Spirulina Benefits and Uses
Spirulina is known as a Super Food and it's uses in diets dates back to our ancestors. Spirulina belongs to the Algea family and continues to be part of healthy food diets in Japan, China and around the coastal regions of North, Central and South America. Today I am introducing Spirulina, which is just a fancy word for ground up algea powder that packs quiet a health punch. Before you run off -screaming "Yuck" you should know that Spirulina is literally nature's most perfect super food and can be added to just about anything - from your favorite smoothies and juices to many other recipes - for a nutritional boost your body will love you for!
So what exactly is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a natural cyanobacterium (“algae”) that can be consumed by humans and other animals. There are two species, Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima. Arthrospira is cultivated worldwide; used as a dietary supplement as well as a whole food; and is also available in tablet, flake and powder form.
Because Spirulina is the most nutrient dense food known to humankind, it contains more protein content than any other food source and is the most planet-friendly source of protein! It yields 20% more than soybeans with 1/4 of the water usage and is 5 times more energy efficient! Spirulina algae has a high concentration of Chlorophyll ( thus the dark green color) and live in salt water with a PH level of 9-11. This algae is packed with vitamins and minerals and that's why it has been called a super food. 60% protein and is a natural source of bioavailable iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium, beta-carotine, B12, chlorophyll, phytonutrients, antioxidants and essential amino acids (GLA, Omega 3,6 & 9's). Spirulina has over 100 types of vitamins and nutrients - more than any other type of grain, plant, or herb- and they work together to promote health and wellness in our body.
Health Benefits
- Strengthens your immune system, balance your ph and reduces inflammation
- Provides protection from colds, flus and other viruses
- Fights aging and free radicals while promoting cell regeneration
- Promotes eye and skin health (helps with poor vision, age spots, eczema, etc. )
- Prevents heart disease by reducing bad cholesterol and lower blood pressure
- Improves digestion by encouraging the colonization of beneficial flora in the gut
- Boost your energy and stamina - promoted vitality and weight loss
- Helps stabilize blood sugar and may help to reduce allergies and arthritis symptoms
- A natural detox agent to remove toxins from your body and digestive tract.
Oh, and because it is Organic, Spirulina is 100% Non-Toxic and Contaminant Free - Free of Chemicals, Pesticides, Heavy Metals, Yeast, Mold, E. Coli, BMAA, Microcystine, Pheophorbides, Irradiation, GMO's, Preservatives, Additives, Solvents, Binders, Soy & Gelatin. It is also Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Vegan, Kosher, Halal and Pesticide and Herbicide Free.
Sari Foods
I received this rather large bag of Spirulina from Sari Foods to try it out and write my opinion about it. I had never tried Spirulina before, but had heard and read a lot about it's many health benefits. So of course I had to try it. First off, the powder is a very intense dark green. I was afraid of a fishy smell, but fortunately the powder has almost no smell to it and is ground up extremely fine which makes using it easy since it blends in very well with whatever you mix it in. Word of caution do not wear white when handling the powder, I don't think the stains will come out. I sprinkled the powder on cereal and by the time I was done with my meal could have auditioned for a role as a green monster. Blueberries, oats and Spirulina make for rather scary looking teeth! The taste was fine , the look horrendous! So I continued experimenting and made this green smoothie. Much better! I have a nice recipe booklet provided by Sari Foods that subscribers to my blog can download for free from my FREEBIES PAGE.
Smoothie Recipe
Storage Tip
Keep your powder in an airtight glass jar in a dry and dark cupboard. It will keep for a long time.
Warning
Vitamins are heat sensitive, Spirulina powder should never be heated strongly. It's better to add the powder towards the end of the cooking time.
To read about possible side effects and people who should avoid taking this dietary supplement read the findings of the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Facial Mask
If you don't feel like wrapping algea around yourself for a great facial try mixing Spirulina powder with water and apply it directly to your face, taking care of course not to get it into the eyes. Once the mix has dried wash the mask off with lukewarm water. Your skin will feel smooth and skin irritations caused by acne, allergies or cold sores will start to gradually heal.
Diet Supplement for Pets
Growing Puppies and older canines with health problems can benefit from Spirulina as well. Fur will get a nice sheen, metabolism improves and stress is reduced. Check with your vet before adding Spirulina to your pet's diet to see what the right dosage would be.
I received this product in return for my honest opinion about the product via Brand Backer and Sari Foods. All opinions are my own.
