5 Reasons to try the Superfood Spirulina
I’m sure you’ve heard of Spirulina and its awesome energizing effects. But did you know this blue-green algae has been a source of sustenance in Central America since the 9th century? It’s true! Aztecs loved this nutrient-dense superfood. After learning these fun facts, I bet you will too!
Spirulina...
1. Is a Badass Detoxifier
While modern life has its perks (air travel, DVR, contraception), we are far more susceptible to toxins than our grandparents were. Harmful chemicals have found their way into the foods we eat, the clothing we wear and even the air we breathe. Spirulina is a bad-ass detoxifier known as a digestive system “clean sweep.” This powerful powder is able to bind to heavy metals and even radioactive isotopes to assist in their removal. In addition, research indicates Spirulina contains virucidal properties (able to inactivate viruses).
2. Packs a Mean Protein Punch
Nutritionists state that the adult male should consume approximately 56 grams of protein a day, while women should ingest around 46 grams of protein a day. If you are lucky enough to be part of the world’s population with easy access to food, shelter and running water, then your choice of proteins may include beef, pork, ham, lamb, veal, game meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, legumes, soy products, dairy products, nuts and seeds.
Nutritional studies show that Spirulina boasts 65 to 71 percent complete protein while beef contains a mere 22 percent protein. That means Spirulina has THREE TIMES as much complete protein as beef. It has almost no cholesterol and is less than 4 calories per gram.
3. Contains More Calcium Than a Glass of Moo
Calcium is the chemical compound found in the body responsible for building and maintaining healthy bones. Common sources of calcium are milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products. If you are among the 60 percent of the world’s population unable to easily digest lactose (the sugar contained in milk) then you may find yourself seeking an alternative source. Look no further! The Spirulina superfood comes to the rescue again with 26 TIMES more calcium than a glass of milk (and no risk of a white mustache).
4. Is an Amino Acid All-in-One
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, meaning they help to build and repair muscle and tissue. The nine essential amino acids are: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine . None of these is naturally occurring in the human body, thus we must ingest (and sometimes apply) them to be in peak health. Spirulina contains all nine essential amino acids in the exact right balance.
5. Contains Chlorophyll
You might remember chlorophyll from your sixth grade science class. It is a biomolecule required for photosynthesis. To refresh your memory, photosynthesis is the process by which a plant absorbs energy from light. Chlorophyll is found in abundance in Spirulina. It is known to:
Purify the blood
Cleanse and detoxify
Be rich in enzymes that boost rejuvenation of cells
Increase oxygen levels
Extract toxins from the liver
Alkalize the body
Be anti-Inflammatory
