9 Green Foods Every Health Nut Should Know About

9 Green Foods Every Health Nut Should Know About
9 Green Foods Every Health Nut Should Know About

1. Alfalfa:  is a member of the pea family mostly grown as cattle forage. Nutritional properties: Alfalfa contains protein, chlorophyll, iron, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, along with  number of vitamins; long used as a blood purifier and anti-ulcer remedy; acts as a mild laxative and diuretic.

2. Seaweed:  this includes many marine plants, including dulse, kelp and rock weed. Nutritional properties: Seaweed contains iodine, a mineral crucial for a healthy thyroid (the body’s master energy controller), and it is also rich in protein and minerals.

3. The Brassica Family: include broccoli and its cousins cabbage, kale, collard greens, and more. Nutritional properties: they contain cancer-fighting substances known as indoles; members of the family provide various nutrients, including vitamins C and K, iron and zinc.

4. Spinach: is a common leafy green. Nutritional properties:  best known for its iron content (thanks, Popeye), spinach contains other minerals, vitamins A, C, E and K, several B vitamins and lutein, which supports eye health. Try it steamed to break down the oxalates and pair it with Vitamin C and a fat source for optimal mineral absorption.

5. Barley Grass: is the early vegetative growth phase of a common cereal grain. Nutritional properties:  Barley Grass contains vitamins B12, C and E, along with minerals and enzymes; it helps fight inflammation.

6. Sprouts: are seeds, such as chickpeas, rice grains, mung beans and alfalfa, that have been germinated. Nutritional properties:  Sprouts are a rich source of protein (including essential amino acids), numerous vitamins, fiber and plant enzymes.

7. Wheatgrass: like barley grass, is a cereal grain in an early growth phase. Nutritional properties:  Wheatgrass supplies abundant chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals, vitamins and enzymes and is used as a blood tonic.

8. Chlorella: a single-celled, protein rich green algae. Nutritional properties: long used as a blood cleanser, chlorella has been found to help the body break down toxins, specifically heavy metals, while boosting immune function.

9. Spirulina: is a type of blue-green algae.  Nutritional properties: Spirulina supplies complete protein along with essential fatty acids, beta-carotene, numerous minerals and Vitamins B, C, D and E; frequently used as an energy booster.

Chelsea Goodrich

Chelsea has worked as part of the Young and Raw team as a Holistic Health Coach and Customer Support Rawkstar. After a life-long fascination with natural health she made the transition to a high raw, plant based diet about five years ago, and found this helped her gain relief of periodic chronic migraines, fatigue, and sleep problems. Her overall energy and mood was elevated, and her problematic skin improved dramatically. This experience deepened her interest in natural health studies and led her to attend and graduate from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in 2011. Chelsea has also completed a health program through The Hippocrates Health Institute, a Raw Food Chef certification through The Graff Academy, and a Hot Yoga Teacher Training with Hot Yoga Doctor in 2012. She is now pursuing a master's degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture, and living her dreams in Santa Monica, California. You can contact her at healthgenie@live.com.