Saturday, April 30, 2011

Supper Greens : Spirulina

Spirulina powder is derived from microscopic blue-green algae. It is rich in protein, essential fatty acids, B-vitamins, and vitamins C, D, and E. It has also found popularity as an energy food that helps athletes perform better for longer periods of time. Spirulina also contains significant amounts of the minerals potassium, copper, chromium, iron, selenium, and zinc, just to name a few. Spirulina has been shown to boost the body’s immune functions to the point that it actually inhibits the spread of the HIV virus in the immune system. The powder’s essential fatty acid content helps protect the heart, prevent strokes, and promote muscle and tissue development. Scientists have found that it effectively lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels. Additional laboratory studies show that it reverses age related declines in memory and learning. It is also a significant source of antioxidants, which means it can also help slow down aging. Spirulina benefits so many people that in 1974, the United Nations Food Council moved to declare spirulina to be the best food for the future. Spirulina powder is a versatile food item to work with. It can be sprinkled directly on food or blended into beverages. It is best used as an extra healthy ingredient for soups, salads, pastas, and even yogurt.

Spirulina Powder: Uses and Recommended Intake

Spirulina has been hailed by many as the superfood of the future, used by the United Nations and other aid organizations to feed millions in the developing world, and currently being studied by NASA as a sustainable food source for astronauts going on multi-year missions. Spirulina provides some of the best nutrition available in one convenient package. It’s one of the best non animal sources of protein available, and it also contains every essential amino acid our body needs to grow, heal, and develop. It’s full of many essential vitamins and minerals, along with a unique combination of phytochemicals and macronutrients that enhance the body’s immune system.

This makes spirulina very useful to a wide variety of people. Athletes and elderly people can look to its protein and amino acids to help keep their minds and bodies sharp. Athletes can use it to bulk up their bodies and speed up the building and healing of their muscles and joints. The elderly can keep their minds sharp and alert, and prevent memory loss thanks to spirulina’s ability to protect our brain from the ravages of time. The uses of spirulina do not end there. This blue green algae has unique components such as phycocyanin and calcium spirulan, which are very effective in battling cancer and enhancing our immune functions. Spirulina has also been shown to help speed up the repair of damaged DNA – the number one cause of genetic disorders. Some people have remained skeptical of such functional foods. The utilization of all natural foods and plants to treat illness is an idea currently being rediscovered by western science. For centuries, eastern medicine men have taken advantage of the uses of herbs and other naturally occurring substances to treat and cure many different conditions. However, rigorous scientific analysis has proven the therapeutic and curative value of foods like spirulina time and time again.

The recommended minimum dosage of spirulina is about one tablespoon a day. There really is no maximum spirulina powder dosage that you can consume daily. This is because spirulina is an all natural food item and not an artificial compound or medicine. There is however, a maximum amount of nutrition that your body can absorb in one day. Eating a lot of spirulina in one sitting won’t necessarily have a larger effect than just eating a smaller amount. Keep in mind that consuming over 50 grams a day may also result in some minor unpleasant side effects. This includes a slight fever caused by the body burning excess protein, and some minor stomach pains. Overconsumption of spirulina may also lead to extreme thirst and constipation, probably due to spirulina having an affinity for water. This is why anyone on a diet of spirulina should take care to consume plenty of water to avoid this. Eating too much spirulina on the order of 100 grams a day could also lead to elevated uric acid levels, which could, in extreme cases, lead to kidney problems. Again, drinking plenty of water will go a long way towards mitigating these effects. Most of these side effects can be traced to an inferior batch of spirulina that has been improperly handled and packaged. This is why you should only buy spirulina from trusted suppliers.

Spirulina powder is an extremely flexible food to work with. It can be eaten on its own, and its flavor is something akin to nori seaweed. People who don’t like how spirulina tastes like need not worry because it can easily be masked by other stronger flavors. A little apple or pineapple juice should cover up the taste just fine. Spirulina also blends well in soups, sauces, and other beverages. Most people who have added spirulina to their diet eventually develop a liking for its unique flavor. Spirulina also adds a nice aesthetic quality to any food it is added to – it turns them into a bright and vivid blue green color.

Healthspring is a premium supplier of some of the most potent all-natural foods available on the market today. We believe that these superfoods of great civilizations past have now become the bright future of our health and nutrition. We make sure that our spirulina powder comes only from the cleanest sources and then handled and packaged under the highest health and safety standards. This is done to ensure the best quality and maximum potency of our products, and that our customers get to enjoy the many spirulina health benefits without any worries.

Geo Farm also produce and supply Spirulina. For more info txt (0919) 2127190.

This article is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional.