Spirulina Health Benefits
BY APRIL PASCARELLI
If you have spent some time hanging around health food stores and juice bars (ahem), then by now, you have most likely heard about a blue-green algae called spirulina. Nowadays, spirulina is popping up in grocery shops and supermarkets everywhere. And it is one of the most heavily searched supplements on the internet! So, what the heck is spirulina? And why is it so good for us?
Spirulina has been around for centuries. It has spanned from the Aztecs in Mexico, using it to treat various diseases, to the villages of Central Africa, as a natural food for nutritional needs, to astronauts in space through NASA, as a dietary supplement that can emulate immune function. The algae's cell walls contain essential fatty and amino acids, chlorophyll, photo compounds, and many nutrients. And lately, everyone wants to get their hands on this vegan, plant-based food. Here's why.
Source of Plant Protein
Spirulina clocks in at around 60% protein and is one of the top plants for protein. Believe it or not, it has a higher protein ratio per serving than red meat, which is about 27 percent protein. Not that you'd be ingesting 100 grams of spirulina (nutritional facts based on 100 grams), but you're still likely to get 3-9 grams of protein per 5-15 grams of spirulina, making this an easy add-on in your diet and protein needs.
High in Iron
You can ingest up to 22% of your daily iron intake with just 1-2 teaspoons of spirulina. The high content combo of iron and protein in spirulina can help to increase blood oxygen levels. And we need iron in our everyday diet to maintain energy levels, immune health, and healthy hair, skin, and nails. Studies have shown a link between spirulina's effects and counteracting anemia while boosting immune function.
Nutrient Dense
High in calcium, niacin, potassium, magnesium, and iron at about 2 grams per tablespoon, no wonder they call this supplement a superfood! Spirulina is also brimming with B vitamins essential to our daily diet. B vitamins boost energy levels, support red blood cells, and help brain function. So many essential vitamins and minerals in a single serving make this plant an absolute no-brainer for adding to your diet.
Antioxidants
Within spirulina is a powerful plant-based protein called phycocyanin, the plant pigment that gives the plant its blue-green hue. Research has suggested that phycocyanin may help with pain relief and have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and brain-protective properties. Additionally, this particular antioxidant is associated with blocking tumor growth and killing cancer cells, leading to studies of its potential in cancer treatment. The power of plants is pretty amazing!
To summarize, this underwater algae hits all the high notes and more. If you skimmed and are looking for the “CliffsNotes”, here you go. Spirulina is about as super a food as you can get. Not only is it an excellent source of iron and protein, hits the mark on vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and supports your immune system in incredible ways, but it's (believed to be) capable of so much more. It may support the regulation of blood sugar and blood pressure. Plus, it may help to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels while protecting your LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage. P.S. That means, it may lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and pancreatitis. It's even linked to clearing up allergic rhinitis! And clinical trials show spirulina's ergogenic potential in athletes as it has improved muscle strength and endurance. It is a bacteria loaded with benefits! That said, be sure you know the source of your spirulina. Spirulina can contain small amounts of heavy metals but using a high-quality, organic version of this natural supplement won't contain levels that pose a risk to human health. Additionally, organic spirulina comes from cultivation without harmful or toxic chemicals or pesticides.
Want to know where you can find this superfood at Juice On Main? It helps make the base of our Blue Hawaiian Bowl. And you can now find it in our new Majik Mylk, made with E3 Live Blue Majik Powder, a proprietary spirulina extract. Or add it to any of your favorite smoothies or bowls! As always, we are here to help you navigate your health journey. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
*Important to note that this type of algae could contain the amino acid phenylalanine; therefore should be avoided by people who have phenylketonuria (PKU) — a metabolic disorder in which the body can't metabolize phenylalanine.
If you're using spirulina or other health food supplements, always inform your health provider, as it could interact with other medications you might be taking.