Supergreens are a type of greens that are very dense in both color and flavor. This is due to their high nutrient content -- nutrients that keep your body healthy and ward off disease. Usually, supergreens are extremely dark in color, such as kale, chard and broccoli, and can be eaten in their natural state or as a supplemental green powder. Benefits of supergreens include that they are high in phytonutrients, are a good source of fiber, provide digestive enzymes, and help to heal tissues.
There are literally countless ways that supergreens can help the body; however two stand out from the rest: cancer and heart disease.
1. Cancer
There are more than 70 peer-reviewed studies published regarding its connection to cancer, and spirulina is at the top of the list of super green cancer fighters. The University of Maryland Medical Center sums it up nicely: “A number of animal and test tube studies suggest that spirulina increases production of antibodies, infection-fighting proteins, and other cells that improve immunity and help ward off infection and chronic illnesses such as cancer.” is exceptionally rich in potent antioxidants and chemicals known as tetrapyrrolic compounds that stop cancer in its tracks. Additionally, according to a recent pancreatic cell trial, “Compared to untreated cells, experimental therapeutics significantly decreased proliferation of human pancreatic cancer cell lines in vitro in adose-dependent manner.” This suggests that cancer risk drops as a person eats more spirulina, which should greatly encourage cancer patients because the human body has an amazing ability to heal itself under the right conditions.
2. Heart disease
Phycocyanin, a pigment discovered in blue green algae like chlorella and spirulina, has been found to lower blood pressure. According to Japanese researchers, it also is the main reason that algae helps reverse endothelial dysfunction in people with metabolic syndrome. Algae is also well known to help prevent atherosclerosis and reduce elevated blood cholesterol levels. For example, an animal study published in The Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology fed rabbits a rich cholesterol diet containing 0.5% cholesterol for 4 weeks, and then added 1 or 5% spirulina to the mix for an additional 8 weeks. After the study was complete, LDL levels decreased by more than 25% in the group eating 1% of spirulina and more than 40% in the group eating 5% spirulina! This study essentially proves that the more spirulina we eat, the better it is for our hearts. Additionally, total fat and total cholesterol levels were also significantly reduced.
3. High in phytonutrients
One of the largest benefits of consuming supergreens is that they are high in phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are nutrients from plants that are necessary for sustaining human life and preventing disease. According to Deborah C. Marsh in the book "Raw-Riffic Food's 101 Super-Charged Juices, Shakes & Smoothies," supergreens have healing qualities due to the amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants they provide. Phytonutrients also may help to prevent aging.
4. Good source of fiber
Supergreens are also an excellent source of fiber, according to author Johnna Albi in the book "Greens Glorious Greens." Fiber is essential for proper bowel movement and to keep the colon healthy. Without enough fiber in your diet, the possibility of developing colon cancer increases. Fiber may also decrease the risk of other cancers and diabetes because it helps to remove toxins from the body in an efficient manner.
5. Provides digestive enzymes
Another benefit of supergreens is that they provide digestive enzymes, which help with the digestion of other foods, especially proteins. The proper breakdown of food doesn't happen without enough enzymes in the body, and as we age, we naturally produce less enzymes. Dashama Gordon states in her book, "Dashama's 3 Stage Energy & Detox Diet Program," that adding enzymes to the diet in the form of greens will make your digestion more efficient and provide greater overall energy.
6. Boost your energy levels
Getting in your greens puts your body back in balance by reducing the acid overload and increasing your intake of healthful alkaline-forming ingredients. This makes it even easier for your body to get the nutrients it needs from the foods you eat, which translates to a quick surge in your energy.
7. Reduce inflammation
Inflammation can exacerbate preexisting conditions, like cancer, obesity, arthritis, and diabetes. It can also cause a lot of undesirable side effects, like fatigue or chronic pain. Over time, chronic inflammation takes a serious toll on the body and can even lead to the development of chronic disease. Greens can be a powerful tool when it comes to inflammation. Not only are they alkaline-forming, which can help reduce inflammation caused by acid overload, but they are also rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and alleviate inflammation. Greens are also brimming with magnesium and vitamin E, both of which possess potent anti-inflammatory powers. Powdered greens are an excellent way to harness the beneficial anti-inflammatory effects of greens.
8. Keep your skin glowing
Green powders provide a host of benefits from the inside out – literally! Many of the ingredients found in powdered greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, all of which support skin health. Plus, they promote improved blood circulation, which keeps you looking fresh, healthy, and radiant.
9. They can aid in fat loss
In addition to holding onto fat, fat cells have actually been shown to hold onto excess acid too. This mechanism keeps that extra acid from attacking other cells in your body and damaging your health. When you neutralize the body’s pH by ingesting more alkaline-forming foods – like green powders – it finally allows your body to get rid of those pesky unwanted fat cells.
Give powdered greens a try and see for yourself how much better you feel. Chances are, you’ll wonder how you went so long without it.
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| Nataliya Olifer |
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