Seven super green foods

Better Nutrition, August, 1998 by James F. Scheer

Green tea drinking is increasing slowly, but steadily, in the United States; many people have not yet learned of its advantages over black tea. Green tea is the drink of choice in Japan and China. According to Mitscher and Dolby, because tea is so "refreshing, stimulating, and health-enhancing" it is "the most popular beverage in the world (after water)."

So there you have it, no more excuses for not getting your greens. Remember, green foods can be as good as gold when it comes to their role in protecting and preserving our health and well-being, so dig in.

REFERENCES

Atkins, Robert C., M.D. Dr. Atkins' Vita-Nutrient Solution. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1998.

Bokuchava, Mikhail, A., et al. "The Biochemistry and Technology of Tea Manufacture," CRC Critical Review of Food Science Nutrition 12(4): 303-370, 1980.

Carper, Jean. The Food Pharmacy. New York: Bantam Books, 1988.

Duke, James, A., Ph.D. The Green Pharmacy. Emmaus, Pa.: Rodale Press, 1997.

Hagiwara, Yoshihide, M.D. Green Barley Essence. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats Publishing, Inc., 1986.

Hayashi, Toshimitsu. "Calcium Spirulan, an inhibitor of enveloped virus replication, from a blue-green alga Spirulina plantensis," J. Nat. Prod. 59:83-87, 1996.

Huck, Peter. "Harvesting the Benefits of Green Foods," HSR Health Supplement Retailer (4)7:61-63, June 1998.

Mitscher, A., Ph.D., and Dolby, Victoria. The Green Tea Book: China's Fountain of Youth. Garden City Park, N.Y.: Avery Publishing Group, 1998.

Mowrey, Daniel, Ph.D. Herbal Tonic Therapies. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats Publishing, Inc., 1993.

Murray, Michael, N.D. and Pizzorno, Joseph, N.D. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Rocklin, Calif.: Prima Publishing, 1991.

Negish, T., et al. "Antigenotoxic Activity of Natural Chlorophylls," Mutational Research 376(1-2): 97-100, May 1997.

Schechter, Steven, N.D. "Nutrient-dense green foods: mining the motherlode," Better Nutrition 60(6): 16, June 1998.

Schwartz, J., et al. "Prevention of Experimental Oral Cancer by Extracts of Spirulina-Dunaliella Algae," Nutr Cancer 11:127-134, 1988.

Stich, H.F. "Inhibition of Mutagenicity of a Model Nitrosation Reaction by Naturally Occurring Phenolics, Coffee and Tea," Mutation Research 95(2-3):119-128, August 1982.

RELATED ARTICLE: THINK GREEN

Are you getting your greens?

Are you eating your five daily servings of vegetables recommended by the USDA and National Cancer Institute? Probably not. Surveys show that 80 percent of Americans fail to meet these recommended guidelines. While fresh vegetables are essential in providing vital nutrients, green food supplements and green tea can be convenient and nutritious additions to a whole food diet.

How do you choose the right green food?

Deciding which green food is best for you is simply a matter of personal choice; it's like going to the produce department and selecting which vegetables satisfy your nutritional needs and personal taste.

What's out there?

Besides green tea, the other green foods discussed here are available in capsules, tablets, liquids, and powders designed to be mixed with water or juice.