David Robson
Going green for long-term health benefits has never been easier. By including a bountiful array of nutrient-dense green foods, more energy and vitality can be yours. So which greens are best, and how might we include them for maximum effect?
For desirable health and vitality that’s both delicious and convenient, many have taken to creating their own at-home smoothies containing various health-boosting green foods that help them look, feel, and perform at their very best.
While plant-powered healing through nutrient-rich green foods is an effective way to improve health and well-being, assembling the right ingredients can be time consuming, expensive, and sometimes just plain messy!
The health-minded but busy individual would be better served taking a product that contains the best of the most nutritionally dense greens in precise amounts and for a fraction of what it would cost to buy each ingredient individually. Preparation time would also be slashed. The key is to know exactly which ingredients to look for and to purchase with discernment. The best green foods products will have generous amounts of the following.
Spirulina
The tiny, single-celled alga spirulina packs a powerful nutritional punch and has been reportedly used as far back as the Aztec civilization. Possessing protein at the rate of 4 g per 7 g serving, it also contains high levels of key minerals magnesium, potassium, and manganese as well as B-vitamins, copper, and iron. It’s believed to be, gram-for-gram, the most nutritious food on the planet.
Chlorella
Neck-and-neck with spirulina in the superfood stakes is chlorella. A complete protein with all nine essential amino acids and a broad range of essential nutrients, including omega-3 fats (100 mg per 3 g serving), fibre, and antioxidants, it’s effective in detoxifying the body and improving cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Matcha green tea
A more potent version of regular green tea, matcha contains high levels of the antioxidant catechin EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is believed to assist with fat loss, blood pressure, and LDL (bad) cholesterol reduction, and heart disease prevention. An antioxidant powerhouse, matcha is great for general health and well-being. A rich source of the amino acid threonine and containing modest amounts of caffeine, it also boosts brain function and alertness.
Spinach
Providing a generous complement of protein and micronutrients (notably iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and folate), spinach is a true superfood that can help in lowering blood pressure; strengthening bones; and improving digestion, respiration, and skin/hair. Containing high levels of the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid, spinach may also help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar.
Alfalfa
With significant skeletal, digestive, cardiovascular, and antiaging benefits, alfalfa has become a sought-after superfood. With an extensive root system allowing the absorption of copious nutrients from the soil, alfalfa is loaded with nutritional goodness, in particular the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
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