Superfoods Flashcards
Chlorophyll Foods
- Spinach
- Parsley
- Cress
- Green Beans
- Rocket
- Leeks
- Endive
Chlorophyll Benefits
Detoxification
Antioxidant
Reduces Inflammation
Support energy production
Promotes wound healing
Deodorant properties
Alkalising
Seaweed
Red algae: Dulse, nori, laver
Brown algae: Kelp, bladderwrack, wakame
Green algae: Sea lettuce, spongeweed
Seaweed Benefits
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory
Low thyroid function
Healthy Weight Management
Blood Sugar Control
Elevated Blood Lipids
Digestion and GIT Health
Seaweed: Caution
Seaweed can accumulate toxic heavy metals including cadmium, mercury and lead. Use organic, clean sources.
Microalgae
Edible Microalgae (phytoplankton) are classified as mostly freshwater, single celled photosynthesising algae or bacteria:
Blue green algae : freshwater Cyanobacteria (not an Aphanizomenon flos aquae (AFA) wild blue green algae.
Spirulina : Blue green spiral shaped Cyanobacteria.
Chlorella: Single celled fresh water green algae.
Spirulina
Spiral shaped, blue green algae able to grow in both fresh and salt water. Lacks cellulose walls so can be easily digested. Two key species Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima are cultivated worldwide.
Spirulina: B12
Note contains analogues of vitamin B12 which are not absorbed in the gut; not a reliable source of vitamin B12 for vegans.
Spirulina: Benefits
Detoxification
Immune-enhancing
Anti-inflammtory
Anti-cancer
Excercise performance
Anti-allergic effects
Anti-hypertensive
Positive effect on blood lipids
Chlorella
A single celled green algae, nutritionally similar to Spirulina but in contrast, has tough cellulose walls and
requires pulverising to increase availability of the micronutrients within Chlorella.
Chlorella: Benefits
Heavy metal chelator
Detoxification
Anti-diabetic
Iron (and B12) deficiency
Cancer treatment
Oestrogen metabolism
Immune Support
Chlorella: Caution
GI symptoms at higher intake generally brief.
Wheatgrass
The young grass of the wheat plant. Can be eaten whole and raw, though is more commonly juiced or milled to a fine powder.
Wheatgrass: Benefits
Antioxidant
Immune support and anti-cancer
Alkalising
Regulates blood lipids
Weight loss
Detoxification
Digestion
Wheatgrass: Caution
Caution in those with known grass allergies.
Barley Grass
Barley grass provides similar nutrients and benefits as wheat grass and shares the same energetic qualities.
Barley Grass: Benefits and Clinical Applications
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Cardiovascular support
Diabetes
Gout
Supports
GIT function
Promotes sleep and relaxation
Supports energy production
Barley Grass: Caution
Caution in those with known grass allergies.
Sprouts
Sprouts are seeds that have germinated and put out shoots. A range of seeds, grains and legumes can be sprouted. Plants have their highest levels of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants and other nutrients in this early stage of their lifecycle.
Types of Sprouts
Bean and pea sprouts: Lentil, adzuki, garbanzo, soybean, mung bean, black bean, kidney bean, green pea and snow pea sprouts. Sprouted grains: Brown rice, buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, oat sprouts. Vegetable or leafy sprouts: Radish, broccoli, beet, mustard green, clover, cress and fenugreek sprouts. Nut and seed sprouts: Almond, radish seed, alfalfa seed, pumpkin seed, sesame seed or sunflower seed sprouts.
Sprouts: Benefits
Supports digestion
Blood glucose control
Sprouts: Caution
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.