Top Sixteen Uncommon Longevity Foods

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Superfoods are definitely some of the best foods you can eat for longevity and health.

Full of antioxidants, chock full of vitamins, minerals and good fats; they help to fix the damage we do every day with diets, environmental stressors, chemical additives and physical stress. If you can include a few servings of these foods in your weekly diet, you will be adding a lot to your good health, and preventing many diseases that could be coming your way otherwise.

 
TURMERIC
The major chemical constituent of turmeric is known as curcumin which is responsible for many of its pharmacological activities. Turmeric possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-hepatotoxic (liver protective) and anti-allergic properties. Ayurvedic texts have additionally described it to be good for skin ailments and also as a blood purifier, wound cleanser and healer, remover of body toxins, killer of abdominal worms and a wind-repellent agent.
Data obtained from several studies suggest that turmeric definitely has an anti-cancer role, may it be the countering of initiation, promotion and progression of the disease or of increasing the immunity by enhancing natural anti-oxidant functions of the body. Curcumin has shown good results while being used to treat squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and the ulcerating oral cancer. Evidence from laboratory and animal studies suggests that curcumin has potential in various other forms of malignancies like those of prostate, breast, cervix and colon.
It is great for common coughs, cancer, sinusitis, anemia, obesity, and diseases of the urinogenital tract.

GOJI BERRIES
Goji berries have long played important roles in Chinese medicine where they are believed to enhance immune system function, improve eyesight, protect the liver, boost sperm production, treat diabetes, skin problems, allergies, insomnia, cancer and improve circulation.
The only known food to help produce Human Growth Hormone (HgH). A complete protein source, containing 18 different amino acids, 21 trace minerals, 5 powerful carotenoids, and 5 different types of fatty acids.
Chinese studies of animals published from 2004 to 2006 have found that goji berry can improve insulin resistance, reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and provide antioxidant effects. Chinese studies in rats published in 2002 and 2007 discovered that zeaxanthin extracts from goji berries have liver-protective effects. Goji berry also improved fertility and sexual function in partially castrated rats, according to a study published in Life Sciences in 2006. 
In addition other studies have reported help from cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, vision-related diseases (such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, having neuroprotective properties, or as an anticancer and immunomodulatory agent.  Without a doubt, goji berries are one of the best antioxidant rich foods you can eat for health and longevity.

MACA
For thousands of years, the Indians of South America thought of Maca as a sacred plant. Full of nutrients from mineral rich soil, this turnip shaped tuber is found high in the Andes where no other plant food can grow. Maca brings equilibrium to the body, reducing stress, normalizing blood pressure and restores energy levels. Maca is a powerful Adaptogen. Adaptogens are plant substances capable of balancing and normalizing many of the body's systems, thus they can reduce stress, harmonize vitality and enhance resistance to disease. They can quiet the hyperactive and boost the energy levels of the chronically fatigued. Maca also balance blood sugar and balance hormones in both men and women, to virtually eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of PMS, menopause, post-menopause and other related conditions. Maca helps to enhance clarity of thought, gives strength and energy to the body, offers resistance to disease, boost libido, fights fatigue and depression.
Maca contains 19 amino acids, 60 phytonutrients, high in calcium, silicon, magnesium, potassium, and contains over 20 fatty acids.

ACAI BERRY
Recent studies show that the acai berry might be the healthiest food in the world or at least when it comes to fighting cancer. Oncologists recommend that their cancer patients consume Acai berry in order to facilitate their recovery. It has the highest content of antioxidants and phytonutrients per gram of any fruit found in nature. Acai is chock full of Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids (EFAs), dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, and amino acids.
A recent study, which was published in Experimental Gerontology’s January 2010 issue, was the first to examine Acai berry’s anti-aging properties. It found that acai helps fruit flies live longer.
Acai berry promotes good heart health, increases energy, guides weight loss, promotes healthy skin and encourages digestive system health. The fatty acids in the berry enable the body to absorb those omega oils which benefit the joints and aging bodies. Joints which are supple will enable the older person to be active for much longer without the aches and pains of arthritis. The berry also lays claims to keeping insulin levels steady.

CHLORELLA
Chlorella is a single cell algae. It contains all the nutrients a human needs, has strong detoxification properties and stimulates the friendly bacteria in your body. Very popular in Japan. Chlorella builds energy, helps with weight loss and is considered to be a longevity food. The algae was discovered back in 1898. Now it is grown in big ponds filled with purified water.
Chlorella contains CGF (Chlorella Growth Factor), a substance in chlorella that stimulates tissue repair, even if the tissue has been ulcerated, damaged or has resisted traditional healing methods. CGF has been proven effective against memory loss, depression and other psychiatric diseases. Children fed Chlorella in a long-term study had healthy, cavity-free teeth, fewer colds and improved intellectual capacity.  The children, who were chosen because they were smaller than they should have been for their age, more than made up for their disadvantages and even grew taller than other children in the control group who were not fed CGF.
Chlorella removes toxic chemicals from the tissues, reduces cholesterol levels, reduces high blood pressure, increases NK (natural killer) immune cell count, reduces infection, protective against cancer, protects cellular DNA against radiation damage, relieves arthritic conditions, improves diabetes, helps asthma, and prevents ulcers.
Chlorella contains the highest amount of chlorophyll found in foods, B12, beta carotene, RNA/DNA, more than 20 vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, pro-vitamin A, vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6 and B12, biotin, inositol, folic acid, plus vitamins C, E and K. Also high in omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids.

WHEATGRASS
In a study it was found that wheatgrass juice duplicates the molecular structure of hemoglobin, a important part of the blood, and because it is so rich in free-radical scavengers such as provitamin A, it may inhibit cancer. The increased Hemoglobin production increases oxygen capabilities in the blood. The increased capability of the blood to carry oxygen has a number of health benefits including purification of the blood, improving blood sugar disorders, helping combat toxins such as carbon monoxide and other traffic pollutants, cigarette smoke and heavy metals that can get into the blood. The brain and other tissues function best when they are in a highly oxygenated environment.
Wheatgrass juice contains antioxidants, chlorophyll, minerals, and vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, and K, protein and 17 amino acids is easily absorbed in human blood. Wheatgrass juice’s high vitamin content is of benefit to some skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and also helps give healthy looking hair. Wheatgrass is also said to benefit dandruff problems.
Many people cite wheatgrass juice as having cancer preventing properties due to it’s carcinogen and toxin neutralizing abilities.

Other wheatgrass benefits include improved digestion, reduced blood pressure, reduced tooth decay, increased energy, improved ability to heal wounds, it cleanses digestive tract, prevents cancer, and purifies blood. Some even claim that wheatgrass prevents hair from graying. A true longevity star.

BEE POLLEN
Hippocrates, the father of medicine, believed that bee pollen contributed to a long life. Bee pollen is known as the perfect food. Extensive research has been done on bee pollen as a longevity food. High in antioxidants, bee pollen counteracts the effects of aging both mentally and physically. Bee pollen is 35% protein, including lots of lysine, leucine, and valine; that's more than beef, eggs, or cheese. It contains 2% fat made up of healthy phosphatidycholine and linoleic acid. Bee pollen also contains a wealth of minerals (1 1/2%), including iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, calcium, copper, sodium, and selenium, as well as an equal percentage of vitamins (1500mg/100g), especially riboflavin, nicotinic, pantothenic and folic acids, B2, inositol, and vitamin C. Bee pollen also contains the essential chromosomal nucleic acids DNA and RNA, as well as a whopping 5,000 different healthful enzymes and phytochemicals, including lycopene, quercetin, carotenes, and flavonols. Bee pollen increases the count of white and red blood cells. Helpful for anemia, normalizes cholesterol, boosts immune system, increases the libido, fights allergies, infertility, inhibits tumor growth, increases strength, helps to control weight, and is a key agent in longevity. Click here for a video with some great information about bee pollen. Raw honey, bee propolis and royal jelly are also great additions to your diet.

CHIA SEEDS
The Aztecs prized this grain more highly than gold. High in boron, potassium, iron, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins C, D, A, K and E, these multi-talented seeds can also absorb up to 30 times their weight in water. Just two ounces of chia seeds has 600 mg of calcium! Chia seeds are rich in broad spectrum proteins (contains all the essential amino acids) for rapid tissue regeneration and strength building. Chia is a powerful colon cleanser. It’s hair-like fibers mechanically break down calcium phosphate crystals & biofilms where nano-bacteria, parasites, chemicals, metals and mutagenic tissue accumulate. Chia is also one of the richest sources of Omega-3 fatty acids (more than 60%) and powerfully supports oxygen transport and cellular oxygen uptake/retention, which can boost mood and gives a sense of continual, mild blissful hydration and accelerated neural messaging. Chia seeds can balance blood sugar; increase energy, strength and endurance; relieves joint pain and skin conditions; depression; aids in weight loss.

POMEGRANATES
Studies continue to reveal the healing potential of pomegranates. They are a powerful source of antioxidants, they help lower bad cholesterol, help with high blood pressure, and help fight against cancer. In fact, they are even more powerful than green tea and blueberry, cranberry and orange juices.
One study, published by the European Atherosclerosis Society, showed that after two weeks of consuming pomegranate juice, patients with high blood pressure reported a 5 per cent drop in systolic blood pressure, thanks to a 36 percent reduction in angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). In another study published in Clinical Nutrition, after one year of daily pomegranate juice supplementation, carotid artery swelling went down by as much as 30 percent. Antioxidants increased by 130 percent, and systolic blood pressure was reduced by 21 percent.
Ellagic acid in pomegranates has been shown to be effective in both treating and preventing cancer. In addition to fighting cancer, hydroxylated polyphenols in pomegranates also help protect against premature aging.
A great source of A, C, E, iron and folic acid, pomegranates reduce the risk for osteoarthritis, diabetes, sore throat, helps clear skin, supports immune system, prevents dental plaque and it is an anti-viral.

ALOE VERA
The gel from the Aloe plant is a proven healing tonic for the body and nervous system. It also has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, nutritional and rejuvenating properties. It can also boost the immune system.
Specifically, it can be used to help: acne, athlete's foot, cold sores, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, arthritis, asthma, colitis, conjunctivitis, Crohn's disease, diabetes, diverticulitis, hiatus hernia, IBS, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and more. It can promote menstruation when suppressed; expel pinworms and ringworms after several doses; clean the colon, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder; heal wounds, boils, burns, and sunburns; improve collagen repair in the skin; and regenerate new tissues.
The Aloe plant has at least 80 chemical compounds. One of its active compound is called anthrquinones, which gives it its many healing properties. Aloe Vera is also rich in minerals, vitamins, amino acids, monosulfonic acid, enzymes, plant collagen and polysaccharides (including glycoproteins and mucopolysaccharides). It contains the following: Vitamin C, Vitamin E; salicylic acid, saponins, sterols, minerals: calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, lecithin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and folic acid. It is a powerful detoxifier and adaptogen.

SPROUTS
Sprouts have long been famous as "health food" and recent research shows that in addition to being a superb source of nutrients, they also have important curative and anti-aging ability. Sprouts are extremely rich with vitamins, minerals, proteins, and enzymes. Their nutritional value was discovered by the Chinese thousands of years ago. Sprouts indeed are one of the healthiest food choices because sprouting transforms the nutrients of seeds, grains, and beans into easily digested, high energy foods similar to vegetables, but much more concentrated, easily absorbed nutrients. When seeds are sprouted the starch converts to simple sugars, the nutrient levels are increased and digestion and assimilation is enhanced. Due to these dynamic influences, sprouts are considered predigested food. They alkalize the body, provide healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.

SPIRULINA
Spirulina is blessed with unique phytonutrients that are known to boost the body's immunity, and promote good health and longevity. It contains significant nutritional content, including polysaccharides, antioxidants, nucleic acids and peptides. Spirulina contains about 70% protein, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene (more than any other food, ounce for ounce) and B complex, a number of minerals and chlorophyll. Spirulina also contains essential fatty acids, B vitamins, carotenoids and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc.
It inhibits the infectious power of many viruses, helps diminish allergies, protects the liver from toxins, helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, helps control symptoms of ulcerative colitis, exerts strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, contains cancer fighting agents, and has positive effects for people suffering from type 2 diabetes. It also helps to prevent heart disease, and arthritis. It is very cleansing and supports a proper PH in the body.

DANDELION GREENS
Dandelion is a rich source of nutrients and other compounds that may improve liver function, promote weight loss, possess diuretic activity, and improve blood sugar control. In fact, the dandelion contains greater nutritional value than many other vegetables. It is particularly high in vitamins and minerals, protein, choline, inulin, and pectin. It has more vitamin A than carrots. In addition, dandelion is an excellent source of vitamin C, B1, B2 and B6, as well as calcium, copper, manganese and iron. It is also a rich source of medicinal compounds that have a "toning" effect on the body, and both the greens and the roots can be used for this purpose.
Dandelion is regarded as one of the finest liver remedies improving such conditions as liver congestion, bile duct inflammation, hepatitis, gallstones, and jaundice, as well as clearing potentially toxic substances.
Research has also shown that dandelion root contains a very high concentration—up to 40%—of an indigestible carbohydrate called inulin, which serves as a food source for colonic bacteria species Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and promotes their growth. These bacteria act like a natural antibiotic and improve the health of the digestive tract. Inulin is also helpful in improving blood sugar control and diabetes. In several animal studies, the water extract of dandelion improved the production of antioxidant liver enzymes, decreased blood sugar, total cholesterol and raised the level of beneficial HDL cholesterol. Dandelion greens treat cancer, liver disease, gallstones, cataracts, eczema, asthma, aid in digestion, regulate blood sugar, cleanse the body, and relieve PMS. They are loaded with vitamins A, C, iron, calcium, and contain anti-inflammatory compounds.

QUINOA
Quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse that has many health benefits. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) has been grown for thousands of years in the Andes mountains in South America. It was a very important part of the Incan diet and it is still sometimes referred to as "the gold of the Incas." Quinoa contains all the nine essential amino acids. It is an excellent source of energy which doesn't raise the blood sugar; high in fiber; higher in calcium, B vitamins, vitamin E, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc than most grains; contains phytonutrients that protect from heart disease and cancer; feeds microflora in your intestines; quinoa is close to one of the most perfect foods in nature.

CINNAMON
Cinnamon is one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. Higher than the acai berry. It is one of the oldest spices known. Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol. Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon reduces the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells; has an anti-clotting effect on the blood; fights yeast infection; significantly reduces arthritis pain; inhibits bacteria growth; it is an antibacterial, antiparisitic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal.
Cinnamon is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, dietary fiber and calcium. Adding cinnamon to your morning cereal is such a simple way of increasing your health.

COCONUT & COCONUT OIL
Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called "The Tree of Life." Only recently has modern medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut's amazing healing powers.
In traditional medicine around the world coconut is used to treat a wide variety of health problems including the following: abscesses, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough, dropsy, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition, nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, weakness, and wounds. Additionally, it boosts energy, kills viruses, fungi, yeast and bacteria, improves digestion, improves mineral absorption, reduces inflammation, supports tissue healing and thyroid function, helps prevent liver disease, among many others. This just skims the surface of coconuts healing properties .

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