What are "suckers"?
The naming of "suckers" is not universally defined. Greens are also referred to in English as "supergreens." They are most commonly found as nutritional supplements containing green foods such as kale, broccoli, spinach, etc. "Greens" are also very well-known algae such as chlorella or the cyanobacteria spirulina. All of the above-mentioned "greens" have enormous power and have a very positive effect on human health. The common denominator is their green colour, which is due to chlorophyll - a green dye.
Greens, a fashion fad or a necessity?
First of all, I would highlight the huge health benefits of green leafy vegetables like the aforementioned spinach, but also brassicas like broccoli, kale. Of course, even such sprouts as radishes, mung beans, arugula, for example, contain a huge amount of minerals, vitamins and are often included under the name 'greens'.
Health benefits of "greenies"
The green dye chlorophyll is a powerful antioxidant in its own right, and research also suggests that chlorophyll is anti-carcinogenic and therefore helps to protect the body against cancer. It supports the body's natural ability to detoxify. Vegetables, which go by the name of "greens," are, especially in their fresh form, rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. We also find in them, especially in leafy greens, vitamins of group B (B6), folic acid in the form of folate. They are also a source of vitamin K, which is important for proper blood clotting. They contain digestible fibre, very important for the intestinal microbiome. The state of the gut microbiome greatly influences human health. The substances in these vegetables help us to lower blood pressure, to regulate the lipid profile and to replenish minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron.
Chlorella and spirulina also contain high amounts of nutrients. However, chlorella is higher in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, riboflavin, iron, magnesium and zinc. They also affect the lipid profile and help lower LDL cholesterol and also blood pressure. However, contamination with heavy metals can be a problem, as these algae and cyanobacteria are natural bio-filters. Therefore, I would be really careful with the choice of these supplements and not supplement them long term.
So many health benefits!
However, these benefits are most effectively obtained from eating all foods in their natural state. Ideally prepared by stewing, where the vegetables are not touched with water (no leaching of beneficial substances) and are stewed for as short a time as possible so as not to reduce the amount of thermolabile vitamins and antioxidants. If storing these green superfoods in their natural state, I recommend freezing, even for up to 6 months. Freezing preserves almost all the beneficial substances. If we also want to preserve the fresh colour, we can lightly blanch the vegetables before freezing.
If we reach for a nutritional supplement in powdered form, these vegetables have gone through a really long processing procedure and much of their benefits are unfortunately gone. Many remain, especially the minerals, fibre and the green colouring agent chlorophyll as an antioxidant. That is why it also depends on how these foods are processed. Freeze-drying, for example, is a very gentle way of processing, but the products tend to be very expensive.
Psychology of nutritional supplements
Since these nutritional supplements are mostly in the form of powder, granules, or pills, they lack the natural form in which we encounter them in real life. This encourages people to believe that super-healthy foods are nutritional supplements and should be taken as such. It is and always will be the case that the nutrients that are best for our bodies to use are those from a natural diet. I am of the opinion that the priority for us should be to ensure that we have a varied diet.
You can also prepare so-called "greens" or "supergreens" using our FitStream PRO blender. You can blend a fresh smoothie with the addition of spinach or blend up a tasty broccoli soup.
