Superfoods Flashcards
The antioxidant capacity of food is often referred to by highlights its what score (ORAC)
Oxygen radical absorbance capacity
It aims to quantify the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of a food.
What is a common denominator in many super foods
Chlorphyll
What are the energetics of chlorophyll and what nutrients is it a good source of
cooling, calming for Yang excess
Vitamins A C E K
Mg Fe Ca K
List the benefits of chlorophyll
Detoxification - can bind with carcinogenic chemicals e.g. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons found in smoke/grilled/charred meats
Influences detoxification of carcinogens in the liver by down regulating phase I enzymes and induces phase II.
Antioxidant - decreases oxidative damage and promotes endogenous antioxidant activity
Reduce inflammation - inhibits TNF-a gene which can be activated by lipopolysaccharides released from bacteria.
Support energy production - Mg for ATP
Promote would healing - applied topically as chlorophyllin
Deodorant properties - 100-200mg.day to reduce odour from incontinence/ileostomy/colostomy
What might cause acidity in the body, what disease states can this contribute to and how can chlorophyll help
Blood pH must be less than 7.35, there are mechanisms to maintain this.
Diet, diseases and drugs can create acidity in tissues. - when the pH within and around body cels is acidic it can alter normal cellular function.
Disease states include cancer, osteoporosis, kidney stones, arthritis.
CHLOROPHYLL IS ALKALISING. with its high alkaline mineral content.
SEAWEED. what three major groups are macroalgae classified into and what are their energetics
Red algae: dulse, nori, laver
Brown: Kelp, bladderwrack, wakame
Green Algae: sea lettuce, spongeweed
Cooling, moistens dryness
what key nutrients are found in seaweed
Iodine, Iron, calcium, omega 3, amino acids,
Nori good plant source of B12
What are the benefits and clinical applications of seaweed
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory: FUCOXANTHIN (carotenoid in brown seaweed) is powerful antioxidant. Reduces production of inflammatory proteins such as COX-2 and Nf-kB
Low thyroid function: iodine used for T3 and T4 production
Healthy weight management: Low calories. Fibre increases satiety. FUCOXANTHIN upregulates express of ‘mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) - a key molecule in metabolic thermogenesis. decreasing fat accumulation.
Blood sugar control: seaweed intake promotes better glycaemic control.improved insuling sensitivity through its effects on the tyrosine phosphatase enzymes (enhancing effects of insuling)
Elevated blood lipids: reduced serum triglyceride and improved LDL/HDL ratio, due to gel-forming fibre in seaweed which can bind cholesterol enhancing clearance.
Digestion and GIT health: high in fibre - enhance growth of beneficial bacteria and support bowel elimination. Nourishes inflamed digestive tract.
Ulcers, constipation, colitis.
Which seaweed is considered the most therapeutically effective for low thyroid and associated weight gain
Bladderwrack, due to high iodine and tyrosine
What would be considered as a therapeutic dose of seaweed
1tbs/day
sprinkle on soups/curries/rice/salad/sushi
what skin conditions can seaweed be used for
acne, eczema, psoriasis
Why should you be cautious using seaweed
can accumulate toxic heavy metals eg mercury and lead.
Microalgae/phytoplankton - freshwater single celled photosynthesising algae or bacteria - name three that are commonly used and their nutrients
Blue-green algae: freshwater cyanobacteria (not algae)
Spirulina: blue/green spiral shaped cyanobacteria
Chlorella: fresh water green algae
chlorophyll, iron, complete protein. B12 and D2.
NO IODINE IN CHLORELLA
Which microalgae does not contain iodine
chlorella
Spirulina - describe
spiral shaped, blue-green algae, grows in fresh and salt water. No cellulose wall so easily digested.
What are the energetics of spirulina
used for Yin deficiency or excess heat
What nutrients does spirulina contain
All the essential aa’s, B1,2,3, A K betacarotene, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, K, Phycocyanin, CHLOROPHYLL.
Not a good source of B12 as it can’t be absorbed.
What are the benefits and clinical applications of spirulina
DETOXIFICATION - Acts as accumulator of heavy metals (arsenic, lead, mercury)
IMMUNE ENHANCING - antiviral and increases natural killer cell activity
ANTI INFLAMMATORY - reduces production of pro inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting NK-kB pathway.
Phycocyanin inhibits COX-2
ANTI CANCER - phycocyanin has anti-cancer properties.
- EXERCISE PERFORMANCE: increases endurance, supports muscle hypertrophy
- ANTI ALLERGIC: inhibition of mast cells, therefore good for allergic rhinitis
- ANTI HYPERTENSIVE: reduces BP due to raising NO production
- BLOOD LIPIDS: lowers LDL, VLDL, cholesterol and triglycerides, increases HDL
What algae is phycocyanin found in and what are its benefits
Spirulina
anti cancer, antioxidant, immune boosting, anti-proliferative
Name the compound unique to spirulina that has powerful antioxidant and anti inflammatory effects
phycocyanin
What is the recommended dosage of spirulina
1-8 g/day (1tbs = 7g)
Ensure freshwater and organic. (e.g. Hawaii)
What are the adverse effects of spirulina
only at higher doses and not clinically significant: flatulence, oedema, diarrhoea, bloating
CHLORELLA - Describe and what are the energetics
single celled green algae
for yin deficiency and excess heat
How does the nutrient value of chlorella differ to spirulina
needs pulverising to increase the availability of the micronutrients.
Contains bioavailable B12, spiruina’s B12 is not absorbable.
What superfood contains the highest amount of chlorophyll of any plant
Chlorella
What nutrients are contained within chlorella
60% bioavailable Protein, CHLOROPHYLL, EFAs, D2, beta carotene, B1, 2, 3, 6, 12. Mg, Fe, P, Zn.
What drug is chlorella safe to be used with
thyroxine (unlike seaweed)
What is the recommended dosage of chlorella
2-3g/day up to 10g.
GI symptoms at high intake
Heavy metal detox - what herb can be combined with what algaes
coriander can bind onto heavy metals and mobile them from the CNS. spirulina and chlorella can bind to it and allow it to be excreted from the body.
Describe the 5 step heavy metal detox 60 day protocol
- remove sources of heavy metals (eg antiperspirants)
- throughout protocol: drink lots of filtered water; 3x Epsom salt baths; dry brush 5 mins every am; exercise regularly, intermittent fast, optimise fibre.
- days 1-14: to ensure healthy elimination pathways complete the liver flush protocol; increase bitter/bile stimulating foods eg dandelions, greens, turmeric.
- Chlorella tablets (500mg each). Days 15-25: 2x3 /day
Days 26-50: 6x3 /day
Days 51-60: 2x2 /day - Detox smoothies every 2 days (banana/blueberries/coriander/spirulina/dulse/filtered water)
Wheatgrass - describe and what are its energetics
the young grass of the wheat plant. Can be eaten whole and raw. Usually milled to fine powder.
Cooling - cleanses toxins from body
Is wheatgrass gluten free?
Yes - its extracted before the grain develops
What nutrients are in wheatgrass
A C E K Bs
Fe, Ca, Mg, Se, amino acids, chorophyll, antioxidants eg phenolic compounds and flavonoids.
What is the recommended dosage of wheatgrass, how should it be taken and what are the cautions
Fresh juice: 30-120ml/day
Powder: 3-5g/day
Take on empty stomach followed by 200ml water
Grass allergies
What are the benefits and clinical applications of wheatgrass
Antioxidant: flavonoids and phenolic compounds reduce oxidative stress and support detoxification.
Immune support and anti cancer: reduces chemo side effects. Beneficial for chronic disorders eg RA, ulcerative colitis, diabetes, obesity
Alkalising: due to high chlorophyll content
Regulates blood lipids: reduce serum triglycerides and LDL, increase HDL
Weight loss: reduce appetite and increase hormonally driven satiety signals (CCK). May also therefore help balance blood sugars/reduce cravings
Detoxification: supports liver detoxification
Digestion: used in TCM to nourish spleen Qi
Barley grass
What are the nutrients
Similar to wheatgrass.
A B1 C E Ca, K, Se, enzymes including superoxide dismutase (powerful antioxidant), antioxidants such as phytochemicals including flavonoids and polyphenols, chlorophyll, amino acids including GABA.
High fibre.
What are the benefits and clinical applications of barley grass
- Antioxidant and anti inflammatory: protection against chronic diseases. Downregulates pro-inflammatory TNF-a
- Cardiovascular support: decreases LDL and total cholesterol, increases HDL. Regulates blood pressure – associated with phytochemical saponarin and rich mineral content (Mg and K)
- Diabetes: high fibre reduces fasting blood sugar and glycated haemoglobin.
- Gout: reduces serum uric acid by increasing excretion
- Supports healthy GIT function: fibre – supports bowel elimination and nourishes microflora. Flavonoids reduce inflammation and healing of mucous membranes, esp good for ulcerative colitis.
- Promotes sleep and relaxation: due to GABA and tryptophan (precursor to melatonin and serotonin)
- Supports energy production: contains enzymes involved in mitochondrial function including cytochrome oxidase. Flavonoids such as lutonarin and saponarin improve oxygenation of body tissues and reduce fatigue.
What are the dosage recommendations and cautions for barley grass
3-15g dried powder/day
Fresh juice start at 1ml and increase up to 5ml/day
Grass allergies