People first considered spirulina to be the green miracle powder of the sea, and the secret weapon of Aztecs. We first heard about it a few years ago.
However, we are now aware of the numerous benefits spirulina provides. Including tons of protein for vegans and vegetarians. It also contains important antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.
Furthermore, it has twice as many nutrients as 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables.
So, what makes this powder so special?
According to experts, it is actually a cyanobacterium or blue-green algae. Spirulina got its name after its bright color. Most of its pigments are bioavailable and healthy, especially beta-carotene and chlorophyll-a. It is also full with many beneficial nutrients.
Where were they first found?
Today, we can find it in everywhere, including oceans, fresh water, damp soil, moist rocks in deserts, bare rocks and soil, and even the rocks in Antarctica. Most of the advertised spirulina in our country is picked off the shores in Hawaii and South America.
And after is sold as a powder, pills, and flakes. It can be pure or mixed with other ingredients.
Benefits
Spirulina is about 60% protein, and it is a great alternative to meat proteins sources. According to nutritionists, it’s one of the very few plant sources of vitamin B-12.
As you may know, vegetarians have a lack of this vitamin in their diet. This powder contains ALA, (omega-3), LA (omega-6), GLA (reduces inflammation), and DHA ( the main component of the brain). These healthy lipids carry many important roles.
Gram-per-gram spirulina contains:
- 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
It has vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamine), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), C, D, and E.
It is a great source of potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc.
Extra benefits:
- Relieves allergies
- Boosts immunity
- Increases insulin resistance
- Regulates blood pressure
- Prevents cancer
- Stimulates friendly bacteria in the intestines
- Reduces the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration
- Normalizes cholesterol
- Strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential
- Offers great antiviral activity against HIV, herpes, and hepatitis
- Prevents liver damage caused by chemo drugs
The best way to use spirulina
You can take the pill or add ¼-1 teaspoon of the powder separate to your smoothie. Nutritionists recommend that you start with small amounts at first, since its taste is a bit sweet, and some do not like its taste. You can also find spirulina as pre-flavored, packaged protein powder.
Here’s a nice trick to try:
You can add a tablespoon of spirulina powder to a bag of popcorn, and toss. For an even better taste, you can add garlic powder to taste and toss again.
Caution: Do not pick random algae from your local pond since you can accidentally consume non-edible species and also bring your health in danger.
