When it comes to superfoods, you may think you’ve seen them all, but have you heard of spirulina? Blue-green freshwater algae, spirulina, is grown worldwide in warm climates, including in Mexico, Africa, and even Hawaii. It’s no wonder it’s in health food stores and smoothies, bars, and supplements because it has a strong flavor and even more potent nutritional punch.
To help you be your own health hero, Ask Dr. Nandi is here to show you some of the health benefits of spirulina and tell you why it should be part of your diet.
Filled With Vitamins and Minerals
A superfood, spirulina is packed with nutrients. It contains more amino acids than blueberries and more calcium than whole milk because it is 65 percent protein. Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and calcium are among the nutrients included in this food source.
Keeps You Healthy
Filled with all the good stuff your body craves, spirulina keeps you healthy. It boosts your immune system by increasing the number of antibodies, helping you fight infections. It decreases blood pressure and cholesterol levels and lowers the risk of stroke. Spirulina may even be able to stop the spread of certain cancer cells, slowing the disease’s progression.
Detoxifies Your Body
Spirulina, like other plants, produces chlorophyll, which gives it its green color and detoxifying properties. It is excellent at removing heavy metals, especially arsenic, from the body. It is shown to be effective for preventing and treating arsenic poisoning and symptom relief for individuals who have already been exposed.
Improves Gut Function
You need a balance of natural flora and fauna to keep things functioning and happy, and spirulina helps with that when it comes to your gut. Candida, a micro-bacteria that can cause gut and stomach issues, can be eliminated and a healthy microbiota maintained to avoid symptoms of various auto-immune conditions. On the other hand, spirulina has been shown to combat yeast infections. For individuals who encounter more than four each year, it may be the key to eradicating them.
When you’re thinking of adding a supplement to improve your overall health, algae may not have come to mind, but it should have. Spirulina has so many health benefits that there’s no reason not to use it. Follow Dr. Nandi’s advice and be your own health hero.
Parthaβs Rx
- Choose organic to ensure it’s not contaminated or contains nitrate compounds.
- Add two teaspoons of spirulina to your morning smoothie and bump up to two tablespoons when you’re not feeling well.
- Spirulina can be mixed with water or juice, but be aware that it has a strong, earthy flavor.
- Blend spirulina into brownie recipes to gain extra nutrients.
- Don’t be compelled to eat the powder plain; the taste can be overwhelming, and it’s the consistency of flour.
