You may be down with acai, take echinacea, or consider coconut oil a mainstay in your home. But, a new class of high-powered super foods is pushing the envelope even further, making even the healthiest among us stop and do a double take.
For starters, there's Gwyneth Paltrow's pricey morning smoothie ritual (whose ingredient shopping list totals $200 thanks to so-called "moon dust".) And then, there's something called Blue Majik and ... astrologically farmed eggs?
I heard about Gwyneth's morning elixir and I have read about some of the crazy stuff that's in it!
Cordyceps
There are plenty of magic mushrooms on the market, but this fungus that grows on caterpillar larva is the latest 'It' 'shroom (and an ingredient in Gwyneth Paltrow's morning smoothie). Advocates claim the fungus helps with oxygen uptake, stamina (on the field and in the bedroom) and recovery — not to mention boasts anti-cancer properties. Sounds pretty great, right? Aside from its long use in Traditional Chinese Medicine, there isn't really much science to back it up. Given its high price tag ($30 for 2.4 ounces), you can probably pass on this one.
Astrologically Farmed Eggs
Where crops are planted based on the phase of the moon -- and on 100 percent ethical, self-sufficient land. Think organic -- x 100. For eggs, farmers use a moon almanac to birth healthier chickens, which supposedly lay super delicious eggs. But is all the extra hands-on attention worth it (and the extra 15 cents per egg)? Not using hormones or antibiotics in the process of growing chickens is definitely beneficial, but it may not differ from other organic methods. Good research doesn't back this up.
Blue Majik
It claims to reduce inflammation and support healthy joints." This is basically spirulina, which is a source of chlorophyll, energizing B vitamins and iron, vitamins A and C and magnesium. Blue Majik contains a compound called phycocyanin, which may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. At $60 for 30 single packets, you may want to try an alternative.
Ashwagandha
Yes, it's a mouthful, but this herb — aka Indian Ginseng — has been touted for everything from lowering cortisol levels to balancing thyroid hormones to fighting cancer. And yes, it's also an ingredient in Gwyneth's morning elixir. You can take it in capsule, powder, or tincture and add to your daily juice or smoothie.
There has been some research that suggests that Ashwaganda may be beneficial in the areas of boosting immunity, joint health, adrenal gland support and hormone balance, but more research in humans is needed. Remember, it's a powerful herb and may interact with other medications or herbs you may be taking. Be sure to talk to your doctor when taking it.
Cannabis
Proponents of cannabis are claiming that it will help you detox! You'll be finding cannabis infused into coconut oil, teas and even canna-butter.
The tales of marijuana's healing powers just may have some weight. Studies have shown that the herb may reduce inflammation. It also may help with pain and provide PMS relief while suppressing headaches and helping with insomnia too. More research is clearly needed to back all of these claims.
Partha's Rx:
1. It's always important to understand fully what we're putting into our bodies! Please read labels carefully.
2. I am a HUGE advocate in eating organic.Especially the dirty dozen list of produce that you really should do your best to buy organic.
3. I also am an advocate of a more plant based diet. Please stay away from red meats other than a few times a month, if at all.
4. Along with a healthy diet, a daily multivitamin may give you the help you need for great energy and health.
