The past few years have seen the well-known ‘superfood’ Spirulina continue to rise in popularity, and with good reason. Spirulina was a food source for the Aztecs in Mexico, with records of it yielding from Lake Texcoco as described by one of Cortés’ soldiers. It is a form of bacteria known as cyanobacterium, which is often specified as blue-green algae -sounds all very intriguing, but what does that mean for you? Let’s take a look at the Top 5 Health Benefits of Spirulina!
1. Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol
Phycocyanin is the blue-green pigment responsible for the distinctive colour found in spirulina and possesses powerful antihypertensive properties. Eating this blue-green algae counters endothelial dysfunction (malfunction of the inner lining of blood vessels) in metabolic syndrome (which relates to diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity) and is also valuable for the prevention of atherosclerosis and the reduction of high blood cholesterol levels.
2. Detoxifies heavy metals
Unfortunately today much of our food suffers from a high exposure to poisonous heavy metals. Fortunately however, spirulina has been proven to have powerful uses as an effective chelating (grabbing or trapping) agent for eliminating toxins such as mercury, arsenic and radioactive substances from the body. It also used for the expulsion of cadmium and lead from wastewater.
3. Increases energy
Spirulina has been shown to enhance endurance and boost muscle strength. Given its extremely high bio-availability (in other words, ease of assimilation) it is rapidly absorbed by the body as a ready usable fuel source. It can also aid in balancing the immune system, in addition to improving cellular communication within the body. It has the ability to read and repair DNA, therefore allowing more metabolic energy to be used for regeneration and vitality.
4. Highly nutrient dense
Spirulina possesses the most exceptional number of nutrients present in any food, plant, grain or herb. This magical micro-algae is 70% complete protein, with a perfect balance of all essential amino acids. It has the highest concentration of beta carotene and the rare essential fatty acid GLA. It also has vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E, K, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese and small amounts of almost every other nutrient that we need. Gram for gram, spirulina may well be the most nutritious food on planet Earth as we know it. This superfood could have serious implications in the battle against global malnutrition.
5. Anti-cancer
Infused with unique phytonutrients such as phycocyanin, polysaccharides and sulfolipids, spirulina doesn’t only enhance the immune system but also lessens the likelihood of infection, cancer and other autoimmune diseases, among others. Its high chlorophyll content also helps to alkalise the body.
Whilst you may have a great desire to become healthier and fitter, munching on some algae as a mid-morning snack (in Western societies which probably needs change the most) might seem like you’ve taken it a step too far. However, it’s quite possibly the most nutritious food we have on this planet, which makes it quite a big deal. It can be taken in capsule form, or powder which you can easily add to your smoothies, shakes, salad dressings, hummus and ice cream! If you’re looking for increased energy, better workouts, a tougher immune system and a significant influx of nutrients alongside high quality protein, incorporating spirulina into your daily or weekly regimen may well be one of the best choices you ever make! Got a special relationship with this riveting stuff? Tell us below or @ KeepfitKingdom !