What are some "Super Foods?"

well here are a few...
Aloe Vera Aloe vera is an amazing mixture of more than 200 constituents, including polysaccharides, enzymes, glycoproteins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. The active polysaccharide fractions in aloe are called galacto-mannans or beta-glucomannans (also known as acemannans). These polysaccharides have been shown in laboratory studies to act as a bridge between foreign proteins (such as virus particles) and macrophage cells in the human body, facilitating the destruction of the invading protein by the macrophage. Among their documented benefits are:
Make cells more resistant to viruses and pathogenic bacteria, by incorporating themselves into cell walls
Improve overall cellular metabolism and functioning
Reduce inflammation , Provide critical lubrication of joints; helping to prevent arthritis and to heal it once it has developed
Aid in the absorption of water, minerals and nutrients in the GI tract
Reduce pain Improve vascular flow, Reduce scarring, Improve macrophage activity as much as tenfold
Enhance macrophage effectiveness in modulating the entire immune system
Enhance macrophage effectiveness in stimulating, producing, and releasing antibodies
Increase the body's own production of interferon, interleukins
Increase the number of antibody forming T-cells in the spleen
Increase the number and activity of killer T-cell and increase monocyte activity
Fight fungal infections, such as: Athlete's foot, Ringworm, Pruritus anivalvae, Balnea, Essential Pruritus, and Vaginal yeast infections
Help heal athletic injuries such as: Muscle cramps, Sprains, Strains, Bruises, Swelling, Soreness, Tendonitis, and Bursitis.
Soothe and promote the healing of intestinal disorders such as: Indigestion, Heartburn, Hyper-acidity, Peptic and Duodenal Ulcers, Colitis, and Hemorrhoids, Promote the healing of kidney disorders, Help with diabetes , Kill parasites such as: Pinworms and Threadworms
Speed wound healing by as much as 35%, Reduce allergic reactions , Stimulate bone marrow activity
Stimulate fibroblasts to release collagen and elastin to make new tissue
almonds
apples
avocados
blueberries/acai- Heart disease, cancer, Alzheimers, and insomnia,With more antioxidant muscle power than most other fruits, berries strengthen tissue defenses against oxidation and inflammation, which are underlying factors in most age-related diseases, from heart disease and cancer to Alzheimers. For example, substances in blueberries help with short-term memory loss associated with aging. All berries help lower risk for breast, oral, and colon cancers in women. With a wealth of phytochemicals like ellagic acid, adding strawberries to the diet lowers tumor risk by up to 58%. Both blueberries and cranberries help prevent urinary tract infections. Tart cherries are one of the few foods that contain appreciable amounts of melatonin, the brain chemical that helps you sleep.
carrot-juice/powder It is not an accident that carotenoids and carrots share the same root name. Carrot juice contains over 400 known carotenoids, in addition to offering one of the highest sources of true beta-carotene.
cabbage
eggs
fish/salmon Prevents heart disease, depression (including postpartum depression), and memory loss, encourages optimal brain and vision development in your baby
You are hearing a lot about the omega-3 fats these days and salmon tops the list for the tastiest, best source of these healthy fats. The omega-3s reduce the risk for blood clot formation and may lower blood levels of the bad cholesterol, which helps prevent heart attack and stroke. These fats help the brain develop properly, which is critical during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The omega-3s also boost levels of serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical, and might lower Alzheimer’s risk by up to 60%
fresh greens-Spinach
Prevents birth defects, heart disease, dementia, colon cancer, and vision loss; protects skin and bones. One of nature’s best sources of folate, a B vitamin that prevents birth defects, heart disease, dementia, and colon cancer (the third most common cause of cancer in women). Another compound in spinach, called lutein, helps prevent macular degeneration, a leading cause of age-related vision loss. But, probably one of the most exciting new findings is that lutein helps protect your skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure. It appears that lutein protects the fats in the top layer of skin, preventing dehydration, roughness, and possibly even wrinkles over time. Spinach also is an excellent source of vitamin K, a nutrient essential for bone development
garlic
grape
prunes Prunes have been the subject of repeated health research for their high content of unique phytonutrients called neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid. These damage-preventing substances are particularly effective in neutralizing a particularly dangerous oxygen radical called the superoxide anion radical, and they have also been shown to help prevent oxygen-based damage to fats. Since our cell membranes, brain cells and molecules such as cholesterol are largely composed of fats, preventing free radical damage to fats is a significant benefit. In fact, prunes have the highest Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity of any food tested.
pomegranate in the past few years, studies of pomegranates have shown components that inhibit skin cancer, breast cancer, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. Pomegranate juice is an antioxidant powerhouse, packed with both the polyphenols that have made red wine and green tea famous and the ellagitannins that have made red raspberries one of the hottest food items in the anti-cancer arsenal. According to an article in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who drank just 2 ounces of pomegranate juice a day for a week increased antioxidant activity by some 9 percent. Supplementation with pomegranate extract makes sense if you are looking at cancer prevention, maintaining a healthy heart, reducing bad cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and protecting against free radicals and aging.
hot peppers/fresh or dried
mushrooms
oats-Diabetes, weight control, heart disease
This simple, old-fashioned favorite helps maintain a healthy weight thanks to the magic combo of fiber and water, which fills you up on fewer calories and digests slowly so you are satisfied between breakfast and lunch and less likely to be grazing at the fridge or vending machine. In addition, the type of fiber in old fashioned oats, called beta glucan - a soluble fiber, when mixed with liquid forms a viscous gel that helps decrease cholesterol absorption and lowers blood sugar levels, lowering the risk for both diabetes and heart disease. Old fashioned oats have much more fiber and staying power than instant or quick-cooking oats.
barley/whole grains
wheat germ Stress, bones, thyroid, and diabetes
The heart of the wheat kernel is a gold mine of nutrition. A half cup serving of toasted wheat germ supplies more than half of a woman’s daily magnesium needs, a mineral that three out of four women don’t get enough of, yet is essential for reducing stress, building bones, and regulating thyroid function (which affects 20% of postmenopausal women) and heart rate. Magnesium also aids in the production, release, and activity of insulin. Several studies, including one from Harvard School of Public Health, found that women cut their risk of developing diabetes by 48% when they consumed magnesium-rich diets. In contrast, low intake of magnesium increases risk more than three-fold. Wheat germ also supplies husky amounts of vitamins, including 100% of your daily need for folic acid, 50% of your vitamin E requirement, and decent amounts of trace minerals, such as iron and zinc.
beans/lentils
green/white teas
sprouts
spirulina Spirulina is a blue-green algae containing complete, balanced protein and a wide range of valuable nutrients. Spirulina is approximately 70% easily digestible protein and contains 18 out of 22 amino acids, including all of the essential amino acids, making it a great vegetarian source of complete protein. Even better, spirulina protein is 95% digestible compared to meat sources, which may be only 20% digestible. In addition, spirulina is an excellent source of B vitamins, vitamin E, highly bioavailable iron, and 14 naturally chelated minerals and numerous trace elements.
sweet potato sweet potatoes supplies five times the Daily Value for beta carotene, which might lower your risk for cancer, boost defenses against colds and infections, and protect the skin from sun damage. Beta carotene accumulates in the skin providing partial 24-hour protection against sun damage. The more carotene-rich produce you eat, the more skin protection you get. Bright orange veggies also supply hefty amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and iron, and more fiber than a slice of whole wheat bread.
tomatoes/purre/juice Heart disease, healthy skin, and fibroids
Women average less than 3 ounces of canned tomatoes daily, which is no where near enough. Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant found in the red pigment in plants that might be a heart saver. Maintaining high blood levels of lycopene could lower heart disease risk in women by up to 50%. Another study suggests that lycopene also might reduce the risk for fibroid tumors, which affect up to 45% of women.
nuts/seeds
Noni The active biochemical in noni powder, proexeronine, is readily converted in the body to xeronine, an alkaloid, which is present, and necessary, in virtually every cell in the body. Raising the levels of xeronine to optimum levels can produce profound health effects, and noni appears unique in its ability to accomplish this. It also appears unique in its ability to trigger the release of nitric oxide from the body’s cells. Nitric oxide is a key component in optimizing blood pressure, alleviating erectile dysfunction, and in fighting viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, and tumors. It’s also associated with optimizing learning, memory, sleeping, and reducing the pain associated with inflammation and/or rheumatoid arthritis
yogurt-Why it’s good for you: Osteoporosis, intestinal problems, and even cancer.One in every three women after age 50 will fracture a bone because of osteoporosis. In women over 45 years of age, osteoporosis accounts for more days spent in hospital than diseases like diabetes, myocardial infarction and breast cancer. Getting enough calcium is paramount to preventing this epidemic, and yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, supplying 62% more than an equal amount of milk (488mg vs 300mg, respectively). In addition, thousands of studies, spanning decades of research consistently show that encouraging the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract could boost immunity and also lower the risk for a wide variety of disorders, ranging from diarrhea, certain allergies, and lactose intolerance symptoms to irritable bowel syndrome and colorectal cancer. The best place to get the right bacteria is in plain, nonfat yogurt, with recent studies also showing that women who include the right kind of yogurt into their daily diets are less likely to suffer from bladder or vaginal infections. Surprise! Korean Kimchi also is a good source of that healthy bacteria - lactobacilli.
Herbals/Spices/Sweeteners
1.) Herbs
2.) Sweeteners
Stevia Whether in dry-leaf or concentrate form, stevia has the wonderful ability to help the body regulate blood sugar. Several researchers have reported that, in these natural forms, stevia seems to correct both high and low blood sugar. Other scientists have stated that stevia appears to lower blood pressure, but does not seem to affect normal blood pressure.
Manuka Honey
What is Honey?Honey is a saturated solution of sugar made by bees that collect nectar which is a liquid secretion from flowers. The honeybees take this nectar back to their hives where they add enzymes to it and place it in wax cells called honeycombs. This is where it ripens to form honey. During the ripening process, the enzymes convert sucrose into glucose and fructose. There are many different types of honey. The differences are predicated on the floral source. What most people don't know is that honey has the ability to kill bacteria and heal wounds because it is very acidic. In fact, many years ago, honey was frequently used for medical purposes. However, with the advent of antibiotics, medical professionals were under the misconception that they were more effective than honey. As antibiotics are proving to be less effective on certain types of infections, doctors are now reconsidering honey as a viable treatment solution.Manuka Honey has a high sugar content and produces an antibacterial molecule called hydrogen peroxide, which can been used as a disinfectant. One particular type of honey known as Manuka Honey is especially effective in treating infected wounds and other skin conditions because it contains an additional antibacterial component known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. Manuka Honey's healing properties are so powerful that scientists now believe it is more effective in treating certain health conditions than antibiotics and other traditional forms of medicine. Unlike the days when honey was used as a natural remedy, medical professionals now know that many health conditions are caused by the presence of infectious bacteria. Over the course of the past few decades, there has been a significant overuse of antibiotics by doctors. In addition, bacteria has the ability to mutate and become resistant to elements that are attempting to destroy them, such as antibiotics. In the wake of an overwhelming amount of reported cases of Staph infections involving antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, doctors are scrambling in search of a viable alternative. What they're now realizing is that Manuka Honey contains extremely powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. To date, there have been no types of bacteria that have shown a resistance to it. Manuka Honey destroys bacteria in a different manner in which antibiotics do by drawing water out of the bacteria, making it impossible for the bacteria to survive. As a result, wound dressings containing Manuka Honey have been successful in treating life-threatening infections involving hard-to-kill bacteria such as MRSA and VRE. This has been viewed as a major breakthrough in the health care industry.Honey is no longer being regarded as just a food item. It's transition from the food cabinet to the medicine cabinet is inevitable. Not just any honey will do though. Laboratory studies have indicated that even though ordinary honey may contain some antibacterial properties, Manuka Honey is significantly more potent. The enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide in honey is destroyed when honey is exposed to heat or light. However, Manuka Honey is stable so there is no concern about it losing its healing properties in storage. Manuka Honey provides a more potent antibacterial action, diffusing into the depth of infected tissues, more so than the hydrogen peroxide from other types of honey. Medical Uses for Manuka HoneyManuka Honey has natural antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties making it one of the most valuable substances for treating a variety of different symptoms. Manuka Honey has been known to treat health conditions such as Eczema, Psoriasis, arthritis, wounds, burns, insect bites, infections, ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch, nail fungus, acne, wrinkles, etc. Research also shows that Manuka Honey reduces malodor and eliminates scaring. Additionally, Manuka Honey is now being used to treat antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. It is important to know that Manuka Honey is an all-natural, organic substance that has been found to have no known side effects.
The Unique Characteristics of Manuka Honey
There are a few major differences between ordinary honey and Manuka Honey.
1. Only Manuka Honey provides non-hydrogen peroxide antibacterial components.
2. Manuka Honey’s antibacterial factor is unaffected by enzymes in the body that destroy hydrogen peroxide components.
3. Manuka Honey is highly effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
4. Manuka Honey maintains its potency even when diluted over 50 times, as will happen when used on the body.
5. Manuka Honey is unaffected by heat, light or aging.
7. Manuka Honey diffuses deep into skin tissue, making it possible to get to effected areas.
15 Reasons to Use Manuka Honey for Medical Purposes
Other benefits to using Manuka Honey for medicinal purposes are as follows:
1. Manuka Honey has natural antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties; 2. Manuka Honey creates a moist healing environment that allows new skin cells to grow across a healing wound flush with the surface of the wound, preventing deformity of the skin and scaring; 3. Manuka Honey rapidly clears infection by destroying bacteria; 4. Manuka Honey repairs damaged skin and regenerates new skin growth; 5. Manuka Honey hastens the healing process; 6. Manuka Honey eliminates malodor by destroying the bacteria that cause it; 7. Manuka Honey can heal Staph infections and destroy antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA and VRE; 8. The viscosity of Manuka Honey provides a protective barrier to prevent wounds from becoming infected; 9. Manuka Honey causes scabs and dead skin cells to lift off the surface of the wound, leaving a clean healthy wound bed in which the regeneration of skin tissue can occur; 10. Manuka Honey stimulates the growth of tissue involved in the healing process;11. Manuka Honey stimulates the formation of new blood capillaries and the growth of fibroblasts that replace the connective tissue of the deeper layer of the skin and produce the collagen fibers that give strength to the repair; 12. Manuka Honey has an anti-inflammatory action that relieves pain; 13. Manuka Honey has antifungal properties that can cure ringworm and other fungal conditions such as athlete's foot, jock itch and nail fungus; 14. Manuka Honey is all-natural and organic;
3.)Spices
curry/turmeric Alzheimers and dementia, breast and ovarian cancer
A colorful spice popular in Indian cuisine, turmeric (it gives curry powder its bright orange color) contains powerful antioxidants, called polyphenols, that fight inflammation much like aspirin does. A recent study from UCLA showed that turmeric might have potent anti-plaque forming effects that could slow, stop, and maybe even reverse Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric in curry powder is also associated with improvements in inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, psoriasis, and arthritis.
ginger Nausea and motion sickness
Fresh ginger is as effective as some medications in relieving nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and after surgery. Naval officers in one study reported less seasickness when they took ginger root powder before leaving port. Evidence that ginger also helps with arthritis symptoms needs further research.
cinnamon
oregano-Rich sources of antioxidants
Researchers at the University of Oslo, Norway analyzed 1,113 foods to identify those foods richest in total antioxidants. The results showed that spices and herbs, nuts and seeds, berries, fruit, and vegetables all were high in antioxidant. Of the 50 foods highest in antioxidants, 13 were herbs and spices. One study found that oregano had 42 times more antioxidants than apples! That means that one tablespoon of fresh oregano has the same free-radical fighting power as one medium-sized apple. In contrast, some of the antioxidants are lost when herbs are processed and dried.