Nutrition Nugget: Spirulina
A Bite-Size Read for Your Health and Your Waistline
Have you heard?! This superfood seems to be getting major attention these days. This blue-green algae is said to provide all of the essential nutrients we need (essential meaning nutrients the body can’t produce). But is this superfood too good to be true? Let’s find out.
Let’s start with a bit of foundation. What is spirulina? Spirulina is a 3.5+ billion-year-old spiral-shaped algae. Fun fact, that’s how it got its name, since spiru- sounds like “spiral.” This funny-looking algae is said to be the bridge between bacteria and green plants. It can be found in mineral-rich alkaline water on almost every continent. Despite being around for quite a while, it only began gaining traction in food and health spaces in the 1960s. Since then, there have been numerous studies researching the benefits of spirulina.
Do all those studies mean spirulina is as great as everyone claims? Quite possibly! Spirulina is rich in protein, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Spirulina contains: a variety of B vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and gamma-linolenic acid. Amino acids make up 62% of spirulina’s composition, meaning it is LOADED with plant-based proteins! Funny enough, spirulina is comparable to an egg, protein-wise. One gram also offers a relatively significant amount of healthful omegas.
Given the nutrient density, we see tremendous benefits for those incorporating spirulina in their daily lives. One study found that one gram of spirulina lowered the triglyceride levels of high cholesterol patients by 16.3%. Similarly, another study shows that blood sugar levels of patients with type 2 diabetes were lowered significantly. Of course, I would never suggest replacing your medication with spirulina; however, I highly suggest talking to your doctor about potentially adding spirulina and seeing if it supports you; perhaps your doctor can, over time, adjust your prescription dosage.
More generally, people taking spirulina report that it makes them feel overall healthier both physically and mentally. In fact, spirulina boosts your energy which might make it a great alternative to sugary energy drinks or even your coffee (GASP!).
All in all, spirulina can be a great addition to your nutrition. It provides substantial nutritive value, improves energy and stamina, and potentially fights a variety of medical conditions. In even better news, a little goes a long way! Here’s my recommendation: try it out for 30 days to see how it makes you feel, considering body and mind. You never know, spirulina may be your new go-to for a 3pm pick-me-up.
