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StarGate Nutrition - Superfoods - Super Vitamin
Super Foods are creating a storm in New York and California after the recent book launch of Super Foods by Dr. Steven Pratt and they are set to put the super back into supermarket, as these foods are the keys to health, longevity and weight control. Pratts diet recommendations are spinach, tomatoes, blueberries, broccoli, oats, wild salmon, turkey, soy and walnuts. A few years earlier we had Dr Gillian McKeith’s book Living Foods the result of 10 years of her research into nutrition she also ended up with what she termed the ‘super foods’: sprouted millet, sprouted quinoa, alfalfa, aloe vera, green barley grass, flax seeds, parsley, dulse, nori, stevia, sunflower, and wild blue-green algae.
Pineapple, Papaya Strawberries & Kiwi
These fruits contain high amounts of enzymes that help combat everything from autoimmune diseases, allergies, and cancer to AIDS. These fruits contain a proteolytic enzyme called Bromelain which acts as an anti inflammatory in the body. The enzyme in pineapple has also been shown to break down arterial plaques that may lead to heart attacks. Kiwi fruits and strawberries have very high levels of vitamin C in a natural form.
Yogurt
Scientists have found that the active culture of bacteria in yogurt, which is called Lactobacillus, actually helps to strengthen the immune system. Studies have shown that the use of yogurt in the diet has tripled the internal production of interferon a biochemical which the immune system uses in the fight against tumor cells. Yogurt has also been proven to slow down the growth of tumor cells in the alimentary tract and is able to improve the immune systems ability to destroy active tumor cells. Choose brands that state “contains live and active cultures” on the package. Avoid sweetened yogurt due to the high sugar content.
Omega-3 Eggs
Omega-3 enhanced eggs are from hens fed a vegetarian diet containing 10 - 20% flaxseed. Flax seed contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for lowering blood triglyceride levels. Omega-3 enhanced eggs contain roughly 10 times more omega-3 fatty acids than the classic eggs. Columbus Eggs are the only eggs that you can buy in the supermarket that are produced this way. Omega 3 is one of the fatty acids required in the body to make up the structures of the nerves and brain. Omega 3 is also required in the production of prostglandins which are extremely active hormone like substances.
Oatmeal
Oats have a long history of use by herbalist and porridge was the breakfast of choice long before crunchy ones were invented. Oats contains soluble fiber and 1/2 a cup of day has been proven to reduce cholesterol and to also strengthen white blood cells called glucans, which bolsters immune functions. A study recently published in the American Journal of Public Health also found that eating oatmeal on a regular basis could help reduce the risk of adult onset, Type 2, diabetes. Oatmeal also is rich in calcium and protein which for every cupful provide the body with 42 and 13 grams respectively. Good news for those with osteoporosis.
Garlic
The first scientific report to study garlic and cancer was performed in the 1950s. Out of the 37 studies, 28 of them showed evidence that garlic can prevent cancer. The evidence is particularly strong in prevention of prostate and stomach cancers. Interestingly researchers found that smokers with high garlic intake have a relatively lower stomach cancer risk than smokers with low garlic intake. A large-scale epidemiological Iowa Women's Health Study looked at the garlic consumption in 41,000 middle-aged women. Results showed that women who regularly consumed garlic had 35% lower risk of developing colon cancer. It is thought that the allyl sulfur compounds in garlic prevent cancer by slowing or preventing the growth of the cancer tumor cells. In recent years garlic has become a valuable tool in the treatment of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Garlic is very effective in the treatment of chest infections from colds and flu’s.