Scientific Research on the ingredients in Superfood

Although there are very few human studies done on the superfood ingredients, there are quite a few done on animals and some on individual human cells. And because these studies look so promising, some researchers have gone on to begin human trials and we await their new discoveries. I would like to share with you some of the most interesting facts that have been observed so far. SPIRULINA Existing for over 3.5 billion years, spirulina is a microscopic algae that is the Earth's oldest source of life-enhancing phytonutrients, antioxidants, and protein rich nutrition. Ancient Azetcs and Mayans used it as a highly nutritious food source. Spirulina is 65% protein; the highest protein content of any natural food. It is high in beta carotene, a rich source of B12. It's iron content is greater than that of beef liver. It's also high in GLA (an essential fatty acid), Calcium, and trace minerals. In a human clinical study conducted by Japanese scientists, the subjects who were given spirulina showed a significant increase in the tumor killing ability of their natural killer cells and interferon gamma. In other studies with animals, spirulina showed a positive effect on the behavior of immune cells, inhibited allergic reactions, enhanced macrophage activity, and increased activity of antibodies. Polysaccharides, which are 15-25% of spirulina, offer quick energy to the body without taxing the pancreas or precipitating hypoglycemia. In Russia, spirulina is approved as a 'medicine food' for treating radiation sickness. The Children of Chernobyl, suffering from radiation poisoning, were given 5 grams per day and had dramatic recoveries in six weeks. To quickly summarize the health benefits of Spirulina as listed in Earth Food Spirulina by Robert Henrikson: - Increase anti-viral activity - Lower cholesterol - Reduce risk of cancer - Stimulate the immune system - Reduce kidney toxicity - Build healthy lactobacillus - Improve wound healing - Eliminate malnutrition - Reduce radiation sickness BARLEY GRASS Barley Grass is the richest source of the antioxidant 2-O-GIV, which permeates both the fat and aqueous cell membranes to protect them from oxidation damage. A fraction of Barley Grass, called P4D1, was observed to repair cellular DNA. Barley grass juice has shown the ability to decompose and inactivate mutagenic substances found in food additives and agricultural chemicals. It has ten times the calcium of cow's milk and seven times the Vitamin C of oranges.