L04_Nutrition 2 Flashcards
Superfoods (105 cards)
What are superfoods?
Superfoods contain all or nearly all the vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals the body needs.
Give examples of superfoods.
- Algae
- Sprouts
- Bee pollen
What is a key feature of a true superfood?
A true superfood contains a wide range of nutrients.
How do superfoods influence health?
Superfoods incorporated into a whole food diet support human health and are a highly therapeutic addition to one’s diet.
What are phytonutrients?
Phytonutrients are plant nutrients.
What is the significance of antioxidants in superfoods?
Antioxidants help support healthy aging.
What does the ORAC score measure?
The ORAC score quantifies the total antioxidant capacity of a food.
True or False: Superfoods have superpowers.
False
What is chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is an organic compound that plants use to trap light for photosynthesis.
What is the central atom in chlorophyll?
Magnesium
List some health benefits of chlorophyll.
- Detoxification
- Antioxidant properties
- Reduces inflammation
- Supports energy production
- Promotes wound healing
- Deodorant properties
What is the ‘Warburg Effect’ in relation to cancer?
The Warburg Effect refers to the tendency of cancer cells to favor glycolysis for energy production, even in the presence of oxygen.
How can chlorophyll affect body acidity?
Chlorophyll is alkalizing and can help counteract excess acidity in the body.
What are the three major groups of macroalgae?
- Red algae
- Brown algae
- Green algae
What is fucoxanthin?
Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid found in edible brown seaweed with powerful antioxidant effects.
How does seaweed support thyroid function?
The high iodine content in seaweed is useful for the production of T3 and T4 hormones.
What effect does seaweed have on blood sugar control?
Seaweed intake promotes better glycaemic control and improves insulin sensitivity.
What are some uses of seaweed in food?
- Soups
- Curries
- Miso soup
- Rice
- Salad
- Sushi
What is the main benefit of microalgae?
Microalgae are particularly high in chlorophyll, iron, and complete protein.
What is phycocyanin?
Phycocyanin is a pigment-binding protein in spirulina that exerts anti-cancer activity.
List some benefits of spirulina.
- Detoxification
- Immune-enhancing
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-cancer
- Exercise performance
- Anti-allergic effects
- Anti-hypertensive
- Positive effect on blood lipids
What is a recommended dosage for spirulina?
1–8 g per day (1 tbsp. = 7 g)
What is the primary difference between spirulina and chlorella?
Chlorella has tough cellulose walls and requires pulverizing to increase nutrient availability.
What is Chlorella?
Single-celled green algae with tough cellulose walls requiring pulverising for nutrient availability.
Nutritionally similar to Spirulina but has different physical properties.