Best of Greens - Daily Nutrition - Family Goods - Greens - Gut Health - Spirulina

The Green Dream: Why You Should Eat Your Daily Veggies

spirulina, chlorella, greens, daily-greens,

No matter how many times a doctor tells you that you need to eat healthier, it does not make things any easier, right? It’s a shame science hasn’t figured out how to make Oreos and pizza the pinnacles of nutrition.

But until then, you can improve your health simply, by integrating more greens into your life. Before you groan and complain about the texture of steamed spinach, bare with us because Pure Planet’s greens are delicious and E A S Y to eat – no cooking necessary.

Read on to hear just how cool our Best of Greens blend, filled with the finest greens from the land and the sea, can be for your health goals!

Organic Cereal Grasses

First on our list is organic cereal grasses, which are made up of:

  • organic wheatgrass
  • organic barley grass
  • organic oat grass

You might have seen some of these grasses pressed into juice in small shot cups. And for good reason, because, they boast a ton of nutrients and antioxidants.

Feeling groggy or hungover? One shot can boost you back into your vibrant life because of all the vitamins and minerals.

Some of these include:

  • Vitamin A, C and E
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Amino Acids

Besides the obvious bonus of weight loss support, these grains can support blood sugar regulation and help reduce obesity!

Alfalfa

It’s not just the name of everyone’s favorite Little Rascals’ characters (NETFLIX IT!), it’s one of our favorite veggies! Like many of its green brethren, this forage legume contains an array of vitamins, minerals and proteins.

But guess what? In addition to naturally supplying these nutrients, alfalfa is also low in calories. Yes!

This herb has been traditionally been used to help improve metabolic health and support antioxidant levels.

And what’s more?

There are studies (a few, admittedly) that tie consumption to lower cholesterol support!

Its juice can easily be added to other juices and mixes, which is why we use it in our Best of Greens.

So, what else is in Best of Greens?

Cruciferous Vegetable Blend

Okay…you might be thinking…what on earth does that word even mean? Simple! Cruciferous refers to plants from the Brassicaceae family. The latin name, Cruciferae, comes from their cross-like shaped flowers.

But enough of the plant-nerd talk (trust us, we could keep going), these veggies are super good for you.

With a low-calorie count, these greens can help provide vitamin support as well. They can also be a good source of fiber, but you probably already knew that.

What you might not know is that these plants are also good sources of folates. Folic acid is a form of vitamin B-9 and helps support significant body functions.

According to the Association of UK Dietitians, this acid plays a role in:

  • formation of red blood cells
  • maintaining cell life

There is also evidence that consumption may lend support to those who suffer from age-related hearing loss.

And one more awesome benefit? They contain phytonutrients that can help promote the body’s response to inflammation.

Here are some of our favorites (organic, of course):

  • broccoli
  • cabbage
  • parsley
  • kale
  • dandelion greens

So far, these land greens seem sufficient enough, so why bother with the greens from the sea?

Keep scrolling!

Organic Algae

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Well, SpongeBob, but he’s fictional.

There’s an abundance of REAL life under the sea, besides fish and sea creatures!

Let us introduce you to one of our favorite plants: ALGAE! Okay, wipe that look off your face, because it’s really good for you.

First things first: yes, you should be very safe about where you get edible algae, which is why we are very careful about where and how we harvest ours. Safe practices and healthy living are our goals and that’s how we’ve being stay pure and true since ’92.

So, what can algae do for you?

Just like greens, algae can supply potent doses of vitamins, minerals (and trace minerals) and antioxidants. Their active phytonutrients can help support weight loss, heart health and the body’s response to inflammation.

Two of our favorites are spirulina and chlorella.

Spirulina is considered to be a super-nutrient, providing support for such things as blood pressure, weight loss and cleansing.

Plus, it can help provide allergy relief and help alkalize the body.

Chlorella is similar. Interestingly enough, this plant cannot be digested as it naturally appears, so it needs to be grounded into powder or in capsule form. We make sure to do this while maintaining optimal bioavailability and safety.

Like spirulina, this algae can help cleanse the body of metals. Its antioxidants can also help boost the immune system, promote energy and support healthy cholesterol levels.

What other marine plants can be beneficial?

Organic Sea Vegetables

So maybe there aren’t actual pineapples under the sea, but there are cool veggies, like kelp and dulse.

Grown under water, these sea plants can help support a healthy thyroid, with a good source of iodine.

You may be more familiar with kelp, as you might have seen it wash up on shore or drift around at your local beach. Don’t consume that kelp though, because it may have more bacteria and germs from the local environment. You must always ensure your kelp supplement is safely-sourced and clean to consume.

When it is safe, kelp can:

  • Help prevent bone loss with a strong source of vitamin K
  • Help the body react to inflammation with antioxidants
  • Help maintain healthy blood glucose levels and aid with other blood-related symptoms

You may not have heard of dulse, but that’s why we’re here!

Instead of being packed with minerals, dulse is loaded with Omega-3 and Omega-6. These polyunsaturated fatty acids may help blood pressure and proper brain development and function.

Plus, dulse contains protein and Vitamin B-12 (normally found in meat, poultry and dairy), which make it a great asset for a vegan diet!

Get Your Green On

We love our greens and we hope you do too. Find a green blend that’s good for you at PurePlanet.com.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/alfalfa
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/crucifeous-vegetables#1
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-spirulina
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-chlorella
https://draxe.com/cruciferous-vegetables-cancer-thyroid/
https://draxe.com/kelp/
https://draxe.com/algae-benefits/
read more
Daily Nutrition - Fitness - Spirulina

Is Spirulina Really A Super-Nutrient?

Spirulina marine-algae green-blue-algae weight-loss exercise supplements

It seems that new health trends are constantly popping up — it’s way hard to keep track, right?

From intermittent fasting to milk from roaches (yes, that’s actually true), so many people are searching for their health fix that will make them achieve their ultimate goal.

One such trend that has been gaining quite a bit of traction is spirulina. Touted as an excellent source of nutrition, it has been referred to as a super-nutrient. But what exactly is it and does it really possess super-nutrition powers?

Let’s find out!

The Basics

Normally, the saying goes “unless you live under a rock, you should know…(insert: obvious info).” That’s actually the opposite when it comes to this superfood. Because, if you DID live under a rock, specifically one in the ocean, you might have actually come across this very, hidden plant. Spirulina is blue-green algae.

What? We know, that may be a little off-putting, but bear with us.

This form of bacteria is known as a cyanobacterium, which uses sunlight to produce energy. With amazing properties, it probably offers most people what they’re looking for in a supplement. And yes, of course, it’s safe to consume.

So, why would you want to take it? We’re glad you asked.

Exercise Support

First of all, spirulina is protein-packed. And that can do wonders when you are looking to either lose weight or toning up your muscles.

One study showed that high-protein can help burn more fat and speed up metabolism.

But that’s not all that this superfood can provide when you want to get fit.

Spirulina provides a good source of oxidative support, so is ideal for working out and cardio activity. A study explored its effects on people who exercised regularly, but weren’t total pros. They focused on a group of men who moderately exercised.

Here’s what they found:

The time it took for these men to be fatigued after a 2-hour run increased after taking spirulina. For you science-oriented folk, spirulina consumption led to a 10.3% decreased carbohydrate oxidation rate and increased fat oxidation rate by 10.95!

In English? The men were able to exercise for longer, with improved endurance and performance.

And that’s not all!

There is also, at the very least, a connection between spirulina and muscle maintenance. Another study investigated this connection by focusing on average people (not physically trained) who added the superfood to their diet for three weeks. After treatment, their blood was examined and they were monitored while using an incremental treadmill.

What did the researchers find? Spirulina consumption was linked to:

  • boosted exhaustion time, even for average exercisers
  • muscle damage protection, even during all-out exercise

Sounds pretty cool to us. But if you don’t exercise, can it still be beneficial for you?

Hmm…let’s find out!

Weight Loss, Blood Pressure & Cholesterol 

Why, YES. The algae supplement also seems to have the ability to benefit both blood and body weight, even for those who don’t exercise.

In a randomized double-blind study on overweight individuals with hypertension, 40 patients took spirulina daily. Their BMI, weight and other functions were surveyed before and after.

Why did they find? Their BMI improved, along with weight and blood pressure. Score!

Seems like this green source of goodness is pretty nutritious, right? Speaking of greens…

In addition, thanks to the results of this spirulina study, we have learned that the super-nutrient encourages healthy cholesterol in those with type 2 diabetes, by helping lower LDL levels (bad) and promote HDL (good) levels.

Okay, if you’re still unimpressed because NONE of the above applies to you, there is more!

Allergies 

That’s right, we’re talking to all those who fear every spring breeze or beautiful new bloom because they will soon bring on itchy eyes and fits of sneezing. This green source of goodness can be your non-pharmaceutical, organically-grown support when combatting high-pollen air times or your fluffy pet’s fur.

An allergic rhinitis (sinus allergies) study focused on 127 people and found that spirulina consumption could actually help reduce symptoms such as runny nose, congestion and even itching.

Do you STILL not think that spirulina is something you need daily?

Well, keep reading.

Green Clean, Metal-Cleansing Machine

Whether we know it or not, our bodies can sometimes absorb heavy metals. This can happen by unknowingly ingesting pesticides or inhaling or coming into contact with metal-poisonous sources.

But, the good news? Spirulina might be able to help with that. Greens have always been known for cleansing and alkalinity balancing and this green superfood is no different.

One study reports that spirulina, when paired with zinc, can help eliminate arsenic poisoning.

The report studied 41 patients with chronic arsenic poisoning, randomly prescribing them to either a placebo or spirulina-zinc extract for 16 weeks. The patients lived in areas where clean water is scarce, and metal-posioned water is unfortunately plentiful. These individuals were also given metal-cleansing filters to ensure they drank clean water.

But luckily, there’s a happy ending!

By the end of the study, their arsenic-poisoning was reduced, proving that blue-green algae could be of use for treatment.

Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant  

Last, but certainly not least, this superfood is an antioxidant. This is due to a phytochemical called phycocyanin, which is responsible for its blue-green color and some of its oxidative stress-relieving effects. It can also help fight free radicals and inflammatory signals in the body.

Studies are promising but, of course, more research is necessary.

An Important Note 

Because spirulina is algae, it is important to know the product origin, to ensure quality and cleanliness. You should only buy from brands that you trust.

That’s why we ensure our non-GMO, California-grown spirulina is up to par. With our promise of being Pure and True since ’92, you can count on only the purest spirulina, just like all of our other products!

  • Spirulina (capsules):  In capsule form, this can be added to any health or exercise regimen.
  • Choco-Mint Spirulina (powder): For those looking for a little more flavor, our Choco-mint blend gives you all the nutrient support plus a boost of flavor. This is especially good for those with a more picky palette.

 

 

 

read more