Eat Green
...And we are not talking about green bagels on St. Patty’s Day or green candy m&m’s… Upgrade your health by sneaking in some of our favorite green super-foods.
Our top picks contain some of the highest concentrations of nutrients that are easily digestible and truly nourish and heal your body from the inside out. They are rich in phytochemicals that help protect you from disease and illness and aid your digestive system by promoting healthy bacteria. Green foods are also rich in chlorophyll, the substance that gives plants their vibrant green color. Chlorophyll increases the hemoglobin in the blood, creating a more oxygen rich environment for cells in the body to thrive.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green freshwater algae that is as rich in nutrition as it is in color. Spirulina is one of the highest sources of known protein and touts benefits like detoxing heavy metals, eliminating candida, lowering risk of stroke, controlling blood sugar and decreasing the risk of cancer, just to name a few!
When purchasing spirulina, it is critical to purchase from a high-quality source that is free of contamination.
Avocado
Avocados are an excellent source of heart healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids that help to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. These healthy fats also help to keep you feeling full for longer! Avocados contain twice the potassium as a banana, essential for strong muscles, including the heart! They are packed full of essential nutrients like fiber, folate, vitamins E, C and A and make a perfect and filling addition to meals and snacks. Avocados help maintain hormone balance, improve digestive and heart health, and add a decadent creaminess to any dish!
Wheat Grass
Wheat grass, the young sprouted grass of a wheat seed, is often juiced into a wheat grass shot or milled into a fine powder. Wheat grass is most notable for is alkalizing ability, creating a cancer-fighting environment in the body. It also has strong antioxidant capabilities, which lead to decreased inflammation and risk of disease. Wheat grass also helps to normalize the thyroid gland by stimulating metabolism, aiding in detoxification and normal digestion.
Barley Grass
Barley grass, similar to wheat grass, is the young soft green shoots from the barley plant. Barley grass has 11 times more calcium than milk, 5 times more spinach than iron, and 7 times more vitamin C than orange juice. Barley grass stimulates gut-healing bacteria and decreases inflammation, making it valuable in treating ulcerative colitis. It also has anti-viral activity, strengthening the immune system. It is known for its ability to detoxify and cleanse the body, protect from cellular damage and regenerate damaged cells and tissues. It also contains a significant amount of vitamin B12, especially important in a vegetarian diet.
Leafy Greens!
You didn't think we would forget this one, did you? Green leafy vegetables contain some of the highest concentrations of antioxidants, making them one of the best cancer fighting foods around! Rich in a variety of vitamins, fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium, leafy greens help to protect bones from osteoporosis and help to prevent against inflammatory diseases. However you like them - raw, cooked or sautéed, make room on your plate at each meal for a heaping serving of leafy greens!