Dr. Sebi advocated for a plant-based diet consisting primarily of alkaline foods, which he believed could cure various ailments and promote overall wellness. Dr. Sebi’s list of “electric” or alkaline foods, include a number of vegetables. Here is a list of vegetables commonly recommended as a part of Dr. Sebi’s nutritional guide:
List of Dr. Sebi Approved Vegetables
- Amaranth greens (Callaloo)
- Avocado
- Bell Peppers
- Chayote (Mexican Squash)
- Cucumber
- Dandelion greens
- Garbanzo beans (Chickpeas)
- Izote (Cactus flower/ Cactus leaf)
- Kale
- Lettuce (all, except Iceberg)
- Mushrooms (all, except Shitake)
- Nopal (Mexican Cactus)
- Okra
- Olives (and olive oil)
- Onions
- Purslane (Verdolaga)
- Sea Vegetables (Seamoss/Wakame/Dulse/Arame/Hijiki/Nori)
- Squash
- Tomato (Cherry and plum only)
- Tomatillo
- Turnip greens
- Watercress
- Zucchini
Here’s detailed information on each of the vegetables you’ve listed:
- Amaranth Greens (Callaloo)
- Scientific Name: Amaranthus spp.
- Origin: Native to the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
- Mineral Content: Rich in iron, calcium, and potassium.
- Medicinal Uses: Potential for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Culinary Uses: Used in salads, soups, and stir-fries.
- Avocado
- Scientific Name: Persea americana
- Origin: Native to south-central Mexico.
- Mineral Content: High in potassium, nutrients and healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Medicinal Uses: May have cardiovascular benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Culinary Uses: Consumed raw in salads, spreads, and as a topping.
- Bell Peppers
- Scientific Name: Capsicum annuum
- Origin: South and Central America.
- Mineral Content: High in potassium.
- Medicinal Uses: Antioxidant properties, potential anti-inflammatory effects.
- Culinary Uses: Used in salads, stir-fries, and as a snack.
- Chayote (Mexican Squash)
- Scientific Name: Sechium edule
- Origin: Mesoamerica.
- Mineral Content: Contains potassium, and dietary fiber.
- Medicinal Uses: Used traditionally for digestive issues.
- Culinary Uses: Cooked in various dishes, both savory and sweet.
- Cucumber
- Scientific Name: Cucumis sativus
- Origin: Southeast Asia.
- Mineral Content: High water content.
- Medicinal Uses: Hydrating, may have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Culinary Uses: Often consumed fresh in salads or pickled.
- Dandelion Greens
- Scientific Name: Taraxacum officinale
- Origin: Europe and Asia.
- Mineral Content: Rich in folate.
- Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used for liver health and digestion.
- Culinary Uses: Used in salads, soups, or sautéed.
- Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)
- Scientific Name: Cicer arietinum
- Origin: Middle East.
- Mineral Content: Good source of fiber, iron, and folate.
- Medicinal Uses: May help with blood sugar control and heart health.
- Culinary Uses: Used in various dishes like hummus, salads, and stews.
- Izote (Cactus Flower/Cactus Leaf)
- Scientific Name: Yucca spp. (commonly Yucca schidigera)
- Origin: Native to the arid regions of the Americas.
- Mineral Content: Contains minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- Medicinal Uses: Traditional uses for joint health and inflammation.
- Culinary Uses: Prepared in salads, soups, and stir-fries.
- Kale
- Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea var. acephala
- Origin: Europe.
- Mineral Content: Rich in vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like calcium and iron.
- Medicinal Uses: High antioxidant content, potential anti-inflammatory effects.
- Culinary Uses: Used in salads, smoothies, and as a side dish.
- Lettuce (All, Except Iceberg)
- Scientific Name: Lactuca sativa (various cultivars)
- Origin: Mediterranean region.
- Mineral Content: Varied, but generally a source of nutrients including minerals such as iron and calcium.
- Medicinal Uses: Generally used for its hydrating and fiber-rich properties.
- Culinary Uses: Various types used in salads, wraps, and sandwiches.
- Mushrooms (All, Except Shiitake)
- Scientific Name: Various species (e.g., Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus spp.)
- Origin: Worldwide.
- Mineral Content: Good source of selenium, sunlight energy (when exposed to sunlight).
- Medicinal Uses: Shiitake mushrooms may have immune-boosting properties.
- Culinary Uses: Used in various dishes like soups, stir-fries, and risottos.
- Nopal (Mexican Cactus)
- Scientific Name: Opuntia ficus-indica
- Origin: Americas.
- Mineral Content: Rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- Medicinal Uses: Traditional uses for blood sugar control and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Culinary Uses: Prepared in salads, salsas, and cooked dishes.
- Okra
- Scientific Name: Abelmoschus esculentus
- Origin: Africa.
- Mineral Content: Contains potassium, and folate.
- Medicinal Uses: Traditional uses for digestive health.
- Culinary Uses: Often used in stews, soups, and as a fried or grilled side dish.
- Olives (and Olive Oil)
- Scientific Name: Olea europaea
- Origin: Mediterranean region.
- Mineral Content: Good source of monounsaturated fats.
- Medicinal Uses: May have cardiovascular benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Culinary Uses: Consumed as table olives or pressed into olive oil.
- Onions
- Scientific Name: Allium cepa
- Origin: Asia.
- Mineral Content: Contains sulfur compounds.
- Medicinal Uses: Traditional uses for respiratory and cardiovascular health.
- Culinary Uses: Widely used as a flavor base in various dishes.
- Purslane (Verdolaga)
- Scientific Name: Portulaca oleracea
- Origin: Persia (modern-day Iran).
- Mineral Content: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Medicinal Uses: Traditional uses for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Culinary Uses: Used in salads, soups, and stir-fries.
- Sea Vegetables (Seamoss/Wakame/Dulse/Arame/Hijiki/Nori)
- Scientific Names: Various species (e.g., Chondrus crispus, Undaria pinnatifida, Palmaria palmata, Eisenia bicyclis, Hizikia fusiforme, Porphyra spp.)
- Origin: Oceans worldwide.
- Mineral Content: Rich in iodine, iron, and other minerals.
- Medicinal Uses: May support thyroid function, high in antioxidants.
- Culinary Uses: Used in sushi, salads, and soups.
Here’s detailed information on each of the sea vegetables you’ve listed:
- Seamoss
- Scientific Name: Chondrus crispus
- Origin: North Atlantic coasts, particularly around Ireland and the Atlantic coast of North America.
- Mineral Content: Rich in iodine, iron, magnesium, calcium, and other trace minerals.
- Medicinal Uses: Traditional uses include supporting thyroid health, digestive health, and as a nutrient-rich supplement.
- Culinary Uses: Used in smoothies, soups, and desserts. Can also be prepared as a gel.
- Wakame
- Scientific Name: Undaria pinnatifida
- Origin: East Asian waters, particularly Japan, Korea, and China.
- Mineral Content: High in iodine, calcium, potassium, and other minerals.
- Medicinal Uses: Traditional uses for supporting thyroid function and promoting cardiovascular health.
- Culinary Uses: Often used in miso soup, salads, and as a side dish. It has a tender texture when rehydrated.
- Dulse
- Scientific Name: Palmaria palmata
- Origin: North Atlantic and Northwest Pacific coasts.
- Mineral Content: Contains iron, potassium, iodine, and B6 and B12.
- Medicinal Uses: Traditional uses for thyroid support, digestive health, and as a nutrient-rich supplement.
- Culinary Uses: Eaten dried or fresh, added to salads, soups, or used as a snack.
- Arame
- Scientific Name: Eisenia bicyclis
- Origin: Japan and other East Asian countries.
- Mineral Content: Contains iodine, calcium, iron, and other minerals.
- Medicinal Uses: Traditional uses include supporting thyroid health and providing essential minerals.
- Culinary Uses: Rehydrated and used in salads, stir-fries, and sushi dishes.
- Hijiki
- Scientific Name: Hizikia fusiforme
- Origin: Japan, Korea, and China.
- Mineral Content: Rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, and fiber.
- Medicinal Uses: Traditional uses for supporting thyroid function, improving skin health, and providing essential minerals.
- Culinary Uses: Rehydrated and cooked in various dishes such as salads, stews, and side dishes.
- Nori
- Scientific Name: Porphyra spp.
- Origin: Japan and other coastal areas worldwide.
- Mineral Content: Contains iodine, vitamin and iron.
- Medicinal Uses: Traditional uses for thyroid support, energy, and as a nutrient-rich supplement.
- Culinary Uses: Used to wrap sushi, as a seasoning, or as a snack. Can also be crushed and sprinkled on various dishes.
These sea vegetables are not only known for their culinary uses but also for their rich nutrient profiles. Incorporating a variety of sea vegetables into your diet can contribute to a diverse range of minerals and other beneficial compounds.
- Squash
- Scientific Name: Cucurbita spp. (e.g., Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima)
- Origin: Americas.
- Mineral Content: Contains potassium, and dietary fiber.
- Medicinal Uses: Traditional uses for digestive health.
- Culinary Uses: Cooked in various dishes, both sweet and savory.
- Tomato (Cherry and Plum Only)
- Scientific Name: Solanum lycopersicum
- Origin: South America.
- Mineral Content: High in potassium, and lycopene.
- Medicinal Uses: Lycopene is associated with antioxidant properties.
- Culinary Uses: Consumed fresh in salads, as snacks, or cooked in sauces.
- Tomatillo
- Scientific Name: Physalis philadelphica
- Origin: Mexico.
- Mineral Content: Contains vitamins A and C.
- Medicinal Uses: Limited traditional medicinal uses.
- Culinary Uses: Used in salsa verde and various Mexican dishes.
- Turnip Greens
- Scientific Name: Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
- Origin: Europe and Asia.
- Mineral Content: Contains calcium and folate.
- Medicinal Uses: Traditional uses for digestive health.
- Culinary Uses: Cooked and used in salads, soups, and side dishes.
- Watercress
- Scientific Name: Nasturtium officinale
- Origin: Europe and Asia.
- Mineral Content: High in minerals like iron and calcium.
- Medicinal Uses: Traditional uses for respiratory and digestive health.
- Culinary Uses: Used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish.
- Zucchini
- Scientific Name: Cucurbita pepo
- Origin: Americas.
- Mineral Content: Contains potassium.
- Medicinal Uses: Traditional uses for digestive health.
- Culinary Uses: Cooked in various dishes, both sweet and savory.
Please note that the medicinal uses mentioned are based on traditional practices. Additionally, the nutritional content can vary based on factors such as cultivation methods and specific varieties.
References:
Joanne L. Slavin, Beate Lloyd. Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables – https://advances.nutrition.org/article/S2161-8313(22)01026-2/pdf
Jyothi Kaparapu, Prayaga Murthy Pragada, Geddada Mohan Narasimha Rao. Fruits and Vegetables and its Nutritional Benefits – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343846823_Fruits_and_Vegetables_and_its_Nutritional_Benefits
