posted by Samantha, Jan 17, 2011 5:06 pm
1. Kale
At just over a dollar a bunch, kale is a member of the dark, leafy greens group. It’s loaded with vitamin C and vitamin B as well as calcium. Want to relieve depression? Eat kale.
2. Broccoli
This low cost cruciferous vegetable has it all. Cruciferous vegetables are known for a compound that neutralizes toxins in the liver and helps cleanse the system.
3. Winter Squash
Winter squash is only a few dollars a pound and when compared to the summer squash variety, it’s much better for you. They’re a good source of vitamin B6, which is important for the nervous and immune system, as well as folate for heart and pregnancy health.
4. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet, savory, and downright delicious, nothing beats this winter staple. Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
5. Cabbage
Roger Doiron says, “what cabbage lacks in sex appeal and trendiness it makes up for in dependability and productivity.” He’s right. Cabbage is cheap and just like broccoli, it’s a cruciferous super veggie.
6. Apples
Apples are our best foodie friends. Sweet, tangy, crunchy, and low in calories, apples have fiber and tons of phytochemicals or antioxidants that serve to fight free radicals in the body that cause disease and aging.
7. Quinoa
At $1 a pound quinoa is cheap and nutrient dense. Quinoa is a complete protein and can substitute for less sustainable proteins. Compared to other grains, quinoa is higher in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc.
8. Brown Basmati Rice
Talk about cheap, rice is one of the least expensive foods in the world. At just a few dollars a pound, a little goes a long way. I also love brown basmati rice, It’s an excellent source of manganese and a good source of the minerals selenium and magnesium.
9. Barley
Barley is one of my favorite grains. The little bubbles burst in your mouth, full of flavor. Barley is rich in manganese, selenium, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc and potassium.
10. Adzuki Beans
Beans are one of the least expensive protein sources. In fact, these little guys contain some of the highest levels of protein and the lowest levels of fat of any variety of beans. They also contain high levels of potassium, fiber, B vitamins, iron, zinc, and manganese.
11. Black Beans
This is an obvious one, but no less important. Black beans are a good source of folate, dietary fiber, manganese, protein, magnesium, vitamin B1 (thiamin), phosphorus, and iron.
12. Flaxseed
Omega 3 fatty acids are an ever important building block nutrient that like B12, the body cannot produce on its own. Don’t worry because you can get the nutrient without fatty fish. Instead, get it from flaxseed.
13. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are one of the least expensive seeds that you can buy in bulk and if you buy the raw variety, they’re quite good for you as well. Sunflower seeds have 76 percent of the RDA for vitamin E.
14. Sesame Seeds
Great for sprinkling on all your favorite Asian dishes, who knew that they were so good for you? Again, a little goes a long way with this one. You don’t need a whole lot to absorb the benefits. Sesame seeds are rich in calcium and magnesium. Who knew?
15. Almonds
I saved the best for last. If you’re not eating almonds, it’s time to start. Almonds are good for heart health and loaded with vitamin E, an antioxidant that keeps you from aging.
Showing posts with label superfood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label superfood. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Discover the Many Health Benefits of Chlorella
Tuesday, November 03, 2009 by: Elizabeth Walling, citizen journalist
Chlorella is an astounding package of complete nutrition, considering it is such a simple life form, which is probably why it is often referred to as nature's multivitamin. The synergistic nature of chlorella's nutrients is undeniable. All of its natural properties function together in a way individual supplements can't touch. Chlorella is famous for providing a vast array of benefits while fighting numerous diseases and conditions.
Vitamins. Chlorella is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E. And chlorella provides these nutrients in a whole food bundle which is far superior to any manufactured formula. Be aware, however, that many experts are now saying the vitamin B12 in chlorella is not highly bioavailable, so other sources should remain in the diet.
Minerals. Like most dark green veggies, chlorella is packed with highly beneficial magnesium, which improves blood sugar levels, heart health, mental health and relaxation to name a few. Chlorella also contains other important minerals like potassium, iron and calcium.
Amino Acids. Chlorella is a rich source of protein with a balance of important amino acids, including all of the essential ones which the body can't manufacture. These aminos are responsible for rebuilding the body's lean tissues and neurotransmitters, and contribute greatly to many functions in the body.
Chlorophyll. This green pigment not only gives chlorella its color, but it also provides many health benefits. Chlorophyll can improve immunity, alkalinity, and inflammation - it can even fight bad breath.
Detoxification. These days, toxins come at us from every possible angle: food, air, water, beauty products, cleaning supplies and even clothing. It's important to give the body what it needs to detox from all the harmful substances it encounters each day. Chlorella has an amazing ability to bind with toxins like chemicals and heavy metals, and move them swiftly out of the body. These benefits are powerful and can have a definite positive impact on our health.
Digestion. Chlorella promotes the production of healthy flora, bacteria and probiotics throughout the digestive system. This is essential for good digestion and overall health, and also makes chlorella effective for fighting candida and yeast overgrowth. Its anti-inflammatory benefits can also work to heal the digestive system.
Energy. A nourished, healthy body is full of energy and vitality. Many people report increased energy and elevated mood after using chlorella. Nothing can compare to the way it feels to be powered by a true superfood.
Cancer. Chlorella is known for its remarkable cancer-fighting benefits, possibly because it is rich in natural carotenoids, which can prevent oxidation (a leading cause behind cancer and heart disease). Paired with its detoxifying nature and ability to nourish the immune system, chlorella is a natural anti-carcinogenic agent.
Diabetes. In preliminary studies, chlorella can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels over time. This can prevent and improve conditions like diabetes and insulin resistance (metabolic syndrome). It is also thought that chlorella may guard against side effects of diabetes such as vision loss.
Fibromyalgia. Many have reported chlorella reduces pain associated with fibromyalgia. In one study, participants with fibromyalgia who consumed 10 grams of chlorella daily noticed a definite improvement in general symptoms and quality of life.
Heart Disease. Studies have demonstrated that chlorella can improve triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, and may also benefit those with high blood pressure. These factors, combined with chlorella's strong antioxidant properties, may provide effective protection against heart disease.
Obesity. Chlorella's unique properties may also have the ability to lower overall body fat. One 2008 Japanese study showed chlorella can reduce body fat percentages. This may be due to its ability to aid fat metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity. Plus, when we replace nutritionally empty foods with powerful superfoods like chlorella, the body tends to crave less junk food because it feels more nourished.
Tips for Using Chlorella:
- Chlorella is at its best in pure powder form without any kind of binding agents or additives. However, tablets are acceptable if you can't find a way to work the powder into your routine. Look for broken cell wall chlorella, which has been processed to make the nutrients in chlorella more digestible.
- Find a pure source of chlorella. Poor production methods can result in a contaminated product, and there are some manufacturers who use high-heat processing which destroys many of the benefits of chlorella. Do your research and find a reputable manufacturer of high-quality chlorella.
- The typical maintenance dose for chlorella is 3-6 grams per day. However, much higher dosages can be used to fight existing degenerative conditions and for heavy metal detox (as much as 20-30 grams per day). Since quality chlorella is a whole superfood, it is generally safe to take in large doses.
- Some people find they need to start small and gradually increase the dosage as their body adjusts to chlorella. Start with as little as 500 mg per day and add more as slowly as needed.
- Avoid chlorella if you are on anticoagulant drugs like warfarin (because of the vitamin K, which acts as a clotting agent).
Chlorella is an astounding package of complete nutrition, considering it is such a simple life form, which is probably why it is often referred to as nature's multivitamin. The synergistic nature of chlorella's nutrients is undeniable. All of its natural properties function together in a way individual supplements can't touch. Chlorella is famous for providing a vast array of benefits while fighting numerous diseases and conditions.
Vitamins. Chlorella is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E. And chlorella provides these nutrients in a whole food bundle which is far superior to any manufactured formula. Be aware, however, that many experts are now saying the vitamin B12 in chlorella is not highly bioavailable, so other sources should remain in the diet.
Minerals. Like most dark green veggies, chlorella is packed with highly beneficial magnesium, which improves blood sugar levels, heart health, mental health and relaxation to name a few. Chlorella also contains other important minerals like potassium, iron and calcium.
Amino Acids. Chlorella is a rich source of protein with a balance of important amino acids, including all of the essential ones which the body can't manufacture. These aminos are responsible for rebuilding the body's lean tissues and neurotransmitters, and contribute greatly to many functions in the body.
Chlorophyll. This green pigment not only gives chlorella its color, but it also provides many health benefits. Chlorophyll can improve immunity, alkalinity, and inflammation - it can even fight bad breath.
Detoxification. These days, toxins come at us from every possible angle: food, air, water, beauty products, cleaning supplies and even clothing. It's important to give the body what it needs to detox from all the harmful substances it encounters each day. Chlorella has an amazing ability to bind with toxins like chemicals and heavy metals, and move them swiftly out of the body. These benefits are powerful and can have a definite positive impact on our health.
Digestion. Chlorella promotes the production of healthy flora, bacteria and probiotics throughout the digestive system. This is essential for good digestion and overall health, and also makes chlorella effective for fighting candida and yeast overgrowth. Its anti-inflammatory benefits can also work to heal the digestive system.
Energy. A nourished, healthy body is full of energy and vitality. Many people report increased energy and elevated mood after using chlorella. Nothing can compare to the way it feels to be powered by a true superfood.
Cancer. Chlorella is known for its remarkable cancer-fighting benefits, possibly because it is rich in natural carotenoids, which can prevent oxidation (a leading cause behind cancer and heart disease). Paired with its detoxifying nature and ability to nourish the immune system, chlorella is a natural anti-carcinogenic agent.
Diabetes. In preliminary studies, chlorella can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels over time. This can prevent and improve conditions like diabetes and insulin resistance (metabolic syndrome). It is also thought that chlorella may guard against side effects of diabetes such as vision loss.
Fibromyalgia. Many have reported chlorella reduces pain associated with fibromyalgia. In one study, participants with fibromyalgia who consumed 10 grams of chlorella daily noticed a definite improvement in general symptoms and quality of life.
Heart Disease. Studies have demonstrated that chlorella can improve triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, and may also benefit those with high blood pressure. These factors, combined with chlorella's strong antioxidant properties, may provide effective protection against heart disease.
Obesity. Chlorella's unique properties may also have the ability to lower overall body fat. One 2008 Japanese study showed chlorella can reduce body fat percentages. This may be due to its ability to aid fat metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity. Plus, when we replace nutritionally empty foods with powerful superfoods like chlorella, the body tends to crave less junk food because it feels more nourished.
Tips for Using Chlorella:
- Chlorella is at its best in pure powder form without any kind of binding agents or additives. However, tablets are acceptable if you can't find a way to work the powder into your routine. Look for broken cell wall chlorella, which has been processed to make the nutrients in chlorella more digestible.
- Find a pure source of chlorella. Poor production methods can result in a contaminated product, and there are some manufacturers who use high-heat processing which destroys many of the benefits of chlorella. Do your research and find a reputable manufacturer of high-quality chlorella.
- The typical maintenance dose for chlorella is 3-6 grams per day. However, much higher dosages can be used to fight existing degenerative conditions and for heavy metal detox (as much as 20-30 grams per day). Since quality chlorella is a whole superfood, it is generally safe to take in large doses.
- Some people find they need to start small and gradually increase the dosage as their body adjusts to chlorella. Start with as little as 500 mg per day and add more as slowly as needed.
- Avoid chlorella if you are on anticoagulant drugs like warfarin (because of the vitamin K, which acts as a clotting agent).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)