The term ‘superfood’ is no way in shortage no matter where you turn these days, whether it be in your local market or as you watch television or read an article — which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Yet, we all know that catch phrases tend to wane on us after a while no matter how effective or valid something may be. Even if this is the case, as a nutritionist I feel it is my duty to shed light on and reveal information about foods that have health benefits that treat the whole person: You. And even beyond that, it is my duty to explain how superfoods like hydrilla just may hold the key to eliminating much of the world’s needless hunger that plagues the human race.
But before we venture too far ahead to soon, just exactly what is hydrilla? Within the herbal arts community, it is known by its common name: Aquathyme. Its scientific name is: Hydrilla verticillata; its classification is Hydrocharitaceae. So at this point you may be thinking that this sounds great for an introduction for a science research paper, but what’s the link as far as holistic nutrition goes? The link is that it has been known for some time that hydrilla may be one of the most nutrient dense food sources that exists anywhere in the world. If you have ever had a fish tank in your house, or swam in a muddy lake or pond, then chances are that you may have already come in contact with hydrilla, but may have never even known what kind of nutrient powerhouse this aqua weed was and what it is capable of.
How Consuming Hydrilla Affects Your Body
- Its extraordinarily high mineral content could help your body work toward alkalinity.
- It contains significantly high amounts of absorbable calcium; which brings relief to those on a plant-based diet.
- It contains impactful amounts of zinc, selenium and vitamin C for superior immune support.
- It contains all of the B vitamins.
- It has been thought that the protein content in hydrilla has positive repairing abilities when it comes to damaged cells and body tissue.
Though the term gets used often, hydrilla actually has the right to be called a superfood; everyone owes it to themselves to have more energy, health and vitality. And while health and vitality should be a common right of all human beings, we simply know that this isn’t always the case; where you live and your immediate circumstances can all have a say of how healthy you are, unfortunately.
Vital Nutrition For The Masses.
While many of us are fortunate to be able to have access to organic, fresh(ish) produce, and other superfood supplements, I often think of those who don’t have access to these healing foods, let alone any food to eat at all. Is there anything that can be done about it? Do the major powers that be within the world even know about the healing powers of natural and sustainable foods like hydrilla? Unfortunately, more effort is spent on cutting and clearing it as opposed to using it to help those who are food and nutrient deficient. While spirulina has been used to help curb malnutrition in some parts of Africa, I wonder what would happen if major government agencies would consider using hydrilla extract worldwide to address those affected by hunger? Some may consider it wishful thinking; maybe some well-intended people will heed the call and make the push. This is what holistic nutrition truly looks like; healing for the whole of your body and healing for the whole of humanity for those that need it.
It is becoming more and more clear that almost everything we eat affects us in so many ways. When I do one-to-one work with clients to help them deal with a health issue, it comes down to a nutrient deficiency issue at least 97% of the time. We’re just not eating real food anymore and our bodies are paying the price. If we want to start feeling the effects of these superfoods, it will only work if we place them in our bodies. Getting to know hydrilla will be something that your body will thank you for — for a lifetime.
Dr. Daud Scott N.D.;CHNP.
NATURES' FIRST PATH: HOlISTIC MEDICINE. 