Spirulina is being referred to as "Super Food," "Food of the Future," etc., not without reason. It is a powerhouse of vitamins and proteins. It has all of the 8 essential amino acids that our body requires. Experts say that Spirulina is so rich in vitamin B12 (apart from other vitamins) that just one teaspoon of Spirulina can supply you with 2-1/2 times the vitamin B12 that is recommended for daily intake. If you were to compare one teaspoon of spirulina and one teaspoon of liver, the former contains twice as much vitamin B12 as the latter.
Facts About Spirulina
- Tiny blue-green algae, color attributed to the presence of chlorophyll (green) and phycocyanin (blue).
- Scientific name is Arthrospira Plantensis.
- Evolutionary link between bacteria and green plants.
- Spirulina grows naturally in alkaline lakes that are rich in minerals.
- Rich in proteins, vitamins, and phytonutrients.
- Contains rare essential fatty acids like GLA, polysaccharides, sulfolipids, and glycolipids.
- Rich in carotenoids (a type of antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage).
Chlorophyll - the Vital Ingredient of Spirulina
It is common knowledge that chlorophyll helps plants to transform sunlight into the nutrients that vegetables are so rich in. Chlorophyll has similar chemical structure as that of human blood, with the exception being that chlorophyll has magnesium as the central atom whereas human blood has iron as the central atom. Experts say that chlorophyll will help grow and repair tissues in the human body. Spirulina, being a good source of chlorophyll, lends numerous health benefits.
Health Benefits of Spirulina
Apart from boosting our immune system, which prevents our vulnerability towards various diseases, Spirulina provides us with the following health benefits. Spirulina
- Has antioxidant properties
- Detoxifies the system
- Lowers blood cholesterol
- Prevents iron-deficiency anemia
- Lowers blood sugar levels
- Prevents heart disease
- Reduces severity of arthritis
- Prevents osteoporosis
- Prevents depression
Apart from all this, experts believe that Spirulina has a big role to play in the prevention of the dreaded disease, cancer.
Forms in Which Spirulina is Available
Spirulina is available as pill, powder, and flakes. The powder and flakes can be added to soups, salads, and other foods. The recommended daily intake is 1 to 5 grams.
Contraindications of Spirulina
- Pregnant and lactating mothers should consult their physician before taking Spirulina.
- Those who has metabolic syndrome, such as phenylketonuria, do not have the capacity to metabolize phenylalanine. As Spirulina is very rich in amino acids, they should refrain from taking it.
- As Spirulina is a powerful stimulator of the immune system, people having autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis should avoid taking Spirulina, as it will aggravate their condition.
Taking things, luxuries, and amenities for granted has become a way of life these days. However, as we age, there is one thing that we don't want to take for granted - our health. We are ready to go to any lengths to see that we lead a healthy life in the least complicated way. Spirulina could be the answer.
