Spirulina
Clients and friends are always asking why I love Spirulina so much and why I add it to all of my smoothies. Here are many reasons why I am obsessed with this superfood. After reading, I hope to convince many of you to incorporate Spirulina into your daily smoothies as well!
Spirulina is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on this planet. It contains more clean protein than beef, including the full range of amino acids. It also has very high chlorophyll content, giving it intensive detoxing abilities as well. Spirulina is also one of the only plant sources of long chain omega fats, which are essential for our immunes systems, a healthy brain, hormones and our skin. (Dr. Will Cole)
It has been shown to help with type 2 diabetes, lowering blood pressure, lowering LDL cholesterol, allergy sufferers, and having anti-cancer effects. Spirulina is a type of bacteria called Cyanobacteria, also referred to as “blue-green algae.” Phycocyanin is the substance in spirulina that makes it a powerful antioxidant, and is also responsible for the blue-green color. There are many species of spirulina, the 3 most studied as nutritional supplements are Spirulina platensis Spirulina maxima, & Spirulina fusiformis.
Here are even more incredible benefits of Spirulina....
Great source of protein — containing between 55% and 70% protein.
Great for vegans, containing high amounts of protein, iron, calcium and Vitamin B12.
Contains amino acids, vital components of proteins necessary for growth and repair.
1 tablespoon has 4 grams of protein, 11% of the RDA of vitamin B1 (Thiamin), 15% of the RDA of vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), 4% of the RDA of vitamin B3 (Niacin), 21% of the RDA of copper, and 11% of the RDA of iron.
Contains significant amounts of magnesium, potassium, and manganese. Magnesium vital for helping to regulate muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure, as well as making protein, bone, and DNA. Potassium aids in nerve function, muscle contraction, and regulating heartbeat. Manganese helps your body develop and function optimally.
Contains potent anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Antioxidants combat oxidative stress, which have the potential to harm our cells and DNA. Spirulina is such a powerful antioxidant, it can help to prevent LDL, the “bad cholesterol”, lipoproteins from becoming oxidized, which can help ward off diseases.
Spirulina has also been shown to lower LDL "bad" cholesterol and, in some cases, even raise HDL, ”good" cholesterol. In one study, patients with high cholesterol were given 1 gram of spirulina daily , taking the spirulina lowered their triglycerides by 16.3% and their LDL by 10.1% .
Higher doses have been shown to bring additional benefits such as lowering blood pressure.
Spirulina may be helpful for people with diabetes. One study of 25 patients with type 2 diabetes found that 2 grams of spirulina daily helped reduce blood sugar levels.
Shown to have anti-cancer effects. It has been shown to reduce cancer occurrence and the size of tumor cells, as well as proven to reduce precancerous lesions in the mouth. The lesions returned when the subjects stopped taking spirulina supplements.
Spirulina's benefits can help allergy sufferers. A study showed 2 grams of spirulina a day can help reduce common rhinitis symptoms, like nasal congestion and sneezing. It has also been observed as a treatment for elderly patients suffering from anemia and may help increase and muscle strength, even among athletes.