Foods are the first line of defence against the negative effects of pollution, chemicals, lifestyle stress and disease. As more people take responsibility for their own health, the demand for natural foods is growing dramatically. One of these is a super natural food called Spirulina.
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a microscopic blue-green algae in the shape of a perfect spiral coil and is believed to be one of the oldest life forms on Earth that existed 3.5 billion years ago.
It has renewed itself with billions of years of successful evolutionary wisdom coded in its DNA. For the past few decades, millions of people around the world have enjoyed it as safe food supplement.
In fact, the United Nations and the World Health Organisation recommend Spirulina as safe and nutritious for children.
Did you know that Spirulina is recognized as one of the world’s most nutritionally complete superfoods?
What is Superfood?
According to the American Heart Association, there is no standard criteria or regulated definition classify any food as a superfood. However, it is often considered a superfood when it contains high level of desirable nutrients (such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids) thought to provide health benefits and very few calories.
Why has Spirulina been called a Superfood?
Spirulina rich in protein, amino acids, vitamins, polysaccharides and minerals. People consider spirulina a superfood due to it contains excellent nutritional content and certain compounds that may benefit your overall health, including antioxidants, minerals, and active ingredients. [1]
One tablespoon or 7 grams (g) of spirulina contains [2]
- 20 calories
- 4.02 g of protein
- 1.67 g of carbohydrate
- 0.54 g of fat
- 8 milligrams (mg) of calcium
- 2 mg of iron
- 14 mg of magnesium
- 8 mg of phosphorous
- 95 mg of potassium
- 73 mg of sodium
- 0.7 mg of vitamin C
Benefits of Spirulina
1. Antioxidants
Spirulina is a good source of antioxidant which can protects against oxidative damage. The active ingredient called phycocyanin can fight free radicals and inhibit the production of inflammation signalling molecules. Providing impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also gives spirulina its blue-green colour. [3]
2. Strengthens the immune system
Spirulina is packed with vitamin E and vitamin C which essential for maintaining healthy immune system and it helps to reduce the symptoms of illness. The abundance of iron will improve blood flow of oxygen around the body to aid the immune system, and the selenium and zinc in spirulina have anti-viral properties that can fight infection quicker and more effectively. [4]
3. Improves gastrointestinal and digestive health
The protein in Spirulina aids with digestive health. It provides amino acids that your body can rebuild into digestive enzymes. Besides, spirulina contains chlorophyll which helps to regulate the digestive system and promote healthy bacteria in the gut. [5]
4. Enhances natural cleansing and detoxification
Spirulina is a probiotic that helps the growth of other beneficial bacteria in the gut, and it can help expel toxins such as heavy metals from the body and promote immune system function.
Earlier studies have pointed out that daily intake of spirulina supplements and mineral zinc can reduce the toxicity of arsenic by half, which shows that its detoxification effect is very powerful.
5. May be effective against anaemia
Spirulina has a high content of iron. Iron is needed for haemoglobin production. According to a study in 2011, spirulina was found to increase the haemoglobin content of red blood cells and improve immune function in a bunch of senior citizens aged 40 above with a history of anaemia. [6]
Spirulina is great for people of all ages, including children. It can be enjoyed every day. It helps to strengthen and balance our health, offering rich nutrients to deeply nourish our bodies. It builds a strong foundation, so that we are less vulnerable to invading bacteria and viruses.
How Can We Consume Spirulina?
It is easy beyond imagination! Nature’s Own has the solution for you. It’s quick and simple. Just add one sachet of Instant Brown Rice Cereal with Spirulina into 200 ml of warm water. With these two simple steps, your drink is now ready! With our bestselling product, the Instant Brown Rice Cereal with Spirulina comes with two variants; No Added Sugar and Less Sugar.
References:
1. Cathy Wong. (2021) What Is Spirulina? verywellhealth. [https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-spirulina-89079]
2. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. FoodData Central: Seaweed, spirulina, dried. [https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170495/nutrients]
3. Joe Leech, MS. (2018) 10 Health Benefits of Spirulina. Healthline. [https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-spirulina#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3]
4. Victoria Chapman. (2021) How to boost your immune system to fight winter colds with this special ingredient. Eastern Daily Press. [https://www.edp24.co.uk/lifestyle/how-to-boost-your-immune-system-against-colds-8446280]
5. Sylvie Tremblay. (2018) Spirulina & Digestion. SFGATE. [https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/spirulina-digestion-10406.html]
6. National Library of Medicine. (2011) The effects of Spirulina on anemia and immune function in senior citizens. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4012879/]
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general information purposes only. It does not replace consultations with qualified healthcare professionals to meet your individual medical needs.