Eat these 10 Foods Daily to Live a Long, Lavish Life

“Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food” has stood the test of time. Yet at the same time, the prevalence of obesity, heart disease, alzheimers, diabetes & cancer continues to rise in a society that places too much emphasis on janky fad-diets & pharmaceuticals. No matter what—the power of food to heal & revitalize the body will always remain.

Here are some of my favorite, real superfoods you can enjoy daily that will help you reach your weight-loss goals, enhance memory & increase your one & only lifespan:

Moringa

Originating from ancient India, the moringa plant is what I like to consider nature's multivitamin. Packed in a plethora vitamins and minerals, proteins, and detoxing compounds, this is one leaf you don't want to skip out on. Here’s some of moringa’s fascinating nutritional data:

• 4x the vitamin A in carrots

• 3x the potassium in banana

• 7x the vitamin C in oranges

• 3x the vitamin E in almonds

• 3x the iron in spinach

• 4x the calcium in milk

Everyday I take a heaping tablespoon of organic moringa leaf powder and put it in my pre-smoothie elixir, loaded with many of these other potent foods. After taking this daily for over a month, I noticed softer skin, better digestion, a sharper mind, and more clean energy. I only have one warning: it tastes like ground-up grass from your front yard (which is a good thing, I guess. Most things that taste like earth tend to be quite healthy, right?)

Matcha

Have you ever wondered why the Japanese tend to live so long? Especially in Okinawa, one of the blue zones filled with centenarians? Well, I theorize that it has to do with whole ground green tea leaves, otherwise known as matcha. Matcha tea is one of the healthiest drinks you can consume on this planet not only for longevity, but for fat loss, mental acuity, and energy. Matcha increases metabolism (4x more effective than steeping green tea), detoxifies the body, is loaded in antioxidants (10 cups of green tea match matcha’s power), boosts immunity (kills cancer), and lowers LDL cholesterol. If all it takes is a tsp-tbsp to provide all these benefits, why not make yourself a delish cup today with warm coconut milk, monk fruit, and maybe some manuka honey? Get frothin’!

Spirulina & Chlorella

Known for their detoxifying magic, spirulina and chlorella can change your life forever, for the better. These easily digestible algaes can be sauced in your smoothies to amp-up their nutrient profile. Spirulina is a cyanobacteria, a blue-green type of algae, while Chlorella is a green algae. Both of these guys are jam-packed in vitamins, minerals, fatty-acids, carotenoids and phytonutrients like chlorophyll, and are complete proteins. Spirulina and chlorella contain the most remarkable concentration of nutrients known in any food, plant, grain or herb! They are some of the highest protein food per gram and contain a rare essential fatty acid GLA. The one special thing about chlorella is that it has unique properties that make it bind to heavy metals and other contaminants. Spirulina does not have this same benefit but when stacked side-by-side with chlorella, be prepared to wake up the next morning with superhuman powers!

Ginger Root

Everyday before my first meal I cut a small slice of fresh ginger root (about the size of a thick quarter), pop it in my mouth and chomp away. The ginger bites back with pungent spiciness, but fear not, it’s all goodness from thereon. Even though it is quite intense, I've always loved the flavor of ginger. So eating a 2-5g daily dose of fresh ginger for me is a luxury. Initially, it can be quite overwhelming (the spice that is). Eventually, after about a week, your palate adjusts and you'll enjoy the heck out of it. Especially when you notice the tremendous health benefits:

• Reduces gas and improves digestion

• Relieves nausea

• Decreases inflammation and pain

• Increases recovery

• Boosts immunity: eases cold and flu symptoms

• Supports cardiovascular health

• Lowers cancer risk

Ginger is a good source of antioxidants, but it lacks vitamins, minerals and calories. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 2 teaspoons of ginger provide only 4 calories! Ginger root powder or fresh ginger will do. Personally, I prefer the latter because, well, fresh is how nature created it! Ginger root is also super affordable, so grab some from your local co-op today and spice it up!

Turmeric Root

I am sure you have heard of the wonders coming from this simple orange-pigmented root. Everyone and your grandma is talking about the anti-inflammatory health benefits of turmeric and the special compounds called curcuminoids within it. Curminoids contain polyphenolic pigments that give turmeric its rich, beautiful orange color. There are three main curcuminoids: demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and of course, the infamous curcumin. Even though curcumin makes up more than 77% of the curcuminoids, there is much more to it than meets the eye. Many people go out and buy curcumin in isolated pills or capsules, which does improve one’s health immensely, but I recommend you also aim to get in the whole root because turmeric contains a whole slew of magnificent properties such as the low-key turmerosaccharides most health professionals aren’t talking about.

Turmerosaccharides make up around 95% of the turmeric root and curcuminoids only make up a meager 2-6%. So why is no one talking about these sacc-guys?! I truly don't know, but what I do know is that turmerosaccharides offer a variety of health benefits such as reducing joint pain, inflammation, swelling and they protect knee cartilage. Both curcuminoids and turmerosaccharides reduce the overall aging process, so get your hands of some organic powder and a curcumin supplement. Just make sure you consume turmeric with black pepper or BioPerine and a source of fat because the bioavailability of the curcuminoids are extremely low without these guys. On the other hand, turmerosaccharides are water-soluble, so they won’t require a fat source for absorption.

Bone Broth

Ah, one of my favorite supplements/foods of all time— good ole’ bone broth. In this day and age many individuals put a little too much emphasis in their diet on meat protein which contains a great deal of the amino acid methionine. This amino acid plays a balancing act in your body with another amino called glycine. Without adequate glycine in your diet, your cells will age much quicker and many health issues may arise. To counteract this, we must eat bone broth rich in the protein collagen. Collagen protein makes up the bulk of the proteins in your body from your gut lining, to your cartilage and bones, to your lush skin, hair and nails. Collagen is made up of three amino acids: glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. These aminos are vital for your health (which is probably why the best-selling collagen supplement is called “Vital Proteins”). If you want an improved complexion, better digestion, stronger hair and nails, and a leaner frame, I recommend you consume bone broth protein daily. My favorite brand is Ancient Nutrition by Dr. Josh Axe along with Left Coast Performance on Amazon.

Coconut

It's antimicrobial, accelerates fat loss, boosts brain function, and is amazing for your heart. Yes, it's coconut! Whether it's coconut shavings, coconut manna, coconut cream, milk, or oil, it's going to improve your health in some form or fashion. However, the best way to consume coconut is when it's cold-pressed into the liquidy unrefined oil; the purest portion loaded with the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs makeup over 50% of the fat in coconut, which is kind of a big deal. MCTs are easily metabolized by the liver and are converted into pure energy known as ketones; they are not converted into fat on your body. This makes them wonderful for brainpower, metabolism and cholesterol. The three types of MCTs are namely 42% lauric acid, 7% caprylic acid, and 5% capric acid-- caprylic acid being the best for fat loss and brain function.

Other than the internal health benefits coming from coconut oil, it can also be an amazing moisturizer for your skin, hair and nails and can be used for “oil pulling” to whiten teeth and improve oral health. Hoorah for coconut!

Garlic

For some reason this simple-looking white bulb is petrifying to vampires; it scares the shit out of them! But that should be the opposite case for you, the human. If you incorporate 2-5 cloves in your daily eating regimen, you won’t notice much besides a more resilient immune system (aka less colds, no corona), improved complexion and skin, lower cholesterol and a stronger heart, increased detoxification and energy, and a supercharged brain. So basically, you’ll notice A LOT. All jokes aside, garlic contains extremely potent antioxidants that protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease and neural degeneration. One of the world’s most special antioxidants is called allicin, which is only apparent in garlic and other relatives like onion; however, the highest concentration of allicin is found in garlic. Trust me, you’re going to want garlic in your diet even though it does have that unique stank.

Allicin is a compound produced when garlic is crushed or chopped. Available in dietary supplement form, it's been found to reduce inflammation and offer profound health benefits. Even though we can’t prove garlic will increase longevity, if it can reduce bad cholesterol and promote cellular regeneration, that's good enough to say so. Raw or lightly cooked, get yourself some garlic! (Want to take garlic to the next level? Look into black garlic).

Chia Seeds

Cha Cha Cha… you know the ring. The ironic part is how chia seeds were promoted to grow some plant-pot doggio’s hairdo, but they never talked about the edible nature of the sprouts or the seeds themselves (they sure missed out on that marketing tactic). Chia seeds are one powerful superfood. Each teeny-tiny grey/black marble-looking seed is packed in omega 3s, protein, soluble fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They do not raise blood sugar, they actually help to lower it, they increase digestive system vitality, and can support fat-loss through their satiating effects.

Because of their powerful absorbent nature, these seeds can nurture each and every one of your cells when soaked in a mason jar overnight. Soaking or sprouting breaks down any of the harmful digestive inhibitors like phytates. When nuts or seeds are consumed raw, these phytates bind to your precious minerals like magnesium and steal them from your body when you use the toilet. This detriment can be avoided when you soak or sprout nuts and seeds. When you soak them you also absorb the nutrients in the nut or seed better. Chia seeds can hold up to 12x their weight in liquid, so when soaked before you slurp on them they’re amazing at preventing dehydration. On the contrary, if eaten dry, they can snatch precious water from your body causing you to become dehydrated.

I love to make chia pudding or add soaked chia seeds to my daily smoothie. All it takes is 1-2 tbsp daily!

Triphala

Tri means three. Phala means fruit. Three fruits! That's exactly what Triphala means in sanskrit, the 5,000+ year-old ancient Indian language. Triphala is a polyherbal compilation comprising three fruits that are all native to India: bibhitaki, amalaki, and haritaki. Each fruit positively impacts the body's three doshas: pitta, vata, and kapha. Triphala has been around for thousands of years in ayurvedic medicine and has been proven to stimulate the immune system and promote detoxification in the liver. It is very high in antioxidants like vitamin c and has a plethora of anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Triphala has also been shown to reduce blood sugar in diabetics and help individuals with constipation and digestive cleansing.

Other than taking it as a daily supplement, you can use triphala for oral health (mouth rinse) and as a skin protectant. Taking triphala between meals on an empty stomach will increase its absorption and effectiveness. Personally, I love to take triphala for its bowel-stimulating effects, similar to taking magnesium. This makes toilet time much more enjoyable in the mornings even when you take some right before bed. Clear up your consciousness with triphala!