Rejuvenate Your Health with Spirulina and other Green Superfoods

With an ever increasing rough and tumble of life, normal food is sometimes not enough to meet the demands of the human body. What you need, in addition to the macronutrients like proteins and carbohydrates, micronutrients like calcium and vitamins, is generous amounts of what are referred to as green superfoods. In general these are nutrient-rich foods that have been claimed to improve health, and immunity, thus increasing productivity and longevity of life.

What are these green superfoods?

All of us are aware that we need to consume a certain amount of green leafy vegetables each day. However, for those busy amongst us, the number of servings in a day and choosing different fruits or vegetables makes it quite tough to follow this on a regular basis. This is where green superfoods step in. Green superfoods are nutrient dense foods. This means that they contain the vitamins, macro and micro nutrients and fiber in large amounts. Ingestion of small portions of these superfoods, thus, makes it easier for keeping up with the daily recommended allowance.

Modern food habits

Most health and fitness guidelines recommend 5 daily servings of fruits and vegetables. This is necessary to ensure enough vitamins and fiber are in your system. Ample fiber content in your diet is beneficial in a number of ways; it reduces fat and cholesterol absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and thus helps fight obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Also, it has been claimed to have a big role in protecting against bowel cancer.

Main constituents of modern day diet are meat, dairy products, refined foods, and aerated drinks. Lack of protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and fiber compounds the problem. Part of the problem is the acidity associated with these foods. A shift in the normal pH of the body towards a more acidic pH is detrimental to the body. Superfoods, by providing an alkaline environment, help counteract the acidity caused by junk foods.

Research has shown that alkaline foods can help fight disease like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions and rheumatic arthritis. Also, some claim that green superfoods can bump up your immunity and thus help you fight infections.

What green superfoods are available?

A list of green superfoods follows to help you choose the one that suits you the best

• Chlorella: this is a type of blue - green algae (microscopic plant) which grow in fresh water ponds. Chlorella is quite nutrient dense. It contains a whopping 7 grams of protein in a 10 gram portion. This helps maintain muscle mass and thus vigor. Furthermore, it is a rich source of vitamins like B, C and E and trace elements like calcium, iron, potassium and manganese. Japanese researchers have claimed that chlorella is very effective in fighting diseases like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Most of these actions are attributed to its alleged fat, cholesterol and sugar lowering actions. In addition, it aids digestion and boosts metabolism. Also, lately researchers have claimed its effectiveness in fighting depression. It has been surmised that Chlorella has a potential role in detoxification of the liver. Thus, it may help eliminate a number of toxins that the liver captures daily as a part of its cleansing function. Recommended dosage: chlorella tablets or powder- First Week: 1g per day - increase gradually over the next 2 weeks - thereafter, maintenance dosage is 2 g per day (optimum dosage is 2 g, 3 times a day).
• Spirulina: similar to Chlorella, Spirulina is also a microscopic plant that grows in fresh water lakes. It is also a nutrient dense food that can be used either as a food supplement or complete food. It is a rich source of vitamins especially A, B, E and K. In addition, important trace elements like calcium, iron and magnesium as well as essential fatty acids are provided by Spirulina in ample quantities. It contains all essential and non-essential amino acids and thus provides high quality protein. At the same time, it is quite low in calories. It helps strengthen the immune system and boost vitality and energy. Moreover, it has also been shown to be good for your brain and heart. Also, it keeps your skin, hair and nails healthy. You can purchase Spirulina powder, tablets or capsules.. Recommended dosage is 6 tablets/capsules or 1 level tablespoon of powder per day.
• Wheat grass: as the name suggests, wheat grass is the grass of the wheat plant when it is young. Similar to the other green super foods, this provides amino acids, vitamins and minerals as well. In addition to being a food supplement, it also is shown to have curative powers. It stimulates energy expenditure and has a role in digestion. It also has been shown to have a potential role in fighting cancer.
• Barley grass: is another nutrient-rich super food which contains calcium, an amazing 11 times that of cow’s milk. It is also very rich in vitamins like C, and B complex. Also, similar to the other green super foods, it contains, high quality protein, minerals like iron, potassium and zinc and enzymes which aid digestion and metabolism. Barley grass, some researchers claim, helps fight diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis and asthma.It is available in 500mg capsule or tablet form. A powder formulation of barley grass can also be consumed.
• Other green superfoods include: alfalfa, bee pollen, flaxseed, hemp seed, psyllium, stevia, etc.

Ways of consuming green superfoods

Most superfoods are available in tablet or capsule form. These can be consumed as such. Those that are available in powder form can be taken with a shake, soup or simply sprinkled over a salad dressing.

Always check for contraindication and allergy information before consuming a superfood supplement. Also, make sure you consume the right dosage by referring to the label on the packaging.

Conclusion

A wide variety of green superfoods are available in the market. However, this can cause confusion in the mind of the buyer. One good rule is to look for benefits and ingredients that you are looking for. Also, read the label carefully and then make up your mind. A little bit of research on the internet is always helpful in making up your mind.Once you start consuming these superfoods, you will indeed realize their benefits. Not only will you feel more energetic but you could also reap a lot of benefits as far as fighting stress and diseases are concerned.

About the Author
Tom Hines, co-owner of NutritionGeeks.com (MN #1 Now nutritional supplement provider), has been working in the nutrition industry since 1997, is a competitive powerlifter, lives with his wife Netti and three boys TJ, Grady and Brock on the prairie in west central Minnesota, spends his leisure time coaching youth wrestling, working with his horses and being play toy #1 for his boys.

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