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Top Superfoods for 2012!
January 21, 2012

Superfood Evolution Ezine -- Issue #024

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Table of Contents:

  1. Why Superfoods?
  2. Top Superfoods for 2012
  3. ASK a Question Section
  4. Recipe of the Month
  5. Announcements
  6. Products of the Month

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Hello friends,

Welcome again to Superfood Evolution! A big thank you to all my Superfoods-for-Superhealth site visitors for your attention and support! Here we go with my monthly newsletter #24. Many of you expressed great interest in learning more about superfoods, superhealth and achieving optimal states of aliveness! So, here it is by popular demand! It is my intent to uplift and empower your true health potential to create the best life ever for you and your family.

"You are what you eat" is the first rule of thumb here, the rest just falls into place!



Why Superfoods are Good for You and the Planet!

It is tradition with the beginning of a New Year to make commitments that will enhance and improve our lives in positive ways. Often times, achieving greater health is at the top of these goals for many people. Now more than ever before we are understanding the connection between health and diet as the concept "you are what you eat" continues to rein true for most of modern society. People from all cultures and ages are waking up! A new awareness is coming in and we are discovering, as individuals and as a society at large, that we are indeed in control of what we manifest in our world.

Humans are seeking more energy to achieve powerful things. An energy that not only stimulates and sustains physical health, but an energy that allows you to thrive in all aspects of your life! The truth of the matter is when we change ourselves for the better, the outside world and planet naturally become a better place to live in. "When we increase the vitality of the human body so too will the world be transformed!"

Here at Superfoods for Superhealth we are committed to "taking our health to the next level" and inspiring you to do the same using foods that give clarity of mind, physical strength and added support for the evolvement of consciousness! The year 2012 for us is about the dawning of a new awareness and a coming home to "self", the bigger picture and oneness of all creation.

In the words of Carl Sagan "The earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena."



Top Superfoods for 2012

Their are certain superfoods available today that are without a doubt in my mind some of the most appropriate for this time and ideal for most of the general population on planet earth.

If you are not new to this website you have most likely heard me mention this powerful group of super herbs, roots, mushrooms or fruits that increase the body's resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue. They are also referred to as rejuvenating herbs, chi tonics, restoratives or rasayanas.

These are the ADAPTOGENS!

Adaptogens have tonifying actions that are rejuvenating, increasing physical and mental stamina. Most of this group of superfoods are anti-inflammatory, in addition to being a massive support the immune system. Some are particularly potent for protecting the liver, heart and revitalizing the nerves. In many studies adaptogens have shown to guard against cancer, reduce the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs and increase resistance to the effects of radiation and chemical carcinogens.

Adaptogens should really be considered one of the "primary food groups" in my opinion. There is no substitute for the deep protection and nourishing properties they provide to "take our health to new levels." It is well documented that ancient longevity masters consumed their daily brew of these strengthening herbs and foods.

Top Superfood Adaptogens include:

1) Medicinal mushrooms - like Reishi, Cordyceps, Lions Mane, Maitake, Coriolus, Chaga, etc.

2) Ayurvedic herbs - like Shilajit, Amalaki, Shatavari, Ashwaganda, Holy Basil (Tulsi), etc.

3) Chinese Tonic herbs like Ginseng, Fo-ti root, Maca root, Rhodiola and others.

4) Fruits - like Jujubee dates, Goji berries, and Noni Fruit.

Suggestions:

  • Begin introducing adaptogens to the body after a cleanse or when the body is free of disease or sickness.
  • Start out slow and gradually, over time, increase intake.
  • Incorporate adaptogens into foods and drinks whenever possible.
  • Educate yourself on medicinal mushrooms and tonic hebs, experiment and create your own personalized formulas.
  • See an Avurvedic or Chinese Herbalist to help you design the best herbal tonic program for your needs.
  • Supplement with Ron Teeguarden's Super Adaptogen Dietary Capsules to make things easy.

For more information about these top superfoods for 2012 visit my pages on: medicinal mushrooms, super herbs, goji berries, noni fruit and maca root.



ASK A Question Section!

If you have a question about superfoods, super nutrition, diet or superfood recipes.... ask it HERE. In the next issue of Superfood Evolution Ezine I will select four and answer them directly.

1) Nanci asks.... Thanks for all the great information and recipes on your website, I really appreciate your genuine inspiration toward superfoods and diet. I have been trying some of your recipes, although I am a novice. I had a question about your pizza crust recipe made from buckwheat. I was wondering if I can make it without sprouting the buckwheat first. Does it make a big difference?

Shira's ANSWER: Sprouting grains is highly recommended. I almost never use grains as a flour, I always sprout them first. They are incredibly nutritious this way and packed with nutrients and enzymes that make them easier to digest and assimilate. It is worth the extra time it takes to sprout them. This pizza crust recipe is an especially great one to make in the winter time because it is more dense and filling if your in a cold climate.

2) Ryan asks.... I have an abundance of nettle growing where I live in England. I was wondering if it is possible to eat, juice or make tea with it when it is fresh. I am having trouble finding this info online. I really want to make as much use of it as I can since it is a very nutritious superfood herb.

Shira's ANSWER: Wow, that is great you have fresh nettle to wildcraft! It is always best to pick herbs fresh especially from wild areas. Nettle leaf can be challenging to harvest because of the "stinging" hairs on the leaves that can cause some irritation on the skin. The best way I have found to harvest them is to wear thick leather gloves. Fresh nettle is great to put through your juicer and also add to herbal teas. It is not recommended to eat the leaves whole because of the "stinging" element. You can, however blend them up in a smoothie or lightly steam them.

3) Jhada asks.... When making sauerkraut it is absolutely necessary to include a probiotic culture and salt in the ingredients?

Shira's ANSWER: Actually, no, the sauerkraut will ferment fine without either and some people prefer it without the salt added. Make sure to add lemon to help kill any unwanted bacteria. The acid from this, in addition to the natural cultures in the cabbage or other veggies, will provide the necessary environment to make your kraut.

4) Naomi asks.... I'm enjoying your site so much. There is so much information that is appropriate for me right now in my quest for greater vitality. It seems that I read somewhere on your site that you were sensitive to gluten and eventually eliminated it before going raw. I have had the same experience, though I am not entirely raw, I have seen tremendous benefits to my digestion and energy level. I am wondering if you have any idea if sprouting a gluten grain such as rye will eliminate the problem of gluten sensitivity, as in your "pringles" recipe? Granted, everyone is different, but do you have any opinion on this.

Shira's ANSWER: No, I have not tried a gluten free essene bread, but it sounds like it could be interesting. Maybe using quinoa or amaranth. You can also make breads using nuts and seeds. See my onion bread recipe or you might want to also try using buckwheat. This is a grain that sprouts easily and is gluten free. My pizza crust recipe, mentioned above is a good example.



Recipe of the Month:

Chaga Capuccino

For anyone out there who loves the taste and short term effects of coffee, this drink may be just what you are looking for. I consider it to be the new evolved version of coffee for the golden age and definitely the thing for any of you SERIOUS coffee drinkers who want to move things up a notch "superhealth wise." Packed with adaptogens, this recipe is one my favorites because it has that coffee like flavor so many people enjoy, but without the eventual adrenal burn out and depletion. This "java" does not superficially stimulate the body, instead it works to increase "real" energy by building "chi", strengthening the internal systems and nourishing life-force.

Herbal Tea Base:

  • 1/8C reishi mushroom pieces
  • 2T astragalus
  • 2T pao de 'arco
  • 1T fo-ti root
  • 1/2 long pepper
  • 1T goji berries or jujubee dates
  • Decoct (simmer) the above in a little more than one quart of water for 20-30 minutes.

    Blend the quart of strained herbal tea with:

  • 12 chaga caps (opened)
  • 1t shilajit
  • 2T MacaPro XPRESSO
  • half dropper of English toffee stevia
  • 1t cacao butter
  • 1 dropper Coffee Flavored Extract
  • 1-2 cacao beans

Sprinkle with crushed cacao powder. Add nut milk cream if you prefer.

This recipe uses some unique and new products that make it easier to get that "coffee flavor" you may be missing. See my Products of the Month section below for more info about these new healthier substitutes.

*See my Ezine #10 for more on coffee addiction.*



SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  1. Womens Wellness Conference - Feb 10-Feb 12, 2012 - Costa Mesa, CA

    Join best-selling author and health lecturer David Wolfe and a panel of experts on women's health for one of the most empowering, educational, and entertaining weekends of your life.

    Learn about the latest advancements in: Hormone Balance Weight Management and Metabolic Function Skin Care and Anti-Aging Brain and Mood Health Reproductive Health Cancer-Fighting Strategies Immune Boosting

    For more info click here.

  2. Alive With Gabriel Webinar - Topic: Optimal Nutrition for Brain and Alzheimer's Health - 2/12/12 9-11am

    Alive with Gabriel is a 2-hour live internet broadcasts. Gabriel Cousens, M.D. spends the first hour of the broadcast answering your questions, asked by you live, on health and nutrition topics and concerns. The second hour is dedicated to answering questions on spirituality, relationships, family, parenting, and personal growth.

    Optimal Nutrition for Brain and Alzheimer's Health.

  3. Superfoods~for~Superhealth Blog

    Keep track of our Superfoods Blog by bookmarking links to new pages using the orange RSS feed button on the nav bar of any page to get instant updates.



Products of the Month:

Chaga Mushroom Extract, 90caps - Mushroom Science

The exceptional amount of betulin found in Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) is also an extremely potent source of Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant that prevents the damaging effects of free radicals. Mushroom Science is a high quality extract that will deliver these nutrients in the highest way possible.

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MacaPro XPRESSO , 12oz

A coffee alternative made from a blend of slow, lightly roasted maca roots, perfectly grinded to brew an excellent drink every morning but without the caffeine! MacaPro Xpresso "tea" (roasted granules) can be used in a standard drip coffee maker to make a warm beverage substitute for coffee. Measure and use just like coffee. This product is great to assist people who are transitioning away from coffee and caffeine consumption.

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Coffee Flavored Potent Extract, 1/2 oz

These are RARE extracts that taste AMAZING!!!...AND!!! contain no alcohol or any other harmful ingredients. These extracts are made by a cold process extraction. They are not cooked at high temperatures and are considered 'Raw'.

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English Toffee Stevia,2oz

Flavored Liquid Stevia is all natural, zero calories, no carbs, and infinitely flavorful. Convenient and economical to use at only a penny per drop, you can easily dress up the taste of water, tea, yogurt, smoothies, ice cubes, and nearly anything else. The uses are endless and comes in many yummy flavors.





Thanks for joining me on my twenty-fourth edition of Superfood Evolution! If you would like to subscribe or tell a friend click here.

Until next month...

Here's to your Superhealth!

Much love,

Shira



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