Leavy Greens And Marine Phytoplankton Weight Loss Strategy

Did you know the secret to weight management might be hidden in the green leaves we see every day in the supermarket and that you are somehow avoiding? Researchers have discovered that thylakoids, the membranes responsible for photosynthesis in green plants, offer powerful benefits in appetite regulation and weight loss. Here’s how they work and why they could come in really handy if you want to lose some of those extra kilos. It turns out that algae like marine phytoplankton have plenty thylakoids and can assist you in your weight loss journey.

How Thylakoids Work

Thylakoids slow down fat digestion in the gut, allowing digestion to extend into the lower intestine. This process triggers the release of satiety hormones like CCK and GLP-1, which tell your brain you’re full. You have heard from GLP-1 because of wight loss medications like Ozempic. Ozempic binds to the same receptors in the body as GLP-1 does, triggering similar effects.

The result? Reduced hunger, fewer cravings for unhealthy foods, and better control over portion sizes.

In addition, thylakoids influence gut health by acting as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus reuteri. This gut-friendly effect supports overall metabolic health, including improved glucose regulation and reduced cholesterol levels.

Key Benefits of Thylakoids

1. Promote Satiety                                                                                                                       By prolonging digestion, thylakoids help keep you full longer, reducing the temptation to snack between meals.
2. Suppress So Called Hedonic Hunger
   Hedonic hunger—those cravings for sweet, salty, or fatty treats—is significantly reduced after consuming thylakoids. Over time, they can help reshape your preferences for healthier food choices.
3. Aid in Weight Loss
   Studies have shown that thylakoid-enriched meals can result in significant weight and fat loss. In a 12-week study, women consuming thylakoids lost an average of 5 kg compared to 3.5 kg in the control group.
4. Improve Glucose and Lipid Metabolism
   Thylakoids help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce LDL cholesterol, making them beneficial for managing or preventing conditions like type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
5. Support Gut Health
   Acting as a prebiotic, thylakoids encourage a healthy microbiota, which can positively impact weight management and overall health.

Easy Ways To Get Your Thylakoids

Thylakoids are abundant in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, as well as in algae like Chlorella, Spirulina, and Marine Phytoplankton. These photosynthetic organisms are packed with thylakoids, making them equally potent, if not more effective. Let’s be honest, many people struggle to meet their daily vegetable intake, and you won’t experience the full benefits without actually eating them! Additionally, exploring the potential of marine phytoplankton weight loss benefits adds another compelling reason to include this nutrient powerhouse in your diet.

The great thing about algae supplements is their convenience; you can consume them in seconds, especially on those busy days or while traveling when your diet may not be as healthy as it could be. They truly are a lifesaver.

Why It Matters

With obesity on the rise worldwide, finding natural and effective solutions is more critical than ever. In the Netherlands, 50% of people are now overweight or obese, a trend seen in many European countries. In the US, only 12% of people are metabolically healthy. These are, of course, staggering statistics.

Thylakoids offer a promising strategy to not only manage weight but also improve overall health, all while harnessing the natural power of plants. They don’t just suppress hunger—they promote sustainable, long-term health changes.

By including thylakoids in your diet, you’re not just managing your appetite; you’re supporting your overall health!

Source:

. 2015 Jun 27;70(3):281–290. doi

In this video, Dr. Michael Greger highlights the appetite-suppressing and fat-blocking benefits of thylakoids, found in green leafy vegetables like spinach. Thylakoids slow down fat digestion, triggering the ileal brake, a natural mechanism that reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness. Studies show that adding thylakoids to meals boosts satiety hormones like CCK, reduces hunger hormones like ghrelin, and helps control cravings for salty, sweet, and fatty foods.

A Swedish study found that women who consumed spinach extracts daily lost 11 pounds in 12 weeks, with reduced cravings and lower LDL cholesterol. The same effects can be achieved by eating about half a cup of cooked greens twice daily, as part of Dr. Greger’s recommended “Daily Dozen.”

Despite these benefits, most Americans eat less than 2 grams of spinach daily, far below what’s needed to reap the rewards of thylakoids! Dr. Greger emphasizes the importance of dark, leafy greens for both weight management and overall health. For more, check out Dr. Greger’s work, including his book How Not to Diet.

Source: Society of Chemical Industry Study
We’re big fans of Dr. Greger’s science-backed advice!

Now let’s start our marine phytoplankton weight loss program!