There are so many “superfoods” nowadays that it’s easy to become confused. What does this phrase really imply and which greens should we be eating in order to get the best benefit? Registered Nutritional Therapist Alison explains which supergreens ARE good to eat and how they may help us as part of a well-balanced diet.
What are Supergreens?
A group of greens (algae and grasses) known as supergreens is referred to as superfoods. These supergreens help with digestion, energy levels, immunity, and skin health. Even if we have a healthy diet and eat our greens on a regular basis, this group of supergreens are nutrient-dense powerhouses of nutrients that are an excellent addition to our diet every day.
Supergreens are an excellent source of alkalizing minerals. Western diets are high in protein and grains, which result in an acidic burden and excessive acidity can cause bone weakening, muscle loss, and inflammation.
As a result, we must eat plenty of alkaline-producing foods like as greens and supergiants on a daily basis to compensate for it.
Supergreens are frequently bright, vibrant green – this is due to the chlorophyll content, which is a form of green pigment in organisms that use photosynthesis to convert light into energy.
Which greens are Supergreens?
Wheatgrass
It’s full of nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, fiber, and unique compounds like chlorophyll.
For the body, wheatgrass is high in antioxidants and alkalizing. It has Vitamin A, which is beneficial to the skin and immune system… It actually has double the Vitamin A of carrots and greater Vitamin C than oranges! Wheatgrass contains all of the B vitamins in proportion, as well as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium chloride (salt), and potassium. It is a complete source of protein and a good source of iron.
Benefits: Cleanses the blood and is used to support digestion, as well as being taken to help curb cravings and aid weight reduction by taking before or during meals to make you feel fuller.
Barley grass
It contains a wealth of B vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, fiber, and other nutrients including chlorophyll.
Barley grass is a good source of vitamins B and C, as well as minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and trace elements (copper, phosphorus.
Barley grass powder is made from the barley plant’s young leaves, and it has double the Vitamin C (500%) of oranges, more calcium than milk (200%), and 500% more iron than spinach.
Benefits: Barley grass is high in chlorophyll and is frequently used as a natural cleanser.
Chlorella
One of the most nutrient-dense foods on Earth, high in proteins and vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids and anti-oxids.
Chlorella is a tiny single-celled micro-algae freshwater plant that has strong cell walls, so the cracked chlorella on labels indicates that it has been cracked using a specific technique to shatter these hard walls and release the nutrients.
It is the highest-chlorophyll-containing plant food on the planet and is occasionally referred to as the ideal whole food since it is a complete protein with all of B vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and minerals such as zinc and iron.
It is a great green for vegans because it is high in Vitamin D, Vitamin K, selenium, folic acid, iodine and B12. It supports skin health with B2, B3 and biotin, hair health with biotin and copper, and a healthy immune function with B6, B12, and iron.
Benefits: Chlorella aids the liver, gallbladder, and kidneys in detoxifying heavy metals (such as mercury) and poisons.
Science has shown that it can improve your digestion and help you lose weight, among other things. It’s been found to balance the “good” bacteria in your gut. It’s commonly used to aid weight reduction.
Spirulina
It’s one of the most nutritious foods on the planet, with a high concentration of protein and iron. It’s a rich source of protein and iron, and it’s a freshwater plant belonging to the Spirulina genus. It is highly consumable because it is a micro-algae that is fresh water.
It is made up of a variety of vitamins, including B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids as well as essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants such as magnesium, calcium , B12, B6, beta-carotene.
It’s a great source of iron for vegans, with more than spinach and a rich source of B12. It has twice the chlorophyll content as barley grass and wheatgrass.
Benefits: It’s a popular algae-based superfood that may help with weight loss. It aids in the management of energy and is frequently used as part of a detox program. Spirulina naturally limits hunger while providing all of the nutrients required for a nutritious diet.
Are Supergreens gluten free?
When compared to mature grasses, wheat and barley grass are more nutrient dense. The young grasses of these species aren’t the same as the grains (that contain gluten) that develop later in the plant’s growth cycle, so people who avoid gluten should be fine. However, for coeliacs, it is recommended that they avoid them since it is impossible to guarantee that the wheat grass or barley grass is free of seeds, which means completely gluten-free. Both spirulina and chlorella are gluten-free by nature.
How do I use supergreens?
You may consume supergreens alone or in combination with other greens, allowing you to take advantage of all their beneficial qualities. For example, Clean Greens from Pukka is available in pill and powder form. We also have Synergy’s Supergreens, One Nutrition, Naturya, and Udo’s Beyond Greens on hand.
This is a simple and straightforward procedure that does not require special equipment or anything more than your blender. Simply add 1 cup of powdered greens to smoothies or juices, or simply mix them into water.
What do super greens do for your body?
The vitamins and minerals contained in these powders are derived from nutrient-dense sources of essential vitamins and minerals can provide you with a natural energy boost. This implies that these supplements may help fill in nutritional gaps in your diet, especially if you don’t consume vegetables and fruit on a daily basis.
Adding a supergreens powder to your diet can provide several advantages, including:
- Antioxidant intake has been shown to be improved.
- Assist with healthy detoxification
- It also helps to maintain a healthy digestive system.
- To assist maintain a healthy gut microflora and general gut health, try these probiotic supplements.
- It promotes natural excretion by stimulating the flow of bile, which is essential for the normal removal of waste.
Is supergreens powder good for healthy weight management?
While most of these powders are not designed to be used exclusively for weight reduction, they may help you get the nutrients you need to help your body maintain a healthy weight by complementing most types of healthy diets or low-calorie diets.
Some of the best superfood powders, for example, include Ancient Nutrition’s Organic SuperGreens Powder, which is appropriate for anybody following a range of diets including Paleo, low-carb or keto (each serving has 1 gram of sugar and 3 grams of carbohydrates), veganism or vegetarianism, and people on gluten-restricted diets.
Why do supergreens support healthy digestive function?
Supergreens supplements often include probiotics, which aid in digestion, elimination, and “staying regular.” Of course, staying hydrated is key to maintaining a normal routine, so combining fluids with your powdered greens is a win-win situation.