Those of you who are interested in healthy living having probably heard of spirulina at some point. You may also have some vague knowledge that it is good for you and green. It is one of the most popular green superfoods available and is thought to have many health benefits. Here, I will discuss exactly what is in spirulina, what spirulina is good for, and the benefits of spirulina organic powder. This post is sponsored by Potent Organics. All opinions expressed are my own.
Spirulina is a superfood that is packed with nutritional value. This blue-green algae grows both in fresh water and salt water in tropical climates. You can find it in health food stores as a fine green powder. The spirulina health benefits are highly touted in many health food circles.
What Is In Spirulina Organic Powder?
Spirulina is not some new fad. I remember my mother talking about how nutritious it was when I was little. What is in spirulina? Well, as a supplement, I want nothing in there but pure 100% organic spirulina. Check your supplements to make sure that is what you are getting. What is spirulina? It is actually a blue/green multi-cell algae that delivers concentrated nutrients. Spirulina has a 62-percent amino acid content, mixed carotenoids, a high concentration of vitamin B12, immunoregulatory polysaccharide components such as b-glucan, and gamma linolenic acid, which is thought to be useful for weight loss and reducing inflammation.
It is important that you when checking to see what is in spirulina, that you look for 100% organic spirulina. Because it is a waterborne microorganism, it has to be harvested from clean waters. This ensures that it is not contaminated with heavy metals. I think that organic spirulina that is pesticide and herbicide free is of the utmost importance. In one serving size of Potent Organics Spirulina, there are only 10 calories but you get 2 grams of protein! This same serving offers 60% of your Daily Value of Vitamin B12, and 10% of your Daily Value of Iron. This is especially great for vegetarians.
Why Is Spirulina A Great Superfood?
Superfoods are foods that are nutritionally dense in important vitamins and minerals and thus thought to be good for one’s health. Spirulina is known as one of the best green superfoods because is incredibly high in protein, as well as being a great source of antioxidants, B-vitamins, and various other nutrients. I take two daily as a dietary supplement.
Sustainable High Protein Food
Since my mother is a super health nut, she’s always passing on new recipes, fads, and foods to me that are fabulous for the health-conscious folk. Never heard of spirulina? Don’t worry, you would have sooner or later, as its popularity is on the rise for being one of the most easy to digest high protein foods (LiveStrong). Being easily digestible is really important for the growing number of people with sensitive stomachs. In addition, compared with beef’s 20% protein, spirulina is 85% protein making it a much more sustainable option.
High Nutritional Value
Spirula is an excellent source of copper, thiamin, and riboflavin. It is also a source of iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, and high levels of chlorophyll. Healthline even says, “Gram for gram, spirulina may be the single most nutritious food on the planet.” Anyway, talk about a powerful superfood.
Before you begin taking spirulina, please see your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or nursing, under the age of 18, or if you have a known medical condition. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Spirulina supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
What Is Spirulina Good For? What Are The Benefits Of Spirulina?
Spirulina For Detox
Another spirulina benefit is the high chlorophyll content which is known to be alkalizing to the body. This boosts liver function allowing for improved natural detoxification. The chlorophyll in spirulina also helps with detoxification by helping remove toxins such as heavy metals and other pollutants from the blood. Additionaly, Spirulina has potent antioxidants such as phycocyanin and beta carotene that can help protect cells from damage due to free radicals. According to Dr. Mercola, many studies have found that Spirulina can serve as a “radiation shield,” helping protect your thyroid gland, strengthen your immune system and blood, protect your kidneys, and bind to heavy radioactive isotopes so they can be more quickly eliminated from your body.
Spirulina For Boosting The Immune System
Spirulina is a good source of many common minerals and vitamins. It also contains special immune supporting elements- phycocyanin, polysaccharides, and sulfolipids. A UC DAVIS Study showed that spirulina boosts the immune system by significantly increasing the production of infection fighting cytokines. Because it contains anti-inflammatory nutrients like Phycocyanin, it is also helpful in reducing conditions caused by inflammation.
Spirulina can help detoxify the body and support the immune system so it does double duty to support you this cold and flu season! It is also a help (along with exercise and proper nutrition) to weight maintenance during this extra food-eating holiday season!
Spirulina For Weight Loss
Spirulina is one of the few foods that is naturally high in gamma linolenic acid and GLA works to trigger fat flushing by boosting the metabolism. Additionally, since spirulina helps alkalize the body it is often used as part of the alkaline diet to lose weight.
Proven Health Benefits
While it’s becoming better known and better researched now, spirulina has actually been around for thousands of years, harvested mainly in Africa, Mexico, and Asia (MountainRoseHerbs). In 1970’s France, companies began to produce this blue-green algae commercially, and Japan and the US quickly followed suit. Because of its fantastic properties, spirulina is actually being used around the world to help support health(Mercola). It is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Healthline points out that, “Spirulina may have anti-cancer properties and appears especially effective against a type of precancerous lesion of the mouth called OSMF.” Studies also indicate that spirulina can help lower triglycerides and “bad” LDL cholesterol while simultaneously raising “good” HDL cholesterol.
How To Take Spirulina As A Supplement
The upside of this lovely blue-green algae is that it comes in a very convenient powder form. The downside of the spirulina powder is that it is definitely not something you want to taste- as in “Ack, that was gross!” It needs some heavy flavor cover-up if you chose to take it in powder form. You can take it in capsule form instead but it may be hard to get as much of it down as the suggested daily dose (which is 1–3 grams according to most manufacturers).
That’s where the wonderful creations of spriulina smoothies come in! Smoothies are the perfect way to add spirulina benefits to your day. If you don’t already drink smoothies then you should totally start, because as I’ve raved before, smoothies are fabulous. Spirulina’s bitter flavor is pretty easy to mask. For a while, I was simply adding a teaspoon to 8 ounces of V8 fruit juice and sipping just fine. In a satisfyingly concocted smoothie, you wouldn’t even know it’s there. But I should warn you, it can get kind of gooky. It needs some serious blending and sticks to everything. Also, it will turn almost every smoothie a dark, dark green color. But that’s okay, it will still taste like the original smoothie recipe!
Spirulina Smoothie Recipe
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup strawberries
- 1 cup juice, yogurt, or almond milk
- ¼ cup orange juice concentrate
- 1 tbsp flax
- Sweetened Stevia drops to taste
- 1 tbsp spirulina powder
Put in a blender and mix. See? I told you it would look dark. But don’t worry it is delicious!
Most spirulina providers suggest anywhere between 1-8 grams a day. You may want to start small and increase over time as you see how your body reacts to it. Even adding a little a day will increase your body’s nutrition.
Spirulina Dangers and Side Effects
LiveScience points out that “People with certain autoimmune conditions should avoid Spirulina supplements, according to the NIH… Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid Spirulina since there is a lack of safety studies in this group.” They also say, “Spirulina may also interfere with drugs that slow blood clotting, including blood thinners such as warfarin as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) pain medications.” A person should always consult with their doctor about any health questions or concerns. You may also like to ask your doctor about a safe dosage. Click the link at the top of the paragraph to read their full suggestions.
Where To Buy Spirulina
At Potent Organics, you can get 100% FREE SHIPPING on all orders in the USA!
Which benefits of spirulina organic powder interest you the most?
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