Supplement Sunday

Spirulina

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina was the first "strange" supplement I started ingesting when I changed my diet post cancer. It is green. It smells funky. Despite how strange it looks, it can be easily blended into any fruit or vegetable smoothie & has amazing health benefits.

Spirulina is blue green algae & group of organisms found in the ocean and sometimes in fresh water lakes. They are among the most nutritious plant-like organisms known to humans. Spirulina has the highest concentration of digestible vegetable protein with a perfectly balanced combination of essential amino acids. 

What are the Health Benefits of Spirulina?

• Spirulina is protein and contains amino acids including the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which has significant anti-inflammatory properties.
• Spirulina contains Omega 3-,6 and 9s and is especially high in Omega-3s.
• Spirulina is extremely high in Chlorophyll, which helps remove toxins from the blood and boost the immune system.
• Spirulina has a very high concentration of bio-available iron and is excellent for those with anemia
•  Spirulina is a great source of other nutrients including: vitamins B-1(thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3(nicotinamide), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folic acid), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin E. It is also a source of potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium,  manganese, phosphorus,  selenium, sodium and zinc.
• Spirulina is also incredibly high in calcium with over 26 times the calcium in milk.
• Some research has suggested that Spirulina may be helpful in allergies and allergic reactions.
• Emerging evidence suggests that it binds with radioactive isotopes and may be useful for  radiation therapy.
• Spirulina can bind with heavy metals in the body and help remove them.
• Spirulina can increase fat burning during exercise & help maintain muscle composition
• Spirulina also helps purify the blood & works as an anti-cancer agent

How do you take Spirulina?
You can take 1tsp straight in a glass of water, but it tastes like pond scum. If that is for you, I would suggest go for it. I take mine in a daily green smoothie - 1tsp of Spirulina mixed with a cup of leafy greens & frozen bananas and berries with either water or almond milk. I recommend using it in smoothies. You do not have the taste & get all the benefits. I have been doing spirulina for 1yr 9mo & my skin, hair and nails show the effects it has had on my body.

Where can you buy spirulina?
Vitacost or Amazon sell different brands of spirulina. I prefer Nutrex's brand, which is affordable & mixes well.