5 Superfoods from Ancient Cultures

Jon Yaneff/Wake Up World

Ancient cultures have thrived on healthy foods for centuries. From the Mayan to the Incan Empire, battles were fought and won with the help of foods sacred to the land. These foods were an important part of the culture, giving them enhanced energy, and incredible health benefits with the ability to ward off illness. You might even say that these healthy foods from the earth gave those who indulged ‘super powers’ upon consumption.

It’s interesting that the foods indigenous to today’s Western culture have the complete opposite effect. The Big Mac is praised the same way chia seeds were for Aztec warriors, yet fast food is associated with an unhealthy lifestyle. Instead of thriving on healthy foods like ancient cultures, the vast majority of North Americans slowly weaken on the foods they consume. Basic grains and plants are striped of the essential vitamins and minerals that we need, in addition to the junk, fast, and convenience foods that are so commonly accessible to us.

Western culture can definitely learn a lot from the healthy foods that strengthened and prolonged the lives of ancient civilizations.

Here are five superfoods that have powered ancient cultures for thousands of years, and you can find easily in your local health food store.

Acai Berries: Amazing Amazon Superfood

Organic acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berries are found deep within the Amazon rainforest and the ancient Amazonian tribes first used the dark purple berries for preventing and curing diseases. One Amazonian tribe, the Shuar, was known as medicine men and women (uwishin), and has kept the tradition of acai berry cures alive.

Its antioxidant properties help prevent cancer, and it is rich in fiber, omega fats and protein, and contains 19 of the 20 essential amino acids. Acai, also used in powdered form, is often praised now as a supplement for weight loss because the fiber helps keep you full. It can easily be used in juices or smoothies.

Chia Seeds: Aztec and Mayan Mainstays

Chia seeds were made popular in the 1980s with rise of Chia Pets in America, which is a unique way to sprout chia. However, the tiny chia seeds were main nutrition supplies for South and Central Americans thousands of years ago. A tablespoon would help sustain an Aztec warrior for a whole day with several essential nutrients. They helped fuel Incans and Mayans, as the word “chia” means strength in Mayan.

Chia seeds are a great source of protein, fiber, and omega fatty acids. They help stabilize blood sugar levels and are great for brain function maintenance and inflammation reduction. These healthy foods are a great addition to salads, cereals, or smoothies.

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