In a general sense, superfoods are those found in nature and
are nutrient dense; meaning they hold tons more vitamins and minerals (better
for you) than the average veggie. They are a great source of anti-oxidants and
essential nutrients that the body cannot make on its own, but need in order to
reach optimal health.
Green superfoods are the easiest to
digest, they contain fat burning compounds and protect and heal the body
against disease and illness. They also include proteins and good bacteria for
the muscles and tissue while acting as an aid to the digestion system (meaning
anything else you eat will be digested much easier, thanks to its natural
enzymes!). Green superfoods contain
large amounts of chlorophyll (remember sixth grade science?);
chlorophyll makes plants green. The structure of chlorophyll is much like the
human blood, so when we take it in the making of hemoglobin (protein molecule in our blood cells, carries oxygen from the lungs to our tissue then carbon
dioxide from the tissues to the lungs) increases, meaning much more oxygen in
the blood!
Here is a list of green superfoods and a bit more about them
individually:
Wheat grass: Wheat grass is very mainstream nowadays, but it
is important you get the right kind (I'll be posting brand recommendations soon!) Wheat grass is sprouted grass of wheat seed that
does not contain gluten or allergic proxies because it has been sprouted (much like why I suggest soaking grains, like those in 'Pretty Porridge').
Wheat grass is alkalizing (balances pH levels), helps improve blood, aids the
thyroid gland (metabolism function assists digestion and weight loss) because
of its enzyme content and ability to cleanse the body.
Barley grass: Barley grass can help counterbalance heavy metals (like mercury) in the blood stream; mercury is a common concern now a days, tuna carries a lot of it (try to buy 'low mercury tuna,' especially in the can--a lot of companies will note if they are low mercury on the label). Amazingly enough, barley grass has way more
calcium than cow’s milk (about 11 times the amount), five times more iron than spinach
and seven times more vitamin C than orange juice. It also contains a large amount of vitamin B12 (vegetarians, you
need lots of this!), which has the ability to increase energy.
Wild
blue-green algae: Wild blue-green algae is a phyto-plankton and contains tons and tons and tons of nutrients. It has a much more
comprehensive amino acid profile than beef or soy beans and is 60% protein!
Amino acids help promote brain function so needless to say, wild blue-green
algae can up the brain function and memory while improving the immune system
with its mass amounts of vitamin B and beta carotene (not just found in
carrots)!
Spirulina: Much like wheat grass, spirulina is becoming much
more mainstream and people are starting to hear about it and ask questions (its
been consumed for thousands of years by the indigenous people in Mex. and
Africa). So, what is it exactly? Well, obviously a superfood, but aside from
that it is a protein! It contains 70% complete protein (steak only consists of
25% once its been cooked). I’m sure you’ve heard that protein helps cut
cravings--welp, guess what? Spirulina does just that, as it helps to control
blood sugar levels. It’s a great tool for those with diabetes and anyone
looking to tone up and shed a few pounds.
Chlorella: I hate the sound of this! Sounds mean. Chlorella
is a fresh water algae that too is very high in protein, contains
all the B, C and E vitamins and lots of minerals (talk about beauty!). It also
helps to reduce cholesterol, preventing heart attacks, stokes and the hardening
of arteries (this doesn’t just happen to "old" people anymore, so don't be fooled).
What about green leafy vegetables? They are not necessarily considered 'superfoods,' however much better
for you than the average veggie. Green leafy vegetables are everywhere and easy
to grab but lots of people don’t eat them. I agree, they are a bit intimidating
but I will continue to share some recipes that will hopefully make them much more tempting to try! It is super important we incorporate green leafy veggies
for tons of reasons, beauty, health, energy and especially so we can eat and drink however we want from time to time without it taking such a toll on our
bodies! A few of my favorites are spinach, kale, swiss chard, arugula, watercress,
collard greens, brussel sprouts (eh, sort of considered a 'leafy' veggie!) and dandelion
greens.
I'll let all that sink in before I go on--ha! Check back soon for brand recommendations and how to get your daily dose of 'superfoods!' xo
