The health benefits of what, you ask? I suppose it would be better for me to actually tell you what this is before going into the benefits that it provides.
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a fresh water or blue green alga; it grows in the waters of South America and Africa. This little bacterium that measures approximately .0196850394 inches in length packs a big punch for its little size. It beats out red meat and soy in protein content. Spirulina has 60 percent protein content, red meat has 27 percent protein content, and soy has a meager 34 percent protein content.
For those of you interested in word history, the name “spirulina” is derived from the Latin word for “helix” or “spiral” which denotes the physical configuration of the organism when it forms swirling strands.
Not only is this little powerhouse packed with protein, it is packed with minerals too including iron, calcium and magnesium. Top that with Vitamins A, B, C, D and E and you have a force to be reckoned with.
Some scientists even speculate that the “manna” that God provided for the Israelites, as referred to in the bible, may have been a form of dried, dormant Spirulina.
Want to bulk up, try this little guy, the Chinese actually utilize Spirulina to bulk up commercially produced poultry and livestock.
Spirulina can also be helpful for those affected by diabetes. Some researchers claim that Spirulina is useful in helping diabetics control their food cravings and helping to decrease their insulin intake, because of the high concentration of its nutrients.
Several studies have found that Spirulina may help with the following:
- recovering mobility after a stroke
- warding off the free radical damage related to diseases like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s Disease
- the regression of oral cancer lesions caused by chewing tobacco
- decreasing the side effects of arthritis including cartilage damage and inflammation
- lowering cholesterol
- reducing hypertension
- preventing cancer
- strengthening the liver’s defense against toxins
- alleviating allergic reactions
- preventing gastro enteric infection
- reducing gastro enteric distress by promoting the growth of intestinal bacteria
- strengthening immune responses
- preliminary promise in fighting HIV
Now I am sure you are thinking this is great and all, but how exactly does one go about getting Spirulina?
Spirulina comes in the form of a supplement. Basically there are three types of this supplement: powder, pill or liquid extract. Each form of Spirulina is equally nutrient rich, so no form is better than the other; it just depends on what you prefer as far as convenience is concerned. If you do not mind taking several pills a day, then the pill is a good choice for you. If you are more of a smoothie person, then you may want to get the powder form to add to your daily smoothies.
Spirulina is recognized all over the world to be the most complete food source; no other food contains as many nutrients as Spirulina does. It is currently being developed as ‘the food of the future’.
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