Superfoods from green plants

Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is a green pigment present in plant foods that has a similar molecular structure to the red haemoglobin pigment found in the blood cells of humans. One important difference between chlorophyll and haemoglobin is that the former contains magnesium, whilst the latter contains iron. The properties of chlorophyll and its effects in the human body are not completely understood, however this pigment is believed to have many health benefits, including detoxification, cleansing, and anti-inflammatory actions.

Green foods (such as the algae, wheat and barley grass discussed in this article) that are high in chlopophyll have a long history of use in wound healing, conditions involving inflammation, an in the boosting of immune function. Chlorophyll is also said to promote detoxification, to be deodorizing, and to promote the health of intestinal bacteria. Chlorophyll may be useful for anaemia, heart disease, respiratory infections, sinusitis, allergies, body odor, acne, skin rashes, gastrointestinal inflammation, and as an antibacterial agent. Chlorophyll for use in supplements is usually obtained from alfalfa. Supplements are available either as tablets or liquids.

Wheat and barley grass

The young shoots of wheat and barley plants are rich in nutrients, phytochemicals and chlorophyll and are available as powders, tablets, or liquids and may also be frown fresh. Both wheat and barley grass can usually be taken by those who are allergic or intolerant to wheat and other cereal grains.

Wheat and barely grass contain significant amounts of vitamins (C, E, B complex) and minerals (selenium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and zinc), as well as a large number of antioxidant phytochemicals including beta and alpha-carotene.

Wheat and barely grass also contain protein and amino acids although these are present in much smaller amounts than in the algae's discussed previously. Other substances reported to be present in these foods include chlorophyll, and active enzymes that assist the digestion and absorption of nutrients or have antioxidant activity (such as super oxide dismutase or SOD). Wheat and barely grass may contain a protein that has anti-inflammatory effects and may promote healthy cell division. These foods also contain polysaccharides that enhance the function of the immune system.

Wheat and barley grass have been used for a wide number of conditions including gastrointestinal inflammation, constipation, flatulence, indigestion, inflammatory and degenerative diseases (arthritis), heart disease, diabetes, body odor, obesity, and any conditions involving the immune system (allergies, chronic infections and viral illnesses). Wheat and barely grass may be used in the prevention and management of cancer.

Aloe vera

Perhaps the most commonly used therapeutically is Aloe barbadensis a plant with large leaves that are filled with a bitter juice rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, phytochemicals, and enzymes.

There are written reports of aloe vera being used medicinally for conditions such as external wounds, skin irritations, and as tonic and purgative agent, since the times of the ancient Egyptians. More recently the juice of the plant has become popular for its use in reducing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and other disorders of the gastrointestinal system. Aloe vera is available as a gel for external use, and as capsules or liquids for internal use.

Nutritional content of aloe vera:

Is rich in vitamins (including vitamins A, C, E and B complex vitamins), minerals (phosphorus, potassium, iron, sodium, magnesium, manganese, chromium, copper, zinc), and also contains choline. Aloe vera contains all essential amino acids with the exception of tryptophan.

Aloe vera also contains a number of fatty acids (including caprylic acid), fibres, enzymes, and mucopolysaccharides and polysaccharides. One particular polysaccharide, called acemannan, has been investigated for its effects on the immune system and has been found to stimulate the activation and production of macrophanges, antibodies and T-cells.

Health benefits of aloe vera:

Aloe vera has been shown to have the following properties: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, relieves itching, moisturizes the skin, stimulates the growth of skin cells, and enhances the function of the immune system, antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial.

Aloe vera is useful externally for: burns, scalds, sunburn, insect bites and stings, scratches, scrapes, minor abrasions, and a moisturizer, for itchy rashes and dry skin conditions (eczema and psoriasis).

Aloe vera juice may be used internally for: cleansing and detoxification, skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis), gastrointestinal conditions (indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulceration, inflammatory bowel diseases, "leaky gut"), immune conditions and infections (HIV and AIDS, cancer, allergies), inflammatory conditions (arthritis, skin conditions), and to promote the growth of healthy intestinal flora. Note that only products designed for internal use should be taken internally as these products are free from the strongly laxative and irritating substance aloin that is bound under the leaf of the plant.