Spirulina is a blue-green algae and is in fact probably the most well known of the blue-green algae family. There are about 1,800 species of blue-green algae, but spirulina is by far the best selling and the best known!
This powerful superfood has a pretty crazy amount of health benefits and it is indeed a TRUE superfood! This is why I believe sea vegetables and algae’s should definitely be apart of people’s diets.
Here are my top reasons why you can’t live without a little spirulina in your life….
- Immune Booster – Spirulina contains chlorophyll, which is a natural energy and immune booster. It helps remove toxins from the blood and has the ability to bind to heavy metals and remove them from the body. Many people report feeling more energized once they begin introducing spirulina into their diet.
- High in Iron – Spirulina contains subsequent amounts of bio available iron. This is a fantastic and simple way to increase your daily iron consumption.
- Amino Acids – It contains all 22 amino acids, which means it is a complete protein product. Ideal for all those vegetarians and vegans out there!
- Other Nutrients – Some of the other nutrients present in spirulina include, high levels of calcium (26 times more than what is found in milk!), vitamins A, C, E, D, B vitamins, zinc, potassium, chromium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, magnesium and sodium.
- Enzymes – Spirulina has naturally occurring enzymes that are necessary for healthy digestive metabolism.
- EFA’s – It is high in essential fatty acids, containing both omega-3 and omega-6.
- Alkalinizing Effect – Every food affects the pH levels in the body. As majority of people eat a highly acidic diet (processed foods, poor quality meat and dairy), it’s important to try and consume less acidifying foods. There are many studies that explain disease can only grow in an acidic environment and the more acidic the body the greater the chance of disease. This goes to show that eating alkalinizing foods more often such as spirulina is important for our longevity and overall health.
- Anti-inflammatory – Some studies show the positive effects of spirulina on arthritis because of the anti-inflammatory effect. It is used in many treatments for arthritis to support cartilage production and its ability to reduce swelling.
9. Decreased Hunger – When you begin adding spirulina regularly into your diet, you will most likely find your hunger becoming suppressed. This is
because of the high amount of nutrients found in the algae. These nutrients meet the nutritional and biochemical needs of the body. You are feeding
your body what it needs which equals the feeling of satiation! How cool is that?
How to Enjoy Spirulina?
An easy way to enjoy this nutrient dense food is to toss it in your smoothies or juices! Start with 1 teaspoon and work your way up to 1 tablespoon or more, if well tolerated. If you don’t have time to throw it into a smoothie you can simply put a tablespoon in a nice tall glass of water, mix it up and drink it (I actually enjoy the taste, but you may have to work your taste buds up to it!). You can even try putting it in your salad dressings. Alternatively, if you don’t like the powder form, you can buy spirulina in tablets.
Contraindications
There are high levels of vitamin K present in spirulina, therefore is not suited for individuals on anticoagulant medications or treatments. Spirulina does contain trace amounts of vitamin B12, however not suitable as a single only source for individuals with B12 deficiency.
How do you enjoy your spirulina? What does this superfood do for you? We’d love to hear from you. Share with us below!
Health, Happiness and Spirulina!
Stephanie xo
References
Staying Healthy with Nutrition, Elson M.Haas, MD
The World’s Healthiest Foods, George Mateljan
