St. Patrick’s Day is Friday. Instead of filling your stomach with a lot of beer, why not wear your green inside and out?

Herbalists, nutritionists and medical doctors are encouraging consumers to eat green superfoods for prevention of specific diseases and overall better health.

By adding green superfoods to your diet, you can provide your body with extra protein, vitamins, minerals and powerful anti-oxidants that today’s unbalanced diets often lack. The additional nutrients found in green superfoods can aid in weight loss, building the immune system, fighting aging and preventing disease.

Following are a few examples, provided by eNutrition.com, of green superfoods and their benefits:

Alfalfa leaves — Fiber-rich and full of protein, calcium and beta carotene, the leaves of the alfalfa plant are used as a nutritional supplement and to cleanse the body internally.

Kelp (seaweed) — A common health food supplement containing high amounts of iodine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, niacin, riboflavin and choline, kelp supports thyroid function, as well as provides nourishment for hair and skin.

Barley, Green Kamut and Wheat Grass — Primarily used for their chlorophyll and nutrient content, these green superfoods boost energy and purify the body. Barley and wheat grasses may also help prevent cancer and have an anti-aging function.

Green superfoods are highly nutritious foods that come dried, powered and in liquid forms that are virtually tasteless, but packed with nutrients. Why don’t you start your St. Patrick’s Day weekend of with a healthy super green treat, a Spirulina Smoothie? In a blender, place 1 banana, 6 oz. Pineapple/coconut juice, fresh or frozen strawberries, 1 tsp. Spirulina and ice. Blend until smooth, and enjoy the luck of the Irish!