Green foods have recently become the focus of modern natural health practices in Texas and the United States. Juice bars and natural health food markets in Austin, Dallas and Houston offer spirulina smoothies, chlorella vegetable juices and wheatgrass power shots. Naturopaths have been known to prescribe super green foods to aid in the treatment of conditions ranging from asthma to HIV and lupus. While the incredibly rich, mossy color of these supplements doesn’t always look appealing, most of us think, “Well, it’s probably good for me anyway.” But how good can be surprising. Better yet, you don’t even need a health insurance policy to cover it.
One pound of wheatgrass is the nutritional equivalent of twenty-five pounds of quality vegetables. Blue-green algae, such as Spirulina, are not only high in vitamins and minerals, but pound for pound, they have more protein than meat or soybeans, and have been shown in laboratory tests to be instrumental in increasing survival rates. of mice infected with cancer. . Alfalfa, a common ingredient in cattle feed, actually contains every known vitamin. Most of the time, it only takes a teaspoon or a tablespoon to get a nutritional benefit, and we’re really only just beginning to discover the health benefits of these superfoods.
While consuming these power greens may make our health insurance companies and spouses happy, most of us have enough trouble just saying their names. It can be a bit confusing to figure out which green food does what. To make life a little simpler, here’s a basic overview of some of the most popular super green foods that can be easily found in the supplements section of any major natural health food market in Texas:
(1) Alfalfa
Some would argue that alfalfa, while a green food, is not a “green superfood.” Many practitioners disagree. Often fed to cattle and horses throughout Texas, this well-known and seemingly common herb is one of the most mineral-rich foods on the planet. Its roots can grow up to 130 feet deep and, in addition to all the known vitamins, it contains chlorophyll (considered highly nutritious when processed correctly), calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. The minerals are present in a balanced way, which allows a maximum absorption.
Alfalfa is available as a liquid, capsule, tablet, powder, and of course, as the plant itself. It has been used to treat conditions ranging from arthritis to anemia to bleeding gums to cancer and, like all other green foods, it is still being studied to discover the extent of its healing properties.
(2) barley grass
Containing iron, all essential amino acids, chlorophyll, flavonoids, vitamin B12, vitamin C, minerals and enzymes, barley grass is also an often overlooked green food. It is highly nutritious, has been used to help treat stomach and intestinal disorders, and acts as an effective anti-inflammatory.
(3) Chlorella
One of the few edible species of algae that grows in water, chlorella is practically a complete food unto itself. Its massive amounts of chlorophyll and protein for its size make it a powerhouse for the protein-starved, as well as a powerhouse of nutrition, with high levels of all B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, amino acids, and minerals. trace rare.
Chlorella provides more B12 than the liver per serving and speeds cleansing of the bloodstream. Its high RNA and DNA content are also believed to be agents in combating the effects of ultraviolet radiation. However, a good source of Chlorella must be processed at the factory, as its tough cell wall makes it difficult for the body to access its nutrients.
(4) chlorophyll
Chlorophyll, while available in many forms as a separate nutrient, also figures as a powerful component within many green foods. At first this may seem strange. After all, most in Texas and the United States were taught that chlorophyll is a plant food, bound to a tough cell wall, and of little use to humans. And while it’s true that chlorophyll generally needs to be processed to make it easier for our bodies to access, research reports great benefits when consumed properly.
A better understanding of the cell structure itself has shed light on the situation. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells, whose central metal atom is iron. The main, and quite simple, difference between a hemoglobin molecule and a chlorophyll molecule is that the central metal atom of chlorophyll is instead magnesium. The two may, in fact, be so similar as to one day justify treatments for certain types of anemia with chlorophyll; experiments on anemic animals reported a return to normal iron levels after four to five days of chlorophyll treatment.
(5) seaweed
Kelp may be a bit more familiar than other green foods, as it’s a common seaweed in Asian cooking and is actually often used in toothpastes. It can be eaten raw, dried, granulated, or ground into a powder. Granulated or powdered kelp makes a tasty flavoring and can be used as a salt substitute.
Like all green foods, seaweed is a rich source of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. It is especially useful because of its high content of B vitamins and iodine, and as a result, it has been used to treat certain thyroid diseases, possibly a major contributing factor to the obesity epidemic seen in Dallas, Houston, and many other regions. from Texas. Kelp is believed to be most beneficial for the tissues of the brain and its surrounding membranes, sensory nerves, spinal cord tissue, nails, and blood vessels.
Iodine tablets are often given to people in high-risk jobs that involve radiation to help protect against its effects in the event of an accident. Kelp is also believed to combat the effects of radiation in some way, probably due to its high iodine content.
(6) spirulina
One of the first microalgae to gain public recognition, spirulina is considered by many to be a miracle food. This is one of the most popular green food supplements seen in Texas and all over the United States. With a protein content of 60-70%, it produces twenty times more protein than soybeans on an equal area of land, and is unmatched by any grain, herb or plant for its high nutrient content. Among its main nutrients are gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic and arachidonic acids, vitamin B12, essential amino acids, RNA and DNA nucleic acids, chlorophyll and phycocyanin, a blue pigment found only in blue-green algae and has been shown to increase the survival rate of laboratory mice with certain types of cancer.
Research is still ongoing, but many practitioners claim its power to enhance the immune system, lower cholesterol, and aid in mineral absorption. With its high protein and nutrient content, spirulina is especially helpful for those who are hypoglycemic and fasting. The superfood has been used to aid in the treatment of cancer and HIV, as well as many other serious diseases that affect nutrient absorption and the immune system.
(7) wheatgrass
Its name makes wheatgrass sound a bit like a new genetically modified addition to the ever-growing scheme of biological experimentation, but in fact, it’s nothing of the sort. Popularized by Dr. Ann Wigmore, founder of the Hippocrates Health Institute, wheatgrass is a growing international phenomenon, with its wide array of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Doctors like Wigmore have been promoting wheatgrass for over a decade, and in fact, most would claim a definite boost of energy after just one serving. It has been used as an important part of therapies used to treat wide-spectrum diseases, including cancer, immune disorders, and mental health problems. Overall, it’s just a great supplement for anyone, providing a healthy shot of much-needed vitamins and a touch of natural energy. Who needs coffee?
Green foods of any kind, whether it’s kale, broccoli, or arugula, are highly nutritious, highly beneficial, and do nothing but good things for your body. But this new era of discovering super green foods can make nutrition on the go much easier for super-busy Americans with little time to cook and prepare the nutritious meals we crave. The best recommendation is to start slowly. Blend a teaspoon of powdered super greens into a big, thick, sweet smoothie. This will help you get acclimated to the flavor while getting that powerful vitamin hit. Or, like so many, just shoot. Order a single serving of fresh-squeezed wheatgrass at your local juice bar, chuck it down your throat, and see what energy you get for the day. After all, your nutrition is in your hands, and it may be just a teaspoon away.
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