The Power of Super Foods

There is no exact definition of what makes a “superfood.” However, superfoods are considered to be nutrient powerhouses that provide large quantities of antioxidants, phytochemicals (chemicals in plants responsible for colors and smells), vitamins and minerals. Most superfoods are plant-based, but some fish and dairy also make the cut. Since there is not a strict definition of superfoods, any food that is nutrient-dense is commonly put into this category.In this article, we are going to concentrate on a few of the amazing green superfoods out there. They can be very helpful in supplementing a healthy diet, bringing benefits to your lifestyle and general wellbeing.

CHLORELLA
Chlorella is a single-celled fresh water algae with a host of benefits. Chlorella gets its name from the high amount of chlorophyll it possesses. Chlorella contains more chlorophyll per gram than any other plant. Chlorophyll is one of the greatest food substances for cleansing the bowel and other elimination systems, such as the liver and the blood. It aids in the overall bodily detoxification process. Chlorella is a source of Chlorophyll, Protein, Iron, Magnesium, and amino acids, but it is primarily known as a detoxifying supplement. Its tiny size and unique properties make it able to bind to heavy metals and unwanted chemicals in the body. It is often used by those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation to help reduce the body’s chemical load, and it is said to support the body’s liver and detoxification pathways without stripping beneficial minerals from the body. Chlorella plays a particularly crucial role in systemic mercury elimination because the majority of mercury is rid through stool. Once the mercury burden is lowered from the intestines, mercury from other body tissues will more readily migrate into the intestines — where chlorella will effectively remove it. Chlorella intake resulted in noticeable reductions in body fat percentage, serum total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels. Also, out of all the potential plant sources of B12, chlorella is considered the building block of a genuine vegan B12 supply. CHLOROPHYLL
Chlorophyll is what’s in green plants giving them their green appearance. It is plants’ “green blood”. Chlorophyll converts the sun’s energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. Its chemical makeup is similar to the oxygen-carrying part of the blood’s hemoglobin, called heme. Hemoglobin is what’s in human blood carrying oxygen from the lungs to the other cells and tissues of the body. Chlorophyll supports healthy oxygenation, detoxifies the liver, boosts energy levels, cleans the digestive tract and is a powerful antioxidant that fights off free radicals, enhancing the immune system. It stimulates the bone marrow, which is responsible for the production of white blood cells. The job of these cells is to protect our body from infectious disease and ward off any foreign invaders that could potentially make us sick. Due to its intense antioxidant properties, chlorophyll can even be effective when it comes to battling cancer cells. Chlorophyll has strong antimicrobial powers that can work to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.

MORINGA
Moringa Oleifera is called the “TREE OF LIFE” for good reason. Moringa Oleifera leaves are rich in over 46 Antioxidants, 92 Nutrients, 36 Anti-Inflammatory Compounds, and over 20 Amino Acids! Other nutrients include Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, C, Calcium, D, E, Potassium, K, Protein & Iron. One of the best moringa benefits is its super immune-boosting powers. Maintaining a healthy immune system is essential for helping our bodies stave off infections and illnesses. Many studies have been done about moringa’s potential as anti-cancer agent. Moringa oleifera leaves are almost 25% protein, which is unusually high for a plant. Moringa Powder contains 9 essential amino acids making it a complete source of protein, supporting the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. The high protein content of moringa makes it particularly beneficial for vegans and vegetarians who can struggle to get a sufficient protein supply. Moringa is a great source of vitamin A which contributes to healthy eyes and normal vision, and it is a successful way to treat diabetes, and is proven to decrease blood glucose level. Moringa oleifera leaves are a rich source of vitamin K and calcium, which support normal bones. It also has the ability to protect your brain tissue against neurodegeneration and damage. Moringa leaf extract may be valuable in treating memory-related disorders.

SPIRULINA
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae and its common name…Pond scum.
This nutrient rich substance has lots of health promoting properties. It is rich in chlorophyll, and like plants, gets its energy from the sun. The concentration of protein and vitamins in Spirulina has led many to classify it as the “most nutrient dense food on the planet.” Spirulina is a protein beast. In 100 grams of spirulina, there’s a whopping 57.5 grams of protein. Much like moringa, spirulina is a complete plant protein, which means it contains all nine essential amino acids the body needs. But, Moringa, while admirable, contains roughly half the protein as spirulina. 
Spirulina is not only a great source of protein, but also Vitamin B1, Iron, Calcium, and the essential fatty acid GLA (Gamma linolenic acid). Because of these great vitamins and minerals it is excellent for energy, eye health, brain function, improving nerve function, balancing blood sugar, and helps with allergies. Because it is extremely high in chlorophyll, it helps remove toxins from the blood, boost the immune system, and removes heavy metals. MORE good news……Spirulina is known to increase fat burning during exercise. Its high antioxidant content makes it beneficial in reducing exercise induced oxidation which leads to muscle fatigue and inability to gain muscle.

MATCHA
One serving of matcha tea is the nutritional equivalent of 10 cups of regularly brewed green tea. When you drink matcha you ingest the entire leaf and receive 100% of the nutrients of the leaf. Matcha powdered green tea has 137 times more antioxidants than regularly brewed green tea. It is packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg. Matcha boosts metabolism and burns calories, is a strong detoxifier, calms the mind, enhances mood, concentration, and relaxes the body, prevents disease, lowers cholesterol and blood sugar, and is rich in fiber, chlorophyll and provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium.
Matcha contains a unique, potent class of antioxidant known as catechins, which aren’t found in other foods. In particular, the catechin EGCg provides potent cancer-fighting properties. Most importantly, EGCg and other catechins counteract the effects of free radicals from the likes of pollution, UV rays, radiation, and chemicals, which can lead to cell and DNA damage. Since over 60% of the catechins in matcha are actually EGCg, a daily matcha regimen can help restore and preserve the body’s integral well-being and balance. 

In closing:

Superfoods are really good for your health and provide many nutrients you need on a daily basis, but it is very important to eat a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods to obtain the health benefits our bodies need. There is nothing wrong with eating a food item that provides you a good amount of a specific vitamin or mineral that you need, but our bodies require many vitamins and minerals to function properly.

Healthy foods and superfoods combined with exercise and regular physical activity, a healthy and nutritious diet can work wonders for your health. REMEMBER: “Food IS medicine.”

“LET US BE YOUR DOORWAY TO HEALTH”