We
have all heard about the 'green movement,' but what
does it mean? Some would have us go out and hug trees
while others would have us protest nuclear power
plant installations. For the health seeker, however,
'going green' has a different definition. Those
aspiring to superior health know and understand that
the key to ultimate wellness is found in green
plants.
Why
green?
There is something special about green
plants. It is called chlorophyll. Affectionately
known as 'liquid sunshine,' chlorophyll is the
by-product of photosynthesis, the process wherein the
plant extracts nutrients from the sun and turns them
into food (energy). Thus it is said that chlorophyll
is to plants like blood is to humans. This liquid
'green gold' is not only the life-blood of plants,
but when eaten, shares its life-force within the
human body. The 'green miracle' that is experienced
by both plant and man is part of YHVH's sweet mystery
of life: a revelation that can be realized
'up-close-and-personal' when we eat according to the
Almighty's original diet plan as found in Genesis
1:29.
Science,
medicine, and scripture, attest to the remarkable
health benefits derived from a plant-based, vegan
diet. Studies prove that optimum wellness is built
upon a 'green' foundation: an abundance of dark,
leafy greens in the diet. Greens are superior foods
because they
- oxygenate/purify
the blood of toxins
- promote
healing- growth and repair of
cells/tissues; treat infected wounds
- neutralize
harmful, free radicals
- deodorize
the breath and body
- contain
magnesium which protects arteries,
bones, muscles, nerves, purificiation of the
liver
- contain
a wide spectrum of live vitamins,
minerals, enzymes, phytonutrients,
anti-oxidants, naturally distilled water
essential amino acids, and oxygen
- regulate
the mentrual cycle
- prevent
cancer
Greens
are also superior foods because they help to alkalize
the body. The body has over 100 trillion cells, and
these cells are designed to functon best in an
alkaline environment. A diet of alkalizing foods,
i.e. most raw fruit and vegetables plus many seeds
and nuts, therefore provide body cells the proper
environment so that they can thrive. Greens, being
largely alkaline in nature and easily
ingested/digested, become the ultimate catalyst for
health and healing. The Standard American Diet of
cooked, processed, and animal-based foods, however,
creates an acidic environment within the body which
in turn causes sickness, pain, disease, and death.
Given
their nutrient-dense and therefore life-giving
properties, it is no wonder that green plants top the
list of healthy food choices, rightly being called
'superfoods.' Some of these power-packed greens
include:
Alfalfa- a member of the pea family.
Contains protein, chlorophyll, iron, potassium,
magnesium, phosphorous and many vitamins. Used as a
blood purifier, anti- ulcer remedy, and acts as a
mild laxative and diuretic.
Arugula- vitamin A, folic acid, lutein and
zeacanthin for eye health.
Barley grass- young shoots contain vitamins
B12, C and E, along with minerals and enzymes. Helps
to fight inflammation.
Beet Greens- rich source of vitamins A, B1,
B2, B6, C, and K plus iron, magnesium, potassium,
copper, and manganese.
Kale- Nutrient-rich cancer fighters with
vitamin C and K plus iron and zinc.
Chard- superior source for vitamin K, A, C,
potassium plus magnesium, manganese, iron.
Chlorella- a single-celled green algae that
is the highest-known source of chlorophyll (nearly
ten times the amount found in alfalfa) from which
most commercial chlorophyll is extracted. Broken
cell-wall chlorella, is nearly twice as digestible as
other chlorella. Rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, and
is one of the few whole food sources of vitamin D;
has the complete vitamin B-complex with more B-12
than beef liver, by weight. Contains many times more
beta carotene than carrots and other leafy green
vegetables. Also contains zinc, iron, calcium,
magnesium, potassium, rare trace minerals, essential
fatty acids including gamma linolenic acid (GLA), and
polysaccharides. It is an attractive potential food
source because it is high in protein. Protects
against gamma radiation and adverse affects of
pharmaceutical drugs and other chemicals. Improves
digestion and counter- acts hypertension
Lettuce- Bibb/Butterhead/Boston varieties
rich in vitamins A, C, and K plus calcium, fiber,
folate, and protein. Iceberg variety contains
vitamins A, B-6, C, and K plus fiber, folate, and
iron. Romaine- vitamins A, C, K plus fiber and iron.
Nettles- abundant source for iron, calcium,
vitamin A and K; a diuretic and joint pain treatment.
Supports adrenal glands, kidneys, detoxification and
combats elements of stress.
Parsley- a superlative source for vitamin K;
also contains vitamins A and C plus iron, and folate;
an anti-oxidant that cleanses and oxygenates the
blood.
Seaweed-
marine plants such as kelp, dulse, and rockweed. Rich
in protein and minerals (especially iodine.)
Spinach- rich in iron plus other essential
minerals. Contains vitamins A, C, E, K, and several B
vitamins, an lutein which supports eye health.
Spirulina- a type of blue-green algae. A
complete protein and spectrum of essential fatty
acids. Contains beta-carotene, thiamin, niacin,
folate, iron, copper, manganese, potassium,
magnesium, calcium plus vitamins A, B, C, D, K, and
E. Boosts energy.
Sprouts- young shoots are rich in vitamins,
minerals, essential amino acids, fiber, and enzymes.
Wheat grass- young growth is a rich source
of chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals. Cleanses and
purifies the blood. Speeds healing.
Greens
in their wild state are some of the most
nutritious foods on the face of the earth.
Indigenous, naturally-occurring plants
have sustained mankind for millenia, proving that
crops do not need to be cultivated in order to be
classified as 'food.' For reasons apparent, the
rediscovery of wild edibles as a valuable,
convenient, and economical food source is enjoying
increased popularity as people learn how to eat
healthy from their own surroundings.
Greening
up: where to start!
Incorporating greens into one's diet is fun
and easy: substitute harmful foods with healthy
greens. Here are ways to green up your day:
Juice-
make freshly-extracted green juice: wheat or
barley grass; leafy greens (chard, kale, lettuce,
parsley, etc.) with carrots and beets. If
you can not or prefer not to juice, enjoy 'instant'
green drinks with powdered, living greens in filtered
water or fresh fruit juice.
Smoothies- join the 'green smoothie'
generation by blending greens of choice with fruits
of choice. Smoothies are easy to make and packed with
nutrition. Experiment with combinations and add other
superfoods (hemp, coconut, chia, herbs). Green
smoothies are an excellent way to put more green into
your diet. Recipes here
Raw
Soups- blend greens with vegetables to make
your own 'V-8' experience. Use tomato puree, nut
milk, vegan soup stock or filter water for a base.
For extra punch, add healthy omega oils, seeds, or
protein powder. Soup recipes
here
Salads-
build a meal beginning with a base of
healthy greens. Add fresh herbs for variety. Toss in
grated root vegetables, brassicas, sprouts, and/or
pre-soaked/rinsed seeds, nuts. Salad recipes here
Wraps-
large leaves of kale, chard, and collards
make excellent raw wraps. Spead with nut or seed
butter or stuff with sliced or grated vegetables. Top
with tomato slices, herbs, hemp/sesame seeds, and/or
omega-rich oil. Wrap recipes here.
Pestos-
tasty pestos made from greens can be used as
a dip or versatile toppings (salads, baked potatoes,
etc.) See recipes here.
In
conclusion
The human body is a living machine that is designed
to be fueled with living foods. Of these living
foods, greens are the single most important food that
you can eat. Studies prove that the body performs
best on a diet of rich, nutrient-dense greens.
Sadly,
most Americans eat little if any greens, especially
raw. For many people, the mere mention of eating
greens is replusive. Nevertheless, there is a
'dawning of the green' taking place in America. A
veritable 'green revolution' is in progress. Many
Americans who are tired of being sick and
energy-deficient are educating themselves on issues
of personal wellness and discovering that greens are
the key to optimum health. Resolving sickness, pain,
disease, brain fog, and everyday fatigue the 'green
way' is catching on. Tastebuds are changing and so
are lives.
For
the sake of personal wellness, consider joining the
green movement. Revolutionize the quality of your
life by thinking and eating green. Feed your body the
foods that it craves, namely living greens. Nurture
the environment of your cells daily with green
juices, green smoothies, and green salads. Stop
living in an environmentally-unfriendly, unhealthy
swamp. Work in concert with your body and
discover that superior health is possible.
Go GREEN!
