Why eat spirulina

Why the scary levels of contamination? Blame the manufacturers. Group explains. Considering one of the core ingredients in those Soylent bars—besides algae flour—is soy isolate, it sounds like he may be onto something. Despite the contamination risks, Dr. Group notes that "algae is one of the world's most nutrient-dense foods—I would never want to deter someone from taking it. To make sure the smoothie booster is clean and pure, our expert advises sticking with companies that are organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free—which will limit cross-contamination a lot.

He also says to check out brands' websites to see if they call out where their spirulina is sourced from and whether any testing has been done to verify that it's clean. If they're not touting that information, be wary. Because spirulina is so trendy right now, some people are using it to get rich quick, buying the cheapest spirulina possible even if it's from a shady supplier and selling it at a premium price.

Not everyone tests for toxicity—and those are the suppliers you need to be wary of. And if you're eating out? Your server should be knowledgable about what's being served. If he or she can't speak intelligently about it, buying premium goods might not be a priority for the cafe.

This may be one instance where fully becoming a Portlandia character and knowing as much as you can about the path from ocean to table is worth the effort and the awkwardness. Here at Clean Cuisine we are big on eating the most nutrient dense foods possible.

Spirulina may actually be the single most nutritious food in existence. NASA had spirulina as a dietary supplement for astronauts on space missions.

Did you know that spirulina is also declared by the United Nations as the best food of the future? The benefits of spirulina is so nutritionally complete that if I ever gave up my daily multi-vitamin , I would replace it with a single daily tablespoon of the green green superfood powder.

If I had to choose between taking a multi-vitamin and spirulina I would actually take the spirulina. Spirulina is a better than multi-vitamins because all the nutrients are naturally balanced.

They are naturally occurring and more easily broken down and absorbed. Which means they are more bio-available or more usable to the cells in your body. It literally has everything you need to live on. Spirulina benefits are huge in it has more than any other protein, grain, plant, algae, herb, vitamin, anything! With a balanced concentration and full spectrum of a vast array of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients.

The health benefits of spirulina are pretty mind-blowing. A huge benefit of spirulina is that it contains all of the amino acids essential to human health. Many vegetarians and vegans are deficient in this crucial vitamin. And Vitamin b12 which plays an important role in energy production and proper neurological function. Spirulina has an exceptionally high concentration of beta-carotene.

In addition, it has mixed carotenoids and powerful antioxidants that help quench free radicals. To equal the amount of beta-carotene found in 1 tablespoon of spirulina, you have to consume 18 carrots. This magical green powder is incredibly high concentrations of phycocyanin. Phycocyanin is a powerful anti-inflammatory that benefits immune systems weakened by toxic drugs. A diet that is rich in fiber may improve your overall health, improve bowel health and help control blood sugar.

Therefore, adding in spirulina to your regular diet will improve over all digestive health. A diet rich in folate may help reduce depression, improve your heart and reduce your risk of cancer.

Having adequate iron in your diet can help support vital functions in the body. Iron also boosts energy, gastrointestinal and the immune system. Just an FYI: you would need to eat 21 ounces of spinach to get the same amount of iron found in 1 tablespoon spirulina.

Vitamin A is another essential vitamin to your overall health. Having adequate Vitamin A supports healthy bones, a healthy immune system and may lower your risk to certain kinds of cancer. By keeping your vitamin K in balance, you will support your overall bone health and wound healing. Spirulina is rich in a broad spectrum of B vitamins.

Having enough vitamin B means that your body will be able to have healthy cells. Plus, a healthy growth of red blood cells, improved overall energy and healthy brain function. It can also help with your digestion, appetite and proper nerve function. Some naturopathic physicians actually prescribe GLA supplements to improve sensitivity to insulin and assist with weight loss.

It can also reduce blood pressure and hormone-mediated nuisance symptoms bye-bye PMS or hot flashes. Spirulina contains highly anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. This type of omega-3 can help reduce inflammation in the body, and some studies show that there could be benefits for heart health, brain function and diabetes. Getting adequate calcium will support your bone health, muscles and nerves. Spirulina is exceptionally rich in naturally detoxifying chlorophyll.

Consuming 3 ounces of fresh wheat grass will get the same chlorophyll found in 1 tablespoon spirulina. In addition to being an incredibly concentrated source of nutrients, spirulina has tremendous detoxifying benefits. Like seaweed, the cell walls of spirulina bind to heavy metals, plastics, solvents and other toxins, shuttling them out with the stool.

Spirulina is also well known to assist the body in detoxifying arsenic. Although the idea of arsenic toxicity may sound far-fetched, according the World Health Organization , the United States is one of the countries affected by inorganic arsenic that is naturally present at high levels, mostly from groundwater.

Arsenic toxicity is an even bigger problem in the Far East. Millions of people in Bangladesh, India, Taiwan, and Chile are consuming high concentration of arsenic through drinking water, and thousands of them have already developed chronic arsenic poisoning. Kelp, a type of seaweed, is chock full of good-for-you nutrients that can benefit your health and possibly even prevent disease. Chia seeds are versatile and packed with nutrients. Here are 7 chia seed benefits, all backed by science.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. It is loaded with various nutrients and antioxidants that may benefit your body and brain. Here are 10 evidence-based health benefits of spirulina. Share on Pinterest. Spirulina is an organism that grows in both fresh and salt water. In addition, the same amount holds only 20 calories and 1.

Summary Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in both salt and fresh water. It may be one of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth. Powerful Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Oxidative damage can harm your DNA and cells. Spirulina is a fantastic source of antioxidants, which can protect against oxidative damage.

Summary Phycocyanin is the main active compound in spirulina. It has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Many risk factors are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Fatty structures in your body are susceptible to oxidative damage. Summary Fatty structures in your body can become oxidized, driving the progression of many diseases. The antioxidants in spirulina can help prevent this. May Have Anti-Cancer Properties. Summary Spirulina may have anti-cancer properties and appears especially effective against a type of precancerous lesion of the mouth called OSMF.

May Reduce Blood Pressure. Summary A higher dose of spirulina may lead to lower blood pressure levels, a major risk factor for many diseases. Improves Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis is characterized by inflammation in your nasal passageways. It is triggered by environmental allergens, such as pollen, animal hair or even wheat dust. Summary Spirulina supplements are very effective against allergic rhinitis, reducing various symptoms. May Be Effective Against Anemia. There are many different forms of anemia. Summary One study suggests that spirulina can reduce anemia in older adults, though more research is needed. May Improve Muscle Strength and Endurance.

Exercise-induced oxidative damage is a major contributor to muscle fatigue. Spirulina appears beneficial, as some studies pointed to improved muscle strength and endurance.