Meet the Superfood Spirulina

Spirulina is currently one of the most famous superfoods and health foods in the world right now. But, what is really special about this blue green trend that is even sometimes called a pond scum? 

If you have ever visited a local smoothie shop or health food store, chances are you already saw it on offer. So, what’s behind this growing health food trend?

Spirulina at a Glance

Spirulina is often described as blue green algae although it is technically a type of cyanobaceria. The name cyanobacteria was inspired by phycocyanin, a bluish pigment that they use for capturing light necessary for photosynthesis. This is the reason why the blue green algae also have chlorophyll content.

This dietary supplement grows in saltwater and freshwater alike and is safe for consumption for animals and humans alike. 

You can get this green superfood in powder, tablet, or flake forms. Even though this superfood is getting more popular in the world of health foods, this algae is said to have existed since 3.5 billion years ago, making it among the oldest fossils ever known. 

The blue green algae also served as the main protein source for the Aztecs who harvested it from the Lake Texcoco, selling the Tecuitlalt in the form of cake. While there is no solid evidence, according to legend, the messenger runners of the Aztecs took the algae during their marathons.

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A Pond Scum Rich in Nutrients 

No matter how you choose to call it, the blue green algae is more than deserving of its title as a superfood. Even though the blue green algae look more like a slimy scum in ponds, there is no denying that it is among the most nutrient-dense and nutritious foods you can ever find in the planet. 

For starters, the algae contain 60% protein that is over two times higher than the protein content of red meat. This also contains around 18 amino acids that include all of the essential amino acids as well as 10 out of 12 of the non-essential amino acids. 

The blue green algae is also an excellent source of copper, phytonutrients, manganese, iron, B vitamins, potassium, Gamma-linolenic acid or GLA, and iodine. 

One more reason behind the superfood title of spirulina is because of the fact that is a form of sustainable food source. Aside from requiring 10 times lesser water compared to other forms of vegetables, the algae is available for harvest all year round, not to mention that it can also endure even extreme temperatures. 

There is also the potential that the blue green algae can help in putting an end to the hunger crisis in the world. Studies revealed that even just a single gram of the algae daily can already correct a small child’s malnutrition in just a matter of weeks. Even the United Nation supports this idea. 

Amazing Health Benefits of Spirulina 

If you are curious to know if you should be adding the blue green algae to your daily diet, below are some of the health benefits that this superfood has to offer:

It is a good immune system booster

When colder months kick in, it is only natural for people to look for natural ways for keeping their immune system protected from flu and common cold. 

A good way of naturally boosting your immune system is eating more veggies and fruits but of course, it can also help to add the blue green algae.

Adding this supplement to cultured immune system cells can substantially increase the production of cytokines that fight off infections. 

Another study also revealed that supplementation with this can increase the red blood cells’ hemoglobin content and improve the immune function of older adults. 

It promotes detoxification of heavy metals

The blue green algae are found to be a powerful detoxifier, helping get rid of toxins from the body like heavy metals. 

Heavy metals refer to the group of 23 elements that could pose danger even when these are in low concentrations. The heavy metal group includes mercury, arsenic, and lead, just to mention a few. Excessive metal in your body could be toxic and lead to poisoning. 

The anti-toxic properties of the blue green algae are the result of their high antioxidants content, specifically phycocynanin. It contains chlorophyll as well that can help in clearing off toxins from the body. 

It has properties that can fight off cancer

Numerous studies revealed that the blue green algae are also a potent cancer fighter, specifically against oral cancer. 

There are two studies that discovered that just one gram of this superfood per day was able to help lessen precancerous lesions by up to 45% and even improved symptoms. There are also studies that revealed that it can decrease growth of tumors. 

It reduces blood pressure

A lot of people are suffering from high blood pressure that is sometimes called a silent killer since it doesn’t show any symptoms at all. 

Having high blood pressure could wreak serious havoc on the human body as it can cause almost anything from kidney failure to stroke to heart disease. The good news is that the blue green algae could help in combating high blood pressure. 

A certain study revealed that consuming a small quantity of the algae per day or about 2 grams can help improve blood pressure and endothelial function in obese patients. 

It can lower bad cholesterol levels

The food supplement blue green algae is also something that is worthy to consider if you happen to be searching for the most natural way of reducing your LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol. A published study administered a gram of the algae per day for 12 weeks to 52 participants. Upon retesting the lipid panel, results, revealed a 16.3% average reduction of triglycerides and 10.1% average reduction of LDL. 

Another meta-analysis revealed the same results, supporting the claims that adding it to your diet can cause a significant reduction in total cholesterol, increasing HDL while lowering LDL.

The next time you need to add a health food to your diet, consider spirulina.

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