Eating For Health and Pleasure With "Super Foods" and "Super Supplements"

For the body to remain in a state of health and balance, attention must be paid daily to the concept of eating for health as well as eating for pleasure. In this article you will learn how super foods and super supplements can change the biochemistry of the body. They help reverse stress and disease patterns, that when left unchecked, cause many types of illness, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, chronic pain, premature aging of all body organs and many other common symptoms.

What are super foods and why are they considered super?

Super Foods are foods found to produce certain types of positive bio chemical changes in the body, and contain nutrients known to have medicinal properties. The bio chemical changes can repair, heal, and restore the body back to health and balance by repairing damaged cellular tissue and bone. Studies by many medical universities have found that the active phyto-nutrients in super foods help to cure and prevent symptoms.

Some top super foods are: Acai berry, and many fruits, the allium family (onion, garlic, shallots, leeks, scallions), barley, beans, lentils, buckwheat, all green vegetables, and hot peppers, nuts and seeds, sprouts, and yogurt, herbs and spices. These foods should be staples in a daily diet.

What are Super Food Supplements?

Super foods and supplements can be described as the active ingredient in a highly nutritional food sources. When these active ingredients are isolated, concentrated, and taken as supplements they can produce a medicine- like affect in the bio-chemistry of the body. Some of the most important super foods and super supplements are amino acids, antioxidants, acidophilus, concentrated fruit and greens extracts . When these substances are added to an already clean diet they can not only help resolve many symptoms, they also help to increase total body energy, stamina, and help with athletic performance.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants have been shown to reverse free radical damage to tissue caused by pesticides found in foods, and environmental toxins. They can encourage natural digestive enzymes which aids in all digestive process and proper colon functioning. Antioxidants help to alkanize the blood and reduce inflammation in all body tissue and joints. Some of the most well-known food based antioxidants are from inside fruit and green vegetable concentrates, and wheat and barley and oat grasses. High antioxidant fruits include: acai berries , blueberries, cranberries, goji berries, pomegranate, papaya and pineapple.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are the individual organic chemicals that are found in all protein foods. Amino acids are considered the building blocks for all cells. All muscle and brain tissue are fed by amino acids. They help in tissue repair, enhance energy and stamina , fight fatigue, and stabilize blood sugar. They are also famous for enhancing muscle mass and strength. Individual amino acid supplements, such as Taurine can be effective in high doses to calm the nervous system. Tyrosine another amino acid, can stimulate the thyroid which increase total body energy and support healthy metabolism. There are many individual amino acid supplements and they are used for many different types of symptoms. The are available in health food stores and can be prescribed by health care practisioners.

Acidophilus

Acidophilus is called the "good guy" intestinal bacteria. They help to keep the natural flora of the intestines and vaginal ph. balance. These beneficial bacteria are of critical importance for breakdown and metabolism of food. Just increasing acidophilus levels into normal ranges nay help to resolve many gastrointestinal symptoms. They also help protect the body by fighting against invasion of harmful bacteria found in food and water. Acidophilus is involved in all vitamin synthesis, natural antibiotic production, immune defense, and detoxification of pro-carcinogens and a host of other activities. Acidophilus is naturally occurring in yogurt and all fermented foods, but for medicinal purposes it should be taken as concentrated high dose supplements,

Essential Fatty Acids

These are the fats the body cannot make and therefore must be added to the diet. These essential fatty acids are widely found in many foods. These essential fatty acids are used by the body to produce hormone-like substances that regulate a wide range of body functions such as, brain functioning, blood pressure, blood clotting, controlling lipid levels, supporting immune response, and producing hormones. Essential Fatty Acids are Omega 3 and Omega 6 and 9. These fats and oils need to be ingested a daily basis, as the body cannot make them. Cold pressed organic oils from nuts, seeds, and vegetables should be added to the diet daily and eating these good fats which come from foods such as, avocados, seeds, nuts, and olives. Essential fatty acids can also be added to the diet in pill form or liquid form .

When given the right environment the body has an amazing capability to heal and continually restore itself. Every day we can change our biochemistry positively or negatively, by the foods and supplements that we take in. To be able to lead a healthy and active life, we must take very good care of our bodies and make healthy choices. Not only will this benefit us by feeling better immediately, but it will help stop disease patterns from forming, prevent chronic illness, and premature aging.

We need to start thinking that eating for health can be a great source of pleasure. Antioxidants, acidophilus, essential oils, and amino acids are just some of the " Super Foods and Supplements" that become an added bonus to ensuring optimum health, energy, and vitality.