Looking for an easy way to incorporate more “greens” in your diet?
Spirulina, a blue-green algae, should be at the top of your list. Celebrated for centuries for its health perks, perhaps the best spirulina health benefit is its impressive nutrient-dense profile.
In fact, NASA scientists made it famous when they used it as a dietary supplement while on space missions. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties and immune-boosting abilities, this easily digestible health food is really out-of-this-world good for you.
From stopping the sniffles to providing essential vitamins like B12, this blue-green algae is certainly a food to check out on your next shopping trip. Oh, and it’s known as a natural mood booster and rich iron source.
On the hunt for your newest ideal green supplement?
Read on to see if spirulina health benefits are just what you’re looking for!
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina Farm in Portugal
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that’s nutrient-dense and is known for its many health benefits. Long before scientists used it in space, the Aztecs reportedly enhanced their diets with it, too.
This unique blue-green algae grows in both oceans and lakes. It’s found in both fresh and saltwater and only a few places worldwide have the perfect climate to create spirulina, including Greece, Japan, India, Spain and the United States.
As for finding it on your local store shelves? You’ll find it comes in tablet or powder form and can be purchased in most natural health food stores. Brands like ours have incorporated spirulina with other healthy foods like wheatgrass for double the health boost!
Spirulina Health Benefits to Consider
Just as its beautiful green color is stunning, the spirulina health benefits are equally incredible.
Whether you opt for powder, pill, or an organic health shot, you’ll get a hearty dose of vitamins and minerals with spirulina. To get an idea of how nutrient-dense spirulina is: One tablespoon of dried spirulina powder alone has 4 grams of protein!
Plus, this low-calorie tiny alga is full of:
- Iron
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin C
- Copper
- Magnesium
It also has nearly all the necessary micronutrients you need to thrive! Can you say hello to your new favorite green superfood?!
But wait, there’s more...
It’s Low in Calories But High in Nutrients
Spirulina is an excellent source of a variety of vitamins, but most especially of B-vitamins. These vitamins in particular are directly linked to cell metabolism and increases in energy levels. Plus, all it takes is a half of a tablespoon to meet your daily recommended dose of beta-carotene, a must for healthy eyes and skin, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
It Comes in a Variety of Forms
Spirulina is usually found in health food stores. For the utmost convenience, it comes as a supplement in tablets, capsules, and as a powder. You may even find it in certain foods like smoothies or energy bars, too. Tablets and capsules make it easy to take alongside your regular vitamins.
Hate swallowing pills? Toss some powder in a smoothie or sip on our wheatgrass and spirulina-filled GREEN UP shot!
May Reduce Allergy Symptoms
Tired of taking a daily over-the-counter allergy antihistamine? Consider adding spirulina in your diet to help with symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis like itchy eyes or a runny nose. Some medical studies have found that spirulina is “clinically effective” in helping reduce allergy symptoms. Goodbye to you, sniffles!
It’s Great for Vegans and Vegetarians
While a vegan or vegetarian diet can be healthy, a meatless diet may lack certain vitamins and minerals. Among those to keep in mind is iron. Spirulina is rich in iron, so you may think about incorporating it into your diet, especially since it has more iron than raw spinach! One 2017 study found it could help pregnant women and girls suffering from anemia, an iron deficiency. Plus, it has a lot of protein, making it easy for vegans and vegetarians to have a unique protein supplement, too.
Lowers High Blood Pressure
If your doctor is concerned about your high blood pressure, you may consider spirulina to bring your levels back to normal. If you’d prefer to try an alternative before taking a prescription, you might try spirulina for this health benefit. Studies show that amount may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Always consult your doctor prior to experimenting, of course.
It May Keep You Mentally Healthy
Nutritional therapy is often one method to improve mental health concerns. In a 2018 Global Journal of Medicine and Public Health study, spirulina was studied for its associated powerful amino acid known as tryptophan to improve serotonin levels. Other studies have shown that amino acids like tryptophan are often helpful in treating mood disorders such as depression. When ingested on an empty stomach, tryptophan is found to convert to serotonin — the feel-good chemical that also promotes calmness.
Explore Spirulina’s Health Benefits
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on the perks of consuming spirulina, it’s time to give it a try.
If you’re ready to start enjoying spirulina’s health benefits, you can incorporate it into your diet through powder form or in a capsule or tablet. Just be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if it will interact with any of your current medications.
Since spirulina is relatively easy to find, here are a few ways to try it:
- Use the powder form - You can add spirulina into most foods when you purchase it as a powder. Consider adding it to your morning smoothie or even mixing it into your favorite energy balls recipe.
- Try it in an organic health shot - Not a fan of spirulina powder? If you still want to reap the spirulina health benefits, try our GREEN UP shot which contains spirulina and wheatgrass as the top key ingredients!
- Add it to your favorite dips - You can mix in two tablespoons of spirulina into your favorite dips or herb blends. Try mixing it into your favorite guacamole or hummus recipes for a nutritional boost!
- Take it as a tablet or capsule - If you take a daily dose of vitamins and minerals, consider including it in your supplement routine.
You can purchase spirulina through online retailers and at your local health food stores. Some drug stores may also carry spirulina in capsule form. Check out the vitamins section or ask the pharmacist where you can find it.
How do you take your spirulina? Let us know in the comments below!
Ready for a hearty dose of spirulina? Check out GREEN UP, our organic wheatgrass and spirulina shot that offers a healthy heap of your daily greens!
