'Superfood and 2 veg'

Superfood and two veg! (Spirulina, Hemp Seeds/Hemp Protein, Bee Pollen, Cacao Kapow) 09/09/08 by Greg Shaw

For those of us looking to either give up or to cut down on meat we pose the question: ‘Is there a way of replicating the nutritional benefits of meat eating’?

Surprisingly the answer is not only ‘yes’ in fact certain ‘Superfoods’ can not just replicate the nutrients normally found in meat, they can actually surpass them.

Depending on the type and quality, meat contains between 15 – 30% protein. (This protein is often called pure protein as meat contains the 9 ‘essential’ amino acids which enable the body to absorb the protein efficiently. It should be mentioned at this point that many grains, fruits and vegetables do not contain these essential amino acids which is why meat has always been considered the best form of protein, however there is an alternative).

Lets see how our ‘Creative Nature Superfoods’ compare… High levels of protein can be found in a number of Superfoods, namely Bee Pollen, Hemp products, Spirulina and Barley Grass.

Creative Nature Bee Pollen contains 45% protein which is more than any meat. It also contains all the amino acids including the 9 essential aminos found in meat which enable the body to absorb this high pure protein. As well as this high protein content, Bee Pollen also contains a complete range of B vitamins, including B12 (which contrary to popular belief is not only found in meat!) This complete range of complex B vitamins supplies energy to the body, making bee pollen a superb alternative to meat.

‘Creative Nature Bee Pollen’ has a unique flavour, it is quite sweet making it ideal sprinkled on cereal in place of sugar or added to salads, smoothies, fruit or yogurts.

Another fantastic alternative to meat protein is Creative Nature Hemp Protein. Like Bee Pollen it too contains all the necessary essential fatty acids, found in perfect ratio for human consumption. In fact the balance of omega oils found in Hemp Protein is equal to those found in oily fish. The protein content is 48.5%, far higher than any meat based protein.

‘Creative Nature Hemp Protein’ comes in powdered form so it can easily be blended into drinks.

If you prefer a source of protein that you can have on your plate and enjoy with your meal, then ‘Creative Nature Shelled Hemp Seeds’ also contain 35% protein and all the EFA’s required to absorb the protein. In fact Hemp Seeds provide omega 3,6 and 9 in the perfect ration for human consumption.

Perhaps the greatest source of absorbable plant protein is Creative Nature Spirulina which contains 65% protein, more than double that of meat! However, it doesn’t stop there, as well as protein, Spirulina also contains a wealth of other nutrients including those nutrients normally associated with meat, namely, Zinc, Thiamin(B1), Riboflavin(B2), Pyridoxine(B6), Cobalamin(B12), Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium. As well as many other vitamins and minerals that are not found in meat!

Creative Nature Barley Grass is another high protein plant (29%) which, like Spirulina, is known as a wholefood. They are called wholefoods because they contain a complete range of vitamins and minerals. It should be mentioned here that because Barley Grass, Spirulina and all superfoods are plants, the human body recognises them as a food and therefore is able to absorb all of the nutrition. This is not true of synthetic multi-vitamin pills which the body does not recognise and therefore does not absorb.

Both Creative Nature Spirulina and Creative Nature Barley Grass come in tablet or powder form so they can be implemented into the diet simply.

To conclude, contrary to popular believe, the plant world can in fact not only match the nutritional benefits of eating meat, it can actually surpass it! As with all things in life a sensible balance should be maintained. Eating meat in moderation is fine but hopefully you are now aware that there are alternatives available which will provide you with superb nutrition and will in fact be digested much more easily by your body.

Moving onto… ‘Whats for pudding’!

Cacao Kapow is Creative Natures ‘Raw’ Chocolate bar. It contains no Sugar, no Dairy and has not undergone a heavy cooking process so remains raw. This means that all the goodness and enzymes are still alive. As well as being a rich source of magnesium which may help maintain the overall vigour of the heart, it is also high in antioxidants and contains feel good neurotransmitters like serotonin! So if giving up meat is getting you down then raise your spirits with ‘Cacao Kapow’ the healthy chocolate bar that ...tastes so good, you can eat it till the Cacows come home!