Superfoods are vibrant, nutritionally dense foods that have recently become widely available and which offer tremendous dietary and healing potential. In this lively, illustrated overview, well-known raw-foods guru David Wolfe profiles delicious and incredibly nutritious plant products such as goji berries, hempseed, cacao beans (raw chocolate), maca, spirulina, bee products, and a host of others. As powerful sources of clean protein, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, good fats and oils, essential fatty and amino acids, and other nutrients, they represent a uniquely promising piece of the nutritional puzzle. Each superfood is described in detail, accompanied by easy and delicious recipes. This accessible guide presents persuasive arguments, based on sound science, for the pivotal role of superfoods in promoting nutritional excellence, health and well-being, beauty enhancement, sustainable agriculture, and the transformation of diet, lifestyle, and planet.
David Wolfe is a self-proclaimed Nutrition and Wellness Expert. Author of Eating For Beauty, Superfoods: Food and Medicine of the Future, Amazing Grace, Sunfood Diet Success System.
David Wolfe books are always a "mixed blessing", but they are always informative, thought provoking, and inspire me to eat better. Of the three books by him, and of almost all the raw foodist manifestos, that I have read, this one seems to be the most intelligent and well researched. The most convincing thing about it is, I've given his advice a try recently; I've had some minor health issues these last few months and after a week of adding just the minimum recommendation of his suggested "Superfoods" (goji berries, aloe vera, spirulina, hempseed, cacao, coconut), I have experienced an amazing physical and mental recovery. The biggest problem is that all these are expensive, and a few of the other listed superfoods are even costlier. Lucky for me: I have an aloe vera plant, a handful of goji berries a day (all you need, really) comes to about a dollar a day, as well as the daily serving of hempseed, and a 16 oz. bag of raw cacao nibs can last a long time. Another bonus is that the introduction of these small additons have also satisfied my hunger so that I've had less cravings for junk food and have a better time keeping my meals to standard portions... meaning, I tend to eat double the amount of food in each meal. That is not unusual in america, but we all know that is excessive. However, when I first looked at the book, I had to be suspicious that the author has a large "glamour" portrait of himself on the cover, so big, it almost obscures the subject he is writing about! My second problem was that the book, as well written and accurate as it seemed, often came off as one big series of commercials. Very effective commercials, I might add, so some times I wondered if I was just being played for a chump. It didn't help that his own company could conveniently provide you with nearly every thing on his list. But to give him the benefit of the doubt, I have heard great things about all these foods before I even heard of his name, so I don't feel like a total fool for being convinced. Although I'll end this review soon, I just wanted to add that I could write several essays about the environmental, social and political significance that surrounds this subject, but I'll spare the person who has read this far!
This is an extremely important book for all of us who wish to live in a state of optimal health. And surely we all wish that!
It introduced me to the concept of superfoods and I have now begun to include more of them in my diet. (I’d already been using coconut products and Spirulina, without knowing they were actually “superfoods”.) This is contributing to my physical and in fact total transformation.
David’s top 10 superfoods are as follows: Goji berries, Cacao (raw chocolate), Maca, Bee products, Spirulina, AFA Super Blue-Green Algae, Marine phytoplankton, Aloe Vera, Hempseed and Coconuts.
Additionally, seven products which he awards “Honourable Mentions” are Acai (pronounced ah-SAH’ee), Camu Camu Berries, Chlorella, Incan Berries, Kelp, Noni and Yacon.
Superfoods comprise foods that have a dozen or more unique properties. They are both a food and a medicine – they are “a class of the most potent, super-concentrated, and nutrient-rich foods on the planet”.
Below I will indicate only a few of the most important attributes of each superfood.
1) Goji berries. These are some of the highest antioxidant –containing foods in the world. They contain polysaccharides, that fortify the immune system. There is evidence that they increase longevity. They have anti-inflammatory properties and enhance libido and sexual function. 2) Cacao (raw chocolate). I had heard that dark chocolate was health-giving, but hadn’t dreamt that it was a superfood. Cacao beans contain no sugar, and cacao is one of the great weight loss foods owing to its content of minerals and PEA (Phenylethylamine) molecules that shut off appetite (surprise, surprise!). 3) Maca. This is a member of the cruciferous family of plants that includes broccoli and cauliflower. It is grown for its root, and has been cultivated in the Peruvian Andes for over 2000 years. Maca is a powerful adaptogen which has the ability to stabilize the body’s “glandular-hormonal system, nervous system, cardiovascular system and musculature”. It is known to improve innumerable disorders and has aphrodisiac qualities, 4) Bee products. These include honey, pollen, royal jelly and propolis. These various products have also been known to relieve or cure innumerable disorders. 5) Spirulina. This belongs to a class of single-celled, blue-green algae, and contains “an astounding array of nutrients”, including chlorophyll, protein, vitamins, etc. etc. It consists of 65-71 percent protein, which is the highest concentration of protein found in any food. It is “a powerful tonic” for the immune system, and is the only green food rich in the essential fatty acid GLA (Gamma-linolenic acid). 6)AFA Super Blue-Green Algae. These algae (Alphanizomenon flos-aquae) are a type of wild blue-green algae that live in Klamath Lake, the largest lake in Oregon. They contain even more minerals, chlorophyll, phycocyanin, Vitamin C and essential fatty acids than Spirulina. The product is “one of the most digestible and utilizable protein foods in all of nature”. It is filled with chlorophyll and contains 40 major and trace minerals. AFA is a wild food, and the author states that the key solution to mineral deficiencies appears to be incorporating wild foods into our diet. 7)Marine phytoplankton. These are the smallest plant organisms found on Earth. Marine phytoplankton forms the basis of the Earth’s food chain. It is the best “plant-based source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids” and “a natural source of wide-spectrum, plant-based vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, polysaccharides, and protein”. It is an ideal detoxification tool, helps you lose excess weight, improves memory, normalizes blood sugar, etc. etc. 8)Aloe Vera. The gel of raw aloe vera helps alleviate all sorts of digestive problems and is effective at killing yeast (Candida), It reduces inflammation, radiation sickness, cancer, heart disease and diabetes. 9)Hempseed. Hemp is “one of the most nutritious food sources on the planet”. It contains all the essential amino and fatty acids. It is one of the few seeds that contain chlorophyll. 10)Coconuts. Coconut products can “save your life”. They improve digestion and contain antiviral, antifungal and antimicrobial fatty acids. The saturated fat in coconut oil is in the form of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) which support the immune system, the thyroid gland, nervous system, etc. Coconut water is wonderful for rehydration. (I myself drink coconut water every day without fail, and it removes all symptoms of the Crohn’s disease from which I suffer – and I use only coconut oil for cooking.)
Due to lack of space I will not go into the properties of the seven excellent products given an “Honourable Mention” by David.
This wonderful book has been an absolute eye-opener for me. It has introduced me to Goji berries, the amazing properties of Cacao, Maca, the healing properties of bee products and above all AFA blue-green algae and marine phytoplankton, which I feel to be the most powerful of the superfoods and which I hope will help me the most with detoxification and healing.
David presents an extremely informational overview of all aspects of the various superfoods, including historical, biological and other scientific facts, the benefits of each food, its healing properties, its nutrient contents specified in detail, how to use the products, what types to look for, recommended dosages and pages and pages of appetizing recipes. The book includes innumerable beautiful photos.
It is an amazing, invaluable and beautiful handbook. It is extremely well-written except for a few problems as regards whether the word “algae” is in singular or plural form. It is actually a plural form (“alga” is the singular form), but he uses it as both.
The book contains extremely detailed, informative and invaluable appendices listing the exact nutritional content of all the mentioned products and references to scientific studies. I found the quality of the book to be excellent.
I also applaud David for helping the public to gain access to these products – he is contributing to our health and longevity in innumerable ways! I look forward to reading his coming book on super herbs.
I first saw David Wolfe on the documentary Food Matters, and really enjoyed what he had to say about raw foods and superfoods. He has a vibrant energy that flows through his body and his enthusiasm about nutrition shines through his speech. That documentary really had an effect on me, and I have changed my diet a lot since watching it. Slowly, I have begun to include superfoods into my own diet, but I wanted to learn more about them.
This book covers Wolfe's top ten superfoods and includes honorable mention for seven additional foods. Each superfood chapter includes a detailed history, nutritional profile, what to look for in markets, recommended dosages, and several creative recipes. The top ten superfoods are goji berries, cacao beans, maca, bee products, spirulina, AFA blue-green algae, marine phytoplankton, aloe vera, hempseed, and coconuts. The honorable mentions are acai, camu camu berry, chlorella, incan berries, kelp, noni, and yacon.
This is a very easy book to read. The information I learned is both interesting and practical. Wolfe's main goal seems to be sharing the information he knows with others to help them have The Best Day Ever. I know from personal experience the value of eating some of these foods, and I look forward to including more of them in my diet. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in their diet, especially those who practice vegetarianism, veganism, or raw foodism.
APRIL 23, 2017 UPDATE: It's been five years since I first read Superfoods, and I have come to the conclusion that although it isn't entirely terrible, I'm no longer a supporter of David Wolfe and his teachings. I've changed the rating to 2 stars.
Interesting book if you can get past David Wolfe's glamor shot on the cover and his persistent self promotion. Many of his claims are backed up by legitimate studies, but periodically Wolfe supports an idea with "cross-referenced internet research", so take this with a grain of (Himalayan crystal) salt.
This is the most comprehensive guide to superfoods that you will find on the market. David Wolfe gives detailed information on the nutritional quality of each superfood, their history, what to look for in purchasing them, and provides nutritionally dense raw recipes. What sets this book apart from other books on superfoods is that he backs up his statements with a glossary of studies at the back of the book. The health food movement is often dismissed as hippy quack science, so backing up your statements with western ways of reasoning is important. I am glad however he didn't totally acquiesce to western standards as he mentions where each superfood fits in Ayurveda and Chinese nutritional philosophy. My one criticism is that there is no mention of privilege and the ability to consume nutritionally dense foods. He is rightly highly critical of mass industry, despises the conquistadors but fails to mention the effects of poverty on people's health. Superfoods are extremely expensive. I think part of creating a better world, is also creating more access to healthy foods. David Wolfe's brand of superfoods are far out of the price range of most people. For example 100 grams of his brand of phytoplankton is over a $100. With all that said, after reading this I am convinced to alter my diet and to incorporate superfoods in my daily meal plans. I am lucky to have the privilege to choose my diet, and I will use my privilege to ensure people of less means are able to also have the choice to optimum health.
Even though I think peeps give way to much credit to anyone for being the "best" at one tiny thing, instead of a wholistic life.. which generally is not a famous or entrepreneurial one.
I feel the same way about "superfoods". I absolutely believe that some foods are pretty amaZIng, but the better approach to diet is prolly being consistent with the fresh, local food and adaptogens you have. Especially the ones you love. Over time, this will achieve you more.
The best approach to a healthy life is maybe not to be so material about it, thinking food will change everything :) Start with your emotions and your connection to your greater self, which is there to make things easy and effortless for YoU.
The information tends to repeat itself, possibly unavoidably so (a nutrient in one food probably performs much the same in another), and the information for each food reads much like the product information pages on his company's (Sunfood) website. Still, it's good information, and a good start on researching the nutritional content of foods I've been reading a lot about lately.
Excellent info in a fun-to read format on the latest research regarding nutritious and delicious "superfoods." These are foods from around the globe which are packed with phytonutrients and anti-oxidants. Good recipes, too!
This is an awesome book. Interesting to read about how powerful our food can be. Now to figure out how to incorporate these ideas into my own diet(without barfing....a.k.a. bee pollen). This is the kind of book you need to keep and use as a reference guide.
Fascinating that these superfoods can do so much. The author makes great health seem attainable abs accessible if you open your mind to new ideas of food.
It's well documented, the information is nicely structured, the book is very visual. Sometimes the author brings some insights from the ayurvedic perspective about the superfoods, other times he just tells you a story from ancient times about the use of that aliment. I loved that! It's the first time I read one of David Wolfe's books, but you can tell just by reading this one that he is really into the topic. Moreover, he also included some recipes for each superfood and some trusted providers to buy from.
This author is crazy friendly and wacky which is right up my alley. His book on superfoods is based on science and facts. It is a great go to book. It changed my life as I have incorporated coconuts and all by products of young Thai coconuts into my diet and never looked back!
Das Buch ist etwas für Leser, die sich bereits das ein oder andere Mal in einem Reformhaus oder Bioladen umgesehen haben und sich mit gesunder Ernährung auseinandersetzten. Außerdem sollte man definitiv bereit sein einiges an Geld zu investieren. Einzeln sind die Superfoods zwar schon teuer aber durchaus bezahlbar, wenn man bedenkt was für eine positiven Effekt sie auf den Körper haben. Die Rezepte in diesem Buch bestehen aber fast ausschließlich aus Superfood-Zutaten und das kann dann schon ganz schön heftig werden.
Inhaltlich beschreibt der Autor die 10 aus seiner Sicht wertvollsten/wirksamsten Superfoods (z.b. Goji-Beere, Kakao, Maca, Hanfsamen...) sehr ausführlich. Zum einen informiert er den Leser über den Ursprung des jeweiligen Superfood, teilweise auch über Legenden und die geschichtliche Entwicklung. Zum anderen wird sehr genau auf die Wirkung eingegangen und bei welchen Krankheiten, Mangelerscheinungen das Superfood besonders geeignet ist. Es wird auf die Inhaltsstoffe eingegangen und welche Auswirkungen es auf bestimmte Körperfunktionen hat. Ebenfalls werden die verschiedenen Erscheinungs- bzw. Verkaufsformen beschrieben und wie man sie verwendet. Darauf folgt dann noch zu jedem Superfood ein Rezepteteil. Wie oben schon erwähnt sind diese Rezepte nichts für einen schmalen Geldbeutel, da sie fast ausschließlich aus teuren Zutaten bestehen. Einige der Zutaten kannte ich noch nicht, obwohl ich mich nun eine ganze Zeit mit diesem Thema beschäftige. (Reiskleie, Tocotrienol, Cistanche...) Allerdings wird immer angegeben wo man sie beziehen kann. Teilweise ist dies nur über das Internet möglich. Außerdem sollte man möglichst einen Hochleistungsmixer besitzen, da der Großteil der Rezepte mit diesem Gerät zubereitet wird.
Nach der sehr detailreichen Beschreibung der Top Ten, folgen noch die Superfoods, die der Autor als "Zweite Reihe" bezeichnet. Dazu zählen zum Beispiel Acai, Chlorella, Noni und viele mehr. Diese werden dann aber nicht mehr so ausführlich behandelt. Hinweise was man beim Kauf beachten sollte, gibt es allerdings und das fand ich sehr wichtig.
Am Ende des Buches gibt es noch einmal ganz übersichtlich eine Auflistung der Inhaltsstoffe der einzelnen Superfoods. Die Bilder im Buch sind nicht gerade ansprechend. Sie sind schwarz-weiß und nicht von besonderer Qualität. Das gab auch den geringen Abzug in meiner Wertung.
Ich selbst nutzte bereits vor dem Lesen dieses Buches 5 der vom Autor empfohlenen Superfoods. Das Buch hat mich noch einmal bestärkt in meiner Einstellung zu Superfood. Ich fand es toll genau über die Inhaltsstoffe und die Wirkung informiert zu werden und auch die Hinweise zum Kauf fand ich sehr hilfreich.
Am Ende wird noch auf wissenschaftliche Studien eingegangen und es gibt ein umfangreiches Quellenverzeichnis.
*Fazit:* 4,6 von 5 Sternen Das Buch ist sicher nicht für jedermann. Die Zutaten bzw. die Superfoods sind teuer. Daher muss jeder selbst entscheiden wie viel Geld er bereit ist für seinen Gesundheit zu opfern. Sicher wird sich auch nicht jeder diese Zutaten leisten können, aber wenn man sich auf 2 bis 3 Superfoods beschränkt, ist es sicher für die meisten durchaus bezahlbar. Die meisten der Rezepte im Buch sind allerdings schon deutlich preisintensiv und einen Hochleistungsmixer sollte man ebenfalls besitzen. Hauptsächlich ist das Buch aber kein Rezeptbuch, sondern ein Buch mit sehr detailreichen Informationen zu Herkunft, Wirkung und Inhaltsstoffe von einzelnen Superfoods. Besonders hilfreich sind auch die Kaufempfehlungen und Hinweise auf was man dabei achten sollte.
After buying several less expensive blenders and smoothie makers, I finally invested in a Vitamix. It's a definite must-have for anyone who wants to do protein shake meals and/or other health-conscious cooking.
I saw David Wolfe on an infomercial for the newest Ninja blender. David talked about the book included with The Ninja that had several recipes tailored to men and women. I was definitely interested in getting the book, but I wasn't going to buy "another" Ninja just to get it. :) So, I hopped online and found this particular book by David Wolfe.
I haven't read this cover to cover--I see it more as a go-to reference when needed. It extensively highlights at least 17 super foods and gives the health benefits of each, plus recipes. It doesn't have as many recipes as I'd like, but the top-notch info on super foods is more than what I expected.
Therefore, I am very glad to add this to my repertoire of reference materials for my Vitamix. It's a definite home run!
Fantastic book, and could have not come at a better time for me as I battle against UC, this book not only gave me upto date viable solitons but helped me replace a bad for you diet with a much healthier option opening my eyes to much more NUTRITIOUS AND HEALTH BOOSTING FOODS- it's amazing hoe much I picked up and learned from this book...
... My first introduction into David Wolfs book and some of his additional work turning me into a fan and excited to explore even more of him and his other books
I can go on and on ...but il finish it buying saying this book is useful to anyone regardless of your goals and I highly recommend it
If you can get past the horrible glamour shot on the cover to scrutiny read the book... you'll probably be just as disappointed as I was. Self promotion mixed with nonsense fad ideas like "superfoods". I'm sorry but that's a made up term, there are just foods with a higher nutritional value than others.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. I intend to start working out and trying to build mass, and I wanted to read this book into know what high quality foods would lead to the best effect on my workout. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in trying to improve overall health and longevity. The author provides so much information in this generous sized book but in an easy to understand way.
Superfoods by Daid Wolfe is a premier acknowledgement of the power of these foods taken along with a diet of pure whole foods that is lacking in health detractors. According to Wolfe, this means following a raw food diet, however he also says you can derive great benefit from superfoods and superfruits with some cooked foods in your diet as well. The text is a great introduction to fruits you may not know, with recipes given at the end of each monograph.
David Wolfe is so much fun to watch and listen to. He has knowledge just pouring out of his head, at all times.
His passion is definitely educating the world around alternative forms of foods and new healing modalities. I absolutely love the products he endorses. They are legit.
A great reference book which is very useful when trying to plan which superfoods to incorporate into your diet, the amount which should be eaten and the form in which it should be taken. I read it cover to cover, but works equally well (perhaps more so) if you are dipping in & out of it. A great reference into the future. We should all eat more superfoods !
David Wolfe knows his superfoods. I'm always looking to tweak my diet and to feel even better. Most of these superfoods I already know about, but don't eat consistently. His research and knowledge of foods have given me a soft push to add them to my grocery cart each week. We've gotten so far away from what's really good for our bodies.
I have read this book twice and keep referring back to it. The author does a great job of providing a history of the super foods, what It does for the body and recipes on how to use. A huge mine of information for anyone serious about improving their health. My cupboard now contains maca powder, goji berries and I try to include spirulina and chlorella recommended by him in my smoothies.
This is really quite an amazing book! Yummy capabilities of food are incredible. Many of the most common medical issues and maladies could be cured simply by adding these and other superfoods to your diet. Can you imagine what would happen if the medical community embraced the information in this book? The recipe are a nice touch!
Loved the info given in this book. I believe there are other super foods out there along with these but this book gives a good overview of some super foods I wasn't aware of or have heard only a little about.