Rawk Star Cafe's Quick Guide to Superfoods
"Key Benefits"
“Agave Benefits” ~ 100% Organic Blue Agave Tequilana Weber variety only! This particular plant has the highest concentration of minerals, as well as a high content of prebiotic inulin. Acting as a soluble fiber, inulin provides the type of bulk that studies have shown can increase the absorption of several major minerals in the small intestine (calcium, magnesium and in some cases phosphorus), as well as trace minerals (mainly copper, iron and zinc). Due to the body’s inability to digest inulin, it has virtually no impact on blood sugar and will not trigger insulin secretion or raise triglycerides. This makes eating foods with naturally-occurring inulin potentially helpful in managing blood sugar-related illnesses such as diabetes.
**Please Note: Rawk Star Cafe cannot make claims for any other agave product on the market. However, we can attest to the quality of the agave we use and stock on our marketplace shelves. Our agave is never cooked. The temperature during production is always maintained at a low rate, assuring much of the beneficial enzymes, inulin fiber and other natural attributes are still present. For instance, the agave we carry is guaranteed to contain 40% to 45% natural inulin.
“Baobab Benefits” ~ The precious natural powder of the baobab fruit provides all eight essential amino acids; essential fatty acids; vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and vitamin C; the minerals calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc and manganese; and so much more! Baobab fruit looks like large, elongated, velvety-green coconuts. Inside their shells are a number of seeds, all embedded in a whitish, powdery pulp. The tangy dried fruit pulp found on the inside actually dehydrates naturally, without the need for processing via heat extraction or freeze-drying. How amazing is that! With all its nutrition and natural goodness, you can see how the exotic fruit of the sacred baobab tree can easily be revered as a superfood for all to enjoy! The flavor is described as caramel pear with a hint of grapefruit. What a great ingredient for making raw ice cream. Mmm!!!
"Bee Pollen Benefits” ~ Often referred to as nature’s most perfect food, bee pollen provides over 22 amino acids, every vitamin known to man (with an extraordinary presence of B vitamins), 28 different minerals and trace minerals, 11 enzymes and co-enzymes, bioflavonoids, phytosterols, omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, carotenoids, globulins, lecithin, quercetin, rutin, hormones, as well as other biologically active compounds. What's more, it can reduce the production of histamine, thus neutralizing many allergies. Bee pollen has also been noted to increase energy, endurance, stamina, speed, muscle growth, as well as strengthen the immune system and more!
"Brazil Nut Benefits" ~ Brazil nuts are a great plant-based source of complete protein. They are rich in sulfur-bearing amino acids and provide the richest dietary source of selenium. Just 3-5 Brazil nuts per day can give you your daily dose of selenium. Selenium has an important function as an antioxidant and is involved in supporting the immune system – making it a choice nut in preventing cancer. Brazil nuts have been noted to contain 2,500 times more selenium than any other nut or seed! Harvested by the indigenous Amazonian communities of Peru and Bolivia, Rawk Star Café’s Brazil nuts are a true wild food and an excellent source of magnesium, thiamine and zinc.
**Please Note: If you don't like Brazil nuts then you haven't tried ours. Most Brazil nuts are subjected to high heat during the drying process (which can give them a musty "off" flavor), but the ones we carry here at Rawk Star Cafe are never exposed to high heat. This keeps their oil, protein and original flavor pure and uncorrupted.
"Cacao (Raw Chocolate) Benefits" ~ Cacao is one of the richest (if not ‘the’ richest) sources of antioxidants! It is super duper high in magnesium and a great food source of iron and chromium. It is a powerful mood enhancer, as it contains PEA (a love chemical and appetite controller), tryptophan and serotonin (which improve our ability to handle stress) as well as theobromine - the chemical relative to caffeine that, instead of giving you the jitters (like coffee can), acts as a vasodilator and bronchodilator as it works on the smooth muscle tissue of the body (not the central nervous system). Who wouldn’t want to increase blood flow to their vital organs, enhance the delivery of oxygen to their muscles and improve the quality of their breathing?
** Please Note: Rawk Star Cafe only uses and supplies the purist, raw cacao on the planet! The 100% Criollo Ecuador Arriba Nacional Cacao we source is grown in high-elevation mineralized volcanic soil; never cross-contaminated with the CCN51 or other low-quality hybrids; always sun-dried, never gas dried; and guaranteed to be free of phytic acid, mycotoxins, mold, yeast and fungus.
"Camu Camu Benefits" ~ So much can be said about this little berry from a bush which grows in the Amazonian rainforest of Peru. For starters, camu camu provides 600 times MORE vitamin C than oranges in its dried form. Wow! They also contain an impressive level of beta carotene, calcium, iron, niacin, phosphorus, riboflavin and thiamin. Besides being the go to berry for whatever ails you, camu camu is known to support strong collagen, tendons and ligaments; decrease inflammation; and help deal with stress, anxiety and depression.
"Cashew Nut Benefits" ~ Truly raw and organic hand-cracked cashews (the only kind Rawk Star Cafe carries) are a significant source of iron (essential for red blood cell function and enzyme activity), magnesium (promotes energy release and bone growth), phosphorus (builds bones and teeth), zinc (essential to digestion and metabolism), and selenium (has important antioxidant properties, thus protecting the body from cancer).
"Chia Seed Benefits" ~ Chia seeds have long been known as a staple food in the Aztec and Mayan civilizations. They are mega high in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids (higher than flax seeds) and a great source of plant-based protein (better than soy). Move over oatmeal - chia seeds have you beat when it comes to soluble and insoluble fiber. Plus, these tiny little gems offer a ton more for your "get up & go." They are antioxidant rich (providing more than blueberries and red wine) and have an impressive array of vitamins and bone-strengthening minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Chia seeds are an excellent food for physically active individuals and athletes, as they increase energy and endurance and are very hydrating to the body. They are also considered beneficial for diabetics by slowing down the absorption of sugars.
** Please Note: Pre-hydrating dry seeds prior to consuming is the best way to prepare chia (aka chia gel). It's easy: 1/3 C chia seeds + 2 C h20 = chia gel. Now just stir, store in fridge (up to 1-2 weeks max), and your chia is ready for scooping into smoothies and so much more!
"Chlorella Benefits" ~ Chlorella is a single-celled, water-grown green algae. Once its cell wall has been effectively broken, chlorella contains readily available chlorophyll. In fact, it contains the highest amount of chlorophyll per gram of any known plant in the world and is renowned for its numerous blood-building and detoxifying properties. In addition, chlorella contains 60% high-quality protein that is easy to assimilate! This impressive percentage of protein outshines that of meat and fish, which are only approximately 18-30%. Chlorella is also abundant in much needed magnesium, offers free radical protection, and contains enzymes and “good” bacteria that aid in digestion and absorption of nutrients. What more can you ask for?
"Coconut Benefits" ~ Pure coconut can save your life, literally! Did you know fresh coconut water is nearly identical to human blood plasma? Ah... and let us not forget the amazing properties of coconut oil; thanks to the large amount of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) coconut naturally contains. Ironically, consuming the oil of the coconut has been proven to help efficiently burn stored body fat (go figure!). Coconut oil is also known to stimulate metabolism, increases energy, improve thyroid and hormone function, and increases the absorption of essential fatty acids (EFA’s) as well as fat soluble vitamins and other vital nutrients. It also makes the best, most natural moisturizer for your skin! No wonder there are so many books written on this stuff!
"Goji Berry Benefits" ~ Goji berries are one of the highest antioxidant containing foods on the planet. They provide the complete spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene (way more than carrots), lutein and zeaxanthin. Did you know goji berries are a complete protein source and provide a total of 19 different amino acids, including the essential amino acid tryptophan? Oh, and let’s not forget the whopping 21 trace minerals they contain (the most powerful ones being zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium and phosphorus), as well as vitamin B1, B2, B6 and even vitamin E (typically not found in fruits). How's that for a superfood!
"Goldenberry Benefits" ~ Native to Colombia and Peru, goldenberries are known for their deliciously exotic citrus flavor and a nutrient profile that takes the gold! They are a great source of bioflavonoids and carotenoids, as well as phosphorous, pectin, dietary fiber, vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12 and vitamin C. Like goji berries, goldenberries are exceptionally high in protein (approximately 16%) for a fruit. In fact, golden berries are even higher in protein than goji berries.
"Hemp Seed Benefits" ~ Hemp seeds are considered the world’s most beneficial food! They provide the perfect balance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids and are rich in dietary fiber, natural vitamin E and iron. Hemp seeds are very high in minerals and sulfur-bearing amino acids (helping the liver, nervous system, immune system and more). They are an excellent source of highly digestible plant-based protein. A complete protein, in fact, with all 21 amino acids present (including the nine essential amino acids that adult bodies cannot produce). A true nutrient-dense superfood!
"Jungle Peanut Benefits" ~ Jungle peanuts contain all nine essential amino acids, methionine (a major sulfur-bearing amino acid needed for the making of enzymes), arachidonic acid (a unique, yet major brain omega-6 fatty acid and skeletal muscle builder that is typically only found in meat, dairy and eggs) and a whopping 40% of the beautifying and heart-healthy oleic acid (omega-9 fatty acid). Jungle peanuts have been cultivated for thousands of years in remote jungles by indigenous tribes, and have a sweeter flavor and distinctive taste when compared to commercially produced peanuts. Unlike commercial, ground-grown peanuts – which are typically contaminated with a toxic substance produced by molds – jungle peanuts are free from aflatoxins!
"Lucuma Benefits" ~ Lucuma is a luscious Peruvian fruit that is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. It provides remarkable concentrations of beta-carotene (making it a powerful immune system booster), niacin (making it a cholesterol and triglyceride balancer), as well as iron and B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, etc.). Lucuma is noted to be about 25 on the glycemic index, making it great for diabetics or anyone who desires a full-bodied, yet subtle sweet taste without the worry of empty calories. Brought to us as a powder, lucuma is absolutely delicious when added to nut mylks, smoothies, chocolates and other raw desserts. As for the taste, it has a tropical caramel to somewhat of a maple-like flavor. Yum!
"Maca Benefits" ~ Maca is a rare root vegetable grown in the highlands of Peru (related to the radish family) and is known as the superfood with the outstanding ability to increase energy, endurance, stamina and strength. Let’s not forget what it can do for libido and fertility as it supports the thyroid gland, endocrine system and hormone production. Like many other superfoods, maca is considered a powerful adaptogenic herb (meaning, it has a “normalizing” effect) – capable of either toning down hyper-functioning systems (aka over-active) or strengthening hypo-functioning systems (aka under-active) within the body. Maca is also rich in protein, fiber and immune-enhancing sterols, as well as the minerals calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium and iron. It also contains the trace minerals zinc, iodine, copper, selenium, bismuth, manganese, tin and silicon, as well as vitamins B1, B2, C and E. Now that’s a mouthful!
"Macadamia Nut Benefits" ~ Macadamias are a high energy and heart-healthy food. Like most nuts and seeds, they contain no cholesterol and are the highest food source of healthy monounsaturated fats (containing even more than olive oil). They also contain significant amounts of fiber, broad-spectrum B vitamins and minerals. Macadamia nuts may be one of the highest of all the nuts in fat, but due to the high amount of health-giving monounsaturated fat they contain, they are one of the best nuts at balancing and improving cholesterol levels.
** Please Note: The macadamia nuts Rawk Star Café uses and sells are truly raw and straight from the Big Island of Hawaii (that's just the way we roll)! They're cracked while green and low-temperature dehydrate to preserve the integrity of the nut and its precious oils.
"Marine Phytoplankton (Raw & Living) Benefits" ~ Marine microalgae are a microscopic single-cell aquatic plant. Did you know marine phytoplankton, the world’s smallest plant, nourishes the world’s largest animal - the majestic blue whale? Nucleotides (such as ATP, ADP, AGP, etc.) found in marine phytoplankton turn directly into energy once in the body. They are the one food that does not take energy from our body (through the process of digestion) in order to make energy. What a powerful, concentrated superfood! It is also rich in chlorophyll, an excellent source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA), a complete protein source, and offers a natural sources of wide-spectrum, plant-based vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, polysaccharides and more.
"Mesquite Benefits" ~ Traditional Native American food (member of the legume family), rich in dietary fiber, amino acids (with lysine being the noteworthy highlight) and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc. Mesquite powder has a reported glycemic index of 25 (which is considered low) and a high percentage of dietary fiber (approximately 25%). Because the entire mesquite pod is ground, including the protein-rich seed, mesquite powder has been noted to have a considerable amount of protein (11 to 17%). Like lucuma, mesquite powder blends well with cacao and maca in a multitude of recipes. Try some in your next smoothies or raw food treat!
"MSM Benefits" ~ MSM provides a bio-available form of organic sulfur, a mineral that is present in every cell of the body. Sulfur plays a key role in liver detoxification and metabolism; the function of joint cartilage; and the keratin of skin, hair and nails. It also enhances the body’s ability to absorb nutrients at a cellular level. Want more? MSM helps the body restore a healthy balance between acidity and alkalinity and works with the liver to secrete bile (a very important process). It possesses some of the most powerful rejuvenating, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Enough cannot be said about MSM! Combine with camu camu, and you’ve got the power!
"Mulberry Benefits" ~ Mulberries are treasured for their high levels of antioxidants and their rich supply of protein, iron, vitamin C, dietary fiber and calcium. High levels of the potent antioxidant resveratrol (the anti-aging nutrient normally found in grapes and red wine) make mulberries a fabulous food for fighting cellular damage caused by free radicals. What’s more, mulberries have a unique protein content of three grams per ounce. This puts them right up there with goji and golden berries! They are a customer favorite for being so scrumptiously sweet without the guilt. Their flavor resembling that of fig, making them a great addition to trail mixes, raw desserts, cereals and smoothies.
"Nutritional Yeast Benefits" ~ Nutritional yeast flakes are an amazing source of multiple nutrients packed into one food! They are an excellent source of bio-available protein, high in B-complex vitamins, rich in Beta 1, 3-Glucans (which act as a free radical scavenger and macrophage stimulator), and contain the trace minerals selenium, chromium, manganese, copper, vanadium, molybdenum and lithium. Nutritional yeast flakes are naturally low in fat and sodium. They have an amazing nutty, cheesy, creamy flavor, and are often used by vegetarians and vegans in place of Parmesan cheese. Feel free to sprinkle away with this one!
“Pumpkin Seed Benefits" ~ Pumpkin seeds are known for their mild anti-parasitic effect – especially against roundworm and tapeworm. Their high zinc content may be beneficial for the treatment of impotence and prostate enlargement in men. Zinc can also offer protection against osteoporosis in both men and women.
"Sesame Seed (Black) Benefits" ~ Sesame seeds provide the richest and most bio-available source of dietary calcium. Research has also accumulated on a unique, protective lignan abundantly found in sesame seeds called sesamin. In human studies, sesamin has been shown to have cholesterol lowering, anti-hypertensive, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties – especially for hormonal related cancers. Sesame seeds are also high in copper (known to strengthen blood vessels, joints and bones) and magnesium (supports vascular and respiratory health), among many other minerals.
"Spirulina Benefits" ~ Single-celled, freshwater grown, blue-green spiral algae. Gram for gram, spirulina contains the highest concentration of protein of any known food. It far surpasses that of any animal-derived protein, including beef. It is also the best source of GLA (an anti-inflammatory essential fatty acid), a major blood builder, antioxidant rich, an immune system booster, and high in phycocyanin, sulfur, superoxide dismutase (SOD), zeaxanthin, and so much more!
“Walnut Benefits” ~ When compared to other nuts (not seeds), walnuts are especially rich in plant-based omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol. Walnuts also contain bio-available melatonin, which helps regulate sleep. Also, like most nuts and seeds, studies have shown that walnuts are effective in preventing gallstones – especially in women.
If you find yourself fascinated and wanting to know more, be sure to pick up a copy of SuperNaturawl Newtrition
Disclaimer: The information contained herein has been compiled from various sources and is based on the research, training and experiencing of the author. It is provided for informational purposes only. No statement should be taken as medical advice or as a substitute for medical counseling. The body’s power and ability to heal depends upon the totality of diet, nutrition, lifestyle and environmental factors. No claim for the cure of any disease is intended or implied. The author and affiliates will not be held accountable for the use or misuse of any suggestions or procedures described therein. Due to the uniqueness of every person and situation, always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new program or protocol.