What is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a natural microscopic cyanobacterium (algae) that comes from ponds or other warm bodies of water most commonly in Africa, Asia, and Central America. This superfood is highly dense in antioxidants, B complex vitamins, and many other nutrients. Because it contains so many nutrients, there are many health benefits of Spirulina.
It’s mainly composed of proteins and other essential amino acids. Due to it being mainly composed of protein, it also has a high concentration of protein and iron.
Here’s the breakdown.
Choosing Your Spirulina
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Picking out which Spirulina you are going to use is very important. Ensuring your product is coming from a clean source is key considering it is in fact an algae.
Many Spirulina products on the market today are grown in areas that are exposed to environmental pollution. This allows toxins such as herbicides, microcystin, BMAA, and Chilean Nitrate to enter the Spirulina. Nobody wants to eat toxins.
Spirulina from Zazzee Organics has always been my personal go-to. After about two hours of researching the brand and comparing brands, I decided to make my first Spirulina purchase (this was two years ago and I am still hooked on this brand).
You can find cheaper Spirulina products elsewhere, but be warned cheaper price means more chance of chemicals and nasty toxins. I always preach, your health is an investment, not an expense.
So with that, indulge yourself in the beautiful benefits of my favorite superfood ever.
Benefits of Spirulina
1.) Endless Amount of Nutrients
Spirulina contains a high amount of proteins. A single tablespoon contains the following:
- 4 grams of protein
- Vitamin B1 (11% of the RDA). For those of you who don’t know RDA is the Recommended Dietary Allowance.
- Vitamin B2 (15% of the RDA)
- Vitamin B3 (4% of the RDA)
- Copper (21% of the RDA)
- Iron (11% of the RDA)
- Potassium
- Manganese
While potassium and manganese are in very small amounts compared to other nutrients, they are still there.
The fact that something that comes from the Earth we live on can actually benefit our health in multiple ways is just crazy to me.
2.) Contains Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
This is one of my favorite benefits of Spirulina.
Spirulina is a blue-green algae whose main active component is phycocyanin. This substance is an antioxidant which can actually inhibit the production of inflammatory signaling molecules in your body, therefore reducing inflammation.
Basically oxidative damage can produce harm on your body’s cells and DNA and with the help of Spirulina, you can prevent it from happening. The active component of phycocyanin helps combat inflammation and reduce oxidative damage.
3.) Improves Inflammation in Your Nasal Passageways (Allergic Rhinitis)
If you have allergies like me and are constantly fighting a stuffy nose, Spirulina can help with that. Who wants to be constantly sneezing, coughing, and dealing with a congested nose? Nobody!
A study was actually done regarding herbal supplements and Allergic Rhinitis. In the conclusion of the study done, males and females using Spirulina actually reported a significant improvement in their Allergic Rhinitis condition.
4.) Aids in Removing Heavy Metals
Spirulina is very high in Chlorophyll which can actually remove toxins from your bloodstream and improve your immune system.
You can obtain metals in your body by consuming contaminated drinking water.
A study was done on patients with extremely high arsenic poisoning due to contaminated drinking water. Out of this study, it was found that consuming Spirulina and a Zinc supplement twice daily for up to 16 weeks can significantly reduce arsenic poisoning in your body.
How to Consume Spirulina
My personal favorite way of consuming Spirulina is through capsules. Similar to swallowing a pill, I just take two capsules two-three times a day.
I purchase my capsules through the Herb Stop, as they are a very trusted brand of mine. Their Herb Masters produce all their products in a safe natural way.
You can also consume Spirulina via a powder form that you can mix into smoothies or milkshakes if you wanted. This was how I initially started consuming Spirulina because it was on the cheaper side. But after a while making smoothies two-three times a day gets a little tiring, hence why capsule form is my favorite.
Quick n Easy Spirulina Juice Recipe
- 2 cups of fresh organic coconut water
- 1 teaspoon of spirulina powder
- Lime juice (squeezed from 2 limes)
- 1 cup of fresh organic pineapple juice
- shake it up and enjoy!
Give It a Try!
I promise you, Spirulina will do so many great things for your body, internally and externally. Keep in mind, this is NOT personal medical advice, only me spreading my knowledge of the various benefits of Spirulina and love for the tremendous superfood.