The health benefits of spirulina make it a key addition to your daily diet.
Spirulina, one of the oldest life forms on earth, is a blue-green algae (cyanbacteria) found in waters all over the world, and is one of the most nutritionally dense and potent foods, leading to its labeling as the original so-called "superfood." It was first brought to wide use in the 16th century by Hernan Cortez, who saw Aztecs eating it as part of their regular diet and brought it back to the west. Since then it has grown in stature as an amazing food source that is so dense, humans could live on it alone. It is made up of mostly protein and 18 amino acids, but is also rich in nucleic acids, chlorophyll, phycocyanin, valine, leucine, omega's, vitamin B1, B2, B12, C, D, K, iron, zinc, manganese, phosphorous, copper, and particularly anti-oxidants like selenium, phenolic acid, vitamin E, and carotenoids.
Research conducted over the last 70 years has confirmed the remarkable health benefits. Despite its unsavory taste, it has become widely used as a health supplement, but more importanyly, as a potential food source for impoverished countries due to its high protein content and its high digestibility. It not only supplies nutrients needed to feed, cleanse and heal, it is alkalizing, immuno-protective (promoting production of natural killer cells, monocytes, and macrophages), assists with mineral absorption, reduces cholesterol, and has powerful antimicrobial properties that destroy bacteria and virii such as HIV-1, enterovirus, herpes, mumps, measles, and the flu. Furthermore, with all the news of the health effects of omega fatty acids, it bears pointing out that the omega-rich fish like salmon, tuna, etc, all get their omega's from consuming algae.
Among its reported health properties are:
Immune enhancing. Spirulina is extremely high in chlorophyll and other nutrients that boost immune function.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-aging. Rich in the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid and antioxidants, spirulina is highly effective at fighting inflammation in the body, a key factor in illnesses, One study found that the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) rating of spirulina was over 24,000, making it more powerful that acai and blueberries at fighting off free radicals
Detoxifying. Spirulina has been shown to bind readily with heavy metals and radioactive isotopes in the body, thereby helping to flush them out. It was given to children after the Chernobyl incident to help with radioactivity toxicity. The high chlorophyl content makes it an excellent blood cleanser.
Digestive enhancing. Spirulina promotes growth of digestive flora, assists digestion, curbs appetite, and improves overall gastro-intestinal health.
Anti-microbial and anti-allergenic. It is believed that spirulina's direct effect on the production of red and white blood cells is the source of its ability to kill germs and virii.
Glycemic balancing. The high protein content makes spirulina excellent at helping to balance blood sugar levels.
Best of all, spirulina is safe, easy to get and inexpensive. Make sure to find a quality, organic source. Due to the unpleasant taste, most people take it in supplement form. We use wild harvested spirulina as one of the key ingredients in our GREEN 33 daily greens superfoods vegetable supplement, ensuring highest quality and purity. It can easily be added to your diet to improve your overall health.
Related Posts:
The Importance of Being Alkaline - Know Your pH !
For the Love of Food, What We Eat Can Heal
References:
Balch, Phyllis, CNC. Prescription for Nutritional Healing
Fuhrman Joel, M.D. Eat to Live
The opinions expressed in this article are of the author. Content and other information presented on the site are not meant to be medical advice or any substitute for professional advice, counseling, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard professional medical or mental health advice from your physician or other qualified health provider.
