The benefits of spirulina, a green algae often called a superfood, include weight loss, enhanced brain function, anti-inflammatory effects, and much more! We will explore its numerous health advantages and share five tasty spirulina recipes.
Spirulina’s journey as a superfood goes back to at least the 9th century, with commercial production starting in 1970. In 1988, NASA released a report suggesting that spirulina could be cultivated in space for astronauts’ diets. Nowadays, you can find it in powder or pill form at most health food stores.
Why should you consider adding spirulina to your diet? It’s a simple and effective way to obtain essential nutrients and offers a range of health benefits.
While it’s not a miracle weight loss solution, spirulina can support healthy weight management. It’s nutrient-dense, providing 4 grams of protein and fiber in just one tablespoon, which contains only 20 calories. When your body receives the nutrition it needs, it’s less likely to crave quick-fix foods like sugar. The high protein content can help you build muscle and feel fuller for longer.
Research indicates that spirulina may help regulate blood sugar levels and can assist in reversing insulin resistance. If your weight challenges are related to insulin resistance, this could be beneficial for weight loss.
Although we can’t promise an increase in IQ, consuming spirulina may help prevent memory loss caused by oxidative stress on brain cells. Studies show that just two grams a day can enhance academic performance and boost productivity and focus, which is particularly important as we age. Scientists have found that spirulina may lower the risk of developing degenerative brain disorders like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
Some lab studies suggest that spirulina is as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in reducing inflammation. Phycocyanin, a compound that gives spirulina its vibrant blue-green color, can inhibit the production of inflammation-signaling molecules, reducing swelling and histamine release in inflamed tissues.
Spirulina may also aid in treating leaky gut and inflammatory bowel disease. If you suffer from allergies or hay fever, your immune system reacts to environmental particles, causing sneezing and itchiness. Spirulina is often used as a natural remedy for seasonal allergies, and research shows it can alleviate allergy symptoms without side effects.
According to Natural News, spirulina boosts the production of red and white blood cells, helping your body combat viruses and bacteria. While claims that a supplement can fight cancer may seem exaggerated, evidence suggests that spirulina’s high antioxidant levels can help eliminate cancer cells, particularly in shrinking precancerous lesions in the mouth. This doesn’t make spirulina a cure for cancer, but it may contribute to a healthy diet that supports cell and DNA health, potentially lowering cancer risk.
Even if you’re not a heavy drinker or don’t have liver disease, maintaining liver health is crucial for digestion, weight management, and nutrient absorption, all of which affect your overall health. The liver plays a key role in managing cholesterol and secreting enzymes for digestion. If your liver isn’t functioning well, it can impact your digestion and overall health.
So, how can you incorporate spirulina into your routine? While you can take it in pill form, it might be easier to enjoy it in delicious recipes, making it a fun addition to your meals and a sneaky way to get kids to eat it.
Here are five ways to include spirulina in your diet throughout the day:
1. If you’re not fond of spirulina’s taste, try adding it to a smoothie. This way, you’ll enjoy a vibrant color and health benefits without the flavor. For a green spirulina smoothie, blend a handful of spinach with a cup of pineapple, half a cucumber, ice, and kombucha or water. Mix in a tablespoon or two of spirulina powder for a nutritious snack or lunch.
2. Take large collard leaves, trim the stems, and blanch them in boiling water for just five seconds. Mash an avocado with a tablespoon of spirulina powder, lime juice, a pinch of cumin, sea salt, and paprika. Spread this mixture on a collard leaf, add shredded carrot, finely chopped cucumber, and a tablespoon of hemp seeds, then roll it up like a burrito.
3. If you love mint chocolate chip ice cream but want to avoid artificial green food coloring, try making it with spirulina instead. Soak two cups of raw, unsalted cashews overnight, then drain and blend them with fresh mint leaves (or peppermint extract), maple syrup, water, coconut oil, and spirulina until smooth. Freeze the mixture in a covered container, stirring every hour until it reaches an ice cream-like consistency. Optionally, add cacao nibs before freezing!
4. In a high-powered blender, pulse a quarter cup of cashews with a quarter cup of rolled oats until it resembles coarse flour. Add chopped dates, maple syrup, shredded coconut, and spirulina powder, blending until it forms a sticky dough. Roll the mixture into balls and coat them in sesame seeds if desired, then store in the fridge.
5. Melt together a third cup of coconut oil, raw cacao powder, spirulina powder, and honey or maple syrup. Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined dish, ensuring it’s about half an inch thick. Swirl in melted peanut butter, then refrigerate until it hardens. Cut into pieces and enjoy cold, as it will melt at room temperature.
I usually purchase spirulina from Amazon for convenience, but it’s also available at health food stores, often at a lower price. For powder, I recommend Healthworks for its organic quality and great price. For pills, I suggest Now Foods, which I often chew during the day to curb snacking and stay hydrated.
If you found this article on the benefits of spirulina helpful, feel free to leave a comment or question below!
