You may have heard that spirulina is a key superfood heavily researched by NASA and the ESA for long-term space missions. This is due to its complete nutritional profile, as well as its ability to produce oxygen through photosynthesis. But before delving into why organic spirulina is so good for you, let’s get to know this superfood a little better.
W
hat is spirulina? Spirulina is a natural blue-green algae that grows in both fresh and saltwater. More specifically, it’s a type of cyanobacteria, which is the scientific name for a family of aquatic single-celled microorganisms that are photosynthetic. The power of photosynthesis means that spirulina and other blue-green algae produce their own food by transforming light energy into chemical energy.
Not only is spirulina good for health, but it comes from a family of microorganism that has played a crucial role in shaping the course of evolution and ecological change throughout our planet’s history. In fact, we have cyanobacteria to thank for the oxygen in our atmosphere!
The name spirulina refers to the way it grows in microscopic spirals that stick together, making it easy to harvest. Its potent health benefits have been recognised since ancient times, and spirulina was a food source of the ancient Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures. But why is spirulina so good for you? What are the health benefits of organic spirulina?The Aztecs and the astronauts are on to it, but for those of you who are curious to know why it’s so good for you, here are 11 powerful health benefits of organic spirulina!
1
Rich in protein
Not many people realise how rich in protein spirulina is, so it may come as a surprise that it has 3x more protein than fish or beef per gram. Protein makes up 60 to 70 per cent of spirulina’s dry weight, and in just one 5g serving of Tropeaka Spirulina, you get 3.3g of protein!
It also delivers a broad spectrum of 18 amino acids that we need for the growth, healing and repair of our muscles, as well as:
- Healthy connective tissue, skin, hair, and nails
- Healthy digestion
- Hormone and neurotransmitter production
- Mood regulation
- Energy production
Our bodies can produce some amino acids, but spirulina provides all of the essential amino acids that need to be taken in through our diet. Spirulina is an excellent choice if you’re looking for nutritious, plant-based options to increase your protein intake.
It works as an excellent skin toner by fighting the free radicals
2
Is spirulina good for skin? Yes!
Loaded with protein, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, spirulina is naturally great for your skin. It’s rich in vitamins A, B and E, calcium, iron and phosphorus, which are all vital for healthy skin. It also contains tyrosine and selenium which, along with vitamin E, have powerful anti-aging effects.
As spirulina is a fantastic source of antioxidants, it works as an excellent skin toner by fighting the free radicals that make your skin look tired. Not only does this powerful algae return vitality to your skin, but its detoxifying properties can also help reduce dark circles under your eyes.
Dermatologists recognise it as a helpful tool in the holistic treatment of acne because it’s a powerful anti-inflammatory that cleanses the whole body. Why not try a spirulina face mask?
3
Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Spirulina is a fantastic source of antioxidants, which do much more than keep your skin looking and feeling fabulous. They also protect against the oxidative damage that can lead to chronic inflammation and illness.
Free radicals are a natural waste product of cell metabolism, but oxidative stress can occur when there aren’t enough antioxidants in the body to neutralise them. As oxidative stress has the potential to deregulate the immune response and damage our cells and DNA, a diet high in antioxidants is essential to our overall health.
4
Improves muscle strength and endurance
Oxidative stress can also occur with intense exercise, and it’s one of the factors that contribute to muscle fatigue. A diet rich in antioxidants can assist with faster exercise recovery and increased performance, so spirulina is a powerful addition to your Lean Protein smoothie after a workout!
By minimising oxidative stress, spirulina provides many benefits for athletes and people with active lifestyles, including enhanced endurance and increased muscle strength. In other words, your spirulina smoothies will delay fatigue to help you get more out of your workouts!
5
Sugar-free and low fat
While spirulina is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that benefit your body and brain, it’s also completely sugar-free and low in fat, making it the perfect superfood for supporting your training and recovery. Naturally sugar-free, spirulina will provide you with real energy without the blood sugar spike.
While its fat content is low, the fat it does contain is so healthy that it contributes to spirulina’s superfood status. A 5 gram serving of Tropeaka Spirulina contains 0.2g of healthy fat, which offers a good balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
6
Essential nutrients for natural energy
Gram for gram, spirulina could be the most nutritious food on the planet. A great source of many essential nutrients, it also contains at least a small amount of everything we need!
Many of the vitamins and minerals in spirulina are required for the production of natural energy, which is why it’s a go-to superfood for reducing tiredness and fatigue. It’s much easier to avoid relying on caffeine or sugar for energy with a powerful superfood like spirulina on your side!
7
Healthy, plant-based iron for immune health
This green goodness is also one of the best plant-based sources of iron, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Iron also helps reduce tiredness and fatigue by supporting energy production and cognitive function, as well as increasing the production of red blood cells.
Spirulina contains prebiotic polysaccharides, which further reinforce the immune system by feeding beneficial bacteria in the gut. Everyone can benefit from spirulina, but it’s an especially good choice if you’re looking for plant-based options to increase your iron intake and support your immune system.
8
Potential to reduce allergy symptoms
Allergic rhinitis is a very common chronic condition with symptoms such as inflammation of the nasal passages, sneezing, congestion, itching, and a runny nose. It’s considered an autoimmune condition, and it can be triggered by environmental allergens like pollen and animal hair.
However, this condition also has a strong link with gut health issues, which is often overlooked by people seeking a solution. Spirulina has amazing gut healing properties, and studies show that it can be a very effective alternative treatment for allergic rhinitis. The health benefits of spirulina are truly amazing!
9
Rich in chlorophyll; nature's cleanser
Spirulina is a naturally rich source of chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants and algae their green colour. Chlorophyll not only helps digestion by increasing the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, but it also aids the removal of toxins via the liver.
The chlorophyll in spirulina can also remove harmful heavy metals and have an alkalising effect on the body, so it’s no wonder that spirulina has such a long reputation as one of nature's great cleansers!
10
Supports the nervous system, brain function and mental health
The B vitamins and folic acid in spirulina support healthy brain and nervous system function!
The potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in spirulina can also help keep your brain in good health throughout your life. As it protects and stimulates the brain and nervous system, spirulina can help improve your memory capacity, keep your moods stable, and lower your stress levels.
As if all that wasn’t enough, spirulina also contains the amino acid tryptophan, which synthesises other important proteins and keeps the nervous system in balance. More specifically, tryptophan is essential for the production of a hormone called serotonin, which regulates mood, sexual function, appetite, bowel movements and more.
We also need tryptophan to produce melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep cycles. Our bodies can’t produce tryptophan, so supplementing with spirulina is a great way to support your physical and mental health.
Just one teaspoon of Spirulina Powder in your daily smoothie will provide huge health benefits
11
Getting the best nutrition is so convenient
Despite its intense blue-green colour, spirulina has a relatively mild taste, so adding it to your daily smoothies is a quick and convenient way to get an incredible range of nutrients into your diet.
Just one teaspoon of Spirulina Powder in your daily smoothie will provide huge health benefits and support you through your day; it is the most powerful and nutrient-dense superfood on the planet, after all!
Tropeaka Spirulina is grown in a certified organic indoor environment that uses pristine spring water to ensure the perfect growing environment for one of the most complete superfoods on the planet.
Want to make dessert your most nutritious meal of the day? Order you Tropeaka Spirulina and check out this Matcha Choc Chip Nicecream recipe!
