Sensational Spirulina

We all know that green is good, in so many ways! And perhaps you drink green juice and eat all of your greens, but maybe you haven’t experienced the green superfood, spirulina. If you have, you’re ahead of the health game, but if not, let me introduce you!

Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae that grows in freshwater lakes and ponds. It is recognized as one of the oldest life forms on earth. The Aztecs consumed spirulina for hundreds of years for its abundant source of protein. Today, it’s renowned as a superfood, thanks to its exceptional nutrient content. Spirulina powder has a slightly smoky flavor that blends right into smoothies, dressings, soups and other foods.

Spirulina is a multitasking hero when it comes to your health. Bursting with nutrient treasures, this super powder bestows everything from protein and minerals to vitamins and antioxidants.

1) Mighty Protein Source: A single one ounce serving (about 2 tablespoons) of spirulina powder packs a whopping 16 grams of high-quality protein. Spirulina packs more protein per ounce than either meat or soy since it is over 50% protein by weight. This complete protein provides all 9 essential amino acids, aka the building blocks of protein, your body needs on a daily basis.

2) Easy-to-Digest: Spirulina is 85-95% digestible so it doesn’t get any easier for your body to benefit from this nutrient-filled food. Its cell walls contain no cellulose so spirulina is easier to digest than other common plants. This unique attribute improves the bioavailability of nutrients in spirulina, and in turn, maximizes health benefits.

3) Antioxidant Treasures: With four times the antioxidant concentration of blueberries, spirulina has a surefire plan of attack against tissue-damaging free radicals associated with health problems. It’s a natural food source of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, and can promote healthy skin and eyes.

4) Essential Fatty Acids: Spirulina provides a wide range of essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Most notably, it’s a rare food source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This hard-to-find essential fatty acid is recognized for its anti-inflammatory effects and may reduce symptoms associated with arthritis and allergies.

5) Detoxifying Agent: Cleanse your body with the detox power of spirulina. Toxins accumulate in our bodies as the byproducts of our environment and the foods we eat. Since spirulina is a rich source of chlorophyll, it can help rid the body of heavy metals and toxins.

6) Energizing Iron: Fight fatigue with spirulina! A one ounce serving provides over 40 percent of the daily recommended value for iron. This mineral ensures that oxygen-rich red blood cells are transported throughout the body. Iron-filled foods like spirulina help the body maintain healthy red blood cells.

7) All-Around Nutrition: The healthy goodness doesn’t stop there! Spirulina also boasts vitamins A through E and other minerals like calcium and potassium. It is an abundant source of B-complex vitamins, which support many of the body’s metabolic processes. Spirulina is truly a health seeker’s dream come true.

My friends at Nuts.com have a great vegan ice cream recipe as well as a fun video to get you even more acquainted with the green goody that is spirulina!