When spirulina, the green powder, became popular a few years ago, it was thought that it was a new miraculous dust from the sea and a superfood of the Aztecs. Today we know that spirulina offers tons of protein for people who choose not to eat meat and who is also full of important antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins and minerals amazing grass review.
In addition, it contains twice as many nutrients as 5 portions of fresh fruits and vegetables. So, what makes spirulina so special?
What is Spirulina really?
Spirulina is a cyanobacterium, also known as blue-green alga because of its color. Many of these pigments can be very beneficial such as beta-carotene and chlorophyll-a.
Where does the cyanobacterium come from?
The consumption of spirulina is not something new. There is evidence that the Aztecs consumed them from Lake Texcoco. Similarly, other cultures from the area of Lake Chad, the Kanenmbu more specifically, also included them in their usual diet in the form of cookies.
Today, we can find it everywhere, in the oceans, in fresh water, in moist soil, in deserts and even in rocks in Antarctica, although a large percentage of the spirulina marketed throughout the world is collected in The coasts of Hawaii and South America in the form of powders, pills or scales.
Benefits of spirulina
It is said that about 60% dry weight of spirulina is made up of proteins, which makes it a source of alternative protein to meat. It is also said to be one of the only sources of plant origin of vitamin B-12, a vitally important vitamin that most vegetarians do not add to their diets. It is also rich in healthy lipids such as ALA (omega 3), LA (omega 6), GLA (help with inflammation) and DHA (primary component of the brain).
Compared to other sources large sources of nutrients, spirulina has:
- 3.100% more beta-carotene (Vit. A) than carrots.
- 5,500% more iron than spinach.
- 600% more protein than tofu.
- 280% more antioxidant power than cranberries.
In addition, these blue-green algae contain vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamine), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), C, D and E. It is also an excellent source of potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc.
- Other benefits of spirulina:
- Relieves allergy symptoms
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Controls high blood pressure.
- Controls cholesterol
- It protects against cancer.
- Supports the growth of healthy bacterial flora in the intestine.
- Reduces the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration related to age.
- It acts as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.
- It works with antiviral activity against HIV, herpes and hepatitis.
- Improves insulin resistance.
- Protects against liver damage induced by chemotherapy.
How is spirulina used?
The easiest and easiest way to use it is to consume it as a pill or adding ¼ teaspoon of powder to a shake. Start with small amounts, the taste is a little sweet and although not very delicious at first.