Do you rarely get sick, have no need for prescription meds and can’t remember the last time you had to visit the doctor? If this does not describe you, then you could be suffering from nutritional deficiencies.It’s hard to know exactly what to eat for optimal health, especially since everyone has a different opinion.Even when you make every effort to eat healthy, your diet almost always lacks important nutrients.In her book, “Green for Life,” Victoria Boutenko set out in search of the perfect human diet. She immersed herself in nutrition research and made an interesting observation.The chimpanzee connectionChimpanzees and humans are more closely related than any other animal species. In fact, research shows that we share 99.4 percent of our DNA sequence with our chimpanzee friends.Why is this significant? Chimpanzees are in far better physical shape than humans and possess strong natural immunity to cancer and other fatal – and common – human illnesses.Boutenko’s research all pointed to the chimpanzee diet as the reason for their superior health. Chimps and humans have vastly different eating habits.While humans enjoy pizza and hamburgers, chimps eat a diet extremely high in dark, leafy greens.Boutenko then turned her focus on dark, leafy greens. What she discovered was a super food packed with extremely high levels of nutrients. Here are five amazing facts about greens.1. Greens are packed with amino acidsDark leafy greens are a legitimate source of protein. It’s true!Protein molecules are made of a chain of amino acids. When consuming protein from chicken, you’re getting chains of amino acids that have already been assembled into a complex protein.Eating dark, leafy greens provides a plethora of individual amino acids. The body then takes these amino acids and assembles it into complex protein chains.2. Greens provide insoluble fiberFiber is important and needed to rid the body of toxins. Insoluble fiber is extra special, since it is built like tiny sponges that each absorbs several times more toxins than its own volume. Check out just a few of the many benefits of fiber.
- reduces cholesterol
- prevents and reduces the risk of cancer
- lessens risk of diabetes and improves existing diabetes
- helps shed unwanted pounds and prevents overeating
3. Greens promote bodily homeostasisHomeostasis is the physiological process that regulates all substances in the body at ideal levels for optimal health. It is a complex process, one that the body is constantly working toward.In order for the body to achieve homeostasis, it needs an abundance of vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids and minerals. Greens are a super provider of all of the above.
4. Greens are alkaline, promoting healthy cellsIn 1931, Dr. Otto Warburg won the Nobel Prize for discovering the cause of cancer: weakened cell respiration due to lack of oxygen on the cellular level – this causes fermentation, which results in acidity or low pH.There is a close connection between the foods you eat and your pH balance. For example, Parmesan cheese is highly acid forming, -34; while spinach is an amazingly alkalizing food, +14.Getting plenty of greens on a daily basis will help the body maintain a good alkaline pH balance.
5. Greens are made of chlorophyll – liquid sun energyThe molecule of chlorophyll is strikingly similar to the molecule of human blood. Chlorophyll heals and cleanses your organs while destroying harmful substances.Here are just a few of the powers of chlorophyll.
- builds a high blood count
- helps prevent cancer
- counteracts toxins
- promotes an alkaline body
- helps sores heal faster
- improves varicose veins
- improves vision
Introducing the green smoothieWhile the evidence for eating lots of greens continues to mount, who really wants to chomp through a pile of spinach every day? The solution is as convenient as it is efficient: the green smoothie.Boutenko discovered that when she blended greens with fruit and water, the result was an easily absorbed, delicious smoothie. The key to reaping all the benefits from your green smoothies is to use a wide variety of greens and drink it every day. Most enjoy it as a quick, nutrient-packed breakfast.Boutenko also did a study where people drank green smoothies every day for a month. Most participants reported a noticeable increase in their energy levels after just the first week. This boost of energy may be just what you need to get into gear with your workouts. And regular challenging exercise is the key to achieving your ideal body.
RECIPE OF THE MONTHGreen SmoothiePeople who consume green smoothies report fewer cravings for unhealthy food and tend to snack far less than when they aren’t getting their greens.Green smoothies consist of three basic ingredients: greens, fruit and water. Have fun experimenting with a wide range of varieties of both the greens and the fruit to reap the most benefit. You may be surprised to find that the simple combination of greens and fruit is quite delicious.Servings: 1What you need:* 1 bunch (2 cups) red dandelion greens (feel free to use spinach or any other dark greens)* 1 cup strawberries* 1 banana* 1-2 cups filtered waterIn a high-speed blender mix the ingredients until smooth.Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 199 calories, 1g fat, 47g carbohydrate, 10g fiber, and 6g protein.
David Corder NSCA-CPTwww.perfectfitwc.com
