Farmer’s Market: What’s a superfood? Come and find out

There are foods, then there are superfoods.

“What makes them super is the amount of nutrition carried per square inch,” says Gary Greenleaf. The nutritional value of these foods is so tightly packed they skyrocket above what we normally consume, he says.

“There’s no reason to be sick,” says Gary. “I really want to help people feel their best.” To help us achieve that, he brings us superfoods every Wednesday at the Green Valley Farmer’s Market.

In addition to his superfoods, Gary brings knowledge that he readily shares. Weekly customers of all ages depend on him to bring what they have come to rely on to ensure their vitality.

Unprocessed honey is a superfood. It’s widely known that local raw honey is great for allergies. Greenleaf says it’s also an antibacterial agent full of a whole list of phyto nutrients (nutrients from plants), antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and carbohydrates. Popular with athletes, raw honey speeds muscle recovery and increases performance.

Gary says people are thrilled to learn that chocolate can be good for them. He carries raw, organic cacao — the raw material of chocolate. “Eight percent of Americans are deficient in magnesium,” Gary says. Since magnesium supports the brain, heart, digestive system and bone development it’s not something we want in short supply.

“Cacao is the highest source of antioxidants of any food in the world,” Gary claims with evidence to support him. He’s not talking about chocolate milk here though; he’s talking about raw cacao. It’s available in a powder or as nibs (pieces).

“I like to put the nibs in my morning smoothies,” Gary says. Either form may be used in or on a wide variety of food.

Goji berries from China are another superfood. Weighing in with an extremely high 15 percent protein, 21 essential minerals and 18 amino acids, Goji berries help maintain cellular function. Said to slow ageing and rebuild bodies, goji berries are also a boon for our immune systems.

Maca and hempseeds are two more superfoods Gary thinks a well-tuned body finds irreplaceable.

Hempseeds are extremely high in Essential Fatty Acids as well as a complete protein with twice the amount of protein found in most meat products. Increasing these is said to help our bodies with at least 25 ailments.

Maca powder is said to increase virility and fertility. Of course, it is full of vitamins and nutrients as are the other super foods. Maca’s special powers seem to lie in its ability to aid our bodies in adapting to challenging situations and overcoming stress.

“Shop The Market First” and stop by and visit with Gary about which superfoods are best suited to your personal situation to fine tune your body. You just may find yourself making positive changes in your diet and your life. All this superfood comes with a respectable monetary price, but Gary believes it is a small price to pay to move beyond good health into exceptional health.

If you go

Green Valley Farmer’s Market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the Green Valley Village, Esperanza Boulevard and La Canada Drive.

Read about us online at: www.greenvalleyfarmersmarket.org