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Naturopathy Study (CNM) > 4.1 Nutrition - Superfoods > Flashcards

4.1 Nutrition - Superfoods Flashcards

1
Q

What are Superfoods?

A

Superfoods contain all or nearly all the vitamins, minerals and trace minerals the body needs

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2
Q

What is ORAC ?

A

Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) score*.
This is a laboratory tests that aims to quantify the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of a food.

*limited to oxidation in a test tube, not a human body! Marketing hype.

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3
Q

What is Chlorophyll ?

A

Green pigment that traps light. It is used in photosynthesis to produce ATP.
Many superfoods contain chlorophyll.

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4
Q

What are good sources of Chlorophyll ?

A

Rich sources of chlorophyll include dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, rocket, parsley or cress

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5
Q

What are the energetics of Chlorophyll ?

A

Cooling, calming yang excess

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6
Q

What is the composition of Chlorophyll ?

A

Basic structure of chlorophyll is similar to haemoglobin, with a porphyrin ring*, but the central atom is magnesium instead iron

Chlorophyll is a good source of vitamins A, C, E, K; magnesium, iron, calcium and potassium

*Organic compound that can combine metal ions

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7
Q

What are the key benefits & clinical applications of Chlorophyll ?
(Six listed)

A

Detoxification
Antioxidant
Reduces inflammation
Support energy production
Promotes wound healing
Deodorant properties

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8
Q

Why is chlorophyll good for Detoxification?

A

Chlorophyll can bind with certain carcinogenic chemicals,
* heterocyclic amines found in cooked meat,
* polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (tobacco smoke, grilled/ charred meats)
* aflatoxins (food-born toxins produced by certain fungi).

Also positively influences detoxification of carcinogens in the liver by down-regulating phase I enzymes and inducing phase II

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9
Q

What are the antioxidant properties of Chlorophyll?

A

Decreases oxidative damage
induced by
* chemical carcinogens
* radiation treatment

It also appears able to promote endogenous antioxidant activity.

Porphyrin ring binds with ROS

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10
Q

How can Chlorophyll reduce Inflammation?

A

Inhibits the pro-inflammatory TNF-a gene, which can be activated by like lipopolysaccharides (LPS)* released from bacteria. This can be from intestinal bacterial infections/intestinal permeability.

*In bacteria cell walls which acts as an ‘endotoxin’

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11
Q

How does Chlorophyll support energy production?

A

Rich in magnesium which is required for production of ATP

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12
Q

How does Chlorophyll promote wound healing?

A

Applied topically (cream/ointment) chlorophyllin* (semi-synthetic) has been used to aid wound healing since the 1940s
Helps to prevent the breakdown of hyaluronic acid

*During synthesis, magnesium is replaced with copper; water soluble

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13
Q

What are the deodorant properties of Chlorophyll ?

A

Can reduce colostomy, ileostomy or incontinence odour with tablets of 100 to 200 mg/day

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14
Q

How can Chlorophyll affect the pH balance of the body?

A

Chlorophyll is ‘alkalising’ with its high alkaline mineral content:

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15
Q

Practical use / cooking of chlorophyll?

A

Eat chlorophyll-rich food raw or cook / steam slightly.
Overcooking destroys chlorophyll; retaining the ‘green’ retains the benefits

Note: chlorophyll supplements are usually ‘chlorophyllin’

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16
Q

How are Seaweeds classified?

A
  • Red algae: Dulse, nori, laver
  • Brown algae: Kelp, bladderwrack, wakame
  • Green algae: Sea lettuce, spongeweed

Blue– green algae e.g. chlorella are not seaweeds - discussed separately

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17
Q

What are the energetics of seaweed?

A

Cooling
Moistens dryness

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18
Q

What is the composition of seaweed?

A
  • Wide-range of vitamins and minerals. Particularly iodine, iron and calcium
  • Nori is a good plant source of B12
  • Good source of omega-3 fats
  • Range of amino acids
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19
Q

What are the benefits and clinical applications of seaweed?

A
  • Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory
  • Low thyroid function
  • Healthy weight management
  • Blood sugar control
  • Elevated blood lipids
  • Digestive and GIT health
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20
Q

What are the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of seaweed?

A
  • Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid found in edible brown seaweed such as wakame, has powerful antioxidant effects.
  • Seaweed can reduce the production inflammatory proteins such as NF-kB and COX-2
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21
Q

How can seaweed help with low thyroid function?

A

High iodine content is useful for the production of T3 and T4.

Bladdewrack:
* low thyroid function
* associated weight gain
* rich in bioavailable iodine & other minerals
* amino acids including tyrosine

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22
Q

How is seaweed involved in healthy weight management?

A

An easy way to boost vitamins and minerals while being low in calories.
Fibre increases satiety.
Fucoxanthin can up regulate expression of ‘mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)’, a key molecule in metabolic thermogenesis – decreasing fat accumulation

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23
Q

How can seaweed help with blood sugar control?

A
  • Seaweed intake promotes better glycaemic control
  • Improves insulin sensitivity by downregulating tyrosine phosphatase
  • Useful for insulin resistance

* enzyme that inhibits insulin signalling

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24
Q

How does seaweed help with elevated blood lipids?

A

Reduces serum triglycerides
Improves LDL: HDL ratio.
Thought to be due to the gel-forming fibre in seaweed, which can bind cholesterol in the intestinal lumen

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25
Q

How can seaweed improve digestion and GIT health?

A

High fibre enhances growth of beneficial bacteria and SCFAs (supporting GI tight junctions and immune functions)
Supports bowel elimination.
Nourishes inflamed digestive tract; ulcers, constipation, colitis

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26
Q

How can Seaweed be used?

A

Food
* Soups, curries, miso soup, rice, salad, wrapped sushi
* Dried and sprinkled on food
* Aim for 1 tbsp per day as a therapeutic dose

Beauty
* Bath, body wraps, masks, and skincare
* Hydrating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich properties
* Effective for acne, eczema, psoriasis and hyperpigmentation*

Caution: seaweed can accumulate toxic heavy metals including cadmium, mercury and lead. Use organic, clean sources

*Fucoidan found in the cell walls of brown seaweed

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27
Q

What are popular types of seaweed in food?

A
  • Dulse (softer, chewy texture, dried form as a snack)
  • Kelps (dried into sheets, added during cooking or soaked in water to soften before eating)
  • Kombu (strong, mineral-rich flavour, often used in soups)
  • Arame (mildly sweet flavour and firm texture, sometimes sold as granules or flakes, salt substitute)
  • Kelp noodles (good gluten-free alternative)
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28
Q

What are Microalgae?

A

Edible microalgae (phytoplankton) are mostly freshwater, single celled photosynthesising algae or bacteria

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29
Q

What are the energetics of Microalgae?

A

Cooling
Moistens dryness

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30
Q

What is the composition of Microalgae?

A
  • Particularly high in chlorophyll, iron, and 50-70% complete protein
  • Chlorella is an excellent source of bio-available B12 and D2.
  • Notable absence of iodine in Chlorella
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31
Q

What are categories of Microalgae?

A
  • Blue–green algae: freshwater Cyanobacteria (not an algae) Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) wild blue– green algae
  • Spirulina: Blue-green spiral shaped Cyanobacteria
  • Chlorella: Single-celled fresh water green algae
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32
Q

What is Spirulina?

A
  • Spiral-shaped, blue-green algae
  • Grows in both fresh and salt water
  • Lacks cellulose walls so can be easily digested
  • Two key species:
  • Arthrospira platensis
  • Arthrospira maxima
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33
Q

What are the energetics of Spirulina?

A

For Yin deficiency or excess heat
Brings cooling and nourishing effect

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34
Q

What is the composition of spirulina?

A
  • Highly nutritious
  • 60 to 70% highly bioavailable protein; contains all the essential amino acids
  • Rich in vitamin B1, B2, B3, A, K; beta-carotene, copper, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, high in chlorophyll
  • Contains phycocyanin a pigment-binding protein that exerts anti-cancer activity

Not reliable source of B12 (analogue not readily absorbed)

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35
Q

What are the benefits & clinical applications of Spirulina?

A
  • Detoxification
  • Immune enhancing
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-cancer
  • Exercise performance
  • Anti-allergic effects
  • Anti-hypertensive
  • Positive effect on blood lipids
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36
Q

What are the detoxification properties of Spirulina?

A
  • Acts as an accumulator (biosorbent*) of heavy minerals due to ‘ion–exchange binding’.
  • Can bind with heavy metals including cadmium, arsenic, lead and mercury

*biomass that allows a contaminant to bind to it’s cellular structure

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37
Q

How does Spirulina enhance immunity?

A

Increases Natural killer cell activity
Anti-viral properties

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38
Q

What are the anti-inflammatory properties of Spirulina?

A
  • Reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the NF-kB pathway
  • Phycocyanin in spirulina also has COX-2 inhibiting effects
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39
Q

What are the anti-cancer properties of Spirulina?

A

Phycocyanin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, immune boosting and anti-proliferative effects.

Was used after Chernobyl disaster 5g/day effective post radiation

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40
Q

How does Spirulina improve exercise performance?

A
  • Increases endurance (reduces lipid oxidation)
  • High amino acid content supports muscle hypertrophy
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41
Q

What are the anti- allergic effects effects of Spirulina?

A
  • Particularly in relation to an allergic rhinitis (decreases congestion)
  • Inhibition of histamine from mast cells
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42
Q

What are the anti-hypertensive effects of Spirulina?

A

Reduces elevated BP:
* Increases nitric oxide production (= vasodilation)
* High antioxidant protection
* Lowers inflammation

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43
Q

What are the positive effects on blood lipids of Spirulina?

A
  • Lowers LDL & VLDL cholesterol
  • Lowers triglycerides
  • Increases HDL
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44
Q

How is Spirulina used?

A
  • Powders or capsules
  • Can be added to smoothies, juices, salad dressings.
  • Has a strong taste, introduce at small amounts
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45
Q

What is the dosage of Spirulina?

A

Suggested 1 to 8 g per day
(1 tbsp = 7g)

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46
Q

What are adverse effects associated with Spirulina?

A
  • May include diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence and oedema*
  • Generally occurs at larger doses and is not regarded as clinically significant
  • Spirulina is regarded as safe, with no contraindications

*Initial effects may be detoxification related

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47
Q

What cautions exist with Spirulina?

A
  • Possible safety issues relate to contamination with heavy metals or rarely, the toxic blue-green algae Microcystis aeruginosa (hepatotoxic)
  • Ensure reputable source - freshwater organic sources are preferable (e.g. from Hawaii)
48
Q

What is Chlorella ?

A
  • A single-celled green algae
  • Nutritionally similar to spirulina but with tough cellulose walls
  • Requires pulverising to increase availability of the micronutrients
49
Q

What are the energetics of Chlorella?

A

For Yin deficiency and excess heat

50
Q

What is the composition of Chlorella?

A
  • Contains highest amount of chlorophyll of any known plant
  • 60% available protein
  • Contains EFAs
  • Very high in vitamin D2
  • Good source of beta-carotene
  • Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12
  • In contrast to spirulina, chlorella contains bioavailable B12 (205-223mcg per 100 g)
  • Magnesium, iron, phosphorus and zinc
  • Safe for people on Thyroxine, unlike seaweed
51
Q

What are the benefits & clinical applications of chlorella?

A
  • Heavy metal chelator
  • Detoxification
  • Anti-diabetic
  • Iron (and B12) deficiency
  • Cancer treatment
  • Oestrogen metabolism
  • Immune support
52
Q

What are the chelator properties of Chlorella?

A

Can bioaccumulate heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic
Possibly able to remove mercury from sites such as the brain and kidneys

53
Q

What are the detoxification properties of Chlorella?

A

Can help remove radioactive particles after radioactive treatment

54
Q

What are the anti-diabetic properties of Chlorella?

A
  • Improve glycaemic control by influencing genes involved in insulin signaling and glucose uptake (GLUT4)*
  • Can be used in cases of insulin resistance

*Cell membrane glucose transporter

55
Q

Why is Cholerella good in cases of anaemia?

A

Good source of Iron and bioavailable B12

56
Q

What are the uses of Chlorella in cancer treatment?

A

Reduces side effects of radiotherapy
Improves immune function and decreases infection risk after chemotherapy

57
Q

How does Chlorella affect
oestrogen metabolism?

A
  • Some ability to metabolise more potent oestrogens (oestradiol) to less potent forms, as well as degrading BPA
  • Useful in cases of oestrogen dominance (e.g. endometriosis, breast cancer, fibroids etc)
58
Q

How does Chlorella improve immune support?

A

Can increase IgA, which increases mucosal resistance to infection
Decreases risk of respiratory, gastrointestinal and genitourinary infection

59
Q

How can Chlorella be used?

A

Smoothies, juices, salad dressings, soups.
Has a strong taste, so capsules can be used.

60
Q

What are the doseage of Chlorella?

A

Best introduced at smaller amounts– half teaspoon to avoid possible detox reaction such as nausea and bloating.

Generally recommended at 2-3 g/day.
Doses of up to 10g /day have been used in clinical research

Caution: GI symptoms at higher intake– generally brief.

61
Q

Why is Coriander useful in detoxifing Heavy metal?

A

Coriander can be used to mobilise mercury and other toxic heavy metals such as aluminium from the central nervous system

62
Q

Heavy metal detox:
60 day protocol

A
  1. Remove sources of heavy-metal (including antiperspirants!)
  2. Throughout the protocol: drink plenty of filtered water; have three Epsom salt bath (500g to 1 kg) weekly; dry brush for five minutes every morning before showering; exercise regularly; intermittently fast; optimize fibre
  3. Day 1 - 14: to ensure healthy elimination pathways complete liver flush protocol (see later) and increase bitter/bile- stimulating foods such as dandelions, greens, artichoke and turmeric
  4. Chlorella tablets (500 mg each - can adapt to suit individual).
  5. Day 15 - 25: 2× 3 / day
  6. Day 26 – 50: 6x 3 / day
  7. Day 51 – 60: 2x 2 / day
  8. Detox smoothie every two days: 1 banana, 2 cups of wild blueberries, 1 cup coriander, 1 teaspoon of spirulina, 1 small handful of dulse, filtered water
63
Q

What is wheatgrass?

A

Triticum aestivum
The young grass of the wheat plant.

Can be eaten whole or raw, though is more commonly juiced or milled to a fine powder

Ann Wigmore discovered the health benefits of wheatgrass

64
Q

What are the energetics of wheatgrass?

A

Cooling
Cleanses toxins from the body

65
Q

What is the composition of wheatgrass?

A
  • Grass, roots and rhizome are used.
  • Good sources are gluten–free (grass is extracted before the grain develops)
  • Rich in vitamins A, C, E, K and B
  • Iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium
  • Amino acids
  • Chlorophyll
  • Antioxidants including phenolic compounds and flavonoids
66
Q

What are the benefits & clinical applications of wheatgrass?

A
  • Antioxidant
  • Immune support
  • Anti-cancer
  • Alkalising
  • Regulates blood lipids
  • Weight loss
  • Detoxification
  • Digestion
67
Q

What are the immune supporting and anti-cancer properties of wheatgrass?

A

Antioxidant properties = anti-cancer
Wheatgrass appears to reduce chemotherapy side-effects
Beneficial for chronic disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, diabetes and obesity

68
Q

Why is wheatgrass alkalising?

A

High chlorophyll content

69
Q

How does wheatgrass regulate blood lipids?

A

Shown to reduce serum triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, whilst increasing HDL cholesterol

70
Q

How does Wheatgrass help weight loss?

A
  • Via reducution of appetite
  • Increases hormonally-driven signals of satiety (e.g. CKK)
  • Balances blood sugars (reduce cravings)
71
Q

What is the role of wheatgrass in detoxification?

A

Supports liver detoxification pathways with its abundance of nutrients and antioxidants

72
Q

How is Wheatgrass used in TCM?

A

Used to nourish spleen Qi– supporting digestion.
Drain dampness

73
Q

What are the doseages of wheatgrass?

A

General recommendations are:
* Fresh juice; 30 - 120 mil daily
* Powder; 3 - 5 g daily
* Start at smaller doses and gradually increase
* Take on an empty stomach and follow with 200 ml glass of water

Caution: in those with known grass allergies

74
Q

How to grow Wheatgrass?

A

Grow wheatgrass until it reaches about six
inches in height
Wait for the grass to ‘split’ (grow a second blade)
Time to harvest = about 9 / 10 days

75
Q

What is Barley grass?

A

Hordeum vulgare L
Barley grass provides similar nutrients and benefits as wheatgrass
Shares the same energetic qualities

76
Q

What is the composition of Barley grass?

A
  • Barley grass is particularly rich in vitamins A, B1, C and E
  • Calcium, potassium, selenium
  • Enzymes including superoxide dismutase (a powerful antioxidant)
  • Antioxidants – phytochemicals including flavonoids and other polyphenols
  • Chlorophyll
  • Amino acids including GABA
  • Barley grass also has a particularly high-fibre content
77
Q

What are the
benefits and clinical applications of Barley grass?

A
  • Antioxidant
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Cardiovascular support
  • Diabetes
  • Gout
  • Supports healthy gastrointestinal functions
  • Promote sleep and relaxation
  • Supports energy production
78
Q

What are the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of barley grass?

A

Provides protection against chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes and heart disease
Barley grass can downregulate pro-inflammatory TNF-a

79
Q

How does Barley grass support the cardiovascular system?

A
  • Decreases LDL and total cholesterol, while increasing HDL cholesterol
  • Helps regulate blood pressure – associated with the phytochemical ‘saponarin’ (e.g. magnesium and potassium)
80
Q

How does Barley grass
help with Diabetes?

A

The high-fibre content reduces fasting blood sugar and glycated haemoglobin

81
Q

How does Barley grass help with Gout?

A

Reduces serum uric acid by increasing urinary excretion

82
Q

How does Barley grass support healthy gastrointestinal function?

A
  • Fibre supports bowel elimination, and nourishes the microflora
  • Flavonoids reduce inflammation and allow healing of mucous membranes (eg in ulcerative colitis)
83
Q

How does Barley grass promote sleep and relaxation?

A

Contains:
* GABA (also beneficial for anxiety)
* Tryptophan (precursor to serotonin and melatonin)

84
Q

How does Barley grass support energy production?

A
  • Contains enzymes involved in mitochondrial function including cytochrome oxidase.
  • Flavonoids such as lutonarin and saponarin improve oxygenation of body tissues and reduce fatigue
85
Q

What are recommendations for Barley grass dosages?

A
  • As with wheatgrass there are no definitive dosage guidelines
  • General recommendations ranged from 3-15 g dried powder daily
  • Start at smaller dose of 1 ml fresh juice a day, and then increase daily up to 5 ml a day. Divided doses may be better tolerated
  • While some sources suggest taking on an empty stomach to increase assimilation, both barley and wheat grass can be added to fresh juices and smoothies
    Caution: in those with known grass allergies
86
Q

What are Sprouts?

A

Seeds that have germinated and put out shoots

87
Q

What are some examples of Sprouts?

A

Bean and pea sprouts :
Lentil, adzuki, garbanzo, soybean, mung bean, black bean, kidney beans, green pea and snow pea

Sprouted grains:
Brown rice, buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, oat

Vegetable or leafy sprouts:
Radish, broccoli, beet, mustard green, clover, cress, fenugreek

Nut and seeds sprouts:
Almond, radish seed, alfalfa seed, pumpkin seed, sesame seed, sunflower seed

88
Q

What are the Energetics of sprouts?

A

Cooling

89
Q

Why are Sprouts considered a superfood?

A

Plant have their highest level of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants and other nutrients in this early stage of their life-cycle

90
Q

What is the Composition of Sprouts?

A

Different sprouts have varied nutritional profiles but in general, they are a rich source of:
* Protein*
* Magnesium, phosphorus, manganese,
* Vitamins C, K and folate
* Chlorophyll
* Essential fatty acids
* Antioxidants
* Fibre

“Anti-nutrients” like tannins and phytates are reduced.

*increased by sprouting particulary essential amino acids

91
Q

How do Sprouts support digestion?

A
  • Sprouting releases enzymes which ‘predigest’ the nutrients in the seed, making them easier to assimilate and metabolise
  • Insoluble fibre support intestinal health/elimination
92
Q

How do Sprouts help in blood glucose control?

A

Improve blood glucose balance in those with insulin resistance and Type II diabetes.
* High-fibre content
* Regulation of amylase

High amounts of antioxidants such as sulforaphane also have a protective effect against diabetic complications

93
Q

How to use Sprouts?

A

Eating raw to preserve enzymes and nutrients.

If including an warm dishes adding just before serving.

Uses: salads, soups, sandwiches pastas etc

For more information and ideas on sprouting go to: http://sproutman.com/

94
Q

What are the extra benefits of Broccoli sprouts?

A

High in sulphur compounds called ‘glucosinolates’ (present in brassica veg)

  • Sulforaphane and I3C* (20-50 times more abundant in Broccoli sprouts)
  • I3C promotes phase II liver detoxification
  • I3C supports deactivation of oestrogen

Can be used in cases of oestrogen dominance, (endometriosis, fibroids, breast and ovarian cancer)
Aim for up to 50 g per day (or consider supplementing I3C)

I3C = indole-3-carbinol

95
Q

What are the benefits and applications of sulforaphane?

A
  • Induces phase II detoxification enzymes
  • Downregulates phase I enzymes (can be used in a liver support protocol)
  • Anti-inflammatory (through inhibition of NF-kB and TNF-a)
  • Anti-carcinogenic:
    o Inducing expression of the tumour-suppressing p21 gene
    o Induction of phase II enzymes – enhancing the detoxification and elimination of activated carcinogens
    o Increasing antioxidant defense and inhibiting angiogenesis
96
Q

What are benefits and clinical applications of Broccoli sprouts?

A
  • Cardiovascular disease: decrease risk by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage that can lead to endothelial dysfunction. Also lowers LDL, whilst increasing HDL
  • Respiratory health: promotes detoxification of environmental toxins (e.g. diesel fumes) from the lungs (via phase II enzymes expressed in lung cells) and reduces associated upper airway inflammation
  • Helicobacter pylori infection: shown promise in helping to eradicate H. pylori infection, to protect the gastric mucosa– reducing the risk of gastritis and gastric cancer
97
Q

What are cautions with sprouts?

A

Sprouts grow in warm, humid conditions so can be prone to bacterial contamination. If purchasing pre-sprouted, ensure they have been stored refrigerated.
Take extra care if pregnant or immune-compromised.
Ideally, sprout your own!
Alfalfa sprouts contain the amino acid L-canavanine, which has been linked to lupus exacerbations.

98
Q

What is Bee Pollen?

A

Bee pollen is made by honeybees who collect flower pollen, mix it with nectar from their honey sacs.
In the hive, enzymes are added and it becomes the key food source for the colony

99
Q

What are the energetics of Bee pollen?

A

Yang
Highly nutritive, sweet and warming

100
Q

What is the composition of Bee pollen?

A
  • Protein (comprises about 30% protein, a third of which are essential amino acids)
  • Carbohydrates (up to 50% of bee pollen being polysaccharides)
  • Fatty acids
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Enzymes
  • Phytonutrients including flavonoids and phenolic acids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
101
Q

What are the benefits and clinical applications of Bee pollen?

A
  • Antioxidant
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Aids recovery
  • Anti-allergic activity
102
Q

What is the antioxidant profile of Bee pollen?

A

Highly antioxidant
Protects body cells from oxidative stress, associated with cancer, atherosclerosis etc

103
Q

What are the inflammatory enzymes inhibited by Bee pollen?

A

COX and LOX

104
Q

How does bee pollen support cardiovascular health?

A
  • Decreases LDL and lipid oxidation
  • Improves cerebral blood flow
105
Q

How does Bee pollen aid recovery?

A

Highly nutritive
Adaptogenic properties (increase resistance to stress)

106
Q

What are the anti-allergic activity qualities of Bee pollen?

A

Inhibits histamine release from mast cells.
A good example of ‘like with like’ (bee pollen used to treat hayfever)

107
Q

What are the uses of Bee pollen?

A

Hayfever:
1-2 tsp. daily at least four weeks before season starts. No need to take during the season
Other usage:
Add 1-2 tsp daily to yoghurt, cereal, smoothies, fresh juices or sprinkle on salads
Caution:
* Discontinue use if there are symptoms including itching, swelling and shortness of breath
* Avoid in pregnancy. There is some concern bee pollen may have uterine-stimulant effects

108
Q

What are the energetics of whole grains?

A

Vary slightly between grains but generally neutral

109
Q

What are the benefits and clinical applications of whole grains?

A
  • Decrease metabolic risk factors
  • High-fibre
  • Protects against heart disease and cancer
110
Q

How do Whole grains decrease metabolic risk factors?

A
  • Associated with improved insulin sensitivity (link to fibre and magnesium)
  • Supports weight loss with improved fat distribution
  • Decreases total and LDL-cholesterol
111
Q

What is
gluten?

A
  • Gluten is a protein found in wheat (all varieties), rye and barley
  • It is made up of two specific proteins: gliadin and glutenin.
112
Q

How can the treatment of whole grains cause issues?

A

The treatment of grains is causing the problem, not the gluten!

  • Grains have been manipulated over the years with emphasis on high yield and disease resistance
  • This has occurred at the expense of nutrient value, flavour and safety!
  • Grains are fumigated, bleached, treated with anti-caking agents and sprayed with fungicides and insecticides to extend shelf-life
  • Use organic and Heritage grains
113
Q

What are whole grains?

A

Whole grains consist of the bran, germ and endosperm

In ‘refined grains’ the bran and germ are removed and therefore, much of the nutritional value leaving empty calories

114
Q

What is the composition of whole grains?

A
  • Bran: contains antioxidants, B vitamins and fibre
  • Germ: contains B vitamins, vitamin E, some protein, antioxidants, minerals, and healthy fats
  • Endosperm: contains carbohydrates, the proteins and small amounts of vitamins and minerals
115
Q

What are issues with
gluten?

A
  • Gliadin is the protein people most often react to
  • Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the ingestion of gluten generates an abnormal immune response in the small intestinal mucosa. In this instance, gluten must be avoided
  • Gluten sensitivity as an intolerance to gluten. It could relate to digestive issues, or might relate to the processing of grains
116
Q

What are heritage grains?

A

Those available prior to industrialized agriculture – intensive crop (animal) farming with focus on high you would

117
Q

What grains are good for those with gluten intolerance ?

A
  • Amaranth
  • Corn
  • Teff
  • Millet
  • Rice
  • Quinoa
  • Buckwheat
  • Oats (although oats can be contaminated with gluten if produced in the same place as wheat, rye and barley)

Naturopathy Study (CNM) (20 decks)

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