• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Markets
    • Health
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Showcases
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Markets
  • Health
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Showcases
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter
    Editorial Guidelines
    Top Features
    Nutraceuticals for Men: Muscle Health and Performance Nutrition

    Aging in Place: Healthy Lifestyles Supplement Science-Based Solutions

    Getting an Edge in Esports: Meeting the Health Needs of Competitive Gamers

    Beyond CBD: Cannabis Compounds Warrant Recognition and More Research

    Leveling Out the Energy Segment for Mainstream, and Rethinking Caffeine
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Research
    Supplier News
    Supplier Insights
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Thorne Relaunches Gut Health Test with Microbiome Wipe

    Alkemist Labs Announces Alkemist Assured Seal and Next Generation Transparency Reports

    GC Rieber Foundations Expand Philanthropic Efforts

    Danone Celebrates 10th anniversary of Grant Program for Probiotics Research

    Stratum Nutrition’s Patent Portfolio Grows to Europe and Canada
    Exclusives
    Blogs & Guest Articles
    Health E-Insights
    Area Code 420
    eBook
    Antioxidants
    Dairy-Based Ingredients
    Enzymes
    Fatty Acids
    Fiber & Carbohydrates
    Green Foods
    Herbs & Botanicals
    Marine Nutraceuticals
    Minerals
    Omega 3s
    Probiotics & Prebiotics
    Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
    Sweeteners
    Vitamins

    GC Rieber Foundations Expand Philanthropic Efforts

    Danone Celebrates 10th anniversary of Grant Program for Probiotics Research

    Botanical Ingredient MorActive Evidenced to Relieve Back Discomfort

    Cargill’s Stevia Sustainability Program Benchmarked by FSA

    GOED Creates Infographic Highlighting Omega-3 Health Claims Approved in Europe
    Consumer Trends
    Contract Manufacturing
    Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
    Delivery & Dosage Technologies
    Dietary Supplements
    Flavors & Colors
    Functional Foods & Beverages
    Healthcare Trends
    Medical Nutrition
    Mergers & Acquisitions
    Natural/Organic
    Nutrition Bars
    Packaging
    Pet Nutraceuticals
    Quality & Safety
    Regulations
    Research
    Testing
    World Markets

    Thorne Relaunches Gut Health Test with Microbiome Wipe

    Alkemist Labs Announces Alkemist Assured Seal and Next Generation Transparency Reports

    GC Rieber Foundations Expand Philanthropic Efforts

    Danone Celebrates 10th anniversary of Grant Program for Probiotics Research

    Stratum Nutrition’s Patent Portfolio Grows to Europe and Canada
    Bone & Joint Health
    Cancer Risk
    Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Function
    Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
    Digestive Health
    Energy
    Eye Health
    Healthy Aging
    Immune Function
    Infant & Children's Health
    Inflammation
    Men's Health
    Mood Health & Sleep
    Oral Health
    Sexual & Reproductive Health
    Skin Health
    Sports Nutrition
    Weight Management/Weight Loss
    Women's Health

    Thorne Relaunches Gut Health Test with Microbiome Wipe

    Danone Celebrates 10th anniversary of Grant Program for Probiotics Research

    Beyond Raw Launches Concept X Pre-Workout Line

    Botanical Ingredient MorActive Evidenced to Relieve Back Discomfort

    Kyowa Hakko Appoints Dr. Colin Hill to Immuse Scientific Advisory Board
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Sabinsa Corporation

    PhytoGaia Inc

    Gencor

    Nutrition21, LLC

    Verdure Sciences
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Sabinsa Corporation

    PhytoGaia Inc

    Gencor

    Nutrition21, LLC

    Verdure Sciences
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Trade Associations
      • Company Capabilities
    • Nutraceuticals
      • Antioxidants
      • Dairy-Based Ingredients
      • Enzymes
      • Fatty Acids
      • Fiber & Carbohydrates
      • Green Foods
      • Herbs & Botanicals
      • Marine Nutraceuticals
      • Minerals
      • Omega 3s
      • Probiotics & Prebiotics
      • Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
      • Sweeteners
      • Vitamins
    • Markets
      • Consumer Trends
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
      • Delivery & Dosage Technologies
      • Dietary Supplements
      • Flavors & Colors
      • Functional Foods & Beverages
      • Healthcare Trends
      • Medical Nutrition
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Natural/Organic
      • Nutrition Bars
      • Packaging
      • Pet Nutraceuticals
      • Quality & Safety
      • Regulations
      • Research
      • Testing
      • World Markets
    • Health
      • Bone & Joint Health
      • Cancer Risk
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cognitive Function
      • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
      • Digestive Health
      • Energy
      • Eye Health
      • Healthy Aging
      • Immune Function
      • Infant & Children's Health
      • Inflammation
      • Men's Health
      • Mood Health & Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Sexual & Reproductive Health
      • Skin Health
      • Sports Nutrition
      • Weight Management/Weight Loss
      • Women's Health
    • Online Exclusives
    • Webinars
    • Slideshows
    • Blogs & Guest Articles
    • Health E-Insights
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • eBook
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • TrendSense
      • Monograph Center
      • White Papers
      • Research News
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Supplier Showcases
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • News Releases
      • Literature / Brochures
      • White Papers
      • Jobs
      • VIdeos
      • Services
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    Green Foods: A Research Perspective

    Consumers are increasingly recognizing the value of green foods, now researchers and the medical community are catching up.

    Related CONTENT
    • An Interview with George A. Burdock, PhD, of the Burdock Group
    • Greener Pastures for Green Foods
    • Top 10 Stories in September
    • Clean & Green
    • John Cardellina Joins ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program
    David Sandoval05.01.03
    The number of companies with green food offerings has increased steadily since the late 1970s when the second green foods revolution was being led by the likes of Anne Wigmore, Bernard Jensen, Christopher Hills and Victoras Kulvinskas. These luminaries were building on work from the 1930s, the banyan days of the first green foods revolution when Dr. Charles Schnabel, V. E. Irons and a host of chemists and researchers from the Mayo Clinic first reported to the American Chemical Society that eating green leaves from cereal grass (wheat, barley, oats, rye) provided every known nutrient necessary for human health except vitamin D.

    Today the third green foods revolution is here to stay and not surprisingly scores, if not hundreds, of marketing companies have taken notice of what appears to be an ever-expanding customer base both in the U.S. and worldwide. Armed with published studies, testimonials and public service announcements by government institutions to "eat five-a-day," the green foods segment is winning the hearts and minds of some of the most renowned doctors and oncologists in the U.S. including Dr. Keith Block from the Block Medical Center, Evanston, IL, who offers his own Turbo Greens to cancer patients as part of an integrative therapy program.

    Additionally, Gary Null Ph.D., who is one of America's most outspoken health advocates, has been an avid promoter of green foods for over 30 years and his Green Stuff is offered by holistic practitioners and health food stores across the Eastern seaboard.

    Other green food products that have gained popularity include Barlean's Greens from Barlean's Organic Oils, Ferndale, WA. There's also Nutritech, Santa Barbara, CA, which offers its All One green drink based on the success of its original All One multivitamin drink. Additionally, TAAG/Vibrant Health, Lakeville, CT, has developed a superfood blend available in its Green Vibes bar product. Lastly, Jarrow Formulas, Los Angeles, CA, has reported brisk sales of its new Green Defense product introduced last fall.

    Stores are also responding to the increased demand as shelf space dedicated to green foods has steadily increased. At a recent NNFA trade show, no fewer then 27 companies featured green food products, seeking to capture their share of what is soon expected to be a billion dollar industry. Table 1 features a brief list of green foods and their key features.


    Green Foods & Cancer Prevention



    As scientists gain more insight into the cause of cancers, it is becoming increasingly clear that the focus of treatment must change dramatically. While many researchers have become convinced, most medical doctors and oncologists are still overcoming their previously deep rooted belief in the genetic origin of cancers. This belief has virtually discredited those who focus on lifestyle modification and a disease preventive diet as the primary defense against cancer, and since doctors thought genetics were the cause, surgery, medications and chemotherapy became widely accepted as the best "reaction" to the "genetic" malfunction.

    All of that is changing with current revelations provided by the human genome project, indicating that only 20% of all cancer is genetically linked. This paradigm changing revelation has led many researchers to turn their attention to "phyto" chemistry, which is the study of plant-based compounds that act as cellular antioxidants. Recently a unanimous chorus has gone up among doctors, dietitians and nutritionists to significantly increase the amount of green pigmented foods people get in their diet. The reason for this is because a huge body of scientific evidence currently indicates that green foods may be the most important part of a disease prevention and life extending diet.

    Take for example the April 1999 Issue of the Harvard Health Letter. According to Harvard researchers, one of the most important steps anyone can take to avoid cancer is to consume more deep green pigmented foods. With cancer rates climbing, researchers noted that this type of dietary change must be the first line of defense. (Note: Over 1 million cancer cases are diagnosed each year.)

    At the Centers for Disease Controland Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, Dr. Tim Beyors has also seen how adding green foods to even the best diet can increase cancer prevention dramatically. Studies at the CDC show that people who eat a high fiber, low-fat diet can decrease their risk for colon/rectal cancer by less than 10%. However, when adding five servings of greens to the same low-fat, high fiber diet the risk fell by nearly 40%.

    Other studies show a lack of green vegetables increases breast cancer risk nearly 25%, with skin cancer results being very similar. While these studies focused on green leafy vegetables, sea greens have also been impressive in human studies conducted at UC Davis by T.L. Mao, Jean De Water and M.E. Gershwin. These studies published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods shows certain sea plants with green and blue pigments induce interleukin (IL)-1, IL-4 and interferon (IFN). In fact, after only two weeks of oral ingestion (of spirulina platensis), IFN increased as much as 13 times. (Note: These are important to cellular defense and increase macrophage activity, an important aspect of fighting cancer.)


    Research Beginnings



    So, where did the research begin? All of it is somehow either inspired by or is a continuation of the functional foods program that operated under Dr. Herb Pierson from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD. He convinced the U.S. government to fund $20 million in research into the disease preventive aspect of food. It was Dr. Pierson who coined the term "phytochemical" to describe the yet unidentified compounds in food that help prevent disease. He was also a pioneer in documenting the cancer-fighting compounds in green foods such as endole carbinole 3 and sulphurophane through his support of research on broccoli.

    With the overwhelming amount of new research being published every year, it is inevitable that botanists, chemists and others will catalogue an infinite number of endoles, bioflavanoids and polyphenolic compounds in green plants in the future. However, the form and function of green plants needs to be examined further to fully understand their place in nature's apothecary.

    We know chlorophyll as the pigment that makes plants green. But it is chlorophyll's amazing similarity to hemoglobin that is the first clue to it's potential (Figure 1).

    Form follows function. As chlorophyll performs photosynthesis, it is exposed to hours of ultraviolet and radioactive light. As a byproduct of this, damage is done to the plant's nucleic acids causing oxidative stress. In reaction, green plants develop an array of unique bioflavanoids that act as blocking agents or others that act as repairing and suppressing agents. Recent research has shown that those green plant activities can be transferred to the humans who consume them. In fact, scientists have documented green plants' effects on cellular rejuvenation and the DNA repair in human cells. One study conducted at UC San Diego showed a component of green leaves from young barley plants to promote the repair of DNA significantly when compared to the control group. This study was conducted by a team led by Dr. Hotta and Dr. Kubuto.


    The Function of Green Foods



    Green foods may be the most effective natural cure for osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, low energy, gaseous stomach and most important cancer. In order to understand how green foods work, any preconceived ideas about nutrition must be put aside. While green foods contain a host of vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes, chlorophyll and more, they are actually catalysts that support chemical chain reactions within the body. Most cancers start when incomplete chemical reactions occur during digestion, respiration and elimination, which create acidic toxic waste in the body that ultimately interferes with cellular replication. Each cell in the body is responsible for replicating itself. During cellular reproduction, chromosomes split into chromatides and reassemble into genes. If they do not match up properly, cellular defects cause aging, bone loss, heart disease and cancer. Green foods help "balance the body" and create an environment where cancer is unlikely to occur.

    Low pH or over acidity in the system is often the root cause of many diseases. It begins when the blood is deprived of alkaline ash food that creates a low alkaline buffer reserve in the tissue-alkaline ash foods are foods that when burned leave an alkaline residue, we also call these alkaline forming foods. As the alkaline reserve is "used up" by our blood, acidity begins to increase in other organs and stress normal metabolic function. To combat the formation of lactic, uric and other damaging acids, the body will leach calcium from the bones to "buffer" and neutralize these acids. Unfortunately this causes bone loss, arthritis and ultimately osteoporosis. Another defensive measure is to store the ammonia acids in the kidneys in an attempt to conserve the alkaline buffer reserve. This ultimately leads to kidney stones, hormone imbalance and contributes to the cellular stress that leads to cancer. The leading cause of low pH and over acidity is the consumption of processed foods (carbohydrates, sugar, white flour), meat, protein and carbonated beverages. Of course the best way to create a strong alkaline reserve is to consume alkaline ash foods like green foods, which will in turn balance the pH of the body, allowing other important aspects of immune defense to be unleashed. However, as important as pH is, it is only one aspect of green food nutrition, and cancer is only one of many ailments that green foods may be helpful in preventing.


    The Future



    Today 83% of Americans who die suffer from some form of chronic disease, and with life expectancy at an all time high, it is time for change. In Roman times the average life span was a mere 22 years old, while today people like Jean Colment of France are reaching ages well into the 100s.

    As a society, Japan leads the life expectancy race, with an average of 80 years, while American women come in at a close second with a 78+ year average. The stark realization that any extended lifespan comes with an increased likelihood of developing chronic degenerative conditions has driven home the message echoing from the voice of the father of medicine himself who said, "Let food be your medicine and let medicine be your food."

    While researchers continue to achieve unprecedented success with cancer treatments, it may be 10-20 years before the most promising [treatments] become widely available. With 1.2 million Americans diagnosed with cancer last year alone, an aging baby boomer population is running out of time. Today with the scientific validation of green foods as a disease-fighter, the gray generation may soon become the green generation.NW

    About the author:
    David Sandoval is a green foods researcher and president and CEO of Organic By Nature, Long Beach, CA. He is also the author of "The Healing Miracle of Green Foods" audio book. He can be reached at 800-362-8482; Fax: 562-901-9575; E-mail: dave@greenkamutcorp.com.
    Related Searches
    • Cancer Risk
    • Skin Health
    • Green Foods
    • Antioxidants
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Cancer Risk
    • Enzymes
    • Vitamins
    Suggested For You
    An Interview with George A. Burdock, PhD, of the Burdock Group An Interview with George A. Burdock, PhD, of the Burdock Group
    Greener Pastures for Green Foods Greener Pastures for Green Foods
    Top 10 Stories in September Top 10 Stories in September
    Clean & Green Clean & Green
    John Cardellina Joins ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program John Cardellina Joins ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program
    KOHJIN Life Sciences Shows Effectiveness of Oral Supplementation with Glutathione KOHJIN Life Sciences Shows Effectiveness of Oral Supplementation with Glutathione
    Researchers Present Mechanism for Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate Researchers Present Mechanism for Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
    Scientists Present Findings on Antioxidants in Oats Scientists Present Findings on Antioxidants in Oats
    The ‘Green Revolution’: Aloe & Green Foods Thrive The ‘Green Revolution’: Aloe & Green Foods Thrive
    ConAgra Acquires Elan Nutrition ConAgra Acquires Elan Nutrition
    ConAgra Foods Acquires Nutrition Bar Manufacturer ConAgra Foods Acquires Nutrition Bar Manufacturer
    New Prebiotic Report Available New Prebiotic Report Available
    Think Green Think Green

    Related Content

    • Dietary Supplements | Quality & Safety | Regulations
      An Interview with George A. Burdock, PhD, of the Burdock Group

      An Interview with George A. Burdock, PhD, of the Burdock Group

      Dr. Burdock has 25+ years of experience dealing with regulatory issues related to product safety and risk assessment.
      Sheldon Baker 04.03.17

    • Antioxidants | Consumer Trends | Dietary Supplements | Digestive Health | Energy | Functional Foods & Beverages | Green Foods | Herbs & Botanicals | Immune Function | Marine Nutraceuticals | Natural/Organic | Probiotics & Prebiotics
      Greener Pastures for Green Foods

      Greener Pastures for Green Foods

      The category of green foods has evolved significantly beyond grasses and algae.
      Lisa Schofield, Contributing Writer 04.03.17

    • Dietary Supplements | Green Foods | Omega-3s
      Top 10 Stories in September

      Top 10 Stories in September

      Here’s what people were reading on NutraceuticalsWorld.com last month.
      10.02.15


    • Cardiovascular Health | Consumer Trends | Delivery & Dosage Technologies | Dietary Supplements | Digestive Health | Fatty Acids | Functional Foods & Beverages | Green Foods | Healthcare Trends | Immune Function | Minerals | Natural/Organic | Quality & Safety | Skin Health | Vitamins
      Clean & Green

      Clean & Green

      Green foods emerge as easy and convenient options for health conscious consumers to get their nutrients.
      Lisa Olivo, Associate Editor 09.08.15

    • People News

      John Cardellina Joins ABC-AHP-NCNPR Botanical Adulterants Program

      ...
      10.21.14

      Trending
      • Leaven Essential To Launch Branded Botanical Extracts To Global Markets | Nutraceuticals World
      • Oregon Files Lawsuit Against GNC | Nutraceuticals World
      • Coca-Cola To Phase Out Honest Tea Brand By Year’s End, Citing Supply Chain Challenges | Nutraceuticals World
      Breaking News
      • Thorne Relaunches Gut Health Test with Microbiome Wipe
      • Alkemist Labs Announces Alkemist Assured Seal and Next Generation Transparency Reports
      • GC Rieber Foundations Expand Philanthropic Efforts
      • Danone Celebrates 10th anniversary of Grant Program for Probiotics Research
      • Stratum Nutrition’s Patent Portfolio Grows to Europe and Canada
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      May 2022

      • Aging in Place: Lifestyle Supplements Science-Based Solutions
      • Getting an Edge in Esports: Meeting Health & Nutrition Needs
      • Nutraceuticals for Men: Muscle Health and Performance Nutrition

      Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
      You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

      • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms And Conditions
      • Contact Us

      follow us

      Subscribe
      Nutraceuticals World

      Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

      Thorne Relaunches Gut Health Test with Microbiome Wipe
      Alkemist Labs Announces Alkemist Assured Seal and Next Generation Transparency Reports
      GC Rieber Foundations Expand Philanthropic Efforts
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      What are You Reading this Week?
      Nippon Paint Automotive Americas Appoints Robert Angart CEO and President
      Sustainability, Economy are Focus of BCF’s Annual Conference
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      MPO's Most-Read Stories This Week—May 28
      New Breast Implant Surgery Guidelines to Enhance Patient Safety
      Rhythm Management Group Debuts RhythmSynergy Tech Platform
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      iECURE Enters Agreement with Center for Breakthrough Medicines
      CPDC Enters Clinical Manufacturing Deal with CellBion
      Olon to Build New R&D Center in Italy
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      K-Beauty Brand Siita Shares Plastic Decomposition Technology with the Beauty Industry
      Shellworks Raises $6.2 Million in Seed Funding
      Ulta Beauty Reports Record First Quarter 2022 Results
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      Global Skincare Treatment Devices Market Expected to Grow at Over 11.5% CAGR Rate Through 2028
      Technology Cuts Plastic Decomposition from 500 Years to Three Months
      Honeywell Addresses Critical Issues Such as Sustainability, Workforce Training and Digitalization
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      Weekly Recap: Flint Group, New Inks from Siegwerk and Zeller+Gmelin Lead This Week’s News
      Orion to Finish Gas Black Expansion in Germany by Early 2023
      Richard Childress Racing Shows Off New Wraps for 2022 NASCAR Season
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      UPM Raflatac accelerates label growth with acquisition
      Labelexpo Asia 2022 postponed
      Teklynx software helps Top Clean Injection validate labels
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      Rael Raises $35M in Series B Funding
      Schobertechnologies Offers Rotary Web-fed Converting Solutions
      Thorne Relaunches Gut Health Test with Microbiome Wipe
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      ODT's Most-Read Stories This Week—May 28
      Toetal Solutions Raises $1.02 Million in New Financing
      ManaMed's ManaSport Wearable Ultrasound Earns FDA Nod
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      Weekly Recap: OPV’s Future, Graphene Flagship and Japan Display Top This Week’s Stories
      SEMI Foundation Receives $1.5 Million Grant to Bolster Michigan’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline
      onsemi Recognized by Fortune 500 for Its Transformation Journey

      Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

      AD BLOCKER DETECTED

      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


      FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login