Powdered Spirulina
As people are becoming more conscious of their wellbeing, powdered Spirulina is becoming one of the most popular green “superfood” supplements around. Despite the fact that it is relatively new to popular western nutrition, it has been a traditional medicine in regions of Africa & Central America for centuries.
Modern research has linked powdered spirulina with strong suggestions that it may help provide energy, and boost your immune system. Some more recent studies have suggested that it may offer a boost in capacity to resist symptoms of COVID-19.
Let’s take a look in more detail.
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a form off microalgae, scientifically identified as the genus Arthrospira. It is normally sourced in countries with tropical climates, in freshwater sources like lakes & ponds. These lakes & ponds are often dense with minerals.
When it comes to food, microalgae are commonly used as a coloring agent. Powdered spirulina is dark green in color.
However, some of the main reasons for its popularity is due to pleasant taste, and high content of protein, vitamins, minerals & amino acids. Many consider it to be rich in nutritional value.
Some of the most researched benefits of Spirulina include that it can help provide energy, reduce blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels & help provide strength to your immune system.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION & STUDIES LINKED IN THIS ARTICLE SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR MEDICAL ADVICE OR AS SUGGESTED TREATMENT OF ANY ILLNESS. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FOR CLEAR DIRECTION ON TREATMENT FOR ANY ILLNESS OR HEALTH DISCOMFORT.
Where is Spirulina from?
The earliest knowledge of spirulina consumption dates back to the 16th Century, when it was cultivated as food by the Aztecs in Mexico, along with other south American people. More recently it was also found in abundance in West Africa, more specifically Lake Chad.
After discovery by Europeans in the 19th century, it has gradually become more popular in western culture.
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Uses
Fresh spirulina is traditionally used to make broths, stock or soup. It has a sour taste that can sometimes be off-putting, but sometimes add some balance to stronger flavoured dishes.
Outside of cooking, its generally ground into powdered spirulina. This allows it to be used as a supplement or added into juices & smoothies.
What are the benefits of powdered Spirulina?
Popular research suggests that spirulina is nutritionally dense, and packed with powerful nutrients & antioxidants. Some of the most common reported benefits are:
- Providing energy & reducing fatigue
- Boosting your immune system
- Reducing blood pressure
One study found that consumption of Spirulina resulted in a significant increase in exercise performance & fat oxidation. Fat oxidation is the breakdown of triglycerides (fatty acids) that are stored in fat cells for energy.
Other studies suggest that the benefits of Spirulina go way beyond just energy and may be a powerful way of boosting personal capacity to resist the symptoms of COVID-19.
Cardiovascular disease & high blood pressure unfortunately remain some of the biggest killers in the globe. There have been a high range of human studies that suggest that spirulina may have a positive impact for treating disorders that relate to metabolic syndrome.
Nutritional properties of powdered Spirulina
Spirulina is dense with lots of powerful nutrients that help maintain bodily function. The microalgae has solid amounts of copper, iron, protein, magnesium, potassium, manganese, thiamine & riboflavin. That’s why it’s considered a great all-rounder for daily wellbeing.
The standout nutrients are:
- Protein
- Copper
- Thiamine
- Riboflavin
Unlike many ‘superfoods’, spirulina has an unusually high content of protein. As many of us know, protein is highly important for maintenance & repair of cells. This includes organs, muscles, hair & skin.
Copper is an essential nutrient to produce red blood cells. Red blood cells are vital for maintaining healthy bones, immune function & a clean flow of blood.
Thiamine & Riboflavin are B vitamins. Popular research has concluded that both may help to provide the body with energy by regulating metabolism. This is critical for cell function & growth. Both are naturally sourced from foods.
Spirulina in every day life
Whilst the use of spirulina in it’s algae form is limited, it has become a popular addition to many healthy diets as a dry powder. In more traditional use, the algae is added to soups & broths.
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