Spirulina: Meet the Superfood With Super Powers
Did you know that NASA was the first to introduce spirulina into diets? NASA suggested spirulina as a food that astronauts can eat while in space. They introduced this food into the astronaut’s diet because of the many benefits it provides to your body.
Ever since then, spirulina has been studied and tested for its healthy dietary benefits and has been added to many diets across the globe.
In this article, we’ll talk about why spirulina is a superfood, its benefits, and how to introduce spirulina into your diet.
What's a Superfood?
Spirulina is known as a superfood. Superfood is a term that’s used when food is high in nutrient density with minimal amounts of calories. They’re known for being high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
A superfood is not a term used or coined by health professionals. However, it’s a term used to describe foods that are extremely beneficial and important to incorporate into your diet.
A superfood can help add nutrients and antioxidants to your diet, but it should not supplement your diet. There are different types of superfoods to consider adding to your diet.
Some commonly known superfoods are berries like açaí and blueberry, soybeans, and leafy greens like spinach and collard greens. Other superfoods include salmon, dark chocolate, grapes, turmeric, beets, and spirulina.
Some foods to consider adding to your diet, that have been debated in the past as superfoods, are eggs, yogurt, olive oil, sweet potatoes, and avocados. All of these foods are high in vitamins, proteins, and healthy fats that are essential to have in your recommended daily amount.
All of these foods can contribute to a healthy diet and can help you achieve the daily value of nutrients needed.
Benefits of Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is considered a superfood for the vitamins and minerals that help support the immune system. There are many spirulina benefits that come from this superfood.
It contains vitamins E, C, and B6. It’s also high in minerals such as zinc, copper, and iron. It also provides important omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, potassium, and antioxidants. Spirulina is known to be a plant-based protein.
Because this superfood is high in antioxidants, it helps keep your immune system strong to fight off disease with anti-inflammatory effects. It also can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, which is beneficial to the heart.
But the benefits don’t stop there. It can support gut health and metabolism, as well as help enhance muscle strength and endurance. Additionally, it supports healthy skin and boosts energy levels.
There have also been studies about the effects spirulina has on mental health. This superfood also includes something called tryptophan—an amino acid. Tryptophan can increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, thus aiding those who struggle with mental health disorders.
It’s important to note that this superfood, like other superfoods, does not cure diseases. It also should not be the only part of your diet. Do not only rely on this superfood to give you your recommended daily amount of nutrients. This should be added to enhance your diet, not to be a dietary supplement.
Studies on spirulina are continuing to be done in order to understand the full benefits of this superfood. The benefits of spirulina that have been discovered so far make this an important food to add to your diet.
HOW TO INTRODUCE SPIRULINA TO YOUR DIET
Now that you understand the benefits of spirulina, there are different ways you can introduce this superfood into your diet.
You can purchase spirulina powder or tablets to take or add to your food. It’s best to gradually add spirulina into your diet, instead of a lot and all at once. A powder with spirulina added to it may be a great way to start introducing it into your diet. Be sure to take the recommended amount so that you don’t consume more than what’s recommended.
You can introduce spirulina into your diet by adding spirulina into your daily smoothie, adding into a fruit or vegetable juice or water, or even sprinkling the powder on your meals like salads or soups!
No matter how you choose to add it to your diet, be sure to purchase spirulina from a reputable source that you can trust. Since spirulina has been known to contain harmful chemicals, choosing a reputable source will ensure that you’re purchasing safe spirulina.
Check to ensure that it’s been third-party tested. This means that it’s been tested from an outside source to confirm that the food isn’t contaminated and unsafe.
Spirulina may not be safe for children, those who are pregnant, or some people who struggle with an autoimmune disease. Spirulina may thin your blood, so don’t take any spirulina if you are taking blood-thinning medication. Always speak to a healthcare professional before adding anything to your diet, including spirulina.
SPIRULINA THE SUPERFOOD!
There are many different ways to incorporate superfoods into your daily life for a healthier and more energizing diet. Spirulina is one among many different foods that give you the healthy amount of nutrients you need to stay happy and healthy.
Spirulina may seem too good to be true, but its benefits are real and effective. Learn more about Fitppl and how our authentic ingredients benefit you and the environment. We have spirulina in our protein powders to help get you started on introducing this superfood into your diet.
