The superfood of the week is spirulina: spirulina is a green-blue algae that grows in warm, fresh water and produces energy from the sun, like plants. Based on historical records, spirulina was used and sold in cakes (the so-called “dice”) in the area of Lake Texcoco in Mexico by the Aztecs, in the 16th century. It started being produced industrially in 1970 by a French company and America and Japan soon began their own production.
This rich in nutritional value algae, is used around the world to cure diseases and is seriously considered as a food that could sustainably put an end to the global famine issue, since it’s a food that is particularly durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions without needing much processing. Spirulina has also been tested by NASA as food for astronauts, as a very small amount of spirulina can cover a large percentage of our daily dietary needs.
Spirulina is a complete form of protein, providing all the essential amino acids. It is one of the most nutritional foods in the world per gram, with high vitamin B, C, D, E and iron content.
8 Good reasons to add spirulina on your diet:
1.It is a very good source of protein for those who do not eat meat: spirulina is 65-71% full protein, compared to beef which is only 22% and lentils are 26%.Spirulina is an excellent source of vital amino acids and minerals that are easily absorbed by the body. Two spoons of spirulina can replace protein in your meals.
2. If you do not eat as many greens as you would like to, spirulina is a good way to get a big number of vitamins and minerals that are normally found found in vegetables. Based on NASA surveys, 1 kg of spirulina has 1,000 kilograms of nutrients!
3.It strengthens the immune system and helps prevent diseases: based on a studyby the University of Taiwan, spirulina has properties that stimulate the immune system. Researchers put white shrimp in sea water containing spirulina and then transported it to sea water with high acidity. The comparison group was not exposed to spirulina. Shrimps exposed to spirulina had a much faster recovery in acidic water compared to that of the comparison group.
4.It helps remove heavy metals from the body, such as arsenic. The arsenic is a type of poison that is found in tap water, and we all have it in small or large quantities in our body. In researches made in areas with a high concentration of arsenic in water, spirulina was found to drastically reduce the levels of this poison in the body.
5.It reduces inflammation: Spirulina is thought to have anti-inflammatory abilities as it contains a high concentration of anti-oxidant elements.
6.It helps to Treat Candida: Spirulina supports the growth of healthy stomach bacteria that boost the immune system and can keep Candida under control.
7.Controls Allergies: Spirulina can alleviate symptoms commonly associated with allergic rhinitis, and reduce runny nose, sneezing, throbbing and itching. It is therefore a natural mecidine that could replace anti-histamines that weaken theimmune system.
8.Reduces blood pressure: Based on a study by the Mexican Biochemistry Division, 4.5grof spirulina per day can regulate blood pressure in men and women aged 18-65years without any other change in diet.
9.Reduces Cholesterol Levels: A survey done on men and women aged 60-87 showedthat 8gr of spirulina per day for 16 weeks significantly reduced cholesterol levels vs those taking placebo.
There are various brands of spirulina, so it is important to do your research before choosing one. Since spirulina grows in non controlled environments, it can easily be affected by heavy metals and other toxins, so it is good to choose organic spirulina of a reliable company. It is sold in various forms: pills, powder, fluids, capsules. I personally prefer spirulina powder because I can put it in my juices and smoothies to further enhance their protein value. You can also mix a spoonful of spirulina in 250ml of water for a simpler way to add it in your diet.