The term "superfood" is used to describe a food that has a high nutrient content that is useful to the body in many ways. The term "raw food" describes food that is eaten in its most natural and pure state. Raw superfoods are more easily digested and assimilated by the body than processed foods are for most people. Raw superfoods include raw honey, acai berry, hemp seeds and hot peppers.
Raw Honey
Raw honey is a raw food because it is unheated and goes through no pasteurization or processing. Raw honey looks cloudier and contains pollen flecks. Raw honey combats indigestion and supplies the body with energy. Its alkalinity helps neutralize acidity in the digestive system.
Acai Berry
Nicholas Perricone, M.D., author of "The Wrinkle Cure" puts the acai berry at the top of his list of raw superfoods. Found in some health food stores, acai berry is sold in juice and pulp form. Due to its unique blend of antioxidants, Perricone recommends acai berry to prevent premature aging. Its fatty acid content contains oleic acid, a compound found in olive oil. Acai berry has a valuable essential amino acid complex that is useful to the muscular system.
Hemp Seeds
A complete protein, hemp seeds contain omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that are healthy for the heart and brain. Raw hemp seeds contain antioxidant vitamins B-1, B-2, B-6, vitamin D and vitamin E. Hemp seeds contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, potassium and phosphorous. Its most unique ingredient is called gamma linolenic acid, which helps lower blood cholesterol levels. Eating hemp seeds helps to lower blood pressure, strengthen immunity and increase energy levels.
Hot Peppers
Another of Perricone's raw superfoods includes hot peppers. Containing more vitamin C than citrus fruits, all hot peppers contain a special element known as capsaicin. The hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin is present. Capsaicin is valuable to the body because it is a natural anti-inflammatory. Hot peppers contain antioxidants that are good for preventing cancer and strengthening the heart.
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