#1 Superfood

GOJI BERRIES (AKA Wolfberries)

I have David Wolfe's book "Superfoods The Food and Medicine of the Future"that I just love! The information listed below is from his book, and only a small portion of it.

 Goji Berries are referred to as "adaptogens," a term used in the world of medicinal plants to describe a substance with a combination of therapeutic actions on the human body. An adaptogen invigorates and strengthens the system while helping the body to deal more easily with stress by supporting the adrenal glands.  Goji berries are known to boost the immune function, increase alkalinity and vitality, provide liver protection, improve eye sight and blood quality, deliver anti-aging compounds, and possess a number of other qualities. They are a complete protein source and contain 19 different amino acids. They can contain 21 or more trace minerals as well as B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E. They are high in iron as well as beta-sitosterol (an anti-inflammatory agent), linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid), anti-aging sesquiterpenoids, liver healing betaine, anti-oxidants tetraterpenoids. Goji Berries are some of the highest anti-oxidant foods in the world.  They contain 2-4 times the amount found in blueberries. 

Goji Berries are referred to as the "longevity fruit." Evidence from every direction indicates that the goji berry is the leading longevity superfood in the world. Researchers who study medicinal plants have identified a variety of nutrients in the goji berry that may help people enjoy longer and healthier lives. 

Goji berries can help in all of the following categories:

Enhancing Libido and Sexual Function

Antioxidants

Improving Vision

Immune System Booster

Hydration

Supporting Brain and Neurologic Health

Supporting Cardiovascular Health

Keeping Vital Organs Healthy

You'll have to buy the book to see the details under all of the categories, but they are amazing!!

You can buy goji berries at most health food stores. I have bought mine at Hyvee, Willy Street Coop, and Whole Foods. Personally I think the best place to get them is right here off of David Wolfe's site. He sells them in 8 oz bags or you go for a 25 lb bag! That's alot of sexual function and longevity! LOL! The goji's that come from his site seem to be superior if you ask me. They are SO incredibly soft and moist compared to others I have bought!

David suggests that a reasonable daily intake is 15-45gms (a handful).  He also has 7 different recipes in the book. It took me a little while to get used to the taste of them, but now I love them!

Baby Talk.

 Since green isn't all that pretty, I removed half of the smoothie and then added the green powder to the rest and layered. 

This morning Gabe and I had a mini play date with my friend Laura and her two daughters. Laura and I were discussing our interests and updating each other on what's been going on since we saw each other last, which has only been about a week:)  She was sharing with me all of her new ideas that she posts on her blog, B and B's Nest. It's a wonderful blog about renovating, redecorating, and fun little projects that Laura does in her not-so-spare time! She would love for you stop by and take a look!

Since we have kids, "baby talk" always comes up! We were discussing how to get our children to eat veggies when it isn't their favorite thing to eat. Since smoothies and shakes are so easy and quick, I was telling her how I often put healthy supplements in our smoothies! We are big "superfood" fans around this house. Yes, Eric too!  Here are just a few that I tend to put in smoothies to help amp up the nutritional value: Goji berries, Spirulina, Maca, cacao nibs, Bee pollen. Visit David Wolfe's SUNFOOD website for superfoods. He also has a very informative book, Superfoods, that gives you all you ever wanted to know about the top superfoods. I own it and read through it often. I also keep frozen wheat grass, Chia, and flax oil for smoothies too. My Raw organic green superfood you see below is taken daily by all of us here. It's from Garden of Life. In addition to using these "superfoods" in your smoothies for kids, you can always add a  small handful of spinach, mixed greens, peas, green beans, beets, and the list goes on and on! It's healthier to add the raw veggies in a smoothie instead of cooking all of the good vitamins and minerals out of them. If you have a picky eater, they will most likely consume the healthy part since it's disguised in fruit of your choice! Gabe hasn't turned down one healthy smoothie that I've made yet!

1/3 c frozen banana, 1/3 c frozen mango, 1/4 c frozen or fresh pineapple. Then add the serving amount of your green supplements!

He likes it:)

 Garden of Life has become one of my favorite brands of raw supplements. I came across it one day while browsing through one of the aisles at Whole Foods. They also carry raw enzymes, raw protein, raw kids vitamins, and even raw prenatal vitamins to name a few!

Evergreen WheatGrass is the brand that I buy. Check out their website for more information.

A quick tip for a "frostier" smoothie:  I like to buy organic frozen berries for my smoothies. I freeze my own bananas, mangos, pineapple etc. I add some homemade almond milk and occasionally a touch of orange juice (or fresh squeezed OJ if I want 100% raw) to help thin it out to the perfect consistency!