Our brains are on superfood overload. While it seems that everywhere you turn, a new one crops up, one in particular, is steadily gaining steam in blogs and health food stores. One that is quite literally lurking in the place you spent your summers learning how to water ski.
Spirulina is a microscopic blue-green algae that is found in freshwater environments, including ponds, lakes, and rivers. Its health benefits are plentiful. In fact, spirulina has been touted as the most nutritionally complete food supplement. Check it:
1. Loaded with beta carotene
Ounce for ounce, spirulina has more beta carotene than any other food {ten times more concentrated than carrots}. Research proves that eating fruits and vegetables rich in beta carotene gives us real anti-cancer protection versus synthetic beta carotene, which pales in comparison. Beta carotene also gives us healthy eyes and vision.
2. Great source of essential fatty acids
High in gamma-linolenic acid {GLA}, an essential fatty acid that is found in breast milk {the ultimate super food}, as well as Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids.
3. Antioxidant-rich
One 3-gram serving provides more antioxidants than five servings of fruits and vegetables.
4. Iron-clad
Rich source of iron, which is essential for building a strong system, yet one of the most common mineral deficiencies and it absorbs better than iron supplements. Ten grams of spirulina can supply up to 70% of the minimum daily iron requirements.
5. High in vitamin B-12
Highest plant source of B-12, which is essential for healthy nerves and tissue, especially for vegetarians and vegans, who are especially at risk for B-12 deficiency. Take this with a grain of salt, though. Chris Kesser writes:
“B12 is the only vitamin that contains a trace element {cobalt}, which is why it’s called cobalamin. Cobalamin is produced in the gut of animals. It’s the only vitamin we can’t obtain from plants or sunlight. Plants don’t need B12 so they don’t store it. A common myth amongst vegetarians and vegans is that it’s possible to get B12 from plant sources like seaweed, fermented soy, spirulina and brewers yeast. But plant foods said to contain B12 actually contain B12 analogs called cobamides that block intake of and increase the need for true B12.”
6. Rich in protein
Rich supply of protein, a critical building block for growth (muscle mass) and cell regeneration {ahem, athletes and body builders}. It aids as a supplement {not replacement, see my disclaimer above} for meat and dairy products {ahem, vegans}.
7. Megadose of vitamins
Contains three to four times the minimum daily requirements for vitamins A, D, K, and B complex. Also helps maintain the potency of vitamin C.
8. Gut-friendly
Stimulates the “good” gut bacteria like lactobacillus in your digestive tract to promote healthy digestion and proper bowel function.
9. Detoxifying
Naturally detoxes, eliminating mercury and other deadly toxins from our bodies. You knooow how much I adore detoxing, right?!
10. Maintains a healthy weight
Increases stamina and immunity in athletes, while curbing hunger that may develop during demanding workouts. You know that that means, don’t ya? Ding, ding, ding – weight management!
Sold yet?
That’s what I thought. Of course, superior health doesn’t come without some form of sacrifice. Here’s the catch: the odor and taste of spirulina is similar to seaweed, so if you’re not into that {like 99% of the population}, be prepared to gag the first few times you try it. Not gonna lie. I did. Buuut, after some experimentation and perseverance, it’s become a regular in my playlist, making an appearance in smoothies, baked goods, as well as other things that I’m experimenting with. It comes in the form of a very fine powder, so you can lose the fear of having to deal with any weird textures or worse, seaweed stuck in your teeth. Not sure where to start? Here’s one of my favorite green smoothie recipes that contains three superfood all stars: spirulina, cacao, and chia seed.
The recommended daily dosage is about 3-5 grams, which is the equivalent to about 1-2 teaspoons. If you’d like, you can spread it out two or three times over the course of the day, or in one fell swoop. I prefer the latter. Then again, I’m a little cray cray. You also want to ensure adequate intake of spring or filtered water to help it absorb into your system.
Of course, I’m a huge proponent for getting ALL of your nutrients from real, whole food sources, not supplements, and spirulina TRULY falls into the supplement category and should never, ever replace a meal or nutrient {such as B-12} otherwise yielded from a real food source {i.e., an animal product}. Minus the occasional seaweed salad with my sushi, I am not eating algae nor seaweed very often, so this would fall into the exception category.
Where to Buy
Now that it’s become more mainstream, spirulina is available in most health food and supplement stores, as well as many online retailers, including this one.
Have you tried spirulina? What’s your favorite way to add this superfood to your daily regime? I’d love to hear! Please leave a comment below!
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How do you use it. I’ve tried it in homemade green juice and smoothies and it’s really strong.
It is EXTREMELY strong! :) Like “it takes some getting used to” strong! I only really use it in smoothies – and not a whole lot so it doesn’t overpower the flavor – maybe 1 tsp. max. I also use things that will counter the flavor – like banana. Hope that helps, and thanks for the comment!
I read that iron blocks calcium, and vice versa so to eat them a few hours apart and definitely not to mix greens with calcium in a smoothie. Go for a green smoothie or a calcium smoothie but not to mix. Thoughts?
Shauna – great question, and you’re right, it’s been indicated that calcium can interfere with iron absorption. I have been noted to combine the two in my smoothies from time to time, but if you’re at risk or anemic, it’s best to avoid the two in combination, and time calcium about 2 hours after iron consumption. Thanks for the comment!
Truth: I don’t always take immediate action on some of the blog and newsletter’s advice and postings. BUT, I do love how they serve as a periodic and consistent reminder that my health is a thing that exists in this world, and that no one else is going to take care of it except for me. While I haven’t had any spirulina in my cupboard for months, I’ll get to grabbing some more soon. There are some mixes with spirulina in them too, right? Any info on those? The one I had (name escapes me) was really really yummy.
So, while I didn’t have a spirulina smoothie for breakfast, I did have a great (mostly organic) salad with lunch whose veggies were all washed in your homemade veggie wash solution.
Thanks!
Jen
Jennifer, LOVE the candor! Ha! Yes, there are quite a few mixes that add it in, and for the most part – that’s fine, as long as the rest of the ingredient list is clean.
Sounds like a great lunch to me! YUM! :) Thanks for the comment!
I’ve been buying spirulina pasta at the health food store (I live in Spain, so don’t know if this is available everywhere). It looks and tastes like spinach pasta, and can be used like any other pasta: with sauces, in salads, hot or cold. I haven’t figured out how big a portion should be in terms of the spirulina content, but I figure that whatever I’m getting, it’s better than none. Also, I have read that seaweeds, spirulina included, help to remove radiation from the body, which is imperative now after the Fukushima disaster.
Not all spirulina has that distinct seaweed smell you’re talking about. Have you tried #freshlivespirulina?? We grow it here in Richmond, BC, Canada. The company is called AlgaFresh and this fresh spirulina is largely becoming a hit since it is loaded with all the goodness plus it is tasteless and no smell.
Now I know why my mom always tell me to add spirulina to my smoothies. Thanks a lot for posting!