3 “Superfoods” Or, Are They “Wonder Greens?”
What is not green all over and bad for your health? If you guessed the Americanized diet, you are correct. Okay, it was a bad joke. However, our diet consist more of browns, tans and white than of bountiful colors.
Yet, to achieve good nutritional density, the more variety of color provides huge returns in our health. We have all heard the term “Superfood.” Is there such a food or is that marketing at its finest?
Let’s look at 3 uncommon greens that provide high value nutrients and how to incorporate them in our diet.
1. Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae. This gem has a wealth of nutrients including a high percent of digestible protein. Yes, high amount of protein in a plant. Additionally, it contains all essential amino acids. Of other worthy nutrients, Spirulina has the most beta-carotene compare to all other whole foods; it provides more calcium than milk and more iron than spinach; it also contains chlorophyll, enzymes, antioxidants, and more. Spirulina has been reported to bolster immune function such as anti-viral activity. Furthermore, it has been linked to proposed benefits against cancer and improved blood lipid profiles, thus providing cardiovascular protection. Spirulina can be found in nutrition stores in powder form. It is also now added in some ready to drink green beverages at local supermarkets.
2. Wheatgrass
Who needs a lawn mower when you can graze in your own yard of wheatgrass? Grasses stand the tests of time, not to mention, if harvested at the right time, they provide a powerful punch of nutrients. Besides, think of all the animals that survive just on grass and your dog probably likes it too. In fact, a 2 ounce shot of wheatgrass is equivalent to around 9 pounds of mixed vegetables. Wheatgrass has a vast amount of purported health benefits. These benefits are likely due to its high chlorophyll level, antioxidants, and choline. Of note, wheatgrass promotes blood boosting qualities which have been linked to chlorophyll. Moreover, it also has been reported to detoxify the liver and clean the colon. Wheatgrass can be found in powder form. Or, head to your favorite juicer and grab a daily shot.
“But of all these, and more, that most precious gift of your Earthly Mother is the grass beneath your feet…” “For in the grass are all the angels…Son of Man may look upon the many and various shades of green and find strength and comfort therein. I tell you truly, all that is green and with life has the power of the angel of Sun within it, even these tender blades of young wheat”
JESUS
3. Chlorella
Chlorella is an alga with high protein and chlorophyll content. Additionally, it has ample amounts of folate, vitamin B-12, and iron. Thus, it has been reported beneficial to attenuate pregnancy induced anemia. Chlorella also has immune protection agents. As such, proponents state it as a cancer prevention aid and even more a destroyer of cancer. Obviously, much more research will need to take place to definitively provide those answers. Chlorella can be found in nutrition stores in powder form. It is also now added in some ready to drink green beverages at local supermarkets.
Wonder foods? What can be said, the nutrients these greens provide out does the typical American diet. So, is it time to put aside the chicken tenders and French Fries for more nutrient dense foods? If you are struggling with that answer, let us help. The answer is YES! Rise and shine, my fitness friends!
