foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals. When we incorporate these types of foods into our daily diet the results can be life changing. Foods like blueberries, avocado, olive oil, wild salmon, and kale have become commonly recognized as powerhouse foods that can reduce the risk of heart disease, improve the immune system, and even slow down the aging process. But what do you know about goji berries, spirulina, raw cacao, hemp seeds, kumquats, wheat grass, aronia berries, and turmeric?
In our modern society, access to exotic foods is easier than ever. Ancient cultures from around the world have been using plants for preventative measures and medicine for centuries. The knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation is invaluable and should be utilized with great gratitude.
Most of us, however, are unaware of the uses and benefits of foods that might not be so common in our culture. This article will serve as a brief guide to some exciting new foods that are definitely worth seeking out and incorporating into your life. While the list of exotic superfoods is quite long, the focus here will be superfoods that play a part in slowing down the aging process and that promote healthy skin.
Goji Berries are native to the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet and Mongolia and are packed full of antioxidants. This tiny super berry contains vitamins B, C, and E, 21 trace minerals, including zinc, copper, iron, and calcium, and they have the highest protein content out of any other fruit with all eight essential amino acids. Goji berries are typically consumed as dried fruit. They are a powerful snack!
Kumquats are native to the Asian-Pacific region of the world but cultivation spread extensively in the 19th century to Europe and the Americas. This small orange citrus fruit has a wealth of health benefits. Kumquats are beneficial to almost all areas of the body. There are loaded with fiber, potassium, vitamins A and C, calcium, and a wide range of essential oils. The high levels of antioxidants found in Kumquats make them an ideal fruit to protect your skin.
Turmeric is native to South Asia and has been used medicinally for centuries. Turmeric, in combinations with other ingredients, can be used topically in the form of a paste or mask to combat a wide variety of skin conditions from acne, wrinkles, stretch marks, and pigmentation. The website StyleCraze provides some great recipes for DIY pastes, scrubs, and masks that incorporate turmeric. (www.stylecraze.com/articles/turmeric-history-how-to-use-benefits/)
Spirulina has been cultivated by the indigenous people of Mexico and Africa for thousands of years. It is a micro alga that is bursting with vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, E, calcium, iron, and phosphorus. It is also very high in antioxidants. Spirulina is most commonly found in a powder form and consumed as part of a smoothie or juice mixture. Spirulina is a great promoter of bright, glowing, clear skin.
This is just the start! Later this week, we will introduce several more, easily accessible exotic superfoods that can do wonders for you health, especially in regards to anti-aging and skincare.