Which Super Greens Help with Muscle Growth?
Lately, there has been a surge in the popularity of ‘superfood’ among bodybuilders and health enthusiasts. If you are one among them, you would know exactly what these types of foods are. And if you are just starting out, don’t worry!
We will be delving into the health benefits of wheatgrass, chlorella, spirulina, and barley grass, all of which fall under the banner of green superfoods.
By the end, you will be convinced about these products and the various benefits they bring for your bodybuilding goals!
What are superfoods?
Superfood is a type of food that is especially nutrient-rich and beneficial for your health and overall well-being. Also referred to as super-greens, they are a great source of nutrients present in dark green and leafy vegetables.
Superfoods contain high amounts of macro and micronutrients, as well as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other essential amino acids.
Together, they provide significant health benefits in an era where most food products are processed in industries and are sources of empty calories that lack significant health benefits.
Over time, these superfoods have undergone extensive researches. Numerous clinical studies have also yielded results where consumers have reported a boost in their health. Some of these benefits are:
- Detoxification and natural cleansing
- Weight loss and management
- Increase in the immune system
- Balancing of the pH levels in the body
- Improved digestion and bowel movement
- Cell rejuvenation and cardiovascular health improvements
These are only some of the many health benefits that consumption of superfoods offers. Now, let’s look at the four main green superfoods- wheatgrass, chlorella, spirulina, and barley brass and they have to offer.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is a product of wheat that is gluten-free and even safe for people with coeliac disease. Consuming wheatgrass is similar to consuming dark green vegetables.
It has a low-calorie count packed with nutrients. Wheatgrass also contains various minerals, amino acids, vitamin B, antioxidants, enzymes, fiber, and chlorophyll.
It is a fantastic green superfood that comes with natural vitamins and can be consumed simply by mixing with water, milk, or fruit juice!
Consuming wheatgrass comes with several benefits, one of which is improved digestion and a more robust immune system. It also helps detoxify the body of harmful toxins.
Other health benefits of wheatgrass include improved blood flow and circulation, healthy colon and intestinal flora, healing wounds, eczema, and sports injuries.
It is also safe for consumption by women during pregnancy as well as while breastfeeding.
Chlorella
Chlorella is a form of algae with a vast number of nutrients and over 20 vitamins. It is an alkaline green superfood that balances acidity in the body derived by the consumption of different processed food.
A great source of minerals such as iron and calcium, it helps maintain the body’s pH levels. Also present are antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and complete proteins along with the highest chlorophyll count out of other known green plants!
Chlorella consists of 45% proteins, 20% fat, 20% carbohydrates, 5% fiber, and 10% minerals and nutrients when dried. Being a source of complete protein with an array of all nine essential amino acids, it comes with many health benefits.
One of the main benefits of this green superfood is its ability to bind with heavy metals. This aids in flushing the metals out of your system.
The other benefits of chlorella include reducing the risk of chronic illnesses and improving the body’s digestive and immune systems. Chlorella also has a high detoxifying quality due to its cell walls that are cracked. This quality helps grab and process unwanted pollutants in the bowels.
However, you need to be cautious when you consume this superfood alongside supplements like warfarin as it could lead to excess consumption of vitamin K. Chlorella is also not recommendable for pregnant or lactating women.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a superfood that has a history of use that stretches from the 16th century, consumed regularly by the Aztecs and Mesoamerican cultures.
This blue-green alga comes with essential nutrients and properties that the body needs for proper function.
Rich in chlorophyll and vitamin B12, spirulina is an alkaline food, making it ideal for consumption with various solutions.
Like barley and wheatgrass, it helps balance acidity and improves the body’s overall digestion. Athletes mainly use spirulina because of its properties that help build muscle structure and reduce recovery time. Thus, it is an ideal food for health and fitness enthusiasts.
This superfood’s main benefits include providing the body with an abundance of natural proteins, nutrients, and vitamins, making it more ideal than most other processed products such as whey protein.
Barley Grass
Barley grass is a gluten-free cereal grass high in chlorophyll content. This superfood is also similar to consuming dark green leafy vegetables. And barley is proven to have a higher nutritional density in comparison to wheatgrass!
Barley grass is very high in protein, vitamin C, and minerals such as calcium and iron. It is best known for its alkalizing abilities and regulating the pH levels in the body.
Health benefits of this green superfood include beneficial effects on the cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and boosting of the immune system. It also comes with high amounts of fiber, which is essential for smooth digestion.
As barley grass is easily digestible, it is ideal for those on restricted diets due to a weak digestive system. It also is safe for consumption during pregnancy, as well as while lactating.
Super greens have shown their effectiveness in acting as health builders. The uses of wheatgrass, chlorella, spirulina, and barley grass have been proven beneficial by individual users or through clinical trials and studies. Physicians and health practitioners also highly recommend these super greens.
With the rise in popularity of superfoods, the uses and benefits of consuming green superfoods are slowly becoming a norm for athletes and regular people throughout the world!
