Superfoods: The Future of Nutrition and Natural Medicine | Boost Energy, Immunity & Wellness for a Healthy Lifestyle

From the author of "The Sun Food Diet Success System" author David Wolfe takes us on a global journey to bring us the good the bad and the ugly of our food. The first thing you'll notice about the cover is that the author's picture eclipses the title of the book. Couple that with the myriad of pictures (on many pages) of said author made me ask myself, "Is this Facebook or a book about food?"Within the confines of the 342 pages, each chapter is devoted to a particular superfood. Each chapter also includes the superfood's origin, its place in history, its medicinal purpose, recipes and how to shop for them.The old adage, "You are what you eat" really comes into play with this book. If you think about it, most (if not all) of the superfoods mentioned in this book have been consumed by human beings for centuries. So why aren't most people eating this stuff nowadays?Basically superfoods fall into three subcategories; living raw plant foods, superfoods and superherbs. Take one look around and you will see the result of our fast food diet. More and more human beings have become overweight or obese and have been stricken with diseases that could have been avoided with a better and more nutritious diet.Other topics covered in this book are proteins, minerals, antioxidants, good fats and oils, essential amino acids, glycol nutrients, vitamins, enzymes, co-enzymes, essential fatty acids and polysaccharides.Wolfe asserts that too many of us live in a state of poor health, lethargy and moderate obesity. We live with back pain, headaches, inflammation, arthritis, cancer, skin problems and insomnia - they're the byproducts of our diet. This book is really designed to detoxify your body and boost your immune system. Nutrition is affected by something called acid - alkaline. With a poor diet, our bodies become a breeding ground for disease causing microbes and organisms. High acidity is usually the primary cause of being overweight because our body will store excess acids in the fat tissue which leads to cellulite and weight gain. Wolfe also asserts that when you introduce superfoods into your body, your energy level, your sex drive and stamina and your focus will improve.I'll now give you an idea what each chapter is all about.Chapter 1 - Goji Berriesa.k.a. Wolf berries, boxthorn, matrimony vine, and Desert ThornThe author refers to Goji Berries (an adaptogen that aids in internal organ health) as the fountain of youth. Goji berries are most often grown in Asia but have recently been growing in North and Central America. The Chinese strongly believe that this fruit can significantly extend your life. Apparently there is a Chinese legend that speaks of a man (Li Qing Yuen) who lived to the age of 252 years from 1678 to 1930. He consumed Goji berries daily - whole or in his tea. It is also rumored that Native Americans regarded the Goji berries as an important food source. Tribes often spoke of astounding strength, agility and longevity due to a diet rich in Goji berries. The author also asserts that Goji berries will enhance her libido and sexual stamina by increasing HGH production which then facilitates an increase in testosterone production. Goji berries are also great antioxidants, they improve vision, it's an immune system booster, helps with hydration, it supports brain and neurological health, supports cardiovascular health, and it keeps vital organs healthy.Chapter 2 - Cacaoraw chocolateBasically it's a chocolate nut. The Cacao bean has always been and will always be Nature's #1 weight loss and high-energy food. It's a great antioxidant that includes magnesium, iron, chromium, manganese, zinc, copper, vitamin C, omega six fatty acids and the amino acid tryptophan.Chapter 3 - Maca"Andes Aphrodisiac" and Peruvian GinsengMaca is usually grown at an altitude between 9,000 and 10,000 feet and is considered the highest altitude crop on Earth. The Incas ate Maca Root over 2,600 years ago. It's known to improve the following conditions: anemia, chronic fatigue, depression, and fertility and sterility in humans and livestock, lack of libido, malnutrition, menopausal symptoms, menstrual discomfort and disorders, poor memory, stomach cancer, stress tension, and tuberculosis. Walker is also known to have quite the aphrodisiac quality the author calls it nature's answer to Viagra. One of the main reasons I bought Maca Root powder to help diminish wife's hot flashes.Chapter 4 - Bee ProductsIncluding honey, pollen, Royal jelly and propolisBee Pollen is the most complete superfood found in nature. Honey can be used topically to heal wounds and it will also has anti-biotic effects on anthrax, diphtheria, urinary tract infections, sinusitis, animal bites, pneumonia, tuberculosis, typhoid, dysentery, boils, impetigo, tooth decay, scarlet fever, sore throat and cholera to name a few. Royal Jelly is the combination of pollen and honey while propolis (meaning - "for the city") is the waxy substance that seals the hive and has a long history of medicinal, herbal and alchemical uses.Chapter 5 - Spirulinathe protein queen(Tecuitlatl (Aztec), Dihe (African)Here's an ancient blue-green spiral algae that comes in more than 35 varieties and grows in freshwater lakes and waterways. Ancient civilizations consumed Sprulina for its nutrients including chlorophyll, protein, vitamins, major minerals, essential fatty acids, nucleic acids, polysaccharides and a myriad of antioxidants. It's also known to aid in healthy brain chemistry and is also an immune booster. Spirulina has as much iron as red meat.Chapter 6 - AFA super blue-green algaethe primordial foodAt least forty thousand species of microalgae phytoplankton exists. Fossil evidence indicates that they were the first organisms on Earth and are responsible for 80-90% of the planet's overall food and oxygen supply. Basically, it's a more potent version of Spirulina.Chapter 7 - Marine Phytoplanktonthe basis of all lifeImproved detoxification, more loss of weight, improved memory, feeling stronger, more normal blood sugar, fewer food cravings, improved concentration, faster nervous system repair, better sleep, improved digestion, improved eyesight and better sex can all be achieved with this superfood.Chapter 8 - Aloe VeraEssene and Egyptian secret of immortalityAside from treating the skin for burns, insect bites/stings, poison ivy/oak and athlete's foot, the gel of raw Aloe Vera contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, amino acids, sterols, lignins and poly saccharides. Aloe cuts and dissolves mucous in the intestines which helps increase nutrient absorption. It also reduces inflammation, radiation sickness, cancer, heart disease and helps control blood sugar. It's also an "adaptogen" which helps keep internal organs healthy.Chapter 9 - Hempseedsuperfood of the futureYou say hemp, we say Marijuana. It's actually a close relative to Marijuana with much less THC. Hemp's been around for centuries - Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington grew hemp on their property. It's packed with 33 - 37% protein, it's one of nature's richest sources of complete protein.Chapter 10 - Coconutsthe symbol of paradiseThis pre-historic plant is very salt-tolerant which explains why they can grow right next to the ocean. In Sanskrit (Ancient India's language) coconut trees are known as "the tree that supplies all that is needed to live." Fresh coconut flesh, coconut water, coconut oil or coconut cream can save your life. It has one of the highest sources of electrolytes found in nature. Coconut water is nearly identical to human plasma and soldiers were known to have used it as emergency plasma for injured soldiers! Benefits include improved digestion, boosting the immune system and it can improve the utilization of blood sugar and that can lessen the symptoms of hypoglycemia.Wolfe gives honorable mentions to Acai, Camu Camu berries, Chlorella, Inca berries, Kelp, Noni and Yacon. He does include their benefits as well.FINAL WORDS:At first, I was annoyed by the book because it seemed like it was all about the author. Once I started reading the book, it became quite clear that it's all about our diets and how these superfoods can and will enhance our lives. I found the book to be quite informative and each of the 10 superfoods got a detailed history and use - with interesting recipes. If not for the annoying albeit plentiful pictures, this would be a 5-star book and wonderful as a reference guide and smoothie cookbook. After all, David Wolfe is the TV spokesperson for the NutriBullet.Of the top ten superfoods llisted above, I currently use six of them in my smoothies. I will delve into the "honorable mentioned" as well. Funny thing, after reading this book, I've Googled where the Farmer's Markets are in my neighborhood and plan to visit them a lot more often than my usual supermarkets.I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in making dietary changes for better health. There really is a science to superfoods and superherbs... most of which can and WILL save and/or improve your life.The author closes with a page on "How to Order Superfoods" - basically he asks that you visit the links via his website (davidwolfe.com) so that it will help support continued research by the author.Health is Wealth!NOTE: I wrote this review for Epinions.com as well.