Why it’s so important to “Eat Your Greens”
How often as children are we reminded at the dinner table to
“Eat Your Greens!” quickly followed by “They’re good for you!” And more often
than not we turn up our noses in distaste replying “But, do we have to.....”
However, when it comes to optimising our health the many benefits that can be
obtained from the inclusion of Green Foods into our diets should not be
overlooked.
A diet lacking in fresh whole foods consisting mainly of
convenience foods with little nutritional value is unbalanced, to achieve a
balanced diet it is important to eat whole foods and especially Green foods
which will alkalise, cleanse and re balance a body that has become too acidic
from over consumption of too many, sugary, fatty processed foods leading to
numerous health problems.
Natures Greens such as fruit and vegetables are amongst the
most nutrient rich foods in the world providing a wide range of vitamins and
minerals. These foods also add fibre to your diet which is known to help in the
prevention of numerous diseases. So what are the top greens to add to your
diet?
Try including Broccoli, Kale, Spinach, Watercress, Swiss
Chard, Kiwi, Avocado, celery and green cabbage to your diet regularly to obtain
essential nutrients such as Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium,Vitamins A,C
and folic acid. There are lots of tasty recipes available that use these foods,
not only can they be used as a side dish with your meals but also in vegetable
Juices & smoothies and during the winter – soups and casseroles. So next
time you visit your local supermarket don’t by pass the Fresh produce aisle,
have a look to see what’s available and try something healthy & different.
Provide your body with the nutritious foods it needs to keep you on top form!
But what if you’re
always on the go and need a quick way to increase your intake of Green Superfoods?
Another way of getting your greens and still obtaining the benefits is to take
Green Supplements like Chlorella or Spirulina. Chlorella is a type of green
algae grown in fresh water whilst Spirulina is a type of Blue-Green Algae grown
in Saltwater lakes. One of the main traits of Spirulina is its high protein
content,50 -70% protein by weight & contains all the amino acids essential
to the body whilst also being highly digestible & efficiently used by the
body. It is one of the most nutrient packed foods on the planet and more and
more people are now choosing to include it in their daily diet. Not only is it
renowned for its high protein content but also includes B Vitamins, especially
B12 (it has four times the B12 as raw
liver!), Vitamin K, Iodine & minerals such as Calcium, phosphorus,
magnesium, iron, potassium & zinc, Essential Fatty Acids and is one of the
best known sources of GLA.
Research into spirulina is well documented and highlights
its potential in the prevention and treatment of many health conditions such as
Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke, reduction in arthritic
symptoms, strengthening Immune defences, nutritional deficiencies such as
anaemia, Supporting Liver Health and decreased damage from heavy metal
exposure.
Chlorella, has many similarities to Spirulina and again
offers many health benefits. It is a single cell green algae, discovered at the
end of the 19th Century when it was named after “Chlor” which means
“Green” in Greek and “Ella” which means “a small thing” in Latin. Chlorella is
a nutrient rich whole food with a concentration of nutritional components such
as vitamins & antioxidants including beta carotene, iron, chlorophyll, B12,
Vitamin D, Folic Acid, Nucleic Acids & Chlorella Growth Factor. Like
Spirulina, Chlorella is one of the most scientifically researched foods and has
many health benefits. It is claimed that thousands of people in Japan
incorporate Chlorella into their daily diet. In comparison to Spirulina it
contains 5X more chlorophyll, the green pigment found in plants. It has been
known to aid health by helping
probiotic growth, it is great for digestive health with lots of IBS sufferers
finding benefit from taking it. Fantastic for energy levels and great for sports as the body
utilises the nutrients easily. It’s wonderful for the Skin too – it alkalises the system so that skin issues
that are related to digestive problems can be helped and finally – its balancing, suitable for virtually everyone, aids weight
management, skin, energy levels, digestion and is a gentle detox.
For more Information on Green
foods and how to add them to your diet – call into Bare Health, 34 High St,
Congleton or email your questions to mel@barehealth.co.uk.
References available on request
Theresa Cutts from SunChlorella
will be at our next ladies night on Weds 13th February discussing
the benefits of chlorella – to find out more go online to our events page
www.barehealth.co.uk
The information contained
within this article is for information only & is not intended to replace
the advice of your GP or health professional. Always seek advice from your GP
before taking supplements with existing medication.
