In a new series on Superfoods, Nutritionist Belinda Rennie looks at the benefits of green foods to nourish mind, body and spirit.

As spring approaches and we slough off the winter layers our body needs a helping hand to do its own interior cleansing. Green foods including green vegetables and herbs, cereal grasses like wheatgrass, micro-algae and seaweeds are ideal to kick start liver detoxification in springtime. The high level of chlorophyll, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and protein in green foods renews cells and tissues, builds blood, improves liver function, reduces inflammation and promotes healthy intestinal bacteria.

Last article we focused on shots of wheatgrass to counteract the effects of the party season, this month we look at micro-algae to continue the process.

These fascinating organisms including spirulina, chlorella, dunaliella and wild blue-green algae seem more appropriate as a food source for sea creatures than humans. However, these aquatic plants are among the original life forms on the planet and offer some unique nutritional advantages.

Micro-algae contain more chlorophyll, betacarotene, protein, RNA and DNA than any other plant or animal foods as well as small amounts of essential fatty acids. The nucleic acids, RNA and DNA contain genetic information that helps cellular renewal and the reversal of ageing and is therefore used in the prevention and treatment of cancer and other degenerative diseases.

All algae are gel-forming and you might see them in cosmetics and foods as thickeners. This gel also helps to nourish mucous membranes of the digestive tract and assist in the absorption of nutrients as well as increasing growth of beneficial bacteria. Vegetarians and vegans can benefit from the rich levels of vitamin B12 and easily assimilated protein.

Each micro-alga has specific properties and are therefore suited to different body types.

Spirulina

Because the proteins and carbohydrates in spirulina are already partly broken down by enzymes and thus “predigested” the nutrients are easy to absorb and assimilate. You may notice less craving for protein rich and sugary foods and feel more energetic when you start taking spirulina.

Spirulina benefits those who are overweight, diabetic and hypoglycaemic, suffering from poor digestion. Because of its blood building and anti inflammatory properties it is used in the treatment of anemia, hepatitis, gastritis and skin reactions. Spirulina helps to detoxify the liver and kidneys from excess animal products, fat, sugar and alcohol as well as medications.

Spirulina is one of the richest sources of the essential fatty acid, gamma linoleic acid (GLA) with great benefits in boosting immunity and reducing inflammation. The cell walls are rich in mucopolysaccharides (MP's) which are complex sugars interlaced with amino acids that help strengthen connective tissues making them more elastic, flexible and resilient. Thus spirulina is a great supplement for active and older people and with the combination of GLA and MP's makes it a useful heart and blood vessel tonic.

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Chlorella

You might have heard of chlorella as a supplement used in treating cancer because of its rich supply of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) and chlorophyll. The tough outer cell wall of chlorella acts as a chelator of heavy metals, pesticides and carcinogens binding with these toxins and transporting them safely out of the body. Chlorella contains special complex sugars and RNA that protect cells during replication, preventing mutation and the formation of tumors. Studies show that chlorella can counteract the fatigue one can feel with chemotherapy, restoring white blood cells after the invasive treatment.

Whereas spirulina is helpful in treating conditions of excess, chlorella is more suited to treating deficiencies and weakness - chronic degenerative conditions, nervous system disorders and overgrowth of viruses and fungi that can push people into chronic fatigue situations. It contains the highest level of omega three fatty acids and has been shown to reduce cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis. The chlorophyll content makes chlorella a great detoxifier, purifier and rejuvenator.

Wild blue green algae

This micro-alga grows wild in the lakes of Oregon , US and has bitter, cooling, drying properties. It is ideal for treating excess weight from eating too much rich, fatty food making the liver stagnant. Wild algae also act as an anti-depressant, a relaxant and mood elevator making it useful in the treatment of neurological problems.

 Dunaliella

This is the most recent micro-algae to show health benefits due to its exceptional content of Vitamin A in the form of betacarotene. It is often combined with other micro-algae in the treatment of cancer and skin diseases.

Supplements of micro-algae

Theses ancient life forms which exist on the edge between the plant and animal kingdoms can have far reaching benefits for our health. As nutritional supplements they are found in powder, granule, capsule or tablet form and can be added to juices, soups, smoothies or mixed in water. Spirulina can be taken as a maintenance standard dose of 10gm building up to 20gm per day. Smaller amounts of chlorella and wild blue green algae of between 2- 10gm are recommended due to their strong cleansing action. It is best to divide the dose into two to three portions per day.

Choosing the right micro-algae for your particular condition or constitution requires a trained naturopathic health practitioner and are contra-indicated during pregnancy. A full range of these micro–algae are available as the Organic Foods and Café.

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