An introduction to Superfoods (part 1)

Superfoods can have hugely positive impact on health, especially when high quality foods have been sourced.

In this blog post, the focus is on 3 plant based superfoods, grown and cultivated in pristine waters and lakes – Chlorella, wrack seaweed and blue green algae.

Chlorella

Chlorella has its name due to the high concentration of chlorophyll it possesses. It has the highest amount of chlorophyll per gram of any plant studied so far. Chlorella is known for its remarkable detoxification properties. It has been found in numerous research findings to aid in the breakdown of hydrocarbon toxins and heavy metals such as mercury and lead, whilst also being involved in strengthening the immune system.

Chlorella stimulates red blood cell production and helps transporting oxygen around the body and also to the brain.   Is is also thought to increase interferon levels, which results in increased production of T-cells and macrophages, enhancing the body’s natural defences and protecting against diseases such as cancer.

Being high in fibre, it has a cleansing effect on the bowel and aids in healthy digestion due to the presence of digestive enzymes such as pepsin and chlorophyllase. Chlorella is also alkalizing for the body helping to balance pH levels.

It is important to ensure your source of chlorella is high quality, as poorer quality sources may contain contaminants and toxins.

Wrack Seaweed

A perfect trace mineral balance for the human body. Wrack seaweed is also very alkalising and acts as an excellent preservative for other foods.It is one of the finest natural sources of iodine and all amino acids. It contains up to 60 trace elements and contains vitamins A, B, B12, C, E and potassium.

The ocean contains the same minerals and trace elements as human blood and these are integrated into the living tissue of seaweed. The natural vitamins, foundation minerals and vital nutrients are in a form that is easily assimilated. It has been estimated that certain seaweeds are up to 30 times higher in minerals than land food, which is affected by depleted nutrient levels in our soils.

Many people are understandably concerned about consuming produce from the oceans due to media reports of pollution, but this issue is widely misunderstood. Generally the ocean is a far less polluted growing medium than land soil especially farm soil because of the widespread use of pesticides, insecticides and fertilisers as well as airborne industrial pollutants.

Blue green algae

Blue green algae, also known as Cyanobacteria is found naturally growing in alkaline waters of ponds and lakes. It is actually closer to a bacteria than an algae. It is rich in vitamins A, C, E and the B complex vitamins including B-6 and B-12. These vitamins are highly bioavailable, in a state that is easily assimilable for the body.

Phycocyanin is the pigment which gives blue-green algae its characteristic colour. Blue-green algae is high in protein and essential amino acids and also rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium and iron and high in trace minerals.

Due to the exceptionally high nutrient content of Blue-green algae, it has huge energy-bossting and immune-system strengthening properties. It also has strong anti-oxidant properties, which aids in the detoxification and elimination process. It is also believed to balance flora in the gut and fight overgrowth of candida. Other potential benefits can include anti-ageing, reduction in depression and levels of stress and improved memory.

It is very important to find a high quality source of blue-green algae, as poor quality sources may contain high levels of heavy-metals and other toxins.

And with all superfoods source only organic, truly raw and the highest quality possible ensuring that those growing the foods are committed to living sustainably.

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