What on Earth are .. SUPER GREEN FOODS? And .. Why Should I Care?

Good questions! And, I'll try to answer these questions while providing more information in connection with them.

Not all green foods are the same. Some grow in water, some grow from seed in soil -- but there's is on one thing shared in common with green foods: they contain a powerful concentration of pure food and total nutrition

Algae has been often considered the pest of aquariums -- that lush, verdant green carpet inching its way up the side of the glass, spreading itself along the pebbles and coating every aquarium ornament --- especially portions of the tank that receives direct sun light. The warmth of the sun adds to the proper environment causing the mixture of protein, nitrates, nitrites, carbohydrates, amino acids, and enzymes to form a biological soup resulting in the birth of the simple life form - algae!

Now, in no way am I suggesting that you run right over to your fish tank and make like an algae eater ... at least, not in that way! However ... there are algae forms that ARE good to eat and I'll discuss them in this article.

Let's get to the 'thick' of it ..

What Exactly Do Super Green Foods Do For Us?

First of all, green foods are WHOLE foods. They are an overly abundant source of anti-oxidants, co-nutrients, phyto-nutrients, carotenoids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Green foods support a healthy immune system, support normal cholesterol levels, boost energy and cellular health, improve vitality and are an excellent source of whole food nutrition.

We are what we eat. Our first line of defense against stress, environmental pollution, chemicals and disease is the food we ingest.

Every day, we learn more and more about over-processing of foods, genetically modified grains, hormone induced beef -- our food supply is become more refined and more toxic. Fast food leaves us nutritionally empty and us vulnerable to poor health and low energy. Supplementation by vitamins and minerals have for years been our safeguard against poor diet. But, today, we have discovered the nutritionally sound, viable, all natural food source that have been dubbed "Super Food."

Multi-million dollar campaigns have been launched to identify foods that enhance our immune system. The pro-active healthcare revolution has begun!

The Newsweek cover story "Better than Vitamins" reported the use of natural nutrients from plants to combat degenerative and immune system diseases: "Whole foods ...pack the disease preventing wallop. That's because they harbor a whole ratatouille of compounds that have never seen the inside of a vitamin bottle...The compounds are called phytochemicals...In the world where science merges with health, phytochemicals are the next big thing." The U.S. Congress Dietary Supplement and Education Act of 1994 has confirmed: "There is a link between the ingestion of certain nutrients or dietary supplements and the prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis."

Where Do Super Green Foods Come From?

From the land and from the sea. Here's a rundown:

Chlorella, a micro-algae, is usually farmed in rich, cool, deep, fresh water lakes, as is a product called Blue-Green Algae (Klamath Falls variety).

Dunaliella, another fresh-water micro-algae is similar in content to Chlorella.

Barley grass is usually a powdered form of green barley juice.

Alfalfa Grass is rich in chlorophyll and is so helpful to those who suffer from arthritis and also heart disease. Alfalfa grass is very strong and is best diluted with carrot juice where the benefit of both are intensified.

Oat Grass is also chocked full of chlorophyll, is sweeter to the taste and helps to regulate cholesterol, as wel..

Wheat grass is often drank in 3 ounce servings, shaved from a live, growing flat of sprouts and juiced in a Champion or special wheat grass juicer. The dark, rich green juice is incredibly sweet and powerfully energizing.

Spirulina is another micro-algae that is farmed in controlled ponds as well as naturally occuring fresh water lakes. It is 60% all-vegetable protein, rich in beta carotene, iron, vitamin B-12 and the rare essential fatty acid, GLA. It contains compounds like phycocyanin, polysaccharides and sulfolipids that enhance the immune system. It contains the most remarkable concentration of functional nutrients ever known in any food, plant, grain or herb.

Kelp is a marvelously delicious deep sea 'seaweed' that is commercially farmed from the purest north Atlantic waters, known as the 'regeneartive zone.' Deep sea kelp is loaded with natural nutrients and minerals that are easily assimilated by the body. Kelp is used in Macrobiotic cooking and is easily available.

Dulse is another deep sea 'seaweed' that is commercially farmed from pure northern sea waters. Dulse is rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients and minerals.

These nutrient-rich green foods are readily available in powder form, tablet form and capsule form.

Powder form lends itself well to juices and fruit smoothies.

Small tablets are easy to swallow, although a large amount should be taken -- upwards of 10 to 15 per serving - to obtain the best benefit.

Capsule/caplet form are also easy to swallow and only 2-3 per serving are needed.

Resources:

Dr. N.M. Walker
Earthrise Farms (http://www.spirulina.com)

Disclaimer: The information presented is for information purposes only. It is based on scientific studies or traditional usage. Consult a health care professional before using supplements or making any changes in prescription medications. The information and statements contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any dis-ease.

©2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 Barbara Schadt Delozier All Rights Reserved

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