Eat Green!

Why is eating green important to maintain health and wellbeing? Green leafy vegetables contain a compound called chlorophyll (not to be confused with chloroform!), a pigment which gives plants its green colour. Chlorophyll is known as sunlight energy because it promotes the process of photosynthesis, the energy plants need to survive. The other astonishing fact about chlorophyll is that its structure is nearly identical to our red blood cells, the only difference being the central atom. In our red blood cells, the central atom of the structure is iron whereas in chlorophyll its magnesium. This property is important because it allows chlorophyll to transfuse into the blood very quickly when ingested, increasing the production of our red blood cells and making it easier for oxygen transfer around the body.

Why is oxygen transfer important? Well in English, oxygen transfer is how chlorophyll distributes its nutrients and health benefits to the cells. The more oxygen we have flowing through our bodies, the more energy we will have to move and grow.

Chlorophyll contains many nutrients such as:

• Essential amino acids (needed to make proteins)
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Antioxidants
• Digestive enzymes to help maintain intestinal flora.

Chlorophyll has amazing health benefits like cleansing toxins from the liver and blood, regulating calcium levels, boosts immunity, protects us from cancer and supports muscle health.

We can get a source of chlorophyll from eating lots of green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, artichokes, alfalfa, broccoli, brussell sprouts, green beans, chard, wheatgrass and parsley. Blue green algae supplements such as spirulina also contain high amounts of chlorophyll and there are liquid chlorophylls on the market if you find it difficult to consume vegetables. In my opinion, fresh is best so if you find it hard to get enough greens into your diet, juice it and drink it!

So now we know why chlorophyll is important in our diets but how can we make it more interesting to consume? Below is a recipe for Spinach Oat Pancakes that I found to be quite delicious and a great way to get more fruits and vegetables into your diet!



Recipe:
- 1 cup oats
- 3/4 to 1 cup of milk (preferred choice)
- 1 to 2 eggs (vegans can substitute the egg for a        large banana)
- 1/4 cup agave syrup
- a handful of spinach leaves

Blend ingredients together until a thick mixture is formed.
Cook an a low heat, top with favourite toppings and enjoy!
I topped my pancakes with banana, nuts, sunflower seeds, goji berries and a drizzle of agave syrup. I like to use agave syrup because it is a plant nectar and is low GI.




If you want to see more delicious recipes and nutrition tips, please follow me on Instagram @ambition_nutrition or you can find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ambitiousnutrition

Lisa xx