The Benefits of Spirulina + 3 Delicious Ways to Eat it

Reap the benefits of spirulina for better health

Spirulina is one of those great foods where you only need to eat a little bit for a whole lot of awesome. It's a superfood, no doubt about it, and it's been consumed for a seriously long time. So let’s get into the benefits of spirulina powder so you can start shamelessly using it in everything.

 

What is spirulina?

Spirulina is a blue-green algae that’s been growing on our planet for over 3.5 billion years. Historically, it was used by Aztec civilizations in Mexico to support them on long trips as a source of protein. It wasn’t until 1974 that spirulina began to get attention from more mainstream modern cultures across the globe, when it was named the “best food for the future” at the United Nations Food Conference. Today, spirulina is a superfood, and definitely for good reason. Spirulina is a great source of micronutrients, particularly high in iron, while also being rich in easily digestible plant-based protein. If that’s not enough proof of spirulina’s superfood status, it’s also been noted by the United Nations as an effective and affordable food option to help deal with cases of malnutrition in impoverished regions.  

 

The benefits of spirulina powder

It’s high in protein

Spirulina is over 60% protein by weight (more than double the amount of red meat!). It contains 18 different amino acids, including all of the essential ones to build a complete protein. Protein is essential for muscle building and recovery, immunity, hormonal health and metabolism. Easily digestible, spirulina is a great source of plant-based protein for vegetarians, vegans and meat eaters alike.  

 

It’s rich in iron

Spirulina is rich in easily absorbable iron. Including spirulina in your diet can help to prevent iron deficiencies, while helping to increase iron levels in cases of iron-deficiency anemia. Iron helps to form red blood cells for better blood health, while supporting healthy energy levels throughout the body.

 

It fights free radicals

Spirulina is a powerful source of antioxidants that help stabilize free radicals throughout the body. Left roaming, free radicals wreak havoc on your health contributing to inflammation, chronic illness and degenerative diseases. Increasing your intake of antioxidants from food sources like spirulina can help to protect against oxidative damage from free radicals.  

 

It relieves allergy symptoms

Studies show that spirulina can help to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including nasal discharge, congestion, sneezing and itching. It’s the perfect fix for allergy season, providing a natural alternative to over-the-counter anti-histamines. Anti-histamines often result in drowsiness as a side effect, whereas spirulina just leaves you feeling awesome.  

 

How to consume spirulina

Spirulina can be found in tablets or powder form so fitting it into your diet is simple. If you’re choosing to try the powder, we’ll be honest, spirulina is strong in flavor and deep green in colour. But it’s definitely not a bad thing if you want to take your green smoothies to the next level. Spirulina can otherwise be pretty easily hidden in dips, sauces, soups, or juices (it’s really great in lemonade!).   Need a little inspiration? Try these tasty spirulina-infused recipes:

 

Spirulina Globes

Spirulina Almond Milk

Green Island Retreat Banana Mango Smoothie

What are your favourite ways to use spirulina?