Fighting Fit - Nature's superfood

THE planet is blessed with thousands of natural supplements that can help the human body in many ways.
Plants, herbs and spices, and fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, good bacteria, and antioxidants, to name a few.
Although in recent times we have moved to synthetic options, herbal and plant-based supplements have made a comeback, thanks to technology.
Today, we are able to consume Mother Nature’s ‘power bars’ in powder form.
► Blue-green goodness
One of the oldest life forms on Earth is packed with tonnes of nutrients.
Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae which is partly responsible for producing the oxygen in the planet’s atmosphere some 3.5 billion years ago. This helped regulate our planet’s biosphere.
Made out of up to 70% protein, spirulina has more protein per gramme compared to beef, chicken, and soybeans.
On top of that, it has eight essential and 10 non-essential amino acids together with vitamin B12, iron, calcium and chlorophyll.
With all these chemical compounds, it comes with no surprise that spirulina is a healing super powder.
According to research, spirulina helps reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and boost energy levels.
Spirulina comes in tablet, powder, and liquid form – making it easy to consume any time.
► Freshwater amino acids
Much like its blue-green cousin spirulina, chlorella is a form of algae which comes with numerous health benefits.
Native to Taiwan and Japan, chlorella is found in freshwater and is packed with amino acids, chlorophyll, potassium, magnesium, and the B-complex vitamins.
Chlorella and spirulina share some similar traits, but chlorella has twice the amount of nucleic acids and chlorophyll compared to its cousin.
According to research, chlorophyll slows the rate at which harmful bacteria reproduce, making it beneficial for wound healing and preventing infections.
Chlorella also eliminates unwanted metals and toxins by binding lingering heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides found in the digestive tract without affecting beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, or zinc.
Some studies suggest chlorella may be able to reduce body fat percentage and increase good bacteria in the digestive system.
Chlorella can be taken anytime but it is important not to consume it with coffee, as caffeine may disrupt the digestive process.
► The moringa miracle
Visit any banana leaf rice restaurant and you will be able to find moringa in their dishes.
A staple when cooking Indian curry and used widely in ayurvedic medicine, moringa recently came into the limelight for its nutritional benefits.
With an oxygen radical absorbance capacity (Orac) value of 157,000³, moringa has one of the highest antioxidant contents of any food – beating out antioxidant superfood matcha.
Antioxidants help prevent cell damage and premature ageing.
Besides being a great antioxidant, several studies have shown that moringa may help lower blood sugar levels.
In one such study, women who took moringa reduced their fasting blood sugar levels by 13.5%.
Just like chlorella and spirulina, moringa helps lower cholesterol levels and work as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Moringa comes in tablet and powder form.
Supplements are good for those who are unable to get all the right nutrients from a healthy meal on a daily basis.
However, it is extremely important to talk to a nutritionist or a doctor before consuming any supplements – natural or synthetic.
Nevash Nair is currently on his own fitness journey in Thailand. Follow him on Instagram @nevjitsu or contact him via email at lifestyle.nevashnair@thesundaily.com.