What is spirulina?
Spirulina has been all over the food news lately. It’s been touted as a green superfood that can help you lose weight, boost your energy, and heal your body. But what is spirulina?
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. It is a complete protein and contains all essential amino acids.
Spirulina is a great addition to a vegan or vegetarian diet. It is a complete protein, so it will fill the protein slot in a meal. It also flushes toxins from the body and is a great detox.
Where does spirulina come from ?
Spirulina can be found in freshwater throughout the world, especially in warm tropical areas. It is a type of microalgae that grows in nutrient-rich water. It is usually eaten in pill form or in food products like protein bars and smoothies.
Spirulina is sometimes called a “superfood” because it contains protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Spirulina grows when the right conditions are present – alkaline water, sunlight, and the right temperature. It is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, and phycocyanin. It is often used in the treatment of chronic diseases, immune deficiencies, and liver problems and is also used for thinning the blood.
There is a claim that the best organic spirulina comes from Hawaii.
The Origin Of Spirunula
Spirulina originated in the shallow, warm, salty waters off the coast of Lake Chad in Africa. The Azande people have been harvesting Spirulina from these waters for centuries. Hawaiian spirulina is at the tope of the ladder.
Other records have it that spirulina has been in existence for over 3.5 billion years and is found in all continents of the world except Antarctica.
Health Benefits Of Spirulina
Spirulina may be a sort of algae that has been utilized in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. It’s loaded with nutrients, but it’s also an excellent source of protein!
Spirulina can be added to dishes, drinks, or taken in capsule form.
One of the reasons it’s so popular is because of its health benefits.
What is spirulina good for?
We have compiled a list of 8 health benefits of spirulina that are backed by science.
It is a strong Antioxidant and has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Protects the bad “LDL” Cholesterol From Oxidation
Has anti-cancer properties
Improves muscle strength
Reduces blood pressure
Helps in blood sugar control
Increases hemoglobin
Effective within the treatment of rhinitis
Spirulina Natural blood thinner and Diabetes
If you are a diabetic you may wonder how Organic Spirulina is suitable for diabetic or pre-diabetic person. According to the experiment below spirulina improves blood condition. The experiment was conducted on non-diabetic person. Based on provided numbers in a video sugar level hasn’t change. Given that everyone has a different condition the organism may have different reaction to spirulina. Give it a go and run the test for couple of day’s. You may also consider to look into Ginger, Ginger natural thinner is another healthy option for diabetic or pre-diabetic person.
What Is Blue Spirulina?
The blue spirulina comes from a phytochemical called phycocyanin, extracted from green spirulina. It fights against free radicals and can protect the cells of the nervous system, liver, heart, and kidneys. The phycocyanin content gives it anti-inflammatory effects.
Spirulina Smoothie
Spirulina smoothie is delicious and filled with wholemeal nutrients. It is dairy and gluten-free. There are many ways to make a spirulina smoothie, and I will be sharing one recipe with you.
Spirulina Smoothie Recipe:
banana, use frozen banana to give the smoothie a cold, creamy texture
mango, frozen
spinach, fresh or frozen
organic spirulina powder
natural orange juice, unsweetened and organic
plant milk of choice,
avocado or almond butter, these add a dose of healthy fats
collagen peptides or vanilla plant-based protein powder of choice, optional but recommended
Dangers of Spirulina nd Side Effects
We all have to take the good with the bad, and sometimes, that includes the dangers of certain substances.
Spirulina is a type of algae that is usually sold in pill form. It is supposed to help with things like lowering cholesterol, controlling blood pressure, regulating blood sugar, detoxifying the body, and boosting the immune system.
The dangers of spirulina can include allergic reactions, diarrhea, and similar things.
As science and discoveries change, so do facts. We believed that spirulina was rich in vitamin B12, but a recent discovery has it that vitamin B12 in spirulina isn’t the first. It is the analog vitamin B12, otherwise known as pseudo vitamin B12.
Analog vitamin B12 is similar to the original vitamin B12 in chemical structure but is dormant in the body.
What is wrong with it? Relying on spirulina for your Vitamin B12 needs results in Vitamin B12 deficiency. Why? That is because the analog vitamin in it competes with the original Vitamin B12 and prevents your system from absorbing the original vitamin B12. They transport molecules that resist the absorbance of the original vitamin B12.
Other dangerous side effects of spirulina include – megaloblastic anemia, degeneration of the spinal cord, psychiatric effects, cardiovascular effects like heart attacks and strokes, etc.
All of us need vitamin B12. The best source of original vitamin B12 is Chlorella.
Spirulina And Chlorella Compared
Spirulina and Chlorella are both forms of algae with impressive nutrient profiles and potential health benefits.
Let us compare both.
Similarities between Spirulina and Chlorella?
Both have high concentrations of phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. They are both relatively low in carbohydrates while also high in protein and fiber. They are both relatively low in calories and high in micronutrients. They are both capable of supporting human health.
These essential nutrients are beneficial to our health. They are both lower in calories and fat and have a low concentration of omega-6 (unhealthy) fat. In this regard, they are the most similar of all the algae.
Both produce less LDL (bad) cholesterol than lupin and chlorella, but they are high in omega-3 (healthy) fat and conjugated linoleic acid, which boosts heart health.
Both produce choline. Choline is an essential nutrient for heart, brain, and nervous system health. The recommended daily intake of choline is 60 mg for men and 45 mg for women.
But this is where the similarities end.
So how are they different?
What Are Their Differences?
While they both contain similar nutritional values, Organic Chlorella is higher in calories, omega-3 fatty acids, provitamin A, riboflavin, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
On the opposite hand, spirulina is lower in calories but still contains a high amount of riboflavin, thiamine, iron, and copper.
Which of These Two is richer in vitamin B12?
In a review of Spirulina’s nutritional profile, they found it to be deficient in vitamin B12, providing only 13.5 mcg (micromolar)
However, Chlorella is a good source of vitamin B12 with 60 mcg, the highest concentration of any supplement tested, alongside five other B vitamins.
In terms of the other nutrients, both have high concentrations of sulfate and folate. They have similar concentrations of iron, potassium, and calcium. Chlorella is the best choice if you want to fortify your system with vitamin B12.