We all know we should eat more fruit and veg and increasingly look to fortify our diets with our chosen “Super Food” powders. However, many of these powders vary greatly in their active ingredients, raising the question; “What should we be looking for in our chosen “Super Food” powder?
First, let’s look at the ingredients found in most standard superfood blends: -
Spirulina
Spirulina is a type of nutrient-dense algae which contains potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc, B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, and iron. It is also packed with essential amino acids, which make up around 60-70% of its composition and contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. It’s one of the only vegan foods which contain EPA and DHEA. A high level of antioxidants also helps to prevent potential free radical damage.
Spirulina’s skin-supporting nutrients may encourage healthier-looking skin and help to combat the effects of ageing.
Research suggests spirulina may have anti-viral and immune-boosting properties due to its nutrient-rich qualities and spirulina appears to have a beneficial influence on cholesterol profiles, increasing HDL and decreasing LDL and triglycerides. It may also support blood glucose balance due to its high fibre content. In addition, spirulina may aid weight loss by encouraging the elimination of toxins and preventing them from recirculating around the body, helping to increase energy levels by supporting mitochondria function and helping to balance hormones. Spirulina also contains adrenal supporting nutrients, which may help to prevent stress impacting on our health and energy levels.
Chlorella
Another super algae with many similar properties to spirulina. In addition to the above. Chlorella is thought to aid detoxification of heavy metals and other toxins. Chlorella may also enhance aerobic endurance due to its branched-chain amino acids content. Chlorella may even help to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. There are many other potential benefits besides.
Alfalfa
Studies have suggested that alfalfa helps to lower cholesterol levels. This is thought to be as a result of its saponins content – these are plant compounds known to lower cholesterol by inhibiting absorption of cholesterol into the gut and increasing elimination of cholesterol forming compounds.
Alfalfa may also stimulate metabolism and act as a phytoestrogen to relieve menopause symptoms. It may also have antioxidant effects.
Spinach
As practitioners, we all know how packed with nutrients spinach is. It is rich in vitamin C, folate, B vitamins, carotenoids, vitamin K, iron, magnesium, calcium, protein and insoluble fibre (aiding digestion). It is also rich in nitrates, which are thought to help regulate blood pressure levels.
Broccoli
As well as being nutrient dense, broccoli is rich in indole 3 carbinole, a compound which aids metabolism and detoxification of excess oestrogen. Studies suggest that it can, therefore, support prevention of oestrogen dominant cancers, such as breast, endometrial and cervical cancer.
Studies have also shown that broccoli may improve the health of the liver, colon, and prostate.
As if the above benefits were not enough, there is some thinking and initial research which suggests that these green, chlorophyll-rich superfoods may play a role in supporting our ability as humans to hold and convert light into energy or ATP, as plants do via photosynthesis. This process could potentially, therefore, be helpful in supporting clients suffering with fatigue. Chlorophyll may also be helpful in supporting a variety of conditions, such as: -