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 It takes more than an apple a day

by Norm Danniels

Green foods

Green food supplements are continuing to gain in popularity, offering a wonderful bridge between food and supplements. Made up primarily of whole food concentrates and extracts, they are nutritionally denser than the foods we consume, and contain a wide variety of vegetables that would otherwise never make it to our table.

Vegetables don’t play much of a role in today’s fast food world, but they are nutritional powerhouses that must be included in our diet. This is where green food supplements make their greatest contribution. They are highly alkaline, contain significant levels of phytochemicals and trace nutrients and make a tremendous contribution to our nutrient intake. Each small scoop contains the nutrient content of 6 to 8 servings of fresh vegetables. However, we must remember that they are intended to complement the foods we consume, not to replace the value of a balanced diet.

Keep in mind that a quality green food supplement should have a comprehensive formula that includes a wide variety of vegetables from many different sources (land, sea, cruciferous, etc.). Additional EFAs, probiotics, herbal extracts, fibre and digestive support are also wise additions.

Fruit and berry concentrates

As significant a role as green foods play in our diet, there is a whole other side of the plant kingdom that offers similar nutritional density. Fruits and berries are loaded with phytonutrients, polyphenols and natural antioxidants. In fact, berries have the highest ORAC value (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), so their importance can’t be overstated. Despite their more pleasant taste, fruits and berries are neglected nearly as badly as vegetables. An apple a day might sound like a good dietary strategy but it falls well short of what we actually need, especially when you consider that over the last 100 years the mineral content in our commercial farmlands has fallen by over 80%. If the minerals are lacking in the soil, they will also be lacking in our food.
 
At a glance, a green food and a berry supplement may appear to make similar nutritional contributions, but they are in fact quite different.  Green food supplements provide all of the nutritional impact of vegetables, while berry supplements provide all of the nutritional impact of fruits. There is no question that we need both.
Fruits and vegetables digest in conflict with each other, so it is best not to combine them into the same supplement or to consume them at the same time.

The best of both worlds

I have been a long time consumer of vegetable-based supplements, but for the last few months I have added a concentrated berry powder to my nutritional program. I consume a berry drink first thing in the morning and my greens when I get home from work. While I have never been short of energy, I can’t remember ever feeling this good. I now consider my greens and berry drinks the foundation of my supplement program, and I want to encourage everyone to consider doing the same.

Written by Norm Danniels. National Product Education Consultant for Body Plus.
Norm Danniels has been involved in the formulation and development of natural health supplements for over two decades. His focus is on the unique nutritional needs of people with active lifestyles. With over 20 years of experience in the Health and Fitness industry, Norm is considered one of Canada's leading sport nutrition specialists.

PhytoBerry and VegeGreens by progressive are available at local Health Food stores in the Okanagan, Vancouver, and across Canada.

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This information and research which is intended to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All material in this article is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this newsletter/website. Readers should consult their doctor and other qualified health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information and opinions provided in this newsletter/website are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the authors. Readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The publisher is not responsible for any errors or omissions.
OK in Health is not responsible for the information in these articles and for any content included on this article is intended as a guide only and should not be used as an to seeking professional advice from either your doctor or a registered specialist for yourself or anyone else.

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