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.