hEALTH
TEXT
AMY SELBACH
ASIA: REISHI MUSHROOMS
Many previously unknown natural remedies to
the West have been used in Eastern medicine for
literally thousands of years. One such remedy is
the Reishi Mushroom. Originally found in Asian
countries where it is referred to as “the super
natural mushroom”, it is now grown worldwide for
it ’s claimed positive effects on allergic symptoms
and liver protection. It’s also being touted as a
treatment for degenerative disease conditions.
SUPERFOOD
YOURSELF
Globalization has had a profound
impact on health. Super foods and
natural remedies are becoming
accessible worldwide. Take acai, for
example. This antioxidant and fiberpacked berry from the Amazon is now
a household name. Other equally
impressive super food you may not
have heard of yet are also climbing
the ladder to superfood stardom. Here
are a few selected ones that can help
improve your health.
SOUTH AMERICA: MACA ROOT
ASIA: GOJI BERRIES
Found in the Peruvian Andes, the Maca
root was allegedly consumed by Incan
warriors for it sex-and fertility-enhancing
properties. Today, the powder form is
used in smoothies, yogurt or to top salads. It is sometimes sold as a raw flour.
Heralded as improving energy and mood
and with no known downside this Andean
wonder root is definitely worth a try.
This little berry has been used for over
6000 years in Asia and grows on shrubs
in China, Mongolia and Tibet. Benefits
include improved circulation, elimination
of toxins, improved eyesight and prevention of vision loss. Several test tube studies show that goji extracts may prevent
the growth of cancer cells, reduce blood
glucose, and lower cholesterol level. Goji
berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly
carotenoids some of which play a key role
in the protection of the retina of the eye.
AFRICA AND AUSTRALIA: BAOBAB
With its funny looks and gigantic proportions, the Baobab tree is the stuff of
myths and fables here in Kenya. The fruit of this iconic African tree is also
coming into the spotlight. The coconut-size smooth shell is an energy ball
packed with vitamin C, calcium, B vitamins, magnesium, iron, phosphorous,
antioxidants and fiber. The pulp is also starting to be recognized as a superfood. Potential for the growing industry is estimated at 1 billion dollars. Oddly
enough I have yet to see baobab powder on the shelves in Kenya.
SOUTH AMERICA: CHIA SEEDS
Amy Selbach is the founder of the
Taut Body Technique and owner of
Taut Body Fitness Studio in Village
Market Shopping Center, Gigiri.
She is a certified holistic health
coach, personal trainer and Pilates
and Barre instructor, specializing
in cross-training, holistic nutrition
and weight loss. As a new mom,
she can relate to the journey of
weight-loss and staying fit during
pregnancy and post pregnancy.
She also conducts workshops
on brand-building, and entrepreneurship through workshops and
business incubators. Contact her
at [email protected]
Once a staple of the Incan,
Mayan and Aztec diets, these
black and white seeds are indeed
a small health wonder. “Chia”
is actually the Mayan word for
strength. The seeds, which were
used by these ancient civilizations as mega-energy food, have
been called “Indian Running
Food”. With their high concentration of protein, calcium, boron for
building bone density, and potassium these seeds are perfect for
supporting energy function. They
even have omega 3 and 6. Great
used to top salads, to incorporate
into bread doughs or cookies and
even in puddings.
SOUTH PACIFIC: MANGOSTEEN
A tropical fruit grown on trees living up to 100 years, mangosteen only
grows in ultra-tropical areas. Because it contains no saturated fat or cholesterol but is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals and is low in calories
this national fruit of Thailand is a health fanatics dream. Its high vitamin C
content is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body resist flu-like infections and scavenge harmful free radicals. But it gets better…it also contains
potassium, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and even trace minerals
such as copper, manganese and zinc.