Increase your physical resilience with these 11 foods
Very few people find joy in feeling ill and imbalanced. While it can seem easy to place blame on external factors, the grit of your immune system lies largely in the fuel you choose to feed your body.
Lucky us, Mother Nature is a beast when it comes to providing some extraordinary options for supporting and reinforcing the protective power of the human body.
Add these superfoods to your grocery list and get a supersized dose of vitality:
Goji berries: Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 5,000 years, the goji berry contains 18 kinds of amino acids, including 8 essentials, 21 trace minerals, and high amounts of vitamins B and E.
Bee pollen: The most complete food found in nature, bee pollen contains all 21 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Organic, raw/unfiltered honey is rich in antioxidants and probiotics, and it is one of the highest vibrating foods on the planet.
Coconut oil: The fatty acids found in coconut oil provide quick energy to the brain while raising HDL ("healthy") cholesterol, reducing the risk for heart disease. It's also a potent source of ketones, which benefit the brain and can treat epilepsy and Alzheimer's.
Medicinal mushrooms (reishi, lion's mane, chaga, etc): The immune-enhancing powers of these superfoods run strong! And they have been proven effective in healing various types of cancer and other ailments due to their intelligent adaptogenic qualities.
Spirulina: A mega anti-inflammatory thanks to the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), spirulina is 65% protein and high in levels of chlorophyll, which helps remove toxins from the blood and boost the immune system.
Cacao: This raw form of chocolate (not to be confused with cocoa) is the highest antioxidant food on the planet. It's also the leading source of magnesium, iron, and manganese; improves cardiovascular health, aids in the building of strong bones, and is a natural aphrodisiac; elevating mood and energy and increasing overall longevity.
"The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition." -Thomas Edison
Spinach: Spinach is filled with antioxidants, including vitamin C and beta-carotene, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin - a duo that guards against macular degeneration, acting as sunscreen for the eyes. Spinach is also high in potassium, which regulates blood sugar and reduces the effects of sodium on the body, making it beneficial for those with high blood pressure.
Turmeric: Powerful in keeping blood sugar in check, healing ulcers and wounds, and promoting balance in all brain chemicals, turmeric is an excellent source of vitamin B6, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. It also helps to regulate inflammation, arthritis, and generalized joint swelling.
Garlic: Garlic has been proven effective in treating yeast infections as well as protecting against enlarged prostate due to its high levels of antioxidants. Researchers have also found an association between garlic and a reduced risk of gastric and endometrial cancers.
Seaweeds: Seaweeds benefit the entire body and are especially beneficial for the thyroid, immune system, adrenals, and hormone functions. They also remove heavy metals, detoxify the body of radioactive iodine, and regulate immunity; decreasing the overall risk of cancer
Maca: This Peruvian root vegetable contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and every essential amino acid. It increases energy, endurance, strength, and libido; and maca was even supplied to Incan warriors to increase alertness and provide energy and strength before battle.
Food choices add up and with time, have no option but to be reflected in the health of the physical body. When you make mindful decisions and eat well, you transform your world.
By Sam Jump
