Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future

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 Berries a.k.a. Wolf berries, boxthorn, matrimony vine, and Desert Thorn The 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 - Cacao raw chocolate Basically 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 Ginseng Maca 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 Products Including honey, pollen, Royal jelly and propolis Bee 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 - Spirulina the 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 algae the primordial food At 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 Phytoplankton the basis of all life Improved 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 Vera Essene and Egyptian secret of immortality Aside 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 - Hempseed superfood of the future You 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 - Coconuts the symbol of paradise This 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.

I doubt there is anyone more knowledgable than David Wolfe on the mater of nutrition. This book is clear, concise, and to the point. He offers a quick background of the superfoods, best practices, and preparations, as well as recommended amounts. For example, say that beginners should start with a teaspoon a day and work up gradually to 2 tablespoons. He backs up his education to you with science. There is a graph showing the antioxidant levels of various fruits compared to unadulterated cocoa. I eat chocolate every day now (high quality unprocessed organic cocoa that is). It's fabulous! He offers easy, fun recipes to try for each superfood! He's positive and makes being healthy fun. And just as he said it would, I really feel a difference. This is the single health and wellness book that changed my life. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone. Easy read! Great reference book! Not intimidating at all. And when the superfoods just happen to be wonderful things like goji berries (tastes like a cross between cherries and cranberries) REAL cocoa, bee and honey products and coconut products, you're simply home free.

This is a great book. David Wolfe has created a book that will not only propel you into a more healthful life, he does it with such passion that it almost seems effortless. What I love most about the book is that he lists his top ten superfoods and then lists other superfoods that may not be his favorite but gives them honorable mentions. He also provides complete information on each food...where they come from, what the do, how they taste, where to buy, etc...he doesn't just say "these are great, eat them, good luck finding them." He tells you where to buy and how to use each and every food mentioned. I was so thrilled to see coconut on his superfoods list! Coconuts have taken such a bad hit these past few years with such negative misinformation, but he sets that record straight! He loves Goji berries, cocao, sprulina to name but a few. Really a must have reference book for us all. I'll be purchasing quite a few as gifts and to have in my massage clinic for clients to borrow.

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The most meaningful and impactful book backed by true and in- depth real knowledge about food science and its relationship to the human body! What a treasure of knowledge and a gift of health, longevity - loved this book so much, started using superfoods recommended and I see the impacts on my son’s health, vitality, happiness and most important improved blood test reports! Evidence is ample and significant! David knows what he is talking and it is a blessing that I came across him on Gaia and this book! Thank you David!

I started off by getting this book from my local library. As soon as I had read the first few pages, I knew this was a book I needed to own, so I purchased it even before I finished reading the library copy. I love the convenient organization of the book with its simple focus on a top 10 list of Superfoods with all the details about each, followed by the honorable mentions. This book is great for anyone who desires to get more nutritient dense foods and wants a great understanding of the specific benefits each food provides. I feel a lot more confident about my Superfood choices after reading this book. I am sure this is a book I will refer to often in the future. David Wolfe shares a wealth of information gleaned through detailed research, travel and personal experience and has condensed and presented it in a very clear understandable format.

I have been aware (if not "following" ) of David Wolfe's work and message for about 13 years now, and still see him first and foremost as a lawyer and a salesman- able to slickly manipulate information for personal benefit. As an educator, this book was actually hard to read- let's just say I winced. I would recommend it to my students as an exercise in developing discernment. Most of the chapters came off very similar to the labels and treatises uses to sell products at the health food store- full of exotic anecdotes about "ancient civilizations", and "historical" use of certain roots shoots and seeds- but without impressive substance to truly distinguish them as "superfoods", aside from their potential to dazzle and sell. Let's not forget that the author has been heavily invested in personally selling some of these "foods' for many years now. Certainly there is some good information in this book- but I would recommend Rebecca Wood's "New Whole Foods Encycyclopedia" for more comprehensive reading, detailed information, and lack of bias. I would also recommend the work of Susan Smith Jones on this subject. What "superfoods" actually ARE , are nutrient/dense foods capable of delivering a high percentage of bioavailable essential and trace nutrients for fewer calories. In this regard, spirulina, chlorella, nutritional yeast, coconut oil- all potential "low profit' food products - are given a less featured showcase compared to "maca" and "cacao". Products that David Wolfe sells are raved about (again, often without the substance I would want to see as an educator) - more common nutrient dense products are on the B list or left out altogether- like eggs, of course, which don't jibe with the author's vegan philosophy- a philosophy with a huge potential carbon footprint, often accessible mostly to elite populations comparatively- unless you can tell me where in your backyard YOU pick your lentils, sesame seeds, and coconuts. More disturbing- David Wolfe stretches the truth when referring to meat and dairy intake - here is an example, parapharased, from one of his comments on the movie "Food Matters"- sentiments echoed in this book "Meat takes a "MASSIVE amount of energy to digest". This simply is not true. Are we seeking "super" foods to replace the concentrated nutrients available in traditional diets composed of natural dairy, eggs and meat? Has our terribly imbalanced food system in general taken us in this direction? I suspect so. All in all- read with discernment- compare to other sources, and ask yourself how the rest of your diet is and why you feel the need for exotic foods.

Excellent book to read!! If you are interested on super foods and what they do in your body and how they are grown and harvested then this book is for you. I have found it very, very interesting on a lot of super foods that I consume. It also tells which ones to look for in how they are grown and harvested and in a lot of cases where they are grown. Some super foods have been around for centuries and the peoples who ate them did quite well in living. A very good buy. If you happen to find a copy in a discount book store, pick it up and look in it and read just how good it is and if you know someone who is interested in super foods and don't have a copy of this book then they will thank you for getting them this book.

There are a lot of theories on nutrition out there and most of them are based on guessing at best, with appropriate so-so results. This is the first time I see a research that goes into such depth and is as comprehensive. David Wolfe explains everything with a totally different approach and his book was a great asset in regaining my health.

love this one a must for new food lovers and health nuts alike

Si vous mangez déjà équilibré, ce livre vous apportera des suggestions de "super-aliments" très denses en vitamines, minéraux, antioxydants, enzymes, etc... qui enrichiront votre alimentation pour la rendre encore plus nutritive. Certains produits simples peuvent s'ajouter facilement, comme le cacao bio cru (non torréfié), d'autres plus exotiques comme la baie de goji ou la spiruline ne seront probablement pas à porter de main. Au lieu de faire de la "micro-gestion" en se gavant de multiples vitamines synthétiques ou de minéraux du même ordre, peu assimilables, mieux vaut opter pour des aliments naturellement très riches en vitamines et minéraux, qui seront non seulement plus assimilables par l'organisme mais aussi synergiques (donc plus efficaces). Ce livre parle d'aliments que je connaissais pour la plupart, mais en expliquant leur histoire, leurs compositions et propriétés, et effets bénéfiques sur la santé (cacao, goji, huile/noix de coco, spiruline, etc...) D'autres aliments comme certaines algues ou le phytoplankton m'étaient inconnus et sont forts intéressants. Un très bon livre que je recommande à tous les "health addict" curieux de découvrir des super-aliments avec pleins de bonnes vertus sur la santé.

Me encanto el libro, desde la calidad de las hojas blancas, los colores y toda la informacion que contiene! Esta super completo, para mi que soy amante de los superfoods esta genial

Mir gefällt das Buch ganz gut, denn die ausgewählten "Lebensmittel" und ihre Bedeutung für die Ernährung werden sehr ausführlich beschrieben. Ich hätte allerdings auf die vielen für den deutschen Geschmack etwas gewöhnungsbedürftigen Rezepte verzichten können. Insgesamt aber ein Buch, das ich mit Interesse gelesen habe.