Spirulina: much more than just a regular seaweed
Do you also start a detox every spring? Then you certainly included spirulina, a green alga with incredible healing benefits, in your routine. And yet spirulina is not only meant for detoxifying the body.
The healing value of this algae is much bigger, which is also reflected in its nickname “green gold”. Meet also her other side, we’re sure you will be impressed!
Algae, including spirulina, were among the first life forms that began to supply oxygen to the planet 3-6 billion years ago.
Spirulina contains over 100 nutrients and is a rich source of protein (over 60%), vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 and vitamins A1, C, D, and E), minerals (iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, sodium, manganese, selenium, chromium, iodine), antioxidants and fatty acids as well as contains chlorophyll, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
This makes it an extremely nutritious food – in fact, it is the world’s most nutritious food.
A teaspoon of dried spirulina contains three times the recommended daily intake of vitamin B12. It also has a higher iron content than spinach and more beta carotene than carrots.
Why is spirulina so green?
Its color is the result of various dyes, among which chlorophyll prevails. Chlorophyll helps detoxify the body and blood by promoting the removal of toxins such as heavy metals and other blood pollutants.
Alga Spirulina improves vitality and wellness and provides the body with energy. As it contributes to weight management and promotes detoxification, it is a popular superfood in the fight against excess weight and improves body tone.
Spirulina is known for alkalizing the body, which is reflected in improved liver function and is crucial in detoxification.
This blue-green alga is good at combating fatigue as it fills us with energy. However, her ability to contribute to a good immune system should not be overlooked.
Here are some more reasons to include spirulina in your healthy lifestyle – disregarding the fact if you want to detoxify your body or not.
- Spirulina has a great effect on gut health and gut microflora.
It is especially important for overall well-being and protection against inflammation, as it plays an important role in nutrient absorption. Due to its structure (cells lack hard, fibrous walls), spirulina is easily digestible. It also supports gut health and during aging maintains the levels of good bacteria.
- Spirulina lowers the blood level of bad (LDL) cholesterol.
Spirulina is believed to have a positive effect on blood lipids (fats in the blood), therefore it is supposed to contribute to lowering of bad cholesterol levels while at the same time raising good (HDL) levels. As a result, it also plays an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Experts attribute this to its ability to reduce inflammation and its antioxidant effects.
- Spirulina lowers blood pressure.
A specific protein that makes up this green alga relaxes the arteries while being useful in the fight against hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Spirulina prevents anemia.
Due to its high iron content, it is recommended for anemic people and pregnant women.
- Spirulina has a positive effect on various allergies (such as hay fever).
When a person is allergic to dust, pollen or animal hair, the inside of their nose can become swollen. This reaction is called allergic rhinitis. Apart from the fact that spirulina can relieve the symptoms of the aforementioned problem (runny nose, sneezing, itching, stuffy nose), it also relieves inflammation and lowers histamine levels in the body.
- Spirulina has a positive effect on hair and skin.
The antioxidants in it remove free radicals and slow down skin aging. Chlorophyll, however, cleanses the skin perfectly and helps it retain moisture, which is crucial in maintaining a silky and moisturized skin. External use of spirulina can also accelerate hair (re)growth, thus it is also used in shampoos and conditioners.
- Spirulina is effective in combating diabetes.
Regular intake of spirulina can significantly reduce fasting blood sugar. High blood sugar levels are a common problem in people with type 1 and 2 diabetes.
Do you still have any reasons not to include the spirulina in your everyday nutrition?
We prepared for you a delicious, quick and healthy recipe with spirulina!
Recipe: Spaetzle with spirulina
Ingredients:
- 200g of flour
- 1 tsp of oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 dcl of water/milk
- 1 tsp of Nutrispoint’s Organic Taiwanese Spirulina Powder
Instructions:
Mix the ingredients homogeneously, boil water and add salt. Make little dumplings and add them to the boiling water. Cook for 5-8 minutes. Pour over with a sauce of your choice or just fry them in butter. The sauce should not be too strong in flavor, so the spirulina taste can shine through.
In our recipe, we used butter-roasted zucchini, salt, pepper, powder onion, and parmesan.
Written by: Nika Švajncer
