What Is Spirulina Good For?

what is spirulina good for

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae that has been on the Earth for billions of years and is one of the most nutritious and nutrient rich foods available on the market today. It contains:

  • 55% to 70% protein
  • 10 non-essential amino acids
  • 8 essential amino acids
  • Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
  • Linoleic acid
  • Beta-carotene
  • Arachidonic acid
  • Iron
  • Vitamin B12
  • Phosphorus
  • Calcium
  • Chorophyll
  • Nucleic acids DNA and RNA
  • Phycocyanin (a pigment-protein complex)

What Is Spirulina Good For?

When ingested, Spirulina delivers a great variety of health benefits that can help you in everyday life. These health benefits include:

Increased Energy

energy

Due to its high nutrient content, Spirulina is capable of helping to improve energy levels, to decrease fatigue and improve to overall endurance. It helps to improve stamina and is suitable for those who have busy lifestyles.

Immune System Support

Spirulina is also suitable for helping to support the overall immune system. It does this by actively promoting cell regeneration. This means it can help you to recover from illnesses faster and heal wounds quicker. Spirulina also helps to fortify the immune system so you are less likely to experience flus, colds, and any other contractible illness.

Healthy Eyes

eyes

Rich in Vitamin A, Spirulina has been known to help with improving overall eye health. Vitamin A is one known vitamin which has been proven to promote healthy vision. Spirulina has 10 times more Vitamin A than carrots!

Reduce Inflammation and PMS Symptoms

inflamation

Known as one of the leading sources of Gamma-linolenic acid, Spirulina provides powerful anti-inflammatory properties. GLA is also beneficial to women and can help with easing the symptoms of PMS for those who may suffer from it before the menstrual cycle begins.

Improve Your Digestive System

digestive system

Spirulina is also a great digestive support supplement. It is said to help with easy waste passage throughout the digestive system and can reduce overall stress on the entire system. It can also help to improve healthy bacteria in the digestive system and can help with increasing the overall absorption rate of dietary nutrients.

Natural Detoxification

detox

Spirulina is extremely high in chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is one of the most powerful, natural detoxifying agents available. It has been shown to effectively remove toxins from the blood and can bind with radioactive isotopes and heavy metals in the body. It is ideal for those who may be treated with radioactive therapy, such as in cancer treatment.

Additional Spirulina Health Benefits

spirulina benefits
  • Due to the highly bio-available iron content, Spirulina is suitable for those who may be anemic, those who have an iron deficiency, or hard charging athlets. It can also help to reduce constipation from iron tablets.
  • Spirulina can help to protect against allergic reactions and can help with alleviating allergies in general.
  • It features 4 times the antioxidant quality and ability of blueberries which may help with combating free radicals.
  • It is high in chromium, potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, sodium, and selenium.
  • Spirulina is a great source of Vitamin B-1, B2, B3, B6, B9, as well as Vitamin E, Vitamin D, and Vitamin C.

How Should I Use Spirulina?

First of all, make sure you get your Spirulina from a quality source. I highly recommend Now Foods Organic Spirulina Powder. You have to be careful, because some brands take advantage of the popularity of this superfood, and market products that have very little actual spirulina in them. Basically, you get what you pay for.

Personally, I usually put a few teaspoons of spirulina in my green smoothie each morning. Careful at first, the taste can take a little getting used to! Here’s one of my favorite recipes:

Morning Green Power Smoothie

  • 2 cups water or non-dairy milk (sometimes I use 1 cup water and 1 cup tart cherry juice to mix it up!)
  • 2-3 cups raw spinach or kale
  • 1 tablespoon spirulina
  • 1-2 tablespoons chia or hemp seeds
  • 1 scoop protein powder
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup frozen berries
  • 1/2 cup frozen mango

For best results, add liquid and greens to blender, and blend until smooth. Then add remaining ingredients, and blend for about 2 minutes, until smooth. It’s my favorite way to start the day!

Do you have any favorite spirulina recipes? Please share in the comments below!