Nowadays it seems like almost every fruit and vegetable has been coined a superfood at some point or another. Whilst for some this is justified, for others, well… maybe not so much. However, when it comes to Spirulina, there is no doubting its vast array of health benefits. It's super in the truest sense of the word. Read on to find exactly why.
The brilliant benefits
Spirulina has incredible nutrient density and diversity – it contains a complex of B vitamins, amino acids, trace elements, chlorophyll, minerals, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, fatty acids and very high levels of antioxidant activity.
Prevention against oxidative stress:
Spirulina is rich in antioxidants, including several phytonutrients and Vitamin E, which help to prevent oxidative stress by fighting free radicals. Free radicals are a natural result of metabolism, but you’re also exposed to them through pollution, alcohol, cigarette smoke and toxins. When you have insufficient antioxidants to fight them, oxidative stress can occur in your cells, leading to damaged DNA, chronic inflammation, reduced immune response, and certain illnesses.
Immunity:
Spirulina is loaded with vitamin A – and when we say loaded, we mean just one serving (15g) provides you with almost 70% of your RDI. Vitamin A plays an important role in supporting a normal functioning immune system.
What’s more, Spirulina contains an abundance of Phycocyanin, the powerful antioxidant responsible for its vibrant colour. Phycocyanin has significant anti-viral and immune-supporting attributes.
Muscle maintenance and endurance:
Made up of 69% highly digestible protein, per gram, Spirulina contains more protein than most meats. It contains 18 different amino acids, including all 9 essential amino acids our body cannot produce itself. These play a role in the growth and maintenance of our muscles whilst also contributing to the health of your bones, connective tissue and metabolism.
Natural energy:
Overall, Spirulina may be one of the most nutrient-dense and diverse foods on the planet today. As a result, it provides you with a plethora of nutrients needed to battle tiredness and fatigue, such as iron, magnesium, and vitamin B12 - to name a few.
Hacks to enjoy Spirulina
So how do we enjoy the benefits of this incredible food? Well, Spirulina is unlike cacao and our green blend in that you can’t just mix it with anything and it tastes great. Don’t go adding it to water, or you may never want to try it again! Here are some better ideas:
Sweet & citrus fruit juices:
We recommend adding a teaspoon to either a glass of orange or pineapple juice. These sweet and citrus juices do well to mask the unfamiliar flavour of Spirulina.
Super lemonade:
The tanginess of lemon also helps to hide the taste of Spirulina. Use one lemon, a glass of sparkling water, 1 or ½ a teaspoon Funktional Foods Spirulina, and 1-2 tbsp maple syrup or about 6 drops of stevia.
Savoury:
Just like our famous Hempamole, you can add Spirulina to your guacamole. Prepare guacamole as you usually would but use 2 teaspoons of Spirulina for every avo. It also works well in soups and salad dressings. Prepare a vinaigrette by simply using 1 tsp of Spirulina for each tbsp of olive oil that your recipe calls for.
Already green smoothies:
Smoothies are a great way to mask the taste of Spirulina, especially if they have got some greens in them already. But the real trick here is to use loads of flavourful fresh fruit – bananas, mango, pineapple and berries.
Also bear in mind that you’re dealing with serious levels of green – a little goes a long way! Just one teaspoon will change the colour of whatever you are adding it to. The same goes for the taste, unless you’re a seasoned pro, use no more than a teaspoon at once.
