11 Top Plant Based Superfoods for Healing

August 27, 2023

If you’re looking for plant-based superfoods for healing, I’ve got you covered with my top recommendations!

These are all superfoods I use in my own recipes. I keep these staples stocked in my pantry and readily available for when I need them. They last a long time so they’re worth keeping on hand.

Except for the Raw Living Spirulina which I will explain down below.

If you know me, you’ll know that I am not a fan of most powders because the majority out there are highly processed with little to no nutritional value. They are a complete waste of money, so opting for a raw alternative is your best option. Otherwise, they are useless.

When it comes to powders and specialty ingredients, I always select the highest grade possible and make sure it is raw or as close to raw as I can get.

This way, I know that I’m still getting a good amount of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

I’ve done a ton of research over the years in sourcing reasonably priced raw superfoods for myself and my family, so what I share with you is exactly the same as I would use for myself and recommend for loved ones.

Plant-based superfoods refer to nutrient-rich, whole foods derived from plants that are exceptionally dense and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

These super-type foods have the potential to positively impact health and well-being due to their high nutritional content.

Examples of plant-based superfoods include:

  • Dark leafy greens like kale and spinach
  • Berries such as blueberries and acai
  • Seeds like chia and flaxseeds
  • Nuts such as almonds and walnuts
  • Agae like spirulina and chlorella

These foods are typically minimally processed to retain their natural properties. Incorporating plant-based superfoods into your diet can contribute to various health benefits.

Some of these include improved immune function, enhanced energy levels, better digestion, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

11 Top Superfoods to Keep in your Pantry

Raw Living Spirulina

Raw Living Spirulina is one of the most powerful superfoods you will ever consume. It’s full of life and loaded with living nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to get your body on its way to healing.

This is not one you would use in your recipe ingredients but you can add it to a smoothie or glass of coconut water. I would recommend using Harmless Harvest coconut water.

It not only tastes better, it’s the best 100% coconut water out there aside from getting it straight from a young Thai coconut.

It’s my #1 recommended supplement for anyone looking to boost their body’s natural ability to heal. I would recommend using an ice cube tray to preserve its longevity.

>>Learn more here

Raw Spirulina Powder

Raw Living Spirulina powder is the alternative to raw Living Spirulina but in raw powder form. It’s what I used to help my mom reverse her diabetes along with chlorella supplements. Great for anyone who prefers the powder over the wet stuff.

Personally, I prefer raw living spirulina because it’s easier to consume and it doesn’t have a fishy odor or taste like the powder. It’s also more potent and nutrient-dense.

However, the powder is still good and has a longer shelf life. It can last 2-3 years if stored properly and is also the least expensive of the two.

Raw Chlorella Powder (Broken cell wall)

Cracked-cell chlorella is extremely nutrient-dense and works to detoxify and cleanse the body of toxins and heavy metals right alongside spirulina. It’s high in chlorophyll, antioxidants, and amino acids as well as protein and vitamin B12 – All of which are essential for promoting optimal health.

Just like the spirulina powder, chlorella does have a fishy kind of smell and is strong in taste so adding it to your green smoothies would be ideal. It will also go well in soup, juices, or savory dishes to boost nutritional content.

Raw Moringa Powder

Moringa is a powerhouse superfood known as the “miracle tree.” It has been used for centuries as a medicinal treatment with its anti-fungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Its potential health benefits range from supporting immune function and promoting healthy skin to aiding digestion and providing a natural energy boost. And just like spirulina and chlorella, Moringa is great for diabetics and is also known to reverse iron deficiency.

Raw moringa powder has a mild, earthy flavor that can be easily incorporated into various recipes, including smoothies, salad dressings, soups, and sauces, to enhance both taste and nutritional value.

Raw Lucuma Powder

Lucuma superfood powder is a must-have pantry staple. Lucuma is an exotic Peruvian fruit known as the “Gold of the Incas.” It is prized for its distinct flavor, often described as a combination of maple and sweet potato.

Lucuma is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like beta-carotene, iron, and zinc. It’s not only a nutritious choice but also a natural sweetener, often used as a low-glycemic alternative to sugar.

Additionally, lucuma is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties as well as heart health support.

It goes great in smoothies, puddings, ‘nice cream’, baking recipes, and just about anything you want to add some sweetness to!

Raw Maca Powder

Maca powder is among the most potent powerhouse superfoods you’ll want to add to your pantry list. It’s known to increase stamina and energy levels, balance hormones, reduce chronic fatigue, and boost athletic performance.

Additionally, it’s considered an adaptogen, which means it may help the body adapt to stress and maintain equilibrium. It’s also commonly known to boost the libido (women and men) for anyone wanting that extra push!

Packed with essential vitamins, and minerals, maca goes great in smoothies, dressings, sauces, soup, or baking recipes.

Raw Cacao Powder

Raw cacao refers to the unprocessed and minimally refined form of cacao beans, the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, from which chocolate is derived.

If you’re a chocolate lover, you’ll want to make this one a permanent staple in your kitchen for sure! Cacao is what cocoa junk is made from before they highly process it with sugar and dairy.

Unlike cocoa powder or conventional chocolate products, raw cacao retains more of its natural nutrients and antioxidants due to its minimal processing. It has a deep, intense flavor that’s both rich and slightly bitter, and it’s prized for its potential health benefits.

Cacao is loaded with antioxidant power, flavonoids, and essential minerals such as magnesium, iron, and potassium. All of which have positive effects on cardiovascular health, mood regulation, and even cognitive function.

Additionally, its potent healing properties help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of diabetes. It also helps support brain and heart health, circulation, and blood clot prevention.

Raw cacao is perfect for use in desserts, baked goods, smoothies, and puddings. It’s also great for making homemade chocolates and chocolate nut milk which are delicious!

Raw Cacao Nibs

Cacao nibs are small pieces of crushed cacao beans with a rich, intense flavor that’s both slightly bitter and deeply chocolaty.

I love adding cacao nibs to my chocolate smoothie for an added chocolatey crunch. They’re so good! I wouldn’t recommend eating them alone though as they do have a bitter, dark kinda taste.

Just like cacao, they’re extremely rich in flavonoids and antioxidants which are essential for a thriving mind and body. They go great in baking recipes, smoothies, or smoothie bowls.

Don’t let these little nibs fool you though. They don’t just make for a delicious chocolate smoothie, they have tremendous power for curbing cravings, boosting energy, and balancing stress levels.

They are also anti-inflammatory and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Raw Goji Berries

Goji berries are also another favorite and go great in salads which is how I typically like to eat them. They have a slightly sweet and tangy flavor and can be enjoyed as a snack, added to trail mixes, smoothies, smoothie bowls, or baked goods.

They are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and zinc.

These dried vibrant red-orange berries are amazing for supporting eye health, fighting off premature aging, and supporting the immune system. Furthermore, they help prevent liver damage, improve symptoms of depression and anxiety, boost sleep, and so much more.

Definitely not one you want to do without.

Sea Moss

Sea moss has been around for centuries and is most commonly used as a natural remedy with good reason. It’s rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including iodine, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A, E, and K.

Additionally, it contains 92 of the 102 minerals that our bodies require. And if that’s not enough, this powerful superfood supports digestive health, immune function, and skin health.

Once washed and soaked, it becomes a gelatinous substance that can be blended into smoothies, used in soups, salad dressings, and desserts. It’s pretty versatile in use.

If you’re sensitive to taste and flavors, the good news is, that this powerful superfood can also be consumed as a dietary supplement in the form of pills.

Elderberry Powder (or Syrup)

You may have started hearing about elderberries at the beginning of COVID-19 when the elderberry craze exploded and people were clearing the shelves for what was left of elderberry supplements.

And, with good reason.

Elderberries come packed with some pretty potent health benefits but are most commonly known for supporting immunity and preventing cold and flu symptoms.

The difference between this superfood and the others on this list is that elderberries cannot be consumed raw. They must be cooked in order to reap the benefits.

Consuming them raw can lead to nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting because of the toxic chemicals lectin and cyanide. This is why you’ll see them sold in the form of powder, syrup, elixirs, gummies, or tablets.

My Recommendation:

I highly recommend either going for the raw powder. or the syrup. The powder is the cleaner form of elderberry without the added junk.

If you choose to buy the syrup, make sure you get your money’s worth and not just a concoction of junk stuff. They can be very expensive but not always worth it.

The best one I’ve found out there has been from Back to the Basics Healing. The only thing I don’t like about this one is that they use honey which isn’t vegan and is not good for children under 2.

So if you have children, be sure to opt for one without the honey. If you make it yourself, all you have to do is swap the honey for agave or maple syrup.

To play it safe, you can always just opt for the raw powder.

Final Thoughts

While there are many ways to easily incorporate raw healing superfoods into your life, the best way is to go straight to the source, the plants themselves. Raw living foods are where all the high-level nutrients are.

Raw food is life.

What you put in your body is what you will reap. So if you’re looking to heal your body, it’s important to understand that a whole food alkaline diet rich in fruits and vegetables is the foundation for optimal health.

Superfood alternatives are only an added boost to an already existing plant-based lifestyle. One that includes energy boosters versus energy drainers.

Essential Energy-Boosting Lifestyle Practices:

  • Exercise
  • Plenty of rest
  • Hydration
  • Mindfulness & meditation
  • Healthy relationships
  • Plenty of sunshine (before 10 am and after 3 pm)
  • An ideal diet of predominantly raw living food

Energy Drainers (Stressors):

  • Inadequate sleep
  • Not enough rest
  • Lack of regular exercise
  • The Standard American Diet (high in fat, animal products, and processed foods)
  • Not enough sunshine
  • Toxic relationships

As a certified holistic nutrition and natural health practitioner, I’ve been living off of predominantly raw plant-based food since 2013.

My only regret is not having learned sooner. I have witnessed my own healing – mind, body, and spirit and can never recommend it enough.

Coming from an animal-driven diet not aware of the harm I was supporting, has led me to a healing life transformation. One, I can only hope will inspire you to explore for yourself.

Healing is more than just food. It’s the body’s way of recharging, and rejuvenating itself in a way that heals our mind, body, and soul.

It’s a result of our lifestyle practices. If you do right by your body, your body will do right by you.

FAQs about Plant-Based Food and Healing

How does a plant-based diet heal the body?

For starters, food alone does not heal the body. The food you consume either allows the body to heal itself or helps it to deteriorate.

Eating clean, whole fruits, leafy greens, and vegetables in their natural state allows the body to absorb essential nutrients from the food. In turn, the organs filter out the toxic and acid build-up leading the body to heal and fully thrive.

How long does it take to heal on a plant-based diet?

It all depends on how many years of toxic and acid build-up your body has and what condition it is in. For some, it could take weeks or months, while for others it can take a year or years.

If you are determined to heal, understand the ‘assignment,’ and stick with the plan, rest assured, your body will heal itself. It’s that powerful!

What plant foods are good for healing?

An alkaline plant-based diet consisting of predominantly raw leafy greens, veggies, and fruit with minimal nuts and seeds.

Some examples include:

  • Kale, spinach, romaine, red, green, and butter lettuce
  • Broccoli, asparagus, celery, cucumber, avocado
  • Fully ripe fruit such as berries, pineapple, melons, apples, mangos
  • Hemp, flax, and chia seeds

Circulating a variety of whole foods on a weekly basis will ensure you get all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals you need.

Add in the superfood powders, multivitamins, or supplements to help give you an added boost. These alternatives help if you know you are not eating enough and could use some help.

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Sandra Campillo

Sandra Campillo

Sandra Campillo is an eco, vegan lifestyle and travel blogger and entrepreneur. She is also certified in holistic nutrition and natural health. Join Sandra and her community of readers on SandraCampillo.com to learn how to live a healthier, more sustainable, and compassionate way of life while creating a passive income lifestyle.

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