Greens mix (Chlorella, Spirulina, Barley Grass, Wheatgrass)

· Chlorella

This fresh-water algae is a single-celled organism which is the most chlorophyll rich superfood on earth. It is commonly used as a food supplement in Asia

Benefits:

It confers detoxifying properties for the human body: blood, lymph, liver. It offers detoxification from heavy metals e.g. lead, mercury, and other substances (pollutants) e.g. fluorides and pesticides.

Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants which is needed for photosynthesis (conversion of light energy from the sun into chemical energy). Magnesium, which reduces muscle tension and headaches (especially migraines) is the key mineral in this pigment. It also contains iron, which carries oxygen around our bodies and is particularly helpful for people with anemia.

Chlorella is very high in protein and contains all 9 essential amino acids*

It also boosts the immune system and protects against cancerous growths.

Chlorella reduces blood cholesterol.

One of the fastest growing food crops on the planet. It can grow four times its size in 24 hours.

The CGF (chlorella growth factor) encourages growth and repair of nerve tissue, which has important implications for use in human medicine. CGF is also associated with maintaining healthy levels of beneficial human gut flora.

In order to make chlorella bioavailable for absorption, it is necessary to break down its cellulose cell wall, which humans do not have the necessary enzymes to digest). This is achieved by pulverising the algae, or by growing it indoors in specific conditions which create a very thin cellulose cell wall, which will crack on its own when dried.

· Spirulina Powder

Background: Spirulina is a blue green algae known as cyanobacterium. It is incredibly high in protein and a good source of antioxidants. There are many species, but the most popular are S. maxima (Mexico) and S. platensis (California). Spirulina was consumed by the Aztecs.

Benefits:

Extremely high in protein (over 55%). It is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids.*

Omega 3 and 6 (esp. 3) which promote cardiovascular health, healthy cells and brain function.

Gamma linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties.

Rich in antioxidants. The main component is phycocyanin, which also gives the characteristic blue-green colour. It protects cells from damage and also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Rich in Chlorophyll — removes toxins from the body and boosts the immune system.

High Calcium content useful for children, pregnant mothers, elderly with arthritis/ mobility issues.

Rich in Iron carries oxygen around our body.**

Copper increases iron absorption and helps collagen formation.

Selenium is involved in reproduction, DNA synthesis and thyroid hormone function.

Vitamins: Vitamin B12 (needed for healthy neurological functions).

B complex vitamins: B1, B2, B3

Vitamin E promotes healthy skin and helps protect from cancer.

Carotenoids are antioxidants which help slow down skin aging.

Magnesium reduces muscle tension, headaches (especially migraines). Many people are deficient.

Potassium is used in blood pressure regulation and nervous system function.

Manganese is useful for blood oxygenation.

Zinc is required for cell metabolism as many enzymes need it order to function.

Low in calories

Increases fat burning during exercise

Interesting facts:

-Spirulina can bind with heavy metals and help remove them from our body

-Spirulina has been shown to reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms

-Research suggests spirulina compounds may bind with radioactive isotopes. This has implications for people undergoing radiation therapy or exposure to radiation.

…Spirulina may just be the single most beneficial food on earth!

Suggested Uses: Mix into smoothies, juices or even a glass of water. It is beneficial in tiny doses. The standard adult daily dose ranges from only 500mg to 3g.

Caution:

Consult a doctor before consuming spirulina if you are pregnant, nursing, or for children under 18.

Sufferers of PKU (Phenylketonuria) are unable to metabolise enzyme phenylalanine which is found in spirulina, so should avoid this.

Also avoid spirulina in cases of autoimmune disease e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, as it can stimulate an immune response which is undesirable in these cases.

Those on anticoagulation medication should also consult a doctor before taking spirulina.

IMPORTANT! Spirulina can be contaminated by toxic substances (microcystins) and absorb heavy metals from water, so it is important to obtain from a regulated safe source. We have necessary analysis to ensure the cleanliness of our source.

* Also known as indispensable amino acids. There are 9 in total. Our bodies are unable to manufacture these so we must get them from our diet.

** High concentration of bioavailable iron, which is easy to absorb and will not cause constipation.

· Barley Grass (Hordeum vulgare, Hordeum distichon) Other names: hordeum

Barley is the first cereal grain cultivated by humans approximately 9000years ago. Historically, it was used to treat skin, liver, blood, and gastrointestinal ailments. The leaf of the barley plant is used instead of the grain. This has a higher nutritional value if cut at a young age.

Vitamin A promotes healthy skin and good vision.

B Complex Vitamins: B, B2, B3, B6

Vitamin C boosts immune system and protects from heart disease.

Vitamin E promotes healthy skin and helps protect from cancer.

Vitamin K maintains normal bone metabolism and helps blood clot, preventing excessive bleeding.

Magnesium reduces muscle tension, headaches (especially migraines). Many people are deficient.

Phosphorous found in teeth and bones, involved in healthy kidney function and energy storage.

Potassium is used in blood pressure regulation and nervous system function.

Zinc is required for cell metabolism as many enzymes need it order to function.

Iron carries oxygen around our body.

Calcium content useful for children, pregnant mothers, elderly with arthritis/ mobility issues.

Antioxidants and beneficial enzymes. Barley grass is the most powerful provider of enzyme superoxide dismutase which neutralises free radical effects, preventing cancer.

Essential amino acids, the building blocks of the human body

Glutamic acid helps fights addiction to substances such as alcohol, nicotine, simple carbohydrates and drugs by inhibiting the craving. It acts as a neurotransmitter and also has positive effects on concentration and can potentially improve learning disorders or dementia.

Chlorophyll removes toxins from the body and boosts the immune system.

Fibre helps regulate weight and promote healthy bowel function.

It may slow the rate of stomach emptying, creating a feeling of fullness and reducing appetite.

Detoxification from heavy metals.

Lowers: Blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol (lowers LDL and increases HDL).

· Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass belongs to the wheat family, as its name suggests. It was most probably first used by Ancient Egyptians, but only introduced to ‘westerners’ about a century ago.

Wheatgrass is commonly juiced into a very high concentration liquid before we can consume it, or alternatively made into a food supplement, as the grass blades can’t be eaten as they are.

Iron carries oxygen around our body.

Magnesium reduces muscle tension, headaches (especially migraines). Many people are deficient.

Calcium useful for children, pregnant mothers, elderly with arthritis/ mobility issues.

Amino acids are the building blocks of our body.

Vitamins A promotes healthy skin and good vision

Vitamin C boosts the immune system and protects from heart disease.

Vitamin E promotes healthy skin and helps protect from cancer.

Chlorophyll removes toxins from the body and boosts the immune system.

Fibre helps regulate weight and promote healthy bowel function.

It detoxifies the liver and the blood.

It can strengthen the immune system.

It reduces harmful gut bacteria and helps inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis.

Combined benefits:

A rejuvenating low calorie mix, ideal for boosting energy levels and weight management.

High in antioxidants to protect against cancer with added benefits of strong detoxifying properties.

It contributes towards general well-being: healthy mind, healthy blood, healthy gut and healthy skin.

Suggested uses: Mix into smoothies, use in juices or teas (hot or cold), soups and dips.

Caution: Avoid spirulina in cases of autoimmune disease e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, as it can stimulate an immune response which is undesirable in these cases.

Consult a doctor before consuming spirulina if you are pregnant, nursing, or for children under 18.

Sufferers of PKU (Phenylketonuria) are unable to metabolise enzyme phenylalanine which is found in spirulina, so should avoid this.

Those on anticoagulation medication should also consult a doctor before taking spirulina.

Consult your doctor first if you have a wheat or grass allergy or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Cereal grains may cause nausea and vomiting. Avoid if you have celiac disease.

* Also known as indispensable amino acids. There are 9 in total. Our bodies are unable to manufacture these so we must get them from our diet

· Chlorella references:

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-chlorella.html

http://www.superfoods-for-superhealth.com/chlorella.html

http://www.superfoods-for-superhealth.com/chlorophyll.html

· Spirulina references:

http://wellnessmama.com/4738/spirulina-herb-profile/

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/spirulina

http://authoritynutrition.com/10-proven-benefits-of-spirulina/

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-923-spirulina%20(blue-green%20algae).aspx?activeingredientid=923&activeingredientname=spirulina%20(blue-green%20algae)

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-954-vitamin%20e.aspx?activeingredientid=954&activeingredientname=vitamin%20e

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirulina_(dietary_supplement)#Historical_use

http://www.eufic.org/article/en/artid/The-importance-of-omega-3-and-omega-6-fatty-acids/

http://articles.mercola.com/omega-3.aspx

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vitamins-minerals/Pages/Vitamin-B.aspx

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/what-are-carotenoids/

http://www.marcusrohrerspirulina.com/products/use/dosage-tablets/

· Barley Grass references:

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-799-barley.aspx?activeingredientid=799&activeingredientname=barley

http://www.drugs.com/npc/barley-grass.html

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/cereal/barley-grass.html

http://naturya.com/products/barleygrass-powder

· Wheatgrass references:

http://www.superfoods-for-superhealth.com/wheatgrass.html

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1073-wheatgrass.aspx?activeingredientid=1073&activeingredientname=wheatgrass

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/05/20/wheatgrass.aspx

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/wheatgrass/faq-20058018http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11989836