By NaomiDecember 17, 20200 comments

7 green superfoods and their amazing benefits

If you want to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, making sure you include these organic green superfoods in your diet is a great way to detox, stay energised, and improve your overall well-being.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, which grows in fresh and salty water. It was once popular with the Aztecs and is now included in many greens powders and supplements.

It is packed with vitamins and nutrients, including vitamins B1, B2 and B3 (thiamin, riboflavin and niacin), iron, phosphorus, potassium and protein. [1]

It is also a powerful antioxidant, thanks to its main component, phycocyanin, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. [2]

Studies have suggested that spirulina may also help increase muscle strength and endurance, so that you can exercise for longer before getting tired. [3]

Kale

This high-fibre leafy vegetable has almost become fashionable to include in a green smoothie or salad. But what are the benefits of eating this green superfood?

Like spirulina, kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods there is. In terms of vitamins and minerals, kale is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese and potassium. It also contains the omega-3 fatty acid. [4]

Its antioxidant properties may help counter the oxidative damage that can lead to ageing and diseases such as cancer [5]. The flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol may help lower blood pressure [6] and protect against viral infections [7].

Spinach

Another dark leafy green vegetable, spinach is an excellent source of fibre, and packed with nutrients such as vitamins A, C and K, as well as folate, manganese, magnesium, iron and vitamin B2.

As well as containing antioxidants, its carotenoid content may help protect or improve your eye health [8]

There has been some evidence that the lipids sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG) and monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG) contained in spinach may help suppress the growth of cancer cells in humans. [9]

Wheatgrass

The freshly sprouted leaves of the wheat plant are known as wheatgrass. It is an excellent source of many different vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, C and E.

It also contains calcium, iron, magnesium, and 7 essential amino acids. The antioxidants, vitamin C and glutathione, fight against damaging free radicals and may help reduce cell damage. [10]

Like spinach and kale, wheatgrass contains thylakoids, which some studies have shown lead to a slower emptying of the stomach, decreased hunger or ‘feeling full’ sooner. This suggests that consuming thylakoids (or foods that contain them) may aid weight loss or be an effective treatment for obesity. [11] [12]

Seagreens

Another highly nutritious superfood rich in antioxidants, seagreens are made entirely from seaweed. They are a pure wholefood with a high bioavailability, meaning that the body can easily absorb it.

As well as containing vitamins B1 and B2, iron and copper, it also contains iodine and the amino acid tyrosine, which play an important role in supporting thyroid function. Abnormal thyroid function can lead to weight change, fatigue and neck swelling.

Its high fibre content also promotes good gut health. [14]

Chlorella

Chlorella is a bright green, single-celled freshwater algae. This nutrient dense superfood is high in essential vitamins and minerals and contains all 9 essential amino acids, making it a great source of protein.

It’s great for ‘detox’ as it binds to heavy metals in your body (which can be present due to pollution and helps remove them. [15]

Some studies have shown that chlorella may help lower blood pressure and reduce hypertension and blood cholesterol.

It may also help increase endurance during exercise, as one study showed that participants who took a chlorella supplement had higher levels of oxygen saturation in their lungs than the placebo group by the end of the study. [17] It is thought that this may be due to the presence of branched chain amino acids in chlorella.

Inulin

Inulin is a natural soluble dietary fibre derived from the chicory root. It promotes digestive health by stimulating the ‘good bacteria’ in your gut to grow, which can aid digestion. It slows down digestion and increases the feeling of ‘fullness’, which may also aid weight loss [18] and help control blood sugar. [19]

If you would like to experience all of the potential benefits of these green superfoods, you can find them all in our Organic Greens drink powder. You can choose between a delicious orange and lime flavour, or the unflavoured version in case you want to mix it with other ingredients.

It contains no added sugar, and is sweetened naturally with Stevia.

[1] https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/595824/nutrients

[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12769719/

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20010119/

[4] https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2461/2

[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0009898114002629

[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22332099/

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24470791/

[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19168000/

[9] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123746283000268

[10] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20508870/

[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5059972/