Boost stamina and immunity with Spirulina
It may not be flu season yet, but with all the summer traveling and weather changes it’s always a good time to look into natural ways to boost the immune system. As recently as a few weeks ago I was talking to a friend and she mentioned that she had flu-like symptoms during her vacation in the countryside. I suggested she takes some spirulina to boost her immunity, especially as fall is around the corner and with that, all sorts of seasonal ailments. I usually add spirulina to my smoothies a couple of times a week and today is one of those days.
What is special about spirulina?
Hailing from Mexico spirulina is an algae that grows in fresh and salty water alike and it’s made up of one of the largest groups of bacteria on the planet, called cyanobacteria, that produces energy via sunlight - a process known as photosynthesis - and gives it a distinguished dark green and blue color.
Widely considered a superfood, because of its ability to dilate blood vessels by increasing nitric oxide, spirulina was used by the Aztecs to increase stamina and endurance. It has a wide array of benefits that are still being studied and unique antioxidants, like zeaxanthin, that has the potential to treat serious illnesses like cancer, herpes and other conditions linked to deficiencies in the immune system.
Filled a unique antioxidant spirulina is a powerful ally against inflammation.
Because of its high quality protein content - around 4g per tablespoon of dry powder - NASA’s astronauts have cultivated it onboard spaceships. In fact, the special protein in spirulina is one of the few found in plants that can provide all essential amino acids commonly found in meat. It is also filled with other important nutrients like magnesium, which is critical for muscle health and to regulate heart beat, potassium and also small quantities of fatty acids like omega 3 and omega 6.
The algae also contains a particular pigment-protein that gives spirulina its unique color, known as phycocyanin, which helps this algae process lightwaves under low light conditions, and is also responsible for fighting free radicals making spirulina a powerful ally in fighting inflammation.
Furthermore, as little as 1g per day of powder can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, which can help prevent serious heart conditions. Lastly, although more studies are needed, spirulina has shown positive results in helping prevent and fight cancer, particularly mouth cancer.
One important thing to keep in mind when buying spirulina is to make sure it's carefully sourced, as when harvested in the wild, it can contain high quantities of heavy metal like lead, mercury and arsenic that can overload and possibly damage the liver.
Try it and let us know how you feel!
