Day 22

Some people are doing the Cleanse for weight loss, some for detox, probably most of us for both. When coming off the fast, I am sure most want to either keep losing some weight or maintain the weight that they have lost. That is why I am going to do a month long raw food challenge.

I was just reading up on "Superfoods". So it makes perfect sense to not only make good choices, but make the BEST choices. Adding some of these can help to look make you look and feel even better.

Here is what I learned about Superfoods.

A superfood is a type of food believed to have health benefits beyond those of more common foods due to specific phytonutrient content. "Phytonutrients" refer to phytochemicals or compounds that come from edible plants

Imagine a superfood -- not a drug -- powerful enough to help you lower your cholesterol, reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, and, for an added bonus, put you in a better mood. Did we mention that there are no side effects? You’d surely stock up on a lifetime supply. Guess what? These life-altering superfoods are available right now in your local supermarket.

List of some Superfoods

Cacao, Raw chocolate Pronounced "ka-cow" Cacao is the raw, un-cooked, form of chocolate.

Blueberries High in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Raw organic Blueberries have one of the highest ORAC ratings of any fruit

Raspberries - Also high in Vitamin C and antioxidants

Bilberry - Also high in Vitamin C and antioxidants.

Blackberry - Also high in Vitamin C and antioxidants.

Coffee Berry - In the production of coffee, the berry surrounding the bean has always been discarded because it was too perishable to process. Research has shown that the fresh coffee fruit contains antioxidant polyphenols, chlorogenic, caffeic and ferulic acid. One gram of coffee berry provides the same amount of free radical protection as over two kilograms of organic grapes.

Bee Pollen - Bee Pollen is an immune boosting nutritional supplement. It is absorbed quickly into the blood and has been used by athletes for strength, endurance, energy and speed.

Honey, Raw - Honey is the richest source of healing enzymes that increases reflexes, and increases mental alertness.[citation needed] Some types of Manuka honey from New Zealand have been shown to have antifungal, antibiotic and antiviral effects.

Açaí - Pronounced "ah-saee". Has anticancer effects in in vitro lab tests.

Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera is a plant that has wonderful healing and softening properties. Many people have an Aloe Vera houseplant, because you can break off a piece and use the extract from inside to soothe and heal cuts, burns and abrasions. It can also been taken orally to cleanse and heal the intestines and colon.

Chlorella - Some oc Chlorella's key abilities are being a powerful blood cleanser, liver cleanser and anti-cancer agent.[citation needed] It also promotes a healthy pH balance, helps to detoxify the body and decreases constipation.[citation needed]

Probiotics

Noni Fruit

Yacon Root

Rose hips

Quinoa - Pronounced "keen-wah". Quinoa is a complete protein in a "seed" form. It is a good source of fibre and great source of complex carbohydrates.[citation needed] Many people have begun to use Quinoa in cooking as a grain alternative.

Flax seed - Flax Seed Oil is high in omega-3 oils and is impressive in the prevention of heart disease and atherosclerosis.

Leaf teas have also been shown to be of great benefit to people, green tea being the most popular at this time. In the past, various leaves have been used for herbal medicines and in general to assist the body in fighting toxins, colds, flu, and various other ailments. However, they are classed as herbs and not superfoods, but because of their great medicinal properties they have been included here. PLEASE NOTE: Teas are best when seeped raw and should not be heated above 60 degrees centigrade. If you pour boiling water on the leaf, you will be drastically reducing its potency.

Best Tea:
Green tea and white tea from the camellia sinensis plant (also black tea, but with fewer benefits)
Bilberry leaf
Dandelion leaf
Black walnut leaf
Goldenseal leaf
Rosemary leaf
Nettle leaf
Alfalfa leaf
Lemon grass
Horsetail

Dr. Perricone made a list of his top 10 superfoods

The 10 featured here were chosen because of their direct link to the Brain-Beauty Connection. These foods (listed here in alphabetical order) are rich in either the Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), antioxidants or fiber, and as in the case of açaí—all three! In addition, we have included foods that have been proven to lower or help regulate blood sugar levels—an extremely important factor for all of those concerned with slowing the aging process and preventing diabetes, obesity, wrinkles and a host of degenerative diseases.

Açaí
The Allium Family
Barley
Beans and Lentils
Buckwheat
Green Foods
Hot Peppers
Nuts and Seeds
Sprouts
Yogurt and Kefir

more, later...