Do You Include Spirulina in Your Diet? Here's Why You Should!
Spirulina: Botanical Superfood for Health and Beauty
The foods we eat are the number one cause of preventable death and disease in the U.S., though the good news is that one of the hottest trends taking over the nation is biohacking: feeding our body specific foods that can enhance health and beauty. Within this trend, juicing and spirulina (a blue-green algae containing a uniquely potent blend of protein, vitamins, and antioxidants) are playing an important role because of their optimal nutritional content and their ability to battle inflammation and premature aging. In this post we suggest just a few reasons why you should consider adding the magic of spirulina to your favorite freshly made juice.
Spirulina Boosts Heart and Liver Health
A 2013 review published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that spirulina helps fight cardiovascular disease and liver disease – conditions which are highly related to impaired lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Spirulina is able to boost health because it contains carotenoids, GLA, phycocyanin (PC), fibers, and plant sterols. According to the researchers, these components provide multiple health enhancing properties. They inhibit inflammation by decreasing intestinal cholesterol absorption and fat storage, and prevent oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals. Spirulina’s PC pigments have also been found to lower blood pressure, thus helping reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Add between one and three grams of spirulina powder to a glass of juice; this is the normal recommended amount, though up to 10 grams per day is still acceptable.
Spirulina and Beautiful Skin
Spirulina is a well-known beauty aid, since it is rich in antioxidants, which help the body eliminate the toxins that result in premature aging of the skin. Its high Vitamin C and B content increase the rate of skin cell renewal and help stave off skin stressors such as pollution. Finally, spirulina can help fight bacterial growth, thus helping avoid skin breakouts and infection. To boost its skin beautifying effects, combine it with juice made from fruits that are rich in antioxidants. These include berries, citrus fruits, plums, mangoes, and cherries. When in doubt, think of bright blue, yellow, and orange fruits for optimal skin benefits.
Spirulina a Source of Top Quality Protein
Because spirulina contains so many vitamins, minerals, phytopigments, amino acids, and even GLA (a vital fatty acid that promotes better heart and joint health), it is difficult to list every single one of its benefits. One of its most important attributes, however, is its high protein content; it contains up to 70% protein, as well as all essential amino acids plus 12 non-essential amino acids. The protein in spirulina is highly digestible, meaning that the body can easily utilise it for muscle building and other vital functions. To boost your protein consumption, add protein-rich fruits sources to your daily juicing. Ingredients to consider include melon, guavas, avocados, apricots and kiwi fruit.
Spirulina vs Cancer
A 2009 study published in Cancer Science found that in lab tests, spirulina extracts were able to enhance the anti-tumor activities of the body’s natural killer cells. The study showed complete regression of oral cancer (leukoplakia) in 45% of their study cohort, after spirulina supplementation for one full year. While the results show promise, it is important to note that further studies are necessary since the study was non-randomized and unblinded.
Why Blue Spirullina?
Blue spirullina is a chemical free extract of the Arthrospira Platensis plant. Unlike regular spirulina, its blue pigment contains both Phycocyanin and Non-Phycocyanin compounds. It is rich in an array of vitamins (including B12) as well as essential amino acids, minerals, and enzymes. This wields anti-inflammatory properties, boosts energy, and helps foster better brain health.
We have mentioned just a few of the many benefits that spirulina can bestow for human health and beauty. It is an optimal protein source, but is also very high in powerful antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and premature ageing. Try to consume blue spirullina juice regularly for greater energy, a healthy heart, and beautiful, radiant skin. When it comes to health, there is no better medicine than nature, especially when it comes to prevention.
*Blog Post Written By Jennifer Dawson