It's easy being green: go for green foods and get the nutrients you need in one glass or supplement

Green foods (or as some would attest, "superfoods") are what nutrition experts term a group of phytochemical-rich products derived from the algae chlorella and spirulina, and the young cereal grasses wheat, barley and alfalfa. Cousins to dark green leafy vegetables, these nutrient-dense eatables can be the perfect sidekick to a whole-foods diet, keeping you in tip-top shape.

Here are 10 ways you can benefit from green foods--every day.

1. Fruit and veggie serving: Nearly every major health organization recommends eating at least five servings of produce each day to get the nutrients necessary for robust health. Green foods are packed with these, such beta-carotene, potassium, calcium, B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium and selenium.

2. Antioxidant boost: Green foods are notoriously high in antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamins C and E, which fend off the free radicals that promote chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's and heart disease.

3. Energizing meal/snack: Need a grab-and-go breakfast? Mix 1 teaspoon of green foods powder into a smoothie consisting of milk, frozen berries and low-fat yogurt for a no-fuss nutritious morning repast. Pour it into a thermos, and it'll stay chilled for an afternoon pick-me-up.

4. Chlorophyll source: Spirulina and chlorella's blue-green color denotes the presence of both chlorophyll (green) and phycocyanin (blue) pigments. Nearly identical to oxygen-carrying hemoglobin found in red blood cells, chlorophyll is viewed by numerous health practitioners as a way to increase circulation, bolster immunity and help eliminate waste products. Chlorella reigns when it comes to chlorophyll content.

5. GLA and B12 bonus: Spirulina, besides being a good source of iron and a great source of beta-carotene, is one of the rare food sources of gamma-linolenic acid (CLA), an omega-6 fatty acid now being studied for its anticancer properties. And herbivores should not overlook all that vitamin B12, normally found only in foods of animal origin.

6. Even better blended: Mixed green powder supplements are usually a blend of all these green foods, with some additions such as probiotics and fibers that aid in digestion. Mixing them with goji, acai or blueberry juice makes a drink with a serious nutritional punch.

7. Passing the acid test: Green foods are naturally alkaline, and thus useful in reducing the body's acidity. High acidity caused by a diet too liberal in processed foods and animal protein can leach calcium from bones, resulting in a weakened skeleton.

8. Gluten-free: Those with wheat allergies may consume wheatgrass safely, as it does not contain any of the gluten found in wheat and its relatives. Wheatgrass and other cereal grasses are harvested long before they mature enough to produce their seed.

9. Green and clean: Most often, green foods are produced using organic agricultural methods, meaning they contain fewer unwelcome chemicals for you and Mother Nature.

10. On ice: Cool off by mixing powdered greens with water and pouring into ice cube trays or popside Plop a green ice cube into your glass and watch the nutrients ooze out.

By Matthew Kadey MSc, RD

GREENS GUIDE

PRODUCT                 DESCRIPTION

Earthrise               Helps to promote immune
Spirulina               health and provides antioxidant
Greens Blend            benefits; one serving is
Cleansing Powder        equivalent to up to four servings
                        of vegetables.

Garden of Life          Contains algae, spirulina and
Perfect Food Super      cereal grasses, fermented for
Green Formula           easier absorption; great for
                        low-carb dieters needing more
                        vegetables.

Greens +                A blend of 29 nutrient-rich
                        superfoods, sea vegetables and
                        high-energy herbal extracts;
                        helps increase energy and
                        cleanse the digestive system.

Green Vibrance          An algae-based powder with
Vibrant Health          probiotics designed to deliver
                        nutrients to cells throughout
                        the body; indicated for stress,
                        immunity, circulation and
                        digestion.

PINES Mighty Greens     Sold as drink mix, Mighty
Superfood Blend         Greens boasts cereal grasses,
                        alfalfa and spirulina, plus
                        ginkgo, royal jelly (an energizing
                        nutrient) and other herbs.

Wakunaga Kyo-Green      Two teaspoons provide the
                        nutrients found in one serving of
                        deep green leafy vegetables.

Green Foods             A powdered barley supplement
Green Magma             with more than 70 nutrients;
                        helps with skin, nails and hair,
                        plus detoxification, energy,
                        immunity and digestion.

Greens Today Original   Free of dairy, wheat, corn,
Formula                 fructose, egg and other fillers,
                        Greens Today's formula is
                        composed of organic spirulina
                        and includes some 72 different
                        nutrients, including trace minerals,
                        herbs and essential fats.

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