October 24, 2016

Black-Pigmented Superfoods: A Rainbow of Benefits By Nicole Crane, B.S, NTP

For years, health professionals have been advising others to “eat the rainbow,” advising to eat a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. For many, getting those 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables is a struggle. How does one get the antioxidant, immune boosting, vitality supportive benefits of a rainbow of foods? While there is no replacement for eating fruits and vegetables, by including black-pigmented superfoods, you can support your body with antioxidants powerful enough to make a difference.

Importance of Black-Pigmented SuperFoods

Black pigmented superfoods are among the strongest antioxidants that exist, as measured by the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), which measures how effectively a food or nutrient neutralizes free radicals; the higher the number, the stronger the antioxidant. There is certainly something very special about black pigments as potent protectors of our body at the cellular level, where oxidative damage occurs. Oxidative damage is like rusting and leads to immune dysfunction, interruption in cellular communication, inflammation, accelerating aging and a host of other issues that keep wellness out of reach. Antioxidants act like martyrs, breaking down to protect our body from physical and biochemical damage, like a shield. A diet rich in antioxidants forms a substantially bigger and much more protective shield than a diet lacking them.

**Black Seeds (Nigella sativa)**

These special black-pigmented superfoods are especially nourishing for immunity and help to support normal inflammatory responses. Hailing from the Middle East, black seed (Nigella sativa) has been identified as an inflammation regulator, immune tonic, analgesic (pain fighter) and natural antimicrobial. Black seed also has been shown to reduce muscle spasms, support muscle function, balance blood sugar and nourish the optimal function of organ systems, especially the brain and neurons, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and intestines. The ability of black seed to support so many body systems and functions is why it has been such a revered herb to the many cultures who value natural remedies. As a blood sugar balancer, black seed has been shown to support insulin production, glucose metabolism and cellular insulin uptake. Black seed supports the prevention of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), bringing needed balance to this important biochemical system. In the heart, studies show that black seed supports healthy cholesterol levels, normal blood pressure and prevents platelets in blood from becoming too sticky, warding off blood clot formation and the buildup of plaque in the arteries. In the GI tract, black seed seems to support normal intestinal function, keeping colitis and ulcers at bay and may even protect against heartburn. In the kidneys, black seed reduced blood levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, which reflect poor kidney function when levels are high; it acts as a shield against toxin-induced damage to the kidneys. x In the liver, black seed has been shown to protect against damage caused by heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Black seed also restores levels of glutathione, our internal master antioxidant and detoxifier, as well as other highly protective antioxidants in the liver. In the brain, black seed helps to combat stress and anxiety and balance brain chemistry and mood. This powerful spice also has a powerful protective and regenerative effect over nerve cells, as well as an anticonvulsive effect, opening the door for further research into brain disorders like epilepsy and even Alzheimer’s disease. Black seed may reduce lung inflammation, improve the function of different cell types and biochemicals in the lungs like surfactant that keeps lungs from deflating, clear respiratory viruses and mucus buildup and even improves lung function in asthmatics. In a 2010 study published in the journal Phytonutrients, participants with asthma were given two different doses of black seed oil or a placebo. Both groups experienced a dramatic reduction of wheezing, coughing, bronchial construction and other pulmonary dysfunction, some in just two weeks. At the end of the trial, most participants were using less medication, especially rescue-type inhalers and all had improved scores on pulmonary function tests.

Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula Edodes)

Another black-pigmented superfood, the shiitake mushroom (Lentinula Edodes) hails from East Asia and has been used for thousands of years as both food and medicine.