Kale – This leafy green is chock full of essential vitamins A, C, and K as well as minerals like copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorous. A cup has only 40 calories, but packs 3 grams of protein. Benefits include lowering risk of heart disease and stroke, preservation of bone mineral density, reduction of kidney stone formation, improved macular health, leveling of blood sugar, lowering of blood pressure, and maintaining skin and hair health.
Beets – Naturally occurring nitrates in beets help relax and dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. Beets boost stamina and are great for runners or those involved in endurance activities. Beets are a unique source of betaine, a nutrient that helps protect cells, proteins, and enzymes from environmental stress, as well as combat inflammation, protect internal organs, and improve vascular risk factors. Beets support the body’s detoxification process and help purify the blood and the liver.
Carrots – A rich source of carotenes and vitamin A, as well as vitamins C, D, E, K, B1, B6, and minerals biotin, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous. The alkaline elements in carrots help maintain blood alkaline/acid balance. Carrots are also excellent for skin and eye health, fighting inflammation, boosting the immune system, and its diuretic properties assist in reducing water retention.
Dandelion Greens – A natural diuretic, dandelion leaf is commonly used to remove excess water and toxins from the body. It helps promote bile excretion from the liver so the body can more efficiently process foods and liquids while also purging harmful toxins. In addition, improved bile flow makes it easier for the body to better metabolize fat, which helps optimize the body’s cholesterol levels.
Lemon – Although acidic to taste, lemons are one of the most alkalizing of foods and help maintain an alkaline state within our bodies. It is in an alkaline state that our bodies function at their most optimal level. Excess acidity can lead to a plethora of undesirable symptoms and eventually disease. Lemons are loaded with anti-oxidants which make them beneficial for boosting our immune systems, slowing down the aging process, and lowering our cancer risk.
Spinach – A superfood in a low-calorie package. This dark leafy green is important for skin, hair, and bone health, and provides an abundance of vitamins and minerals, as well as protein. Other health benefits include improving blood glucose control in diabetics, lowering the risk of cancer, lowering the risk of asthma, and decreasing blood pressure.
Arugula – Loaded with many vital phytochemicals, anti-oxidants, vitamins (A, C, K), and minerals (copper and iron).
Aloe – Very high in vitamins and minerals, as well as amino and fatty acids. Aloe is very alkalizing and aids in relief of indigestion and heartburn. Also, aids in the elimination of constipation. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves circulation. Aloe is an adaptogen and boosts the body’s ability to adapt to external changes and resist illness.
Parsley – Rich in chlorophyll, Vitamins A, B, C, and K, folate, and iron. Its high chlorophyll content make it and excellent blood purifier and blood builder. Its high concentration of anti-oxidants make it a great cancer-fighter and aids in the reduction of damage done to our bodies by free radicals. Its high vitamin C content (higher than oranges) make it an extraordinary immunity-booster.
Cilantro – A powerful natural cleansing agent, cilantro is effective at removing heavy metals from the body. Other possible benefits include prevention of cardiovascular damage, strong anti-anxiety effects, and improved sleep quality.
Cucumber – High in vitamin K, B vitamins, copper, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. Also contains unique polyphenols and other compounds that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and much more. Important in the protection of brain health, reduction of cancer risk, combatting inflammation, and supporting heart health.
Celery – Contains minerals such as calcium, sodium, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium. Also contains fatty acids and vitamins including A, C, E, D, B6, B12, and K, as well as thiamin, riboflavin, and folic acid. Benefits include reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, battling inflammation, cancer prevention, improved immune system, reduction of asthma symptoms, better cardiovascular health, and increased diuretic activity. Also, the presence of coumarins may provide relief from migraine headaches.
Ginger – A great aid in digestion. Helpful in relieving nausea and flatulence. Also, a powerful anti-inflammatory and is beneficial in relieving pain and swelling. Ginger is very high in anti-oxidants, higher than many berries, making it an excellent defender against cell damage.
Green Bell Pepper – High in anti-oxidants which combat free radicals, green bell peppers also contain zeaxanthin, important in maintaining eye health and reducing the risk of age-related eye disorders.
Apple – Very high in anti-oxidants, apples are associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Pear – An excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and E, as well as folate and niacin. Also rich in copper, phosphorous, and potassium. An excellent anti-inflammatory and has high anti-oxidant content.
Cayenne – Has anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, and anti-diabetic properties. Also effective in helping to reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels. Has a high anti-oxidant content and is rich in vitamins A and C, the B vitamins, as well as iron, copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium, selenium, and potassium.
Maple Syrup – Not just a sweetener, pure maple syrup is packed with minerals and anti-oxidants. The sheer quantity and variety of identified compounds with documented health benefits qualifies maple syrup as a food champion.
Cashews – Rich in iron, phosphorous, selenium, magnesium, and zinc. Also a good source of phytochemicals, anti-oxidants, and protein. Beneficial to our heart health, cancer prevention, hair and skin health, bone health, and the prevention of gallstones.
Pineapple – Contains the enzyme bromelain which digests food by breaking down protein. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting, and anti-cancer properties. An excellent source of B vitamins and vitamin C.
Kiwi – A nutrient dense fruit, kiwis are packed with vitamin C and potassium, as well as vitamins A, E, and K, choline, magnesium, copper, and phosphorous. Excellent for skin, heart health, improved sleep, and lowering blood pressure.
Almonds – The only nut and one of the few proteins that are alkaline forming. Provide riboflavin and L-carnitine which aid in brain function. They protect artery walls from damage, can lower bad cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease. They provide healthy fats and can aid in weight loss.
Cacao – Nutrient dense and exceptionally high in anti-oxidants (40x higher than blueberries). One of the best foods for maintaining cardiovascular health and is the highest whole food source of magnesium which is one of the most deficient minerals in the diet of modern cultures. Its benefits are long and wide-ranging….truly a superfood.
Cinnamon – The highest anti-oxidant content of all spices. Has anti-inflammatory properties, may cut the risk of heart disease, and can improve insulin-sensitivity. Cinnamon lowers blood sugar and has an anti-diabetic effect.
Acai – The acai berry (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) is a fruit that grows on the acai palm trees in the Amazon rain forest of Brazil. The berry is extremely rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, and is touted to promote weight loss, increase energy and stamina, support the immune system, protect against heart disease, and support digestive health.
Goji – A berry harvested in the Himalayas, goji tastes like a blend of berries and chocolate. It is packed with antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, as well as fiber, and is said to promote cardiovascular and digestive health, aid in weight management, and fight premature aging.
Echinacea – A wildflower native to North America, Echinacea is an herb used to trigger the body’s natural ability to heal itself and improve the functioning of the immune system.
Ginkgo Biloba – Ginkgo is one of the oldest living tree species. The extract of ginkgo leaves is used to improve memory function, concentration, and alertness.
Ginseng – This herb is native to the Asian continent and has become increasingly popular in the Western world. It’s used to reduce stress and fatigue, improve memory and mental clarity, boost immune function, and increase endurance, as well as to lower cholesterol levels.
Maca – A root vegetable grown in Peru, among maca’s chief effects are the enhancement of endocrine function and hormone balance, sexual and reproductive health, increased energy and endurance, and improved mental clarity.
Vitamin B12 – Only found in animal sources and nuts, many vegetarians are deficient in this vitamin. It is vital to the formation of red blood cells and support of the nervous system, as well as proper metabolic function. B12 is an energy booster and has shown to be effective in combating chronic fatigue.
Vitamin D3 – This vitamin is necessary for retaining bone density and for maintaining the body’s immunity against cancers, heart disease, diabetes, muscle wasting, and osteoporosis, among other disorders. Very few foods contain vitamin D3, mostly meat products, however, it is readily available through the absorption of the sun’s rays. With the increased awareness of skin cancer from sun exposure, those who avoid the sun, apply heavy sunblock, live in locations receiving little sun for months of the year, and/or are vegetarian may suffer from a Vitamin D3 deficiency.
Creatine Monohydrate – A metabolite produced in our bodies, creatine can also be obtained from the consumption of meat. It plays a role in supplying muscles with the energy they demand during physical activity, reducing muscular waste products such as lactic acid, and enables a longer cycle of muscular activity before fatigue and exhaustion. Creatine Monohydrate is a dietary supplement that athletes and many bodybuilders use to increase high intensity exercise performance, increase strength, have fuller looking muscles, increase body mass and have faster post workout muscle recovery. Although people produce creatine in their bodies and can also get it through diet, supplementation get be very beneficial for those who put high physical demands on themselves.
L-Glutamine – The most abundant amino acid in the body, it is necessary for a healthy digestive tract, normal immune function, and is key to metabolic function and maintaining muscle tissue. It also may increase mental alertness and improve mood and memory, as well as decrease sugar cravings and the desire for alcohol.
Flax Seed – This seed is high in alpha linolenic acid (ALA), a type of plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid, similar to those found in fish such as salmon. Benefits of flax seed include lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) levels. Other benefits include lowering blood triglyceride levels and blood pressure. Aside from ALA, flax seed is rich in lignin, a type phytoestrogen (antioxidant), and also provides fiber. Researches reveal that lignan in flax seed shows a lot of promise in fighting disease including a possible role in cancer prevention, especially breast cancer.
Udo’s 3-6-9 Omega Oil – Comprised mainly of flax seed, sunflower seed, sesame, and coconut oils, Udo’s Oil supplies the perfect 2:1 ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids. EFAs have been shown to improve energy, performance, and stamina, strengthen the immune system, lower risk for cardiovascular disease, improve brain function, speed healing and recovery, regulate organs and glands, provide for healthy skin, hair, and nails, aid in fat loss, support healthy child development, keep bones strong, and ease PMS symptoms. They are necessary for virtually every function associated with good health.
Hemp Seed – This seed contains all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain good health, is high in antioxidants, as well as fiber.
Chia Seed – Chia is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, grown in Mexico dating back to Mayan and Aztec cultures. “Chia” means strength, and folklore has it that these cultures used the tiny black and white seeds as an energy booster. That makes sense, as chia seeds are a concentrated food containing healthy omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium.
Matcha – Loaded with anti-oxidants, boosts metabolism, natural detoxifier, calms mind and relaxes body, enhances mood, aids in concentration
Pitaya – High in anti-oxidants, pitaya can help slow down the aging process and is an immunity-booster. Strong cancer-fighter. High in fiber, can stabilize blood-sugar. Also, aids in digestion.
Turmeric – Very powerful anti-inflammatory. Can be useful in managing arthritic pain, diabetes, cancer, depression, gastrointestinal issues, and high cholesterol.