5 Health Benefits of Spirulina
Experience the health benefits of spirulina.
One of the most powerful and cheapest superfoods you can add to your diet is a unique blue green algae that is loaded with chlorphyll and other health enhancing mirconutirents: spirulina.
Spirulina is one of the most nutrient dense foods available and is rich in enzymes, chlorophyll, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorous. Spirulina also contains B complex vitamins including B6, biotin, B12, pantothenic acid, folic acid, inositol, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine.
Spirulina is one of the best superfoods you can have in your diet; especially as a post-workout recovery supplement. Here's why.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE VARIOUS HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPIRULINA
Health Benefit of Spirulina #1: It's great for the blood
Spirulina is full of chlorophyll and phycocyanin, making it an incredible alkalizer and blood purifier. These two nutrients not only promote new blood cell growth, but can also improve the health of the body's existing blood supply.
This is because the chlorophyll contained in spirulina, or all chlorophyll for that matter, is similar to hemoglobin, which assists the body in transporting oxygen to the body's cells and helps clean the body's blood.
Health Benefit of Spirulina #2: It's loaded with amino acids
Spirulina contains all eight essential amino acids, 10 non-essential amino acids. Spirulina is a complete protein and one of the cheapest sources of plant based protein.
Amino acids are essential for the growth of every tissue in the body including muscle, which is why it makes a great post workout supplement.
Amino acids also assist in the creation of the body's hormones. For example: the amino acid L-Trytophan is a precursor to serotonin, one of the body's key stress hormones.
Health Benefit of Spirulina #3: It's a natural immune system booster
In addition to being full of amino acids, spirulina also contains valuable B-vitamins, zeaxanthin, beta carotene, gamma linolenic acid, and trace minerals. All of these antioxidants and minerals are essential to the body and keep the body's immune system strong. These micronutrients help to detoxify the body of heavy metals, chemicals and toxins. Spirulina's antioxidants also help the body to destroy damaged cells and inflammation that can lead to disease and cancer.
Health Benefit of Spirulina #4: It's a powerful fighter of inflammation
Spirulina contains 2250 units of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the body's master antioxidant. As we age, levels of SOD decline and should be replenished by the diet to slow the aging process. Spirulina also contains antioxidant vitamins C and E; as well as the antioxidant minerals selenium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, and chromium. These nutrients have been shown to reduce the toxic effects of cadmium, and of free radicals within the body.
Health Benefit of Spirulina #5: It can help lower cholesterol
Studies have shown that regularly consuming spirulina can reduce LDL cholesterol and improve the cholesterol ratio. Other studies have also show that when combined with regular exercise, weight loss, spirulina can help completely normalize cholesterol levels.
For example: a 2007 study reported in Lipids Health Digest, tested 36 human subjects that consumed 4.5 grams of spirulina daily for six weeks without any other modifications in their lifestyles during the study.
After the six week period, total cholesterol levels were lowered. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were also reduced.
Conclusion: Spirulina is one of the cheapest and nutrient dense superfoods you can have in your diet. Spirulina comes in both powder and capsule form, making it easy to take or to add to your morning smoothies.
Spirulina is especially great as a post workout recovery tool due to its dense protein content and powerful anti-inflammatory compounds.
Sources: www.naturalways.com/spirulina-analysis.htm