The term "superfoods" refers to a handful of chlorophyll-rich plants, including microalgae and cereal grasses, which are powerful antioxidants, immune boosters, and detoxifiers. Grown in watery environments, microalgae are both rich in protein and a great source of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. The most commonly used microalgae are spirulina, chlorella, and blue-green algae. Cereal grasses, such as barley grass and wheatgrass, grow on land. Manufacturers harvest these young green plants before they mature into cereal grains, while they contain peak levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

SUPERFOODS, BRIEFLY
Chlorophyll. Green drinks are wonderfully chlorophyll rich. Green drinks also contain enzymes that assist digestion and the assimilation of foods.

Oxygen Source. Green drinks are made with algaes, which produce 70% of the Earth's oxygen every day. These tiny, complex plant structures transform the sun's energy into essential nutrients.

Nutrient Rich. Green drinks are rich sources of important nutrients, such as Vitamins B1, B2, and B3 as well as pantothenic acid, folic acid, the Carotenes, and choline. They are also high in minerals, especially potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, and manganese.

HOW SUPERFOODS WORK
All green foods contain chlorophyll. Chlorophyll's chemical structure is quite similar to hemoglobin (blood's oxygen transporter), hence chlorophyll's reputation for being the "lifeblood" of the plant world. Chlorophyll eases inflammation, promotes wound healing, and has potent antioxidant abilities to counteract harmful free radicals.

All green foods play similar roles in the body, but each one also has some outstanding qualities. For example, research documents spirulina's liver-protective nature. In a study of 60 people with various liver disorders, spirulina prevented a worsening of liver problems; specifically, the progression of chronic hepatitis to cirrhosis (Lik Sprava, 2000, vol. 6).

Chlorella has the highest chlorophyll level of any green food. Clinical trials have found that daily use of chlorella supplements reduces high blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, speeds wound healing, boosts immunity, and also improves quality of life for those with fibromyalgia (Best Practice and Research: Clinical Rheumatology, 2003, vol. 17, no. 4). Many alternative health practitioners use chlorella supplements as a detoxifier, but no clinical research supports this application.

Blue-green algae has proven to be both an antioxidant and an infection fighter (Life Sciences, 2004, vol. 75, no. 19; Planta Medica, 2001, vol. 67, no. 8).

Barley grass lowers cholesterol and reduces other risk factors for cardiovascular disease (Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2004, vol. 27, no. 6). Researchers have documented barley grass' benefits among diabetics, people with elevated cholesterol levels, and smokers (Diabetes and Metabolism, 2002, vol. 28, no. 2).