One of the world’s most popular supplements, Spirulina is considered to be a superfood. This is due to its exceptional nutritional content and health benefits. Approved by NASA as highly beneficial space food, this supplement is filled with nutrients and antioxidants. This makes it a perfect addition to any healthy diet. Spirulina is a blue-green alga that can grow in extreme conditions inhospitable to most water-dwelling organisms.
Used for centuries as a food source by Mexican and some African communities, Spirulina boasts a 60% protein content. This is more than most vegetables. It’s also a great source of beta-carotene, various minerals and gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid. It contains everything from calcium, magnesium, and potassium to vitamins B, C, and E. Taking this incredible supplement as a part of a balanced diet can help anyone stay well-nourished and healthy. Spirulina owes its significantly growing reputation as a superfood to the fact that only a small amount of this beneficial supplement is enough to fill us up.
Back in the 1970s, it was discovered by NASA that Spirulina is actually the safest and most practical choice of food for astronauts. You can carry them all the way into space, and provide astronauts with all the sustenance they need. The composition of this supplement, with all the incredible nutrients, is what makes Spirulina one of the most concentrated foods available to mankind. That means that astronauts can travel light, while also being certain that they are not compromising on food, both in terms of quality and quantity.
Why is Spirulina A Superfood?
Being a fantastic source of antioxidants, highly beneficial Spirulina can also protect against oxidative damage. It is also an incredibly powerful ingredient that can fight free radicals and inhibit the production of inflammatory signalling molecules. It provides impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Spirulina contains no sugar, is low in fat, and has 18 amino acids and a high concentration of chlorophyll. It is a powerfully unique product that aids the body in performing optimally, helping people with both their training and recovery efforts.
Due to its incredible nutritional and healing properties, Spirulina reduces blood pressure. It may even be effective against anaemia. With its fascinating antioxidant properties, it also lowers the levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol and triglycerides. At the same time, it raises ‘good’ cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart diseases and helping maintain optimal health. Its beneficial properties also significantly reduce the inflammation in nasal passages that allergies cause.
Why Take Spirulina?
Taking Spirulina daily may also help boost a person’s metabolism, helping them feel more energetic. This, in turn, increases the number of calories they burn every day and aiding in weight loss. Due to its structure, Spirulina can be digested very easily. It can even help preserve healthy gut bacteria, supporting good gut health as people age. There has also been some research to suggest that taking Spirulina regularly might increase your serotonin levels, which could not only improve your mood but also help in treating certain mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, playing an important role in promoting mental health wellbeing and improving your overall quality of life.
How to Use Spirulina?
This beneficial supplement is available to be consumed in a variety of forms, such as powder, capsules, tablets, and flakes, but the powdered form seems to be the best and most popular option, as it can easily be added to a variety of recipes, especially healthy smoothies. The appropriate dose may depend on several factors, including your age, gender, and medical history, but a daily dose of one teaspoon of Spirulina is usually the recommended amount.
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