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 19^th 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 13^th 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.