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Some of you may immediately know what this is about. Many of us, however, have no clue. Is that so? This is about a miraculous food that only started to be talked about worldwide a few years ago, and which we may have heard of as the green miracle or the secret weapon of the ancient Aztecs. Today, as we learn more and more about this food, we know that it is a great friend to vegetarians and vegans because of its proteins. But it’s not just about them. Spirulina is an immensely rich source of important antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins and minerals, which means we shouldn’t pass it by unnoticed.
Spirulina and what makes it special
It is a cyanobacterium, i.e. a freshwater blue-green algae containing beta-carotene and chlorophyll-a. As we know, algae produce oxygen in water through photosynthesis similar to plants. Spirulina is exceptional in that it does not contain cellulose, which means it is easily digestible for us.
Today we find these cyanobacteria almost everywhere, whether in the oceans, fresh waters, damp soils, … even in Antarctica. However, the spirulina you buy in the form of powder, pills or flakes comes from the shores of Hawaii or South America.
If you enrich your diet with spirulina, your body will repay you. It is especially advantageous for the aforementioned vegetarians and vegans, who may lack vitamin B-12, of which this algae is a really rich source.
What does 1 gram of spirulina contain?
- 3 100% more beta-carotene (vitamin A) than carrots
- 5 500% more iron than spinach
- 600% more protein than tofu
- 280% more antioxidants than blueberries
Blue-green algae contain vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), C, D and E.
Spirulina
Spirulina is also an excellent source of potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc. But we’re still not finished.
Other benefits of using spirulina include:
# Reducing allergy symptoms
# Boosting immunity
# Regulating blood pressure
# Normalizing cholesterol
# Supporting intestinal flora
# Reducing the risk of cancer
# Reducing the risk of cataracts and age-related degeneration
# Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect
# Antiviral protection against HIV, herpes and hepatitis
# Improvement of liver condition after consumption of chemical drugs
How should spirulina be taken?
It is entirely up to you which form of this miracle you decide to use. Many people, however, enjoy spirulina added to tasty smoothies, which enriches them even more with nutrients. An interesting option is to add a spoonful of spirulina powder to a bag of popcorn, to which you can add crushed garlic for an even more complete flavor, or you can add it to tasty cookies.
