6 Proven Benefits of Spirulina

Are you already embracing greens?

Green is the color of the vitality in health foods and drinks. The movement of greens is swelling, showing that there are great ways to eat greens (kale, spinach, collards, etc.). You can juice greens, make smoothies that are green and even throw back shots of greens.

It is all for loading up on key nutrients so much that you reduce your chances of developing (and increase your chances of recovering from) big diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer to name a few.

Now, if you could supercharge what you are already doing (and increase the amount of benefits you are receiving) by adding in a tablespoon of a miraculous powdered food to your juices and smoothies or even some foods, would you give it a try? I bet you would – and I suggest you do!

That miracle ‘food’ is a freshwater, nutrient-packed, blue-green microalgae called spirulina. And here’s what spirulina has to offer:

1.Spirulina is between 60-70% protein by dry weight, or 4g of protein for each tablespoon. That’s more than meat and even soybeans. Although you won’t be eating enough to have it be a primary protein source, it’s a powerful supplement.
2.Spirulina contains all 8 essential amino acids in the correct ratios and 10 non-essential amino acids. With so many key amino acids available for ready access, the body’s cells are ready to “manufacture enzymes, proteins, hormones, brain chemicals and the other products of metabolism” (1).
3.Spirulina contains high levels of B-vitamins riboflavin (B2) and thiamine (B1), which are necessary for the body to turn carbohydrates into accessible energy. Just 1 tablespoon supplies 15% of the RDA for riboflavin and 11% of the RDA for thiamin.
4.Spirulina also supplies 11% of the RDA for iron in 1 tablespoon.
5.Spirulina is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, selenium, iron and phosphorous and trace elements.
6.Spirulina contains antioxidants and important carotenoids and is one of the best known sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is an important fatty acid for skin, joints and heart health.

Here’s how those nutritional benefits translate into better health:

•Digestive Health And Nutrition – Spirulina helps to improve the absorption of nutrients and promotes healthy gut flora, lactobacillus, in the digestive system. It also improves energy and metabolic health.
•Immune System Support And Healing – Spirulina strengthens the immune system and improves healing by actively promoting cell regeneration.
•Eye Health – Spirulina helps to reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
•Liver Health – Spirulina can protect against liver disease and damage and it may help prevent cirrhosis of the liver in people with hepatitis.
•Allergic Reactions – Spirulina may stop the release of histamines and protect against allergic reactions.
•Cleansing – Because spirulina has a very high concentration of chlorophyll, it is naturally detoxifying and is a chelating agent that helps to remove heavy metals and radioactive isotopes that cause radiation sickness.
•Cardiovascular Diseases And Type 2 Diabetes – Studies have shown that spirulina may reduce inflammation, triglyceride levels, total cholesterol and blood pressure, while also boosting HDL. (2, 3)