How does David Wolfe argue that certain foods have "medicinal" value? Please provide examples.

Okay, no problem! Let's talk about David "Avocado" Wolfe, who's quite famous in the superfood world. He has a lot of interesting things to say, and I'll explain in plain language how he argues that "food is medicine."

David Wolfe's "Food as Medicine" View: How Food Becomes Our "Medicine"

You can think of David Wolfe as an "evangelist for superfoods." His core idea is very simple and direct: The best pharmacy our bodies need is actually nature itself, or put another way, your own kitchen and garden.

His way of demonstrating food's "medicinal" value differs from scientists conducting lab research. He’s more of an integrator, combining ancient wisdom, nutritional knowledge, and personal experience. Here are the main angles he takes:

1. Super-High Nutrient Density

This is one of his most frequently mentioned points. He believes certain "superfoods" contain incredibly high concentrations of specific nutrients, acting like "concentrated nutrient bombs." When your body is deficient in an element and gets sick, directly supplementing with these high-concentration natural foods works like "applying the right medicine for the ailment."

The Logic: Body problem ⇄ Lack of a specific nutrient ⇄ Eat food rich in that nutrient ⇄ Repair the body.

2. The Doctrine of Signatures

This is a very ancient and intuitive concept that Wolfe likes to use. Simply put, if a food resembles a particular organ in our body, it's beneficial for that organ. This might sound a bit mystical, but it is part of his theory as it helps people intuitively remember a food's benefits.

The Logic: Nature has already given us hints through the food's "shape."

3. Drawing on Ancient Wisdom and Traditional Uses

He often cites dietary habits from ancient civilizations, like the Maya, Aztecs, or the familiar principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). He argues that if a food has been used for hundreds or even thousands of years within a culture to maintain health or treat minor ailments, it must possess unique value. This serves as a form of "evidence" based on historical experience.

The Logic: Time is the ultimate tester. If something has been proven effective for millennia, then it is effective.

4. Emphasizing "Raw" and "Natural State" (Raw and Natural State)

Wolfe is a key proponent of Raw Foodism. He believes that the heating and cooking process destroys many precious enzymes, vitamins, and "life force." Therefore, the closer a food is to its original, natural state, the stronger its "medicinal" properties and healing power for the body.

The Logic: Processing and cooking = Loss of nutrients and energy. Natural raw foods = Maximized energy.

A Few Examples He Often Mentions:

Here are some superfoods he frequently highlights as having high "medicinal value," explained using his logic:

1. Cacao (Raw) - "The Happy Food"

His Argument: Raw cacao (note: raw, not the processed chocolate we usually eat) is one of the foods highest in magnesium. Modern people are typically under high stress, which consumes large amounts of magnesium; a deficiency can cause anxiety and fatigue. So eating raw cacao can rapidly replenish magnesium, promoting relaxation and pleasant feelings. He also says cacao contains a substance called "Anandamide," dubbed the "bliss molecule," which can elevate mood.
Corresponding "Effects": Antidepressant, stress relief, enhanced happiness.

2. Goji Berries - "The Longevity Fruit"

His Argument: He cites TCM, emphasizing that goji berries have been used for thousands of years to "nourish the liver and kidneys, improve eyesight, and calm the spirit." From a modern nutritional perspective, he points out that goji berries are rich in powerful antioxidants (especially zeaxanthin), which protect eyes and skin and slow aging. Their polysaccharides also boost immunity.
Corresponding "Effects": Anti-aging, vision protection, immune enhancement.

3. Walnuts - "Brain Food"

His Argument: This is the quintessential example of the Doctrine of Signatures. Crack open a walnut, and it looks like a miniature brain, with two hemispheres and folds. Wolfe says this is nature's very clue. Nutritionally, walnuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, precisely the key nutrient essential for nourishing brain nerve cells.
Corresponding "Effects": Brain nourishment, enhanced memory, improved cognitive function.

4. Spirulina - "The All-in-One Nutrient Pack"

His Argument: This is a blue-green freshwater algae. Wolfe describes it as "ancient life force." It boasts an extremely high protein content, and it's "complete protein" (containing all essential amino acids), making it very easy to absorb. Additionally, it's rich in iron, B vitamins, and various minerals. For vegetarians or those suffering from malnutrition, it's a natural, all-round "nutritional supplement."
Corresponding "Effects": Rapid energy boost, anemia improvement, comprehensive nutrient supply.

To Summarize

Overall, David Wolfe's approach to arguing his point is more like advocating a lifestyle philosophy than presenting a rigorous scientific report. He combines nutrition, ancient traditions, and intuitive analogies to tell us: Don't underestimate the food on your plate; it's your most powerful, natural ally for maintaining health and preventing disease.

Whether or not you fully agree with all his views, his philosophy of "valuing food and returning to nature" is still highly inspiring for reminding us to eat more natural, unprocessed foods.