10 Health Benefits of Superfood Spirulina

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Spirulina is a blue-green micro algae and often considered the most nutrient dense food in the world. Densely packed with vitamins and minerals as well as being low-calorie, it is an asset for female athletes from weekend warriors to aggressive competitors to someone just wanting to get in shape. It boosts your nutrition and speeds up recovery time and can be found in supplements, in boosters and in foods. Its flexibility makes Spirulina a simple way to add dense nutrition.

Choosing your source

earthrise-spirulina JoyVIVA carries Earthrise Spirulina products, available online within Canada
Earthrise was an early adopter of the great benefits of Spirulina - it opened the first US farm in 1982. From the beginning it has used environmentally responsible farming practices in Southern California. Its powdered and tablet forms of Spirulina are a trusted source of the superfood.

Quick facts about Spirulina

  • 3900% more beta carotene than carrots
  • 2300% more iron than spinach
  • 375% more protein than tofu
  • More iron than beef
  • More potassium than bananas
  • 300% more calcium than whole milk
  • Great source of essential fatty acids
  • Contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, C, D, E and K.
  • All 8 essential amino acids that the body does not synthesize
    • isoleucine – required for optimal growth
    • leucine stimulates brain function
    • lysine – needed for producing antibodies, enzymes and hormones
    • methionine – antioxidant properties
    • phenylalanine – required for thyroid function
    • threonine – improves intestinal and digestive function
    • tryptophane – regulates serotonin
    • valine – stimulates mental and physical capacity
  • Excellent source of zinc

Check out these 10 reasons to add Spirulina to your diet

  1. Rich in Protein

Just one tablespoon (about 7g) of Spirulina contains 4g of protein. It has twice as much protein as carbohydrates. Roughly 60% of it is amino acids.

  1. Fights Allergies

It is estimated that 25% of North Americans suffer from allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Most common symptoms are sneezing, itchy watery eyes, and nasal discharge and congestion. Research suggests that it can help inhibit the release of histamines which cause allergy symptoms in seasonal hay fever.

  1. Regulates Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a key factor in a number of conditions - heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and many others. With few symptoms it damages your blood vessels. A number of studies coming out of Mexico found that Spirulina boosts the synthesis of nitric oxide, a gas molecule that dilates or widens blood vessels.

  1. Boosts Immunity

Studies have shown that Spirulina supports the production of antibodies and infection-fighting proteins. Early studies have also shown it had anti-cancer properties. Animal studies show a reduction in tumour size and prevalence. It appears to be particularly impactful on oral cancers. A Study out of India found 45 % of those that took Spirulina had a reduction in precancerous lesions that recurred once the Spirulina was halted.

  1. Powerful Antioxidant

Antioxidants are a term for nutrients that collect free radicals in the body and neutralize them. Many antioxidants are vitamins like vitamin E and vitamin C, but the best antioxidants are the carotenoids. Carotenoids are what give plants their colour. The most powerful carotenoid is Astaxanthin, the next most powerful is Beta Carotene. Spirulina is the densest source of Beta Carotene known. Coupled with the fact Spirulina is largely made up of phycocyanin makes it a fantastic antioxidant.

  1. Improves Muscle Strength & Endurance

Its high antioxidant content makes it beneficial in reducing exercise induced oxidation which leads to muscle fatigue and inability to gain muscle. Research has found Spirulina can help increase endurance and reduce muscle damage from exercise.

  1. Fights PMS

Spirulina’s fundamental anti-inflammatory property Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), is one of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory agents helping ease pre-menstrual symptoms. Its excellent source of iron can help women maintain energy and fight anemia while menstruating.

  1. Keeps Skin Healthy

There is a high iron content in Spirulina which supports better hair and nails. Its anti-inflammatory qualities and healthy fats support shiny hair and reducing inflammation in the skin. There is also evidence when used in a mask it can help improve acne by reducing surface bacteria. Spirulina’s dense vitamins play a role in keeping skin toned. The free radicals help eliminate waste products from your skin helping reduce spots and dark circles under the eyes.

  1. Preserves Bone Health

A plant-based source of calcium can be a better choice for many people who find traditional calcium supplements cause uncomfortable side effects. One study found that sourcing calcium from algae and pairing it with strontium saw a bone density increase - something unheard of from traditional forms of calcium. Garden Life Raw Calcium paired with a Spirulina supplement has all the ingredients used in the study.

  1. Helps With Weight Loss

Spirulina’s dense protein can make it an important part of a weight-loss diet. Diets high in protein and nutrient dense foods promote weight loss. Eating Spirulina in the morning or mid-day can help curb hunger.

Tags: Diet & Nutrition

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