Superfoods Flashcards
chlorophyll is a good source of what vitamins and minerals
vitamins A, C,
E, K; magnesium, iron, calcium and potassium
what are 4 of the clinical applications of chlorophyll
-Detox- bind with certain carcinogenic
chemicals
-Antioxidant: Decreases oxidative damage
-Shown to inhibit the pro-inflammatory TNF-α gene, which can be activated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) released
from bacteria
-Rich in ATP
-supports wound healing (applu topically)
-Neutralises odours (colostomy bags)
seaweed is a good source of what?
iodine, iron, and calcium; nori is a good plant source of B12
name 2 clinical applications of seaweed
-Fucoxanthin a caratoniod fund in brown seaweed reduces NF-kB and COX-2.
-high iodine helps produce T3 and T4
why does seeweed support weight management
easy way to boost vitamins
and minerals while being low in calories. Fibre increases satiety.
Fucoxanthin has been shown to upregulate expression of
‘mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)’, a key molecule in
metabolic thermogenesis — decreasing fat accumulation.
why does seaweed support better glycemic control
improves insulin sensitivity through its effects on the tyrosine
phosphatase enzyme (enhancing the effects
of insulin); useful for insulin resistance
what are some of the beneficial components of spiruina
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, phycocyanin, high in chlorophyll.
how does spirulina support detoxification
Acts as an accumulator (biosorbent) of heavy
minerals due to ‘ion-exchange binding’. Can bind with heavy
metals.
how does spirulina support immune health and inflammatory responses
immune-enhancing: Notable increases in natural
killer cell activity and has anti-viral properties.
* Anti-inflammatory: Reduces the production
of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. Phycocyanin in spirulina also has COX-2 inhibiting effects
where would you find Phycocyanin and how is it benifical in treating cancer patients
protein extract from spirulina it has
anti-cancer properties. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
immune-boosting and anti-proliferative effects
how does spirilina have an anti alergic effect
inhibits hisatmine produces by mass cells
what are the nutritional propertys of chlorella
highest amount of chlorophyll of any
known plant; 60% bioavailable protein; contains EFAs, very high
in Vit D2. Good source of β-carotene, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6 and
B12 as well as magnesium, iron, phosphorus and zinc. In contrast
to Spirulina, chlorella contains bioavailable B12
what are some of the clinical applications of chlorella
-heavy metal chelator
-Improves glycaemic control
by influencing genes involved in insulin
signalling and glucose uptake
-iron (and B12) deficiency
-ability to metabolise more potent oestrogens (oestradiol)
to less potent forms, as well as degrading BPA.
- increasing IgA,
which increases mucosal resistance to infection (decreases
risk of respiratory, gastrointestinal and genitourinary infection).
how can wheat grass help with weight loss
Reduce appetite and increase hormonally-driven
signals of satiety (e.g. CCK), Its effects can also be attributed to its role in balancing blood sugars (reducing cravings).
what superfood reduces serum uric acid levels associated with gout
barley grass
how do sprouts help blood glucose control
high fibre content and increased ability to regulate
the activity of amylase (which together decrease
meal-derived glucose absorption). High amounts
of antioxidants such as sulforaphane also have
a protective effect against diabetic complications
what are the clinical benifits of bee pollen
-anitoxidant
-inhibition of the
-reduces inflammatory enzymes COX and LOX.
- Decreases LDL and lipid oxidation.
-Aids recovery: Highly nutritive; adaptogenic
properties (increase resistance to stress).
-Anti-allergic activity: Inhibits histamine
release from mast cells.
how do pomegranates support digestion
Ellagitannins inhibit growth of certain pathogenic
bacteria while increasing growth of other beneficial bifidobacterium.
Punicic acid (concentrated in the seed oil) is known to activate PPARs (transcription factors), reducing intestinal inflammation
PPAR=proxisome
proliferator-activated receptors’.
A family of transcription factors.
what food Improves cardiovascular health: Can
reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in
hypertensive patients
pomegranates
benefits of chia seeds
-includes tocopherols and phenolic compounds that reduce
oxidative stress. The high omega-3 content can lower inflammation.
-Blood sugar regulation: Decreases
postprandial glycaemia and prolongs satiety,
which is attributed primarily to the fibre content.
-Digestive support: High in soluble and insoluble
fibre; they increase stool bulk and can be useful in cases of
constipation. The mucilage content also soothes the GI mucosa.
-Cardiovascular health: Reduces LDL and lipid peroxidation.
how does cranberry support patients with UTI
-The bacteria associated with UTIs
(Escherichia coli) often contain fimbriae, which enables their
epithelial attachment. Cranberry impedes this attachment.
what nutrients are in cranberries
vitamin C
and flavonoids such as quercetin.
Also contain manganese, copper,
vitamins E, K, B5 and B6
.
name some of the components in the composition of pomegranates
Vitamin A, C, K and folate
iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc. ellagitannins
punicic acid
anthocyanidins
