Nowadays, everything seems to be deemed a “superfood” by doctors and health authorities alike. The word superfood is an unscientific term to loosely describe and market a food or foods that offer incredibly high nutritional value. Nature is truly the body’s best healer and many fruits, vegetables, and herbs have nutritional content that is of value to anyone looking to obtain optimal health. Spirulina, which when incorporated in your diet can have positive effects on your energy level, nutrient intake, immunity, and promote healing and prevention of disease is a food that is deserving of the title. So what is spirulina? Spirulina is a blue green algae, a one-celled organism that gets its name from the Latin word helix or spiral, that has been consumed in Africa, Asia, and Mexico dating all the way back to the 9th century. It is the cousin of another algae called chlorella, which is actually great for ridding the body of heavy metals like mercury, but spirulina boasts a much more robust nutrition profile. What makes it so super?
- It contains most of the essential amino acids. To start off spirulina has all eight essential amino acids that the body needs, with an additional bonus of ten of twelve non-essential amino acids included. For those that don’t know, whenever all eight essential aminos are available in any food, that makes it a protein powerhouse. Spirulina is 65-71% protein compared to around 22% in beef, and it’s protein is in a highly digestible form. What makes this an extremely golden plant source of protein is all the additional nutrients that come along with it.
- Spirulina offers essential minerals including potassium, calcium, zinc, iodine, magnesium, selenium, iron, and phosphorous. Add to this nutritional profile, folic acid, niacin, B vitamins including super essential B12, vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin E, carotenoids (which convert to vitamin A), and chlorophyll and you’ve got a great deal of nutrients needed to get you through your day. Chlorophyll, which has an almost identical molecular structure to human blood, is an important ingredient that gives super healing power.
- Spirulina boosts immunity, increases antioxidant protection, and fights free radicals which in turn slows the aging process. When we consume spirulina, it activates the body to produce more red and white blood cells which kills germs and viruses. It can also relieve allergies, sinus issues, lower cholesterol, lower risk of stroke, heart disease, and risk of contracting cancer. To take it even further not only is this miracle food great for fighting candida, colds, allergies, influenza, measles and mumps, studies have shown that it can inactivate the virus associated with AIDS and HIV [6].
- Spirulina has virtually no calories, and the small percentage of fat it contains are in the form of essential fatty acids. It also curbs appetite and promotes weight loss, supports healthy cardiovascular function, improves the digestion process and gastrointestinal health, and promotes creation of beneficial flora in the digestive tract. Studies have shown that consuming spirulina can lower bad cholesterol and high systolic or diastolic blood pressure [7].
- Spirulina can offer a natural energy boost. Due to all these amazing nutrients, spirulina can give any Plain Jane an energy boost that transforms her into Wonder Woman. Are you a working mom? Take spirulina and give some to your kids. You’ll be more energized and your kids’ immune systems will be strong enough to withstand viruses and colds that get passed around at school. Business woman and multi-tasker on-the-go? Spirulina taken at the beginning of your day can give you the energy boost you need to finish the projects on your plate. Are you addicted to caffeine to give you an energy boost? Try spirulina instead and you will feel naturally energized and get a nutrition boost that trumps any multivitamin on the market. Do you workout a lot? Spirulina can boost athletic performance. Did I mention that it can protect the body from harmful radiation? This legit superfood has a laundry list of health benefits too long to expound upon, the best way to truly know it is to try it for yourself.
You can find spirulina in powder form online or at your local health food store which can be mixed into liquids or pill form. Whatever method you choose to consume it keep in mind that the best way to take spirulina is gradually. Spirulina can have different effects on the body, including nausea or a cleansing reaction if too much is taken too soon. In powder form, starting with as little as a half of a teaspoon and build up to a teaspoon or more if tolerable. It’s best if you slowly begin increasing over time as your body adjusts. Spirulina is great to add to smoothies or juice in the morning because it is so energizing. Take it at night and you may not be able to sleep. If you are suffering from hyperthyroidism, or are pregnant it’s smart to consult with your doctor before incorporating spirulina into your diet. If you have really severe allergies to seafood or iodine, it’s best to not consume spirulina. Whatever method and frequency you choose, spirulina is truly a superfood that has the potential to enhance your health and boost your quality of life.
References:
- Ciferri, O. (1983). Spirulina, the edible microorganism. Microbiological Reviews, 47(4), 551–578.
- Ismail, M., Hossain, M. F., Tanu, A. R., & Shekhar, H. U. (2015). Effect of Spirulina Intervention on Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Status, and Lipid Profile in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients. BioMed Research International, 2015, 486120. http://doi.org/10.1155/2015/486120
- Ku, C. S., Yang, Y., Park, Y., & Lee, J. (2013). Health Benefits of Blue-Green Algae: Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Journal of Medicinal Food, 16(2), 103–111. http://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2012.2468
- Lee, E. H., Park, J.-E., Choi, Y.-J., Huh, K.-B., & Kim, W.-Y. (2008). A randomized study to establish the effects of spirulina in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Nutrition Research and Practice, 2(4), 295–300. http://doi.org/10.4162/nrp.2008.2.4.295
- Mirzaie S, Zirak-Khattab F, Hosseini SA, Donyaei-Darian H. Effects of dietary
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