Comprised of green biomass of cyanobacteria, Spirulina has become one of the most widely used supplements in the world.
Sounds scary? It shouldn’t be. Spirulina comes from the ocean’s blue-green microalgae, which are responsible for oxygen production. Not only it is completely safe for consumption, but it also offers some incredible health benefits that you should know.
It’s Densely Packed with Essential Nutrients
Usually consumed in the form of a powder, the recommended daily dose of the supplement is around 1–3 grams (a small teaspoon). Each dose will cover around 10 percent of your daily need (RDA) for vitamins B1, B2, B3, copper and iron.
It also offers high amounts of magnesium and potassium, which are essential for the proper function of your organism. In short, you won’t find a more nutrient-rich food on this planet. So, be sure to add it to your smoothie if you want to stay healthy on the road.
It’s a Perfect Detox Food
Most consumers inadvertently consume trace amounts of heavy metals (like arsenic), which cause toxicity in the body. You may think that this is a third-world problem, but the issue is quite relevant in the U.S. One study concluded that over two million Americans drink high levels of arsenic in their well water daily.
But heavy metal ingestion is the worst in Asian countries like Bangladesh where around 3 percent of the population suffers from severe arsenic poisoning. After treating 24 patients with a combination of zinc and spirulina, doctors noted a 47 percent decrease in arsenic levels in the patient’s bodies. More research is necessary, but we could expect similar detoxifying effects with cadmium, lead and mercury, which are heavy metals found in foods today.
It Reduces Allergy Symptoms
Usually, we deal with allergies by buying over-the-counter antihistamine medicines. While this is often necessary, one study found that spirulina can relieve nasal inflammation and decrease levels of histamine in the body.
The green powder can reduce symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, itching and nasal congestion easily. A 2011 study proved such, as did the follow-up 2013 study.
Spirulina has even more benefits. It’s anti-inflammatory, it lowers levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and may even have anti-cancer properties. It’s well and truly one of the top superfoods on the planet, and you should try it as soon as possible!