Barley Grass

The ancient Greeks used barley grass to treat illness such as GI disorders and inflammation. Barley grass contains a number of vitamins, including vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12, folic acid and vitamins C and E. It also contains 70 different minerals including calcium, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium. Barley grass actually has all the nutrients our bodies will ever need. Barley grass contains other benefits for our bodies, such as protein, fiber, enzymes and amino acids. Barley grass contains chlorophyll which is a natural detoxifier that helps stimulate red blood cells, improves blood oxygenation, and accelerates wound healing and tissue growth.

Bilberry

Bilberry can improve the health of your circulatory system. According to Dr. Kathi Kemper in her paper “Bilberry,” written for the Center for Holistic Pediatric Education and Research, antioxidant-rich bilberry can improve circulation and protect against circulatory-related disease. Dr. Kemper suggests that bilberry can improve atherosclerosis and varicose veins. Atherosclerosis is a buildup of plaque inside the arteries; symptoms include elevated blood pressure, shortness of breath upon exertion, elevated heart rate and fatigue. Bilberry protects collagen structures found in the eyes. Bilberry can prevent and treat macular degeneration and retinopathy. Macular degeneration occurs when the macula, a portion of the eye that provides vision for clarity and detail, begins to break down. Retinopathy is damage to the retina of the eye. The retina is the portion of the eye that relays what is seen to the brain.

Blue Green Algae

Blue-green algae is a nutrient- and antioxidant-rich plant group that is used as a food, nutritional supplement and alternative medicinal supplement. Blue-green algae helps to boost the immune system and fight infections. Blue-green algae can fight herpes, HIV and influenza infections. Spirulina and other types of blue-green algae may help to block hay fever, hives and other common allergic reactions.

Camu-Camu

This is a fruit grown on a bushy, riverside tree in the Amazon rainforest in Peru. It is one of the world’s richest sources of Vitamin C with 30 times more Vitamin C than oranges or lemons, twice that of acerola cherries, 3 times more than the same quantity of rose hips, 40 times that of kiwi, and 300% more than the same amount of blueberries! It has energy boosting, mood-lifting, astringent, emollient (softening and soothing, especially to the skin), and nutritive properties, contains antioxidants, strengthens the immune system and is  #2 on list of plants with antidepressant properties. Camu-Camu also is ranked #1 out of hundreds of herbs for efficiency against asthma, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), cataracts, colds, edema, gingivitis-periodontal disease, glaucoma, hepatitis, infertility, migraine-cluster headaches, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and Parkinson’s disease.

Chia

Named after the Mayan word for “strength,” chia is truly a mighty seed! It helps strengthen the lean tissue of the body, reverse inflammation, and improve digestion. It is high in antioxidants and Omega 3’s, containing 8-9 times the Omega 3 content of salmon. Chia seeds also help prevent and heal disease. Studies have shown that chia seeds can halt or reverse disease and may also limit growth of breast and cervical cancers due to its high ALA content.

Chlorella

Chlorella is a powerful detoxification aid for heavy metals and other pesticides.. A clean bloodstream, with an abundance of red blood cells to carry oxygen, is necessary to a strong natural defense system. Chlorella’s cleansing action on the bowel and other elimination channels, as well as its protection of the liver, helps keep the blood clean.

Flax

Flaxseed, which is high in fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids, is often used to support digestive health and relieve constipation. However, consuming flaxseed has many other health benefits when eaten regularly. Regularly eating flaxseed has been shown to reduce cholesterol. In addition, flaxseed improves the tone of the blood vessels and reduces inflammation. Flaxseed bulks up as it is digested, keeping a person full longer. This is due to its fiber content. Foods high in fiber are more slowly digested, which fills up the stomach on fewer calories and fat and keeps someone full until the next meal. This will keep a person from overeating, resulting in weight loss or maintenance. The fiber that flaxseed contains promotes regular bowel movements thereby flushing out toxins and bacteria to keep the digestive tract healthy and clean. Flaxseed contains DHA, an essential fatty acid that is vital for proper brain function. According to “Psychology Today,” low levels of DHA in the diet has been linked to depression. It follows then that when DHA consumption is higher, mood improves. While research is still being conducted, many medical professionals feel that there is enough evidence to prove that increasing flaxseed consumption can fight, reduce and prevent the symptoms of depression.

Ginko

Ginko is considered the oldest living tree species in the world. Its “fruits” (seeds) and leaves were used in traditional Chinese medicines and most popularly know to help with protecting memory during the aging process. In 1436 it was mentioned as a treatment for head sores. It is shown to help pain in the legs from clogged arteries, proven helpful in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and multi-infarct dementia, benefits the treatment of short-term memory loss, headache, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and depression by improving blood flow in the arteries and capillaries. Ginko is an astringent for the heart, lungs, and also treats asthma, bronchitis, wheezing, cough, etc., helps regulate urinary frequency, diarrhea, gonorrhea, toothache, skin diseases, fever and other ailments, and works as a digestive aid. Oh and duh, it contains antioxidants;)

Goji Berry

The goji berry is a small red berry native to remote regions of Tibet, China, and Mongolia. These berries have played a central role in Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Goji berries are one of the most nutritionally dense fruits on the earth. They contain special polysaccharides which fortify your immune system and control your body’s most important defense systems. They contain 19 different amino acids (the building blocks of PROTEIN!) including all 8 that are essential for life- NO OTHER PLANT IN THE WORLD can make that claim. They contain a complete spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids which support the eyes. Goji also contains B-complex vitamins, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids.

Green Tea

One of the most popular uses for green tea extract is in weight-loss efforts. Green tea extract contains epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, which substantially increases basal energy expenditure. This can help you burn more calories without doing extra physical activities Green tea extract provides EGCG to assist skin cells in moving from the inner layer of the skin to the outer layer in order to speed up the turnover process. Additionally, green tea extract naturally produces new skin cells while reactivating the DNA of the older skin cells that are close to dying. Green tea extract is also used to relieve other skin problems such as wrinkles, psoriasis, rosacea and acne by reducing inflammation.

Kamut Grass

Stories are told about a small sample of kamut found in the pyramids of Egypt. A young Montana airman stationed in the US Air Force in Portugal somehow ended up with 36 kernels of kamut. He was told that the grain came from the Egyptian pyramids so he mailed the grains home to his father, who was a wheat farmer. Out of the 36 kernels his dad planted, 32 of them sprouted. After 6 years of carefully tending his crop, he had 1,500 bushels.

The farmer took his unusual, large kerneled wheat to the county fair and called it “King Tut’s Wheat.” The grain never developed much interest so the farmer ended up feeding it to his cattle.

Luo Han Guo

Luo Han Guo is used as a natural sweetener, Apart from its sweetness, this exotic fruit is high in vitamin C, protein and has 18 basic amino acids. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Luo Han Guo extract has been used to enhance the immune system and to reduce risks of cancer.

Maca Root

A Peruvian plant that has been used for years to increase sex drive and energy.<- HELLOOO

Women are finding that maca use can alleviate menopause and pre-menstrual symptoms such as abdominal cramps, hot flashes and headaches, too. Maca regulates hormone levels in your body which increases your sexual appetite. nom nom nom. The hormone regulating properties of this root help relieve symptoms of PMS & menopause such as cramping, headaches, mood swings, hot flashes night sweats and other symptoms.

Moringa

Moringa is rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C. Moringa leaves have 2009 mg of calcium per 100 g — about 3.5 oz. by weight. That’s more calcium than 6 cups of milk. Moringa is also rich in iron; 100 g of Moringa leaves have 28 mg of iron — more than 9 oz. of beef tenderloin! Fresh leaves or roots are applied as poultices to treat rheumatism and other joint pains, to relieve lower back pain, to stop headaches and to treat wounds. Moringa seeds lower blood pressure and help protect the liver through its antioxidant properties. Moringa gum is used to treat dysentery, asthma and intestinal cancer. Moringa also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Peas

Now, you might be thinking… peas? These are a superfood… YOU BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR.

Peas are rich in phytonutrients (natural chemicals found in plants; often in the skin of fruits and vegetables) which help prevent cancer, heart disease, and most chronic diseases in general, are anti-aging, and help boost the immune system. They are a good source of proteins and fiber and are high in manganese which is essential for proper and normal growth of human bone structure, aids in increasing the mineral density of spinal bone, especially important in postmenopausal women, performs a special function of controlling the flow of free radicals (molecules capable of damaging human cells), is efficient in controlling the level of sugar in the blood, can act as a trigger for epileptic seizures if there are insufficient levels in the body, is a widely known remedy for sprains as well as inflammation, is known to relieve osteoporosis and osteoarthritis syndrome, helps alleviate mood swings, headaches, depression, and irritability to a considerable extent during PMS, AND helps absorb vital vitamins like vitamin B and E and minerals like magnesium.

Pomegranate

Pomegranates are yet another ingredient in shakeology that is rich in antioxidants. They boost the immune system, fight and lower the risk of cancer and prevent diabetes. Consuming pomegranate once a day can prevent blood clotting in the same way that a daily dose of aspirin can. People who consume pomegranates daily increase the amount of oxygen that gets to their heart. The pomegranates’ anti-inflammatory properties allow them to slow osteoarthritis and reduce the pain associated with joint conditions and diseases.

Rose Hips

Rose hips are the fruit of the rose that contain seeds. They are found right behind the flower and swell after the flower blooms and dies. They were used as remedy for chest problems during the Middle Ages and used in soups and stews by Native Americans. Rose Hips became part of the war effort during World War II as citrus imports to England nearly ceased and the government was worried about the population’s intake of Vitamin C. Volunteers went out to the countryside to collect rose hips from hedgerows. The hips were made into syrup, which was distributed by the government. (Wow – the common sense they had back then!)

Rose Hips reduce excess water in the body and have 60% more Vitamin C than citrus fruits; they are rich in bioflavonoids (important to build and strengthen body tissue); contain several vitamins plus calcium, citric acid, iron, phosphorus, and tannin; prevent and treat various infections, especially colds and flu; quicken the healing process for bruises and skin irritations; relieve inflammation;help uterine cramps and heavy menstrual flow;help prevent the development of kidney stones and diarrhea; proven helpful to the circulatory system, respiratory system, the thymus gland, and as a blood cleanser; prevens and help relieve chest infections and coughs; clean the kidneys and bladder; help with gout and rheumatic conditions;nourish the skin…. OH MY!

Sacha Inchi

Sacha inchi is found in the Peruvian rain forest. Sacha inchi oil contains a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, making it an excellent source for Omega 3 and Omega 6, it contains NO cholesterol, it also contains antioxidants vitamin A and vitamin E, and is high in protein. Sacha inchi works to lower HDL cholesterol levels, prevents blood clotting by keeping saturated fats mobile in the blood stream which in turn reduces the risk of coronary diseases. It reduces triglyceride levels and high blood pressure. It reduces arterial inflammation which helps to treat arthritis. It also is used in treating symptomatic asthma, regulating eye pressure, and maintaining proper kidney functioning and flow.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a nutrient rich algae with a host of benefits! As one of nature’s detoxifiers, it helps to cleanse the body and boost energy levels. It also boosts the immune system by fighting viruses, blocking the entrance of toxins into the body, and protecting the liver from any toxins that do manage to invade the body. Spirulina also promotes ease of digestion and helps return the appetite to its natural rhythms. On top of that, it reduces the your risk of arthritis, cancer, heart disease and diabetes because it contains gamma-linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid. It can even help those already suffering from type-2 diabetes by keeping blood sugar balanced!

Sprouted Quinoa

Most grains are considered to be inadequate as total protein sources because they lack adequate amounts of the amino acids lysine and isoleucine. Quinoa, however, breaks the mold. Because quinoa contains greater amounts of lysine and isoleucine, the protein in quinoa serves as a complete protein source. So, while it is a grain, it is a PROTEIN. Unbelievable. On an ounce-for-ounce basis, quinoa provides over twice the amount of calcium as is found in whole wheat. Research has shown the ability of daily quinoa intake to lower levels of inflammation in fat (adipose) tissue in rats and in the linings of their intestines as well.