Eggs, berries and nuts are all foods so dense in health benefits they are said to be life-prolonging.
But expert Dr Janakan Krishnarajah has now revealed six lesser-known superfoods and nutrients that can be readily bought in Australia and revitalise your body.
The advisor for nutraceutics company Entity Health identified both natural chemicals and medicinal plants in his run-down of the world’s best immune system and mental health boosters.
Health expert Dr Janakan Krishnarajah said the naturally-occuring chemical glutathione (which is triggered by sulfur-containing foods like chickpeas, pictured) is important to the human cells’ cleansing process, as well as the strength of our immune systems
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)
Known as a co-enzyme, researchers have suggested NAD+ is the closest ‘we have gotten to a fountain of youth’.
‘It is responsible for turning nutrients into energy which is key to metabolism, and plays a vital role in the brain,’ Dr Krishnarajah said.
He added the chemical could be triggered in the body by taking supplements such as RestoriX – which contains nicotinamide that converts to NAD+ in the body.
Glutathione
The naturally occurring chemical is often known as the ‘master antioxidant’.
And the wellness expert said they are important contributors to the human cells’ cleansing process, as well as the strength of our immune systems.
‘Glutathione levels decrease in our bodies as we age, with lower levels of the antioxidant linked to several serious medical conditions,’ he said.
The synthesis of the chemical in the human body is aided by sulfur-rich foods like cauliflower, broccoli and chickpeas, and skin care products like LumeniX.
Hovenia dulcis
The fruit is native to Asia, and resembles a bulbous fruit when growing on trees.
And Dr Krishnarajah said consumption of Hovenia dulcis can help reduce certain toxins in the body.
‘It works by enhancing the activity of two enzymes in the body which help the body break down and metabolise alcohol toxins more quickly and efficiently,’ he said.
The food can be both eaten or drunk by fermenting it into wine.
The nutrition guru said turmeric (pictured in liquid form) has anti-inflammatory properties and added studies have shown curcumin can help manage arthritis and anxiety
Red and black maca
The popular medicinal plant is grown in Peru and can only be cultivated at heights of between 4000 metres and 4500 metres.
Dr Krishnarajah says research suggests maca can improve fertility rates through factors such as increased sperm count, as well as reduce stress.
‘Maca is most commonly dried and turned into a powder, which can be mixed into beverages,’ he said.
The plant’s root powder can also be mixed into foods liked smoothies or oatmeal, and taken in supplement form through Entity Health’s nutraceutical ConcentriX.
Dr Krishnarajah said consumption of Hovenia dulcis (pictured being used in tea) can help reduce certain toxins in the body
Bacopa monnieri is found in the warm wetlands of Australia and India and Dr Krishnarajah says it has a particularly useful function enhancing the human memory
Dr Krishnarajah (pictured) also says research suggests maca can improve fertility rates through factors such as increased sperm count, as well as reduce stress
Curcumin
The chemical can be found in one of the staples ingredients in curries – turmeric.
The nutrition guru said the compound has anti-inflammatory properties and added studies have shown curcumin can help manage arthritis and anxiety.
It can be found in additives like food colouring, as well as in nutritional supplements like FortefiX Plus – which includes curcumin that absorbs more readily into the blood.
‘The curcumin global market is expected to reach $1.88 billion by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.3 per cent in that time,’ he said.
Bacopa monnieri
The herb is found in the warm wetlands of Australia and India and Dr Krishnarajah said it has a particularly useful function enhancing the human memory.
‘It can be taken as a powder added to hot water to make a soothing herbal drink,’ he said.
‘It is also an active ingredient in brain supplements such as ConcentriX which improve concentration and memory function.’