Spirulina became popular a few years ago. Some refer to it as the green miracle powder of the sea, while others believe it was the secret weapon of the Aztecs.
Studies have confirmed that spirulina is rich in protein, which makes it an excellent plant source of protein for vegans and vegetarians. Spirulina is rich in antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins and minerals.
Did you know that spirulina contains twice as much nutrients as 5 servings of fruits and veggies?
The power of spirulina
Experts say it’s all about the cyanobacteria. Spirulina has a nice bright color, and its pigments are bioavailable and healthy. It’s rich in beta-carotene and chlorophyll-a.
Algae release oxygen through a process called photosynthesis.
The origin of cyanobacteria
You can find it in oceans, fresh waters, damp soil, rocks and soil. Some even claim to have seen it in Antarctica! Most of the spirulina you see in stores is picked off the shores in Hawaii and South America.
It’s available in healthy food stores and pharmacies, usually in powder form, pills or flakes. Sometimes it’s even combine with other ingredients.
Health benefits
Spirulina is 60% protein and an excellent source of vitamin B12. Vegetarians don’t get enough of this vitamin through their food. Spirulina is rich in ALA (omega-3), LA (omega-6), GLA (anti-inflammatory), and DHA (the main component of brain). These fats have a distinctive role in the body.
Gram-per-gram spirulina offers the following nutrients:
- 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 vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamine), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), C, D, and E. It’s abundant in minerals like potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc.
Extra benefits
- Treats allergy symptoms
- Strengthens immunity
- Normalizes blood pressure
- Regulates cholesterol levels
- Prevents the development of cancer
- Stimulates the growth of friendly bacteria
- Prevents cataracts and age-related macular degeneration
- Acts as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral agent (efficient against HIV, herpes and hepatitis)
- Regulates insulin resistance
- Protects liver from damages caused by chemotherapies
How to use spirulina?
You can just take the pill or add a quarter teaspoon of the powder to your favorite green smoothie. If you’re fine with its taste, feel free to use a teaspoon of the powder. Don’t go with heavy amounts at the beginning, because some people have hard time adjusting to its taste. You can also find it in pre-flavored, packaged protein powder.
Extra tip
Add a tablespoon of spirulina and garlic powder to your popcorn. It tastes like heaven!
Caution:
Never pick random algae from the rocks you see along the road. There are plenty non-edible species, and you can easily expose your health to danger.
Source: fitlife.tv
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