You hear a lot about Green Foods these days, but do you know what they are and what they are good for?

Green foods are full of nutrients, coming from plants and algae, often found in the form of powder or tablets. The most popular and common green foods are green algae (chlorella), blue-green algae (spirulina), alfalfa, cereal grasses, and dark green veggies (like spinach, kale and parsley).  Green foods contain lots and lots of carotene, iron, chlorophyll, phytonutrients, amino acids, B vitamins, iron, calcium, carbohydrate, and protein. Because of its potency, green foods can help with a number of dysfunctions and illnesses.  They truly are miracle workers.

Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that allows them to convert sunlight into energy.  Consumption of chlorophyll can lead to increased hemoglobin levels, helping with anemia, in addition to serving as an anti carcinogen by binding to toxic substances in the digestive tract preventing them from reaching susceptible tissues.  With all the toxins and carcinogens in our environment we need chlorophyll to keep our insides clean.

Spirulina is the blue-green algae found in fresh water ponds, lakes and rivers. It is considered, “most nutritionally complete of all the food supplements,” containing high levels of protein, complex carbohydrates, iron, vitamins K and B, and carotenoids.  Because spirulina lacks cell walls it can be easily digested and absorbed.  The health effects are numerous, with antioxidant, allergy and antiviral properties being among the top.  Diabetes, obesity and anemia may also be positively effected by spirulina.

Cereal grasses are “the young shoots” of grain-bearing plants such as wheat, barley, oats and rye. They can be processed into juices containing high concentrations of phytonutrients, vitamins, chlorophyll, and amino acids.  Benefits include: detoxification of the body, helping in protein synthesis, supporting the immune system, possibly reducing ulcerative colitis, and also in aiding diabetes.

Similar to spirulina, chlorella is also a fresh water algae containing high levels of protein and chlorophyll.  It has been found to be very helpful in fighting infection, toxins, carcinogens, and high cholesterol levels. Chlorella can be among the best for fighting heavy metal toxicity, which many of us suffer from!  Chlorella, the ‘Super-Algae,’ contains high levels of folate, vitamin D and iron, and is also believed to be effective in hypertension and anemia.

The truth is that all of these Green Foods are amazing nutritional powerhouses. Whether you are on the preventative side or may be suffering from allergies or heavy metal toxicity, I highly recommend you incorporate green foods into your diet. When purchased in power form, they can be easily added to a smoothie or juice cocktail of your choice!

Good Morning San Diego:

1/2 cup Ice
1/2 Apple
2/3 cup Kale
1/2 Lemon
Ginger Shavings
1 tsp Green Foods
1/4 cup Aloe Water