Superfoods

Question 1

What are superfoods?

Answer 1

Superfoods are foods with a high nutritional density, containing all or nearly all the vitamins, minerals and trace minerals the body needs.

Question 2

What does the ORAC score stand for?

Answer 2

Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity

Question 3

What is the ORAC score used for?

Answer 3

The ORAC score is a laboratory test that is used to determine the total antioxidant capacity of a food.

Question 4

Can superfoods be used in replacement of a healthy diet?

Answer 4

Superfoods work in tandem with a healthy diet to enhance it, not replace it. No amount of wheatgrass will make up for a sedentary lifestyle and a diet high in processed foods.

Question 5

What is one thing many superfoods contain?

Answer 5

Chlorophyll

Question 6

Define chlorophyll.

Answer 6

Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants. Plants use it to trap light - it is used in photosynthesis to produce ATP.

Question 7

Explain the structure of chlorophyll.

Answer 7

The basic structure of chlorophyll is similar to haemoglobin, with a porphyrin ring, but the central atom is magnesium instead of iron.

Question 8

What is the central atom of chlorophyll?

Answer 8

Magnesium

Question 9

The structure of chlorophyll is similar to what protein?

Answer 9

Haemoglobin

Question 10

Outline the six benefits of chlorophyll.

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Explain how chlorophyll supports detoxification.

Answer 11

Chlorophyll can bind with certain carcinogenic chemicals (found in cooked meats and tobacco). It also positively influences the detoxification of carcinogens in the liver by down regulating phase I enzymes and inducing phase II.

Question 12

Explain how chlorophyll reduces inflammation.

Answer 12

Chlorophyll inhibits the pro-inflammatory TNF-a gene, which can be activate by lipopolysaccharides released from bacteria. This can be from intestinal bacterial infections or intestinal permeability.

Question 13

Name the three major groups of macro algae.

Answer 13

Red algae
Brown algae
Green algae

Question 14

What are three types of red algae?

Answer 14

Dulse, nori and laver.

Question 15

What are three types of brown algae?

Answer 15

Kelp, bladderwrack, wakame.

Question 16

What are two types of green algae?

Answer 16

Sea lettuce and sponge weed.

Question 17

What vitamins and minerals are highest in seaweed?

Answer 17

Iodine, iron and calcium.

Question 18

What seaweed is a good source of vitamin B12?

Answer 18

Nori

Question 19

Outline the benefits of seaweed.

Answer 19

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Low thyroid function
Blood sugar control
Healthy weight management
Digestion and GIT health
Elevated blood lipids

Question 20

Explain how seaweed can be beneficial for a patient with low thyroid function.

Answer 20

The high iodine content is useful for the production of T3 and T4. Bladderwrack is considered the most effective for low thyroid function as it is rich in available iodine and amino acids including tyrosine to support healthy thyroid function.

Question 21

Explain how seaweed can be beneficial for GIT health.

Answer 21

Seaweed is high in fibre and enhances growth of beneficial bacteria (supports GI tight junctions) and supports bowel elimination. Nourishes inflamed digestive tract for ulcers, constipation and colitis.

Question 22

Dulse

Answer 22

Softer, chewier texture, usually eaten in dried form as a snack.

Question 23

Kelp

Answer 23

Dried into sheets and added during cooking. Can be soaked in water to soften before eating.

Question 24

Kombu

Answer 24

Brown kelp with strong mineral-rich flavour, often used in soups.

Question 25

Arame

Answer 25

Mildly sweet flavour and firm texture, sometimes sold as flakes.

Question 26

Kelp noodles

Answer 26

Gluten free alternative

Question 27

What is micro algae?

Answer 27

Edible micro algae (phytoplankton) are classified as freshwater, single celled photosynthesising algae or bacteria. There are three types: Blue-green algae Spirulina Chlorella

Question 28

Chlorella is an excellent source of what vitamins?

Answer 28

Vitamin B12 and D2.

Question 29

What is the difference between chlorella and chlorophyll?

Answer 29

Chlorella is a type of micro algae and chlorophyll is the green pigment found in macro and micro algae.

Question 30

Define spirulina.

Answer 30

Spiral-shaped green algae able to grow in both fresh and salt water. It lacks cellulose walls so can easily be digested. Description: 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.

Question 31

Name two types of spirulina.

Answer 31

Arthrospira platensis Arthrospira maxima

Question 32

What vitamins is spirulina abundant in?

Answer 32

60-70% highly bioavailable protein All the essential amino acids B1, B2, B3, A, K, beta-carotene, copper, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phycocyanin, chlorophyll.

Question 33

What are the benefits of spirulina?

Answer 33

Detoxification Immune enhancing Anti inflammatory Anti cancer Exercise performance Anti allergic effects Anti hypertensive Positive effect on blood lipids

Question 34

What is the key difference between chlorella and spirulina?

Answer 34

Spirulina lacks cellulose walls but chlorella has tough cellulose walls and requires pulverising to increase availability of the micronutrients.

Question 35

Which contains higher bioavailable B12?

Answer 35

Chlorella