Green Foods
Wheat Grass / Barley Grass
Cereal grasses are chlorophyll rich super-foods providing an abundance of nutrients. Wheat grass contains approximately 90 minerals of the 102 found in rich soil. The therapeutic properties of wheat and barley grass are virtually identical.
- WEIGHT CONTROL - Cereal grasses are complete superfood rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and easily digestible carbohydrates. Cereal grasses can be used away from meals to reduce cravings and improve overall nutritional intake. The cleansing benefits of cereal grasses support healthy liver function, a central factor in weight management.
- BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL - The easily assimilated amino acids and trace minerals contained in cereal grasses help maintain blood glucose levels. Reduced cravings aiding weight loss and reduced insulin requirements can be achieved through the use of green foods.
- ANTI-OXIDANT - Cereal grasses offer a powerful protective effect on cellular ageing and aid immune function. In addition to a wide variety of nutrients, cereal grasses offer unique digestive enzymes which help resolve indigestible and toxic substances in food. Also present is the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the special fraction P4D1. Both of these substances slow cellular deterioration and mutation and are therefore useful in the treatment of degenerative disease and in the reversal of ageing. SOD is a powerful antioxidant enzyme found in healthy cells, protecting the body against the damaging effects of free radicals. The enzyme P4D1 works by stimulating the renewal of RNA/DNA and also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
- DETOXIFIER AND DIGESTIVE AID - Chlorophyll, the green pigment found in green foods, increases peristaltic action thus relieving constipation and normalises the secretion of digestive acids. The chlorophyll-rich alkaline effects of cereal grasses and other green foods help overcome cases of hyperacidity, control the growth of unwanted micro-organisms, detoxify the liver and deodorise the gastro-intestinal tract.
- ANTI-INFLAMMATORY - Cereal grasses offer a potent combination of effects to help overcome inflammation:
- Chlorophyll acts as a natural 'antacid'
- P4D1 offers steroid like effects
- The content of SOD raises free-radical protection
- Cereal grasses are abundant in mucopolysaccharides (MPs) which are amino-sugars. These are known for strengthening connective tissue making them more elastic and resilient. They also protect the vascular system.
- SUPERFOOD - cereal grasses are classic 'super-foods' containing an abundance of nutrients including a complete amino acid profile, carbohydrates (glycogen), vitamins, minerals (including trace elements), fibre, protective plant pigments such as chlorophyll and carotenoids.
- BLOOD TONIC - The high chlorophyll content of cereal grasses makes them a useful blood tonic/builder. Chlorophyll is almost identical to hemoglobin except for the central core being magnesium rather than iron in hemoglobin.
Dosage
Being a very concentrated source of nutrients it is suggested that small amounts be taken, at least initially to avoid any strong cleansing reactions. As part of a blend of green foods start at 1tsp daily, more may be used depending on body weight, physical demands etc.
Potential applications
Inflammation, arthritis, digestive acidity, sports nutrition, weight control, body odour and bad breath, convalescence, hyper/hypoglycemic conditions, anemia, liver detoxification, ulcers, pancreatitis, visual complaints, allergies, heavy metal poisoning, maintenance of hair/skin/nails, cellular health and maintenance.
Known contraindications
None known.
Use in conjunction with
Beneficial in weight control when linked with other supportive nutrients such as milk thistle, l-carnitine, EFAs and CoQ10. The use of iron alongside green foods would appear a useful strategy in cases of chronic anemia. Use with probiotics, antifungal agents and fibres as part of an anti-candida programme.
Note
Intake of wheat or barley grass rarely affects individuals with wheat or other cereal allergies.
References
- Kubota, K et al. Isolation of potent anti-inflammatory protein from barley leaves. Research at: Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science University of Tokyo (Ichigaya-funagawara-machi, Shinjuku-ku), Tokyo, 162, Japan.
Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa)
- NUTRITIVE - Alfalfa is a good source of nutrients due to its deep roots, which extract nutrients from the substrate even when surface soils are depleted due to poor agricultural methods. Alfalfa is rich in vitamins (particularly vitamin K), minerals, amino acids, carotenoids, enzymes, and the green pigment, chlorophyll.
- HORMONE BALANCING - Alfalfa contains a group of plant compounds known as phytoestrogens. These are not true estrogens, yet they possess molecular structures similar enough to estrogen to bind to estradiol receptors. The three main phytoestrogens found in alfalfa are coumestrol, genistein and formonetin. These compounds have an 'alterative' or balancing effect on body estrogen levels. Alfalfa also exerts thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) activity and has the additional effect of inhibiting prolactin release.
- CHOLESTEROL REDUCTION - Alfalfa has been shown to lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). This effect appears to be due to reduced intestinal absorption and increased excretion due to phytosterols and saponins present in alfalfa.
- ANTI-ARTHRITIC - Alfalfa has been found to be beneficial in arthritic conditions, most likely due to its detoxifying and diuretic nature due to high nutrient and chlorophyll levels.
- DIGESTIVE TONIC - Alfalfa is rich in enzymes and chlorophyll known to be protective and beneficial in a variety of gastric conditions. Chlorophyll is particularly beneficial as an anti-bacterial; helps reduce odours and aids with tissue healing time. A flavone compound, tricin, has been found present in alfalfa and exerts smooth muscle relaxing properties, this would appear beneficial in gastro-intestinal cramping.
Dosage
Alfalfa is basically a food, which makes 'dosage' inappropriate. However levels of 1-10 grams are suggested.
Potential applications
Polycystic ovaries, elevated triglycerides/cholesterol, hypothyroidism, osteoarthritis, digestive disorders e.g. gas, bloating, inflammation, bad breath, PMS, menopausal complaints, sports nutrition.
Known contraindications
Alfalfa seeds but not the leaf are known to contain significant amounts of a non-essential amino acid - Canavanine which when consumed in large quantities can cause a reversible lupus like condition in some individuals.
Use in conjunction with
Alfalfa links well with other detoxifying agents such as spirulina, milk thistle, and a cleansing diet. As an aid in female health, alfalfa links well with EFAs, Calcium/Magnesium/Boron and Dong Quai.
Note
Intake of wheat or barley grass rarely affects individuals with wheat or other cereal allergies.
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
- EYE PROTECTOR - Bilberry extracts are rich in a flavonoid known as anthocyanoside, which exerts potent effects primarily through improving blood flow and the delivery of oxygen to the eye. The potent antioxidant effects of Bilberry also protect the eyes from free-radical damage, the causative factor involved in the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. The collagen protecting effects of bilberry also play a significant role in prevention and treatment of glaucoma.
- CIRCULATORY TONIC - Clinical studies have shown good results in the treatment of various circulatory problems through reduced capillary fragility, improving collagen stability, and restoring connective tissue that surround the veins. Reduction in platelet aggregation has also been noted in those using bilberry extracts. This offers benefits in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and clot formation.
- BLOOD SUGAR LOWERING - The anthocyanoside myrtillin, found in bilberry, exerts hypoglycemic effects with even a single dose exerting beneficial effects lasting several weeks.
- ANTI-INFLAMMATORY - Anthocyanosides and other flavonoid compounds found in bilberry prevent the release of inflammatory chemicals such as leukotrienes, histamine and prostaglandins.
- ANTI-ULCER - Results show significant benefits in the administration of bilberry in cases of gastric ulceration. Improvements are likely due to an increase in gastric mucus, along with some benefit attributed to the collagen stabilising effects of anthocyanosides.
Dosage
Significant therapeutic improvements have been noted using levels of 480mg daily.
Potential applications
Diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, varicose veins, gastric ulcer, poor vision, inflammatory conditions, elevated cholesterol or triglycerides.
Known contraindications
None noted.
Use in conjunction with
Bilberry can be used alongside other vascular supportive aids such as antioxidants, grape seed extract, vitamin E, hawthorn and EFAs. For eye health, bilberry can be linked with beta carotene or spirulina, quercetin complex, and grape seed extract.
© Cheryl Thallon at Viridian
Like this page? Please link to us and let the world know!
Bookmark this page