Nobody knew anything about spirulina, and the green powder become popular few years ago. Experts say it was the secret weapon of Aztecs.
Today, spirulina is an excellent source of protein for vegans and vegetarians. It’s abundant in antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Did you know that spirulina contains the very same amount of nutrients you get from 5 servings of fresh fruits and veggies?
Why is spirulina this powerful?
It’s all about the cyanobacteria or the blue-green algae as experts prefer to say. The name comes from its bright color. Spirulina is rich in beta-carotene and chlorophyll-a, and most of its pigments are readily bioavailable and powerful.
Algae release oxygen via photosynthesis, and this process brings them closer to their land-dwelling relatives.
Cyanobacteria
It can be found in oceans, fresh water, damp soil, moist rocks in desserts, rocks, soil, the Antarctica… literally everywhere. Most of the commercial spirulina sold in shops comes from shores in Hawaii and South America. You can find is in powder form, pills, and flakes.
Spirulina is available pure and combined with other powerful ingredients.
Health benefits
Spirulina is about 60% protein, which makes it a healthy alternative to meat protein. According to nutritionists, it’s one of the best plant sources of vitamin B-12.
Vegetarians lack his vitamin, so spirulina is something they should use every day. Spirulina is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, GLA and DHA. GLA reduces inflammation, and DHA is the main component in your brain. Your body needs these healthy lipids to perform its essential functions.
Gram-per-gram spirulina offers:
- 3,100% more beta-carotene (vitamin A) than carrots
- 5,500% more iron than spinach
- 600% more protein than tofu
- 280% more antioxidants than blueberries
Spirulina is rich in B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B9 (folic acid). It’s an excellent source of vitamins C, D, and E, and minerals like calcium, chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc.
Other health benefits:
- Relieves allergy symptoms
- Strengthens immunity
- Normalizes blood pressure
- Regulates cholesterol
- Prevents cancer development
- Boosts good bacteria in intestines
- Prevents cataracts and age-related macular degeneration
- Offers strong anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effect
- Provides strong antiviral activity against HIV, herpes, and hepatitis
- Improves insulin resistance issues
- Prevents liver damage induced by chemo drugs
How to use it
Swallow your spirulina pill or add a quarter to one teaspoon of the green powder to your smoothie. Do smaller amounts at first, because you aren’t used o its taste. You can also find it in pre-favored, packaged protein powder.
Try this:
Add a tablespoon of spirulina to your bag of popcorn, and shake it! You can add garlic powder to enhance its flavor.
Caution
Random algae from your local pond are something you don’t want to ingest. Non-edible algae may have detrimental effect to your health.
Source: Healthy Food House