As one might expect from the name, Green Foods are abundant in healthy nutrients. They supply high antioxidant activity and encourage alkalinity in the body.** Green Foods also work to:
What are Green Foods?
Greens comprise a significant part of a healthy diet. Although nutrient levels vary, most green vegetables present notable amounts of vitamins, minerals and natural phytochemicals. The majority of Americans, however, are lacking in vegetable intake. In 2010, the CDC reported that less than 27% of American adults ate vegetables three or more times daily, far short of the ideal range.**
Sourced from plants and algae, green foods provide concentrated nutrients as solid or liquid supplements, delivering higher levels than typically found in the diet. Green foods feature potent antioxidants that promote overall health, with numerous varieties helping maintain circulatory, digestive and immune system wellness. Green foods are also linked to sustaining an ideal pH balance in the body, with their compounds aiding in restoring higher alkalinity to the acidic-leaning Western diet.**
In addition to individual supplements, green foods are also offered as part of nutrient-dense whole-food multivitamin products. Supplemental green foods should always complement a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and a diet plentiful in lean protein, fiber, fruits and vegetables.**
Health-enhancing nutrients found in the most renowned green foods include:
- Sulforaphane: An organic compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, sulforaphane has been increasingly studied in recent years. The nutrient features antioxidant activity that works against oxidative stress and modulates inflammation. Research has linked this green food to cardiovascular wellness, along with specific aspects of men and women's health.**
- Chlorophyll: This verdant natural pigment gives plants their green hue. Like other plant pigments such as carotenoids, brightly colored chlorophyll features free-radical-fighting antioxidants that can contribute to overall wellness. This nutrient, which is a component of other green foods, may also support digestive health.**
- Alfalfa: A common perennial plant grown around the world, alfalfa is used for its leaves, sprouts and seeds. Notably rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and various phytochemicals, alfalfa has been studied for its ability to help maintain ideal cholesterol levels, aid digestion and support overall wellness through its many nutrients.**
- Spirulina: A form of single-celled algae that is bluish-green in color, spirulina, like alfalfa, contains many health-promoting compounds, including protein, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and enzymes. One of the most widely recognized green foods, spirulina challenges damaging oxidative stress and assists with regulating inflammation. Research shows that spirulina may foster optimal immune and cardiovascular wellness.**
- Chlorella: Like spirulina, chlorella is a nutrient-rich unicellular green algae that features considerable amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and protein, as well as the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid. Investigated as a major variety of green foods, chlorella has been studied for various health applications, including ideal circulatory and immune function.**
- Wheat Grass: This well-known form of grass is wheat in its young stage. Incorporated into wellness practices since ancient times, wheat grass, like other green foods, includes plentiful levels of chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and numerous phytochemicals. Wheat grass promotes overall optimal health via these nutrients and their antioxidant activity. Research has linked wheat grass to maintaining a normal digestive system.**
- Barley Grass: This plant, like wheat grass, is another long-utilized grain, one that presents barley in its early green state. Barley grass is abundant in chlorophyll, amino acids and enzymes, along with various vitamins and minerals. Studies indicate that antioxidants in barley grass support overall well-being and hold further wellness potential.**
Green Foods Products
Green food supplement products are derived from plants and/or algae. Supplemental green foods are available in a wide range of forms, including tablets, capsules, powders and liquids. Some whole-food multivitamin products, as both solids and beverages, use various kinds of green foods in their formulation.**
Green Foods Directions for Use
Prior to using green food products or starting any supplement regimen, talk to your health care professional. No standard suggested dosage of green foods has been established. Nutrient amounts vary based on the attendant ingredients, with tablets and capsules often in the range of 500 mg to 1,000 mg.**
