Maqui is a tree that is native to the temperate rainforests of Chile and certain regions of southern Argentina. Its sweet-tasting berries, which resemble blackcurrants in size and color, have been consumed by Mapuche Indians for hundreds of years. Indeed, Mapuche warriors attribute renowned stamina and vigor to their consumption of maqui berries. Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional profile of these little-known fruits and find out why Chile’s indigenous people hold them…
As the nutritional value of land vegetables continues to decline due to ongoing soil erosion and pollution, sea vegetables – whose nutritional compositions have remained intact for centuries – are coming to the fore as a much-needed source of minerals. Indeed, the average seaweed still contains over 70 essential minerals and phytonutrients, as well as numerous compounds that can pull unpleasant toxins from our bodies. Though all sea vegetables are nutritious and mineral-rich, some stand…
The cacao tree is a small evergreen tree that is native to the tropical regions of South America. It bears beans that are typically dried and used to make cocoa powder and chocolate, though cacao can also be consumed raw. Cacao is treasured in Central and South American countries for its robust taste, energizing properties, and nutritional value. In this article, we’ll take a look at the latter aspect and find out why so many…
Until the early part of the twentieth century, raw milk – natural, untreated milk straight from the cow – was considered a medicine for a plethora of chronic diseases. Even in the tropics, long before refrigeration was invented, raw milk was an essential and safe food source for many cultures. It was regarded as “white blood,” a kind of “stem cell” of foods, and people understood that in trying circumstances, you could live on it…
Though it might not be as well-known as iron or calcium, potassium is an essential nutrient that plays numerous roles in the human body. For example, it regulates water balance, thus controlling the amount of fluids that we retain or excrete. It also contributes to metabolism and other biochemical reactions, maintains electrolyte balance, and boosts the functioning of the nervous system. People who are deficient in potassium tend to suffer from weakness, lethargy, loss of…
