Superfoods have become a part of our daily rituals. We add them to our smoothies, meals, and we snack on them throughout the day. Though there is no medical definition, superfoods are nutrient powerhouses that are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Superfoods are all about promoting natural and healthy eating habits. Each superfood contains a unique array of disease-fighting vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other healing components to help optimize your health. Eating and adding them to our meals may contribute to reducing the risk of chronic disease, and optimize our health.
Like many of you, I have tried a lot of different 'superfoods'. I have gone to grocery stores with the purpose of buying fresh kale to help combat my cold. I have also eaten blueberries for enjoyment without actually thinking about the health benefits. Recently I tried one superfood that sticks out, spirulina.
What Is Spirulina?
You might be surprised to learn that spirulina is the algae you might see floating on top of a pond. It is that same algae that stops you from going for a swim. This algae is excellent for you. When you eat it in its final form of Spirulina, it is safe to eat.
It was not until 1974 that spirulina was announced to be one of the best foods of the future at the World Food Conference. Soon after NASA incorporated spirulina into their astronaut's diets. A few years later spirulina started to become mainstream. People started utilizing spirulina's nutritional profile as part of their diets.
Health benefits Of Spirulina
The health benefits of spirulina are impossible to ignore. It is the type of food that you want to add to your diet every day.
1. High In Protein
Spirulina is composed of 50 to 70 per cent protein by weight. The quality of proteins found in spirulina is comparable to eggs as it contains all the essential amino acids that we need.
2. High In Vitamins And Minerals
Spirulina, dairy, and animal products are all one of the best sources of iodine. In addition, spirulina is a good source of potassium, vitamin K, B1, B2, B3, copper, iron, and manganese. Spirulina is a great source of B vitamins. But it should not be taken as the primary source of B12 as studies suggest our bodies are not capable of absorbing this particular form of B12. As a substitute, try dairy, salmon, eggs, and meat products.
3. Fights Allergies
Millions of people suffer every day with allergies. If you are having symptoms life stuffy nose, watery eyes, or itchy throat, then you are having irritations from allergies. A study suggests that spirulina helps stop the release of histamine, which is responsible for symptoms of allergic rhinitis. A case study found that spirulina consumption improved sneezing, nasal itching, nasal congestion, and discharge with people suffering from allergies.
4. Regulates Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a serious health concern for many and affects millions of people around the world. If you have high blood pressure than you are at risk of a heart attack or stroke. One way of keeping your high blood pressure under control is through healthy dieting and regular exercise. Getting adequate exercise and eating a balanced diet can help normalize blood pressure and get you back on track to optimal health. According to a study having 4.5 grams of spirulina also everyday contributes to regulate blood pressure.
5. Managing Cholesterol Levels
Your cholesterol can be regulated with a balanced diet and regular exercise as well. Studies have shown that adding spirulina to a healthy diet and lifestyle can help contribute to decreased cholesterol levels. Eating spirulina while consuming unhealthy foods will not make any difference to your cholesterol levels.
Spirulina is packaged in two different ways. Most people are used to consuming spirulina in a powdered form. A new way is to drink it fresh which is surprisingly less fishy than you would think. For me, the biggest benefit of drinking spirulina (I like to drink it fresh!) is that I will wake up groggy-free the next day at 6:00 am with no alarm clock needed!
Spirulina is an amazing superfood that you should add to your diet. However, like other dietary supplements, you should view spirulina as an adjunct to a holistic approach to your health.
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