Whenever someone hears a nutritionist talk about poor eating habits, the first thing that comes to mind is obesity. And that's perfectly logical because we are a diet-conscious nation and it's virtually impossible to open a newspaper or listen to a news broadcast without hearing that Americans are gaining pounds and inches at an unprecedented rate. But obesity is more than simply unattractive. It's also unhealthy. So unhealthy that it's literally killing us. A study by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and published in JAMA concludes that obesity kills 112,000 Americans each year. Other studies claim the figure may be even higher. In addition to the alarming death rate, being overweight or obese may be a factor in other chronic health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis. Researchers are even studying the possible link between being overweight and an increased risk of developing several types of cancer.
The Role of Nutrition in Combating Obesity
We all know what it takes to combat obesity / oveweight. Cut back on greasy pizza, sugary cereals, buckets of fried chicken and fast-food burgers with salty French fries; and start eating at least 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Wholesome meals, the kind our parents used to prepare. But unfortunately, between home, work and family obligations, it's almost impossible to make daily trips to the supermarket or spend hours in the kitchen preparing meals. If you find yourself and your family faced with a nutritional gap, health experts recommend you supplement your diet with a green superfood. A nutrient-dense superfood will deliver the health-giving properties your body may be lacking.
What Are Green Superfoods?
Green superfoods are rich in nutrients and contain the elements necessary to support increased energy, greater immune health, faster cell rejuvenation, healthy stamina, and proper digestion and elimination. These superfoods are designed to help you feel better, look younger and stay healthier. They typically contain a mix of fruits, vegetables, phytonutrients, probiotics, digestive enzymes, fiber and an immune-supporting source of antioxidants. One of the most important components of green superfoods is chlorophyll.
The Benefits of Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is an essential nutrient found in green plants. It gives green color to foods and is a rich source of antioxidants. Chlorophyll increases oxygen availability in our system and is vital for the body's rapid assimilation of amino acids. Young cereal grasses like barley and wheat grass juice contain high concentrations of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is also found in Chlorella and Spirulina, both algae containing high amounts of protein along with essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Nova Scotia Dulce, another algae, contains all the trace elements our body needs along with a high protein content.
Additional Nutrients in Green Superfoods
Natural sources include vegetables like spinach, broccoli, kale, parsley, carrot, and cauliflower which contain chlorophyll, carotenoids, bioflavonoids, vitamins and organic mineral complexes. Green leafy vegetables are high in vitamin B-12 and iron. When you are looking for a dietary supplement, look for one which has a combination of these nutrients, enzymes to help digestion, probiotic concentrates to help keep a healthy bacterial balance, and an adequate amount of vegetables, fiber and antioxidant power.
There is enough positive research to indicate that certain foods help specific functions of the body. Flax and oat, for instance, are known to support heart health, while brown rice, apple, and licorice help support stomach and colon health. Bee pollen and royal jelly are thought to aid the immune system, and soy and ginkgo biloba support mental health.
Choosing the Right Superfood
Make sure the supplement does not contain any artificial colors, artificial preservatives, added sugar, yeast, or MSG. Choosing the right foods in your diet is important to your health. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, getting enough regular exercise, and augmenting your diet with a good dietary supplement will give you all the essential nutrients your diet may be lacking.
