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Scott Paton,
Martin Pytela,
Scott Alex,
and
Cherub Santelices
Our focus in making a superfood blend isn't moderating disease symptoms. We focus on creating healthy functions and achieving your ideal body weight. With abundant health, disease is simply crowded out and replaced with optimal performance.
You can gain good performance back. The momentum of the "normal" downward spiral of declining health and shorter lifespan can be slowed, and eventually reversed to add many precious moments and experiences in the coming years.
Read more
Our focus in making a superfood blend isn't moderating disease symptoms. We focus on creating healthy functions and achieving your ideal body weight. With abundant health, disease is simply crowded out and replaced with optimal performance.
You can gain good performance back. The momentum of the "normal" downward spiral of declining health and shorter lifespan can be slowed, and eventually reversed to add many precious moments and experiences in the coming years.
Read more
Our focus in making a superfood blend isn't moderating disease symptoms. We focus on creating healthy functions and achieving your ideal body weight. With abundant health, disease is simply crowded out and replaced with optimal performance.
You can gain good performance back. The momentum of the "normal" downward spiral of declining health and shorter lifespan can be slowed, and eventually reversed to add many precious moments and experiences in the coming years.
Delaying the onset of typical middle-age-related problems, especially the decline in sexual health and increasing obesity, is hard to explain to people who did not experience it.
Effects of feeding yourself right will include:
- Reduced fat - increased muscle = solid body shape.
- Enhanced immune function = resistance to infections.
- Enhanced memory, ambition, attitude and brain power.
- Reduction of joint and body muscle aches and pains.
- Substantial increase in sexual health, interest, ability
- Increased stamina for both women and for men
- More youthful appearance and body functions
- Extended life span quality and quantity
- Weight loss as your body naturally finds its ideal weight
You will learn about herbalism, nutrients like Coenzyme Q10, Saffron, Ginkgo Biloba, Bilberry, Siberian Ginseng, Garlic, Vitamins A-E, Niacin, Vitamin C, Pycnogenols and Bioflavonoids, plus key minerals like Chromium, as well as the Essential Fatty Acids: GLA and Omega 3.
The result is understanding nutrition basics for ideal health, and how it affects your ability to function, which nutrients, and in which amounts are required for optimal performance.
Special Section: Vegetarian Bodybuilders
There is a belief that bodybuilders need meat in order to get the protein they require to build lean muscle mass. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many weight lifters thrive on meatless, even vegan diets. Herbalism and plant protein can be superior to meat in many ways.
In this special section, we look at Superfoods for high end athletes.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/dod47g/superfoods
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Understand what nutrients need to be ingested every day
- Understand difference between natural and industrial nutrients
- Understand how to construct a healthy meal
- Understand what nutrients need to be ingested every day
- Understand difference between natural and industrial nutrients
- Understand how to construct a healthy meal
Syllabus
Introduction
Introduction to Superfoods.
What you can do to live well
A short introduction to Martin Pytela
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction
Introduction to Superfoods.
What you can do to live well
A short introduction to Martin Pytela
Read more
A short introduction to Scott Paton
Time for you to introduce yourself.
You cannot fix with pills what you mess up with your meals.
The hunger that cannot be satiated.
Missing minerals and micronutrients in depleted soils.
The role of enzymes in food and health. What happens to enzymes when they hit certain temperatures
Few ingredients versus many ingredients.
What happens to that oil you cook with?
Particle size - chew your food. How surface area matters to nutrient absorption.
How Emulsification affects transportion and absorption of food in your system
How labels do not tell the whole story.
Meaningful doses - how too little is a waste of money. Would you use a garden hose at a house fire, while a fire truck stood by?
Why an apple is better than Vitamin C, water, fiber, and red dye mixed in a bowl.
Strataflora
The heavyweight champion plant protein: Hemp.
Oils: Olive (7 Types), Apricot, Coconut, Tangerine, Lemongrass & White Rose
Minerals: Coral Blend (Calcium, Magnesium & Minerals), Lemon Juice (Potassium), Alfalfa, Parsley, Watercress, Bamboo Sap (Silica & Minerals) & Shilajit (Humic and Fulvic)
Enzymes: Green Papaya, Pineapple Bromelain, Noni & Plant-Cell Enzymes
Probiotics Blend: Inulin, FOS, Kombucha, Soil Flora, Fermented Vegetable
Sea Plants: Chlorella, Spirulina, Dunaliella, Nova Scotia Dulse, Icelandic Kelp
A Discussion about Effective Herbs: Maca, Schizandra, Acerola, Red Beet, Silymarin, Suma, Elderberry, Siberian Ginseng, Pau D'Arco, Graviola, Aloe Vera, Astragalus, Turmeric, Ginger Root, Boswelia, Gymnema, Ashwaganda & Cayenne
Fiber: High-Pectin Apple Fiber, Glucomannan, Slippery Elm, Stabilized Rice Bran
Emulsification, Oxidation Protection and Micronization
Excela 50
Advancium
Premium
Iridescia
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Superfoods, Herbalism, Nutrition Basics and Your Health.
These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.
Career center
Learners who complete Superfoods, Herbalism, Nutrition Basics and Your Health will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Clinical Herbalist
Clinical Herbalist
A Clinical Herbalist advises clients on using plant-based remedies to support health and well-being, focusing on holistic approaches to improve body functions and prevent illness. The course's title, "Superfoods, Herbalism, Nutrition Basics and Your Health," indicates a strong alignment with this profession, especially its extensive section on "A Discussion about Effective Herbs," covering ingredients like Maca, Turmeric, Ginger Root, and Ashwaganda. Understanding these specific herbs, along with broader herbalism principles taught, directly prepares one to assess and recommend natural solutions. The course also emphasizes creating healthy functions and achieving optimal performance, which is core to a Clinical Herbalist's mission. Becoming a Clinical Herbalist typically requires specialized training or an advanced degree.
Nutritional Supplement Formulator
Nutritional Supplement Formulator
A Nutritional Supplement Formulator researches and develops new nutritional products, ensuring efficacy, safety, and quality. This course is exceptionally pertinent, featuring a detailed "Superfood Ingredient Selection" section that explores specific oils, minerals (like Coral Blend and Shilajit), enzymes, probiotics, sea plants (Chlorella, Spirulina), and "Effective Herbs." The syllabus explicitly mentions "Emulsification, Oxidation Protection and Micronization," critical technical aspects of supplement development. Furthermore, the course discusses "Meaningful doses" and features specific product names like ZoeTein and Eligaplex, demonstrating an understanding of product composition and application. This foundational knowledge is invaluable for a Nutritional Supplement Formulator creating effective and high-performing health products.
Naturopathic Doctor
Naturopathic Doctor
A Naturopathic Doctor practices a distinct form of primary healthcare, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through natural methods, including clinical nutrition and botanical medicine. The course's deep dive into "Herbalism" and understanding "Superfoods" for health and optimal performance provides an excellent foundational understanding for this profession. Learners explore specific nutrients, their impact on healthy functions, and how to construct healthy meals—all core tenets of naturopathic medicine. The emphasis on delaying disease and enhancing overall well-being aligns directly with the preventative and holistic philosophy of a Naturopathic Doctor. Becoming a Naturopathic Doctor requires an advanced doctoral degree.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist guides individuals and groups in optimizing their health through evidence-based food and nutrition strategies. They assess nutritional needs, develop meal plans, and provide education to prevent and manage diseases, achieve weight goals, or enhance performance. This course is directly relevant as it helps build a foundation in understanding nutrition basics for ideal health, emphasizing nutrient requirements, how to construct healthy meals, and the critical difference between natural and industrial nutrients. The detailed exploration of superfood ingredients, specific vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and herbalism contributes significantly to a dietitian's comprehensive knowledge base. Learners gain insights into how nutrition affects body function and optimal performance, which is central to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist's practice. While the course provides foundational knowledge, becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist typically requires an advanced degree and supervised practice.
Sports Nutritionist
Sports Nutritionist
A Sports Nutritionist specializes in optimizing the dietary intake of athletes and active individuals to enhance performance, improve recovery, and achieve specific body composition goals. The course offers highly relevant content with its "Special Section: Vegetarian Bodybuilders" and discussion of "Superfoods for high end athletes," directly addressing protein requirements for lean muscle mass and increased stamina for both women and men. Understanding specific nutrients like Coenzyme Q10, Siberian Ginseng, and Omega 3, alongside the impact on reduced fat, increased muscle, and overall body shape, is crucial for a Sports Nutritionist. The course's focus on optimal performance and body functions for athletes provides an excellent foundation for this specialized field. An advanced degree is often preferred or required to become a Sports Nutritionist.
Holistic Health Coach
Holistic Health Coach
A Holistic Health Coach empowers clients to achieve overall well-being by guiding them through diet, lifestyle, and behavioral changes. This course perfectly aligns with the holistic approach, focusing on creating healthy functions, achieving ideal body weight, optimizing performance, and reversing health decline. Learners understand daily nutrient needs and how to construct healthy meals, which are fundamental skills for coaching clients on dietary improvements. The course's content on superfoods and herbalism provides a rich toolkit for a Holistic Health Coach to introduce clients to diverse, natural ways to enhance immune function, improve memory, and increase stamina. This knowledge directly supports guiding clients in making sustainable choices for a healthier, more vibrant life.
Culinary Nutritionist
Culinary Nutritionist
A Culinary Nutritionist integrates the science of nutrition with the art of cooking, creating healthy, delicious, and functional meals. The course provides an excellent foundation for a Culinary Nutritionist by focusing on understanding daily nutrient needs, how to construct healthy meals, and the difference between natural and industrial nutrients. The "Special Section: Vegetarian Bodybuilders" and the emphasis on plant protein like hemp are directly applicable to developing plant-forward recipes. Detailed knowledge of superfood ingredients, various oils, and beneficial herbs enables a Culinary Nutritionist to innovate with ingredients that enhance immune function, stamina, and overall body functions, directly translating course concepts into practical culinary applications for optimal health.
Personal Trainer with Nutritional Emphasis
Personal Trainer with Nutritional Emphasis
A Personal Trainer with Nutritional Emphasis guides clients in achieving their fitness and body composition goals by combining exercise programs with tailored dietary advice. The course directly supports this role by focusing on desired outcomes such as reduced fat, increased muscle, a solid body shape, and weight loss as the body naturally finds its ideal weight. Insights into increased stamina, optimal performance, and understanding daily nutrient needs are invaluable for designing effective client programs. The special section on "Vegetarian Bodybuilders" further equips a trainer to advise diverse clientele on plant-based protein sources, enhancing their ability to offer comprehensive, integrated fitness and nutrition coaching.
Wellness Consultant
Wellness Consultant
A Wellness Consultant advises individuals or organizations on strategies to improve overall health, productivity, and preventive care. This course offers highly applicable knowledge for a Wellness Consultant, explicitly aiming to delay the onset of typical middle-age-related problems, enhance immune function, and extend life span quality and quantity. The curriculum’s emphasis on understanding nutrition basics for ideal health, which nutrients are required for optimal performance, and constructing healthy meals provides a robust framework. A consultant can leverage insights into superfoods and the effects of feeding oneself right, such as enhanced memory and stamina, to develop comprehensive wellness programs and guide clients toward sustainable, proactive health practices.
Nutritional Researcher Assistant
Nutritional Researcher Assistant
A Nutritional Researcher Assistant supports scientific studies on the impact of diet, specific nutrients, and food components on human health and disease. This course can be helpful in building a conceptual framework for such research by providing a detailed overview of nutrition basics, superfoods, and herbalism, including specific nutrients like Coenzyme Q10 and Pycnogenols. The syllabus's exploration of topics such as nutrient absorption, the role of enzymes in food and health, and the difference between natural and industrial nutrients offers a valuable context. This comprehensive understanding prepares a Nutritional Researcher Assistant to contribute effectively to studies investigating the effects of various nutritional interventions on optimal performance, body functions, and overall health. An advanced degree is often preferred for this role.
Health Educator
Health Educator
A Health Educator teaches individuals and communities about healthy behaviors and conditions that promote well-being and prevent disease. The course provides comprehensive, actionable knowledge directly relevant to a Health Educator, focusing on understanding daily nutrient needs, constructing healthy meals, and the difference between natural and industrial nutrients. Its exploration of superfoods and herbalism, alongside the effects of proper nutrition on immune function, memory, and energy, equips educators with vital information to share. By understanding how nutrition affects performance and body functions, a Health Educator can effectively communicate practical strategies to help others achieve ideal body weight, delay age-related problems, and embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Corporate Wellness Program Manager
Corporate Wellness Program Manager
A Corporate Wellness Program Manager designs, implements, and oversees initiatives aimed at improving employee health, productivity, and well-being within an organization. This course provides highly relevant knowledge for a Corporate Wellness Program Manager by focusing on delaying typical middle-age-related problems, enhancing immune function, and increasing stamina and overall quality of life. Understanding nutrition basics for ideal health, superfoods, and herbalism provides concrete strategies for promoting healthier eating habits among employees. The course's emphasis on achieving optimal performance, body weight, and improved memory and attitude offers valuable insights for developing impactful wellness programs that contribute to a more vibrant and engaged workforce.
Food Technologist Natural Products
Food Technologist Natural Products
A Food Technologist Natural Products applies scientific principles to develop and improve food products, focusing on natural ingredients and processing methods. This course offers relevant insights into the selection and utilization of superfood ingredients, including various oils, minerals, enzymes, probiotics, sea plants, and herbs. The syllabus specifically details concepts like "Emulsification, Oxidation Protection and Micronization," which are critical processes in developing natural food and supplement products. Understanding how these elements affect nutrient absorption and overall product efficacy can be highly beneficial for a Food Technologist Natural Products in formulating innovative and healthful natural food items, ensuring desired functional benefits and quality.
Scientific Writer Nutrition and Wellness
Scientific Writer Nutrition and Wellness
A Scientific Writer Nutrition and Wellness translates complex scientific information about diet, health, and well-being into accessible content for various audiences. This course provides a robust knowledge base for a Scientific Writer Nutrition and Wellness, covering essential nutrition basics, specific superfood ingredients, and herbalism. The detailed discussion of nutrients like Coenzyme Q10, Saffron, and Omega 3, along with their roles in optimal performance, offers concrete subject matter. Furthermore, the syllabus touches on topics like nutrient absorption, the role of enzymes, and label interpretation, providing specific details that can be thoroughly researched and articulated in written works. This foundation helps in creating accurate, informative, and engaging content.
Community Health Worker with Nutrition Focus
Community Health Worker with Nutrition Focus
A Community Health Worker with Nutrition Focus connects individuals in underserved communities with health resources and provides guidance on healthy living, often emphasizing dietary improvements. This course may be useful by helping to build a foundational understanding of nutrition basics for ideal health, the importance of daily nutrient intake, and how to construct healthy meals. Learners gain awareness of superfoods and herbalism that can be translated into practical, culturally sensitive advice. Understanding processes like nutrient absorption and the impact of food choices on overall well-being allows a Community Health Worker with Nutrition Focus to educate community members effectively, promoting better dietary habits and empowering them to make informed decisions for improved health.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/dod47g/superfoods
Reading list
We've selected 22 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Superfoods, Herbalism, Nutrition Basics and Your Health.
Is essential for the 'Vegetarian Bodybuilders' section of the course, providing evidence-based strategies for building muscle without animal products. It serves as a modern textbook for plant-powered performance and offers deep breadth into the specific amino acid profiles of superfoods like hemp. It is highly valuable for students looking to apply the course's protein concepts to high-end athletic training.
Widely considered the industry standard reference tool, this book provides detailed data on every supplement mentioned in the syllabus, including CoQ10 and Ginkgo Biloba. It is particularly useful as a current reference for understanding meaningful doses and therapeutic applications of vitamins and minerals. The text adds significant technical depth to the course's overview of nutritional supplements.
This comprehensive guide vital reference for the herbalism portion of the course, covering the properties of Ashwagandha, Maca, and Astragalus. It is frequently used as a textbook by practitioners to understand the chemistry and preparation of medicinal plants. It provides the necessary background knowledge for students to move from general awareness to practical herbal application.
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Provides a deep dive into the 'Fiber' and 'Probiotics' sections of the syllabus, explaining the science of the gut microbiome. It is an excellent supplement for understanding why ingredients like Glucomannan and Slippery Elm are included in superfood blends. It adds modern scientific breadth to the course's discussion on digestive health and immunity.
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This work is highly relevant to the syllabus topic regarding missing minerals in depleted soils and the impact of industrial agriculture on nutrition. It provides critical background knowledge on why nutritional supplements have become a necessity in the modern food landscape. It is more valuable as additional reading to understand the systemic reasons for the health 'downward spiral' mentioned in the course.
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Focuses specifically on the 'Effective Herbs' list in the syllabus, such as Schizandra, Siberian Ginseng, and Rhodiola. It definitive professional reference for understanding how these plants help the body achieve the 'optimal performance' described in the course objectives. It adds specific technical depth to the herbalism component of the curriculum.
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Focusing on the body's natural defense systems, this book aligns with the course's goal of 'crowding out' disease with healthy functions. It provides a scientific framework for how superfoods like berries and cruciferous vegetables support angiogenesis and immunity. It useful reference tool for students interested in the 'Extended Life Span' objective of the course.
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Is particularly useful for the course section on 'Oils' and 'Particle Size,' explaining how industrial processing affects nutrient absorption. It serves as a foundational text for understanding the 'Nutrition Basics' mentioned in the course title. It provides the prerequisite knowledge needed to distinguish between natural and industrial nutrients effectively.
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Is excellent for beginners, matching the course's introductory tone while providing practical ways to use herbs like Ginger and Turmeric. It explains how to transform common kitchen ingredients into the 'herbal superfood blends' discussed in the syllabus. It valuable additional reading for those who want to move from theory to making their own remedies.
This practical, industry-standard guide on how to prepare the various herbs listed in the 'Effective Herbs' section of the syllabus. It provides technical details on emulsification and absorption that mirror the course's focus on nutrient delivery. It is an essential reference tool for students who want to understand the 'how-to' of herbalism.
Written by a well-known superfood hunter, this book directly addresses the course's focus on 'Superfoods' and 'Nutrient Density.' It explains the importance of mineralization and hydration, supplementing the syllabus section on Coral Blends and Shilajit. It is highly accessible and serves as a great motivational companion to the course material.
This academic-leaning text provides the scientific backbone for the 'Special Section: Vegetarian Bodybuilders.' It covers the specific nutrient requirements for athletes who avoid meat, including iron, zinc, and B12. It is frequently used as a textbook and adds significant academic breadth to the course's performance claims.
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Though published slightly outside the five-year window, its extreme popularity and reputation make it a core supplement for any nutrition course. It provides the evidence-based rationale for using whole foods to reverse the 'downward spiral' of declining health. It is particularly helpful in providing background knowledge on the prevention of middle-age-related problems.
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Aligns with the course objective of 'Enhanced immune function' and the specific discussion of minerals like Zinc and Magnesium. It provides a detailed look at how micronutrients regulate the immune system, adding technical depth to the 'Minerals' section of the syllabus. It useful reference for understanding the 'meaningful doses' mentioned by the instructors.
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Addresses the 'Extended life span quality' objective through the lens of clinical research on fasting-mimicking diets and plant-based nutrition. It valuable additional reading for students interested in the 'ideal body weight' and 'reversing declining health' aspects of the course. It provides a more structured, academic approach to the course's longevity goals.
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Perfect fit for the 'Herbalism' and 'Nutrition Basics' components, focusing on how different body systems (like the heart and liver) are supported by herbs. It mirrors the course's 'Specialty Superfoods' sections on Liver and Heart formulas. It is highly recommended as a textbook for those wanting to understand the 'why' behind specific herbal blends.
Directly addresses the syllabus point: 'Why an apple is better than Vitamin C, water, and fiber mixed in a bowl.' It provides the philosophical and scientific background for 'Wholism' versus 'Reductionism' in nutrition. It is more valuable as a foundational reading to understand the course's core philosophy regarding natural nutrients.
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While focused on diabetes, this book is highly relevant to the course's goal of achieving 'ideal body weight' and reversing metabolic decline. It provides a rigorous look at how plant-based fats and proteins affect insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for the 'Vegetarian Bodybuilder' section. It adds modern scientific breadth to the course's discussion on energy and fat loss.
This classic reference tool that explains the mechanics of herbal extractions, which is useful for understanding the 'Superfood Ingredient Selection' in the syllabus. It provides the prerequisite technical knowledge for students interested in the 'Emulsification and Micronization' aspects of supplements. It is widely used by industry professionals as a foundational guide.
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Helps students navigate the 'overflowing market' of supplements mentioned in the course description. It provides a practical framework for choosing vitamins based on individual needs, supplementing the course's section on 'Choosing a Superfood Blend.' It useful reference tool for clarifying the 'meaningful doses' concept.
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As a classic text by a world-renowned botanist, this book provides immense authority on the herbs listed in the syllabus, such as Garlic and Ginkgo. It useful reference tool for understanding the historical and biological basis of herbalism. It provides the breadth needed to understand the 'Herbalism' part of the course title.
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Perfect companion for the course's focus on 'Hemp' and plant-based proteins. It explains the 'natural versus industrial' nutrient distinction in the context of protein powders and energy bars. It valuable additional reading for those interested in the 'Vegetarian Bodybuilder' and 'Weight Loss' objectives.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/dod47g/superfoods
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