Discovering The Power Of Greens
In our fast-paced world, maintaining good health has become an even greater necessity.
One of the most effective ways to do this is by incorporating highly nutritious foods into your daily diet. And, when it comes to nutritious foods, power greens are some of the most powerful.
These vibrant, nutrient-packed vegetables are like a secret weapon for your health, providing a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help supercharge your well-being.
Let’s explore the world of power greens and how they can help you optimize your health.
The Health Benefits Of Power Green Nutrition
Power greens, often called “leafy greens” or “super greens,” are a group of nutrient-dense vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential compounds. Think of leafy greens, but supercharged. Some of the most popular power greens include kale, alfalfa, wheatgrass, and green algae, like spirulina and chlorella.
These greens are not only delicious, they also pack a mighty punch when it comes to potential health benefits. Let’s take a look.
Kale
Kale is high in key vitamins (like A, K, C, and folate B9), minerals (potassium, calcium, and magnesium), and dietary fiber. It’s also a good source of phytochemicals. With their antioxidant properties, phytochemicals can help support your body’s natural defense against cell-damaging free radicals.1
Kale also contains the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are widely recommended as essential to help support eye health.2
Spirulina
Fun Fact: Spirulina is a blue-green algae that became famous after it was successfully used by NASA as a dietary supplement for astronauts.
It’s a type of algae that grows in both fresh and salt waters, and it contains numerous vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, beta-carotene, and iron. Interestingly, it also contains a decent amount of protein! 3
One unique component of spirulina is a pigment called phycocyanin, which gives spirulina its deep blue-green hue. It has such potent antioxidant properties that studies have shown it may help to support healthy cholesterol levels already within normal ranges, blood cell health, and even muscle endurance.4-6
Chlorella
While on the topic of algae, let’s take a look at chlorella. Chlorella is a green, freshwater type of algae, and its superpower is that it contains large amounts of folate and iron – more than most other plant-derived foods.7
Adding to its “superfood” status is the fact that chlorella is over 50% complete protein. Complete proteins are usually meats or soy products, like tofu, and they contain all nine essential amino acids.8
Chlorella can also be an excellent source of iron and vitamin C and, like other algae, it contains a good hit of omega-3 fatty acids. It contains several antioxidants, and clinical research has shown that taking chlorella may support healthy blood sugar levels.9
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass, the young sprouted leaves of the common wheat plant, has garnered popularity over the years for its potential health benefits.
This is hardly surprising when you look at its nutritional profile: wheatgrass is packed with vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as a huge amount of minerals, like iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, and zinc. It’s also a rich source of tocopherol vitamin E.10
But it doesn’t stop there. Wheatgrass contains 17 amino acids (eight of which are essential), along with chlorophyll, and several important antioxidants which can help to repair cells damaged by pollution and stress.11,12
Alfalfa
For a decorative little sprout famously thrown on salads and sandwiches, alfalfa packs a nutrient-rich punch! Belonging to the legume family, it’s been used for centuries as a food and an herbal remedy.
Alfalfa contains significant amounts of vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, and several B vitamins, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, and potassium. It’s a potent source of beneficial antioxidants, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and saponins.13,14
As alfalfa is a good source of both vitamin K and calcium, it can be seen as a wonderful food for bone health. Vitamin K plays a role in bone mineralization, while calcium is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.15,16
Barley Grass
Barley grass is notable for having the highest fiber of all the renowned cereal crops, and its malt is famed for more than just beer – it’s also a staple in Chinese medicine.
Barley grass has an abundance of nutrition fuelled by chlorophyll, antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C), minerals, and eight essential amino acids.17
Studies have shown that barley grass may help support sleep, healthy blood sugar levels already within a normal range, immune function, healthy digestion, and boosted energy levels.18
Incorporating Power Greens Into Your Diet
Okay, now that you’re armed with all this nutritional info, do you still find it a challenge to eat enough greens? You’re far from alone if you say “yes.”
Is it the taste? Or, do you struggle to find fresh options? Perhaps, the real issue is simply finding a way to incorporate “power greens” into your diet in a way that you can enjoy.
Well, here’s the best part – integrating power greens into your daily routine has never been easier. Today, you can simply buy a “super green” powder supplement, and add a scoop to your preferred drink each and every day, no prep required!
You can mix your power greens powder in with your favorite breakfast smoothie or protein shake. You can also purchase a supplement powder that comes naturally flavored – so you can simply mix it with water.
Healthy Recipes Packed With Green Superfoods
The great thing about super greens is that even if you’re taking them as a supplement, you can still incorporate them into your meals and not overdo it. You simply can’t go wrong with greens!
So, now that you know about the incredible health benefits of these power greens, let’s explore some creative ways to incorporate these superfood ingredients into your daily diet:
- Green Smoothies
Blend powerful greens like spinach, kale, or algae with fruit, yogurt, and a splash of almond milk for a refreshing and nutritious green smoothie. Fruit will always dominate the flavor, so your smoothie won’t “taste” like kale.
- Salads
Add a mix of power greens to your salads for a burst of color and flavor. Top them with lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and your favorite dressing. Don’t forget the avocado!
- Stir-Fries
Toss power greens into stir-fries with your choice of protein, veggies, and a flavorful sauce.
- Soups and Stews
Add power greens, like Swiss chard or collard greens, to your favorite soups or stews for an extra nutrient boost.
- Sandwiches and Wraps
Use power greens as a crunchy, nutritious filling for sandwiches and wraps.
- Sauteed Sides
Sauté power greens with garlic and olive oil for a simple and healthy side dish.
- Green Pesto
Create a vibrant pesto sauce using power greens, nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Serve it over pasta or as a dip for veggies.
Power Greens Are Nature’s Gift To Our Health
Quite simply, power greens are nutrient powerhouses. They help ramp up your energy levels, fill in nutritional gaps, and bolster your health, wellness, and vitality. Most importantly, when taken as a supplement, they can help streamline your health journey by delivering superior nutrition in a really convenient way.
So, go ahead and start fueling your day with power greens – your body will thank you for it.
Sources
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/collagen/
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/collagen/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6891674/
- https://parjournal.net/article/view/3863
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/collagen/
- https://parjournal.net/article/view/3863
- https://www.physio-pedia.com/Effects_of_Ageing_on_Joints
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8620403/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8824545/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5608132/
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/10/2494
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1185/030079908X291967
- https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/supplements-and-vitamins/can-collagen-supplements-help-arthritis
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28786550/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35639457/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7271718/
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/collagen/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566836/#:~:text=Other%20dietary%20sources%20of%20collagen,broth%20from%20bones%20or%20cartilage.