What is Spirulina?
The superfood “spirulina” is a special blue-green algae that is loaded with chlorophyll and many other potent nutrients that is extremely beneficial for your body. Being one of the most nutritious and concentrated food sources on the planet, it is appearing more frequently in natural foods and beverages, such as green foods and drinks, energy bars, and supplements.
Spirulina Powder
Spirulina grows in the lakes of Mexico and Africa, but it is also grown and harvested all around the world. Since it reproduces quickly, it is also easy to harvest. In fact, the commercial production of spirulina is estimated to reach 220,000 tons by 2020. Japan is the largest spirulina producer, as well as the largest consumer.
Where to buy Spirulina
You can buy spirulina at any health food store. Make sure to get a brand that is organic or not tainted by pesticides or contaminants. “Prairie Naturals” & “Pure Planet” (Hawaiian) Spirulina are top quality. These 2 brands are certified organic and are not affected by radiation. Try to avoid spirulina that is produced and grown in Japan, due to the large amounts of radiation released from the Fukushima earthquake a few years ago.
Spirulina health benefits
Research shows that spirulina may boost immune function and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Spirulina also contains zeaxanthin, which can even prevent ARMD (age-related macular degeneration). This involves the deterioration of your macula, which is the region in your eye that controls acute vision. It can also reduce systemic inflammation, increase HDL (good cholesterol), help diabetics, and protect your liver.
In fact, spirulina is so high in antixoidants that it has been shown to have the highest neuroprotective effect on the brain, due to its ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Spirulina Nutrition facts
Spirulina is rich in protein, which can be very useful for vegans. In fact, spirulina is 50%-70% protein by weight (even better than red meat – which is only about 27% protein!), and contains all of the essential amino acids that the human body needs. Adding an ounce (about 3 tablespoons) to a smoothie, would be around 15 grams, which is what you would find in 2 large eggs or half a serving of chicken breast.
Spirulina is also rich in beta-carotene (a precursor of Vitamin A), calcium, Vitamin K, and iron (which can be very useful for vegetarians). Note that although spirulina also contains several B vitamins, it is not a reliable source of B12, as the form of B12 is inactive in humans (vegans should not rely on this as a source).
Whare the Side Effects of Spirulina?
Spirulina is safe, even at high doses. However, it is important to buy a reputable brand because it can be contaminated by toxic substances or by radiation. If you have an autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis, or lupus, you should consult your physician before taking spirulina.
Spirulina is our daily supplement. Packed with lots of nutrients, its amazing! Yes, best to buy organic ones and those free of binders and fillers. Thanks for sharing.
Shan
http://www.sneezyblues.com/
Hello! I have had a small bout of eczema in the past – caused from drugs given to me during childbirth. It was pretty tame and finally disappeared within 6-8 months. However, in the last two weeks I have it return and with a vengeance! It is spreading in areas that I have never experienced. I already eat very healthy; however I do drink red wine and milk (I quit milk for 7 years to heal myself from asthma and have been able to drink raw milk for the past 15 years…). So as strange as this is, I am ready to hurry and quickly do something about this….it’s not lessening by any means.
In the past (15 years ago) I ago juiced and eliminated all your mentioned foods. It worked wonders. However, I am rusty and this and don’t have the time to juice with four small kiddos, so I am just going to jump in.
Question: no where do I see bananas mentioned. I have been eating bananas regularly in smoothies – for the last couple of years.
And today – I skipped breakfast due to not having planned this out yet: ) For lunch I ate a salad and salmon and was doing great.
But then I developed a headache which felt like a low blood sugar headache. So I came home, ate a banana, and took a shot of expresso (my headache remedy). The headache went away but the eczema flared. So it was either the banana or espresso.
Obviously I need more food to sustain my blood sugar levels and will eliminate espresso – which I do not need already – BUT my question is …. could I have developed an allergy sensitivity to bananas? Or since my body is already sick, could the banana be a catalyst?
So I have a couple questions I can’t figure out:
What is your take on bananas???
Also garbanzo beans and other beans?
And can I make kumbacha tea? …for a fermented food product? It has sugar and yeast that feeds off the sugar???
There is also coconut kefir I could make??? – trying to get a fermented food started. Any suggestions? I’ve only made milk kefir in the past. There is a water kefir that I could make a well…I think it uses the sugar of fruits to ferment.
Also standard process makes a probiotic that I have but it contains milk…so should I wait on this?
What do you suggest in regards to the probiotic / fermented drink category??? Since I am eliminating foods?
Thanks so much for your help!
Hi Stephanie!
Thanks for stopping by my site. There’s quite a lot of questions in your comment so a bit difficult to answer all of them in a short post – but in short, if you have eczema I definitely don’t recommend eating too much sugar. I usually tell ppl to avoid eating too many fruits as well (especially since it’s still a lot of natural sugars) – bananas being one of them.
Also kefir is good but it’s still dairy so should be avoided. However, there are tonnes of other probiotic-rich foods that you can try like sauerkraut. 🙂
Feel free to email me. Hope your eczema is on its way to healing!
xo
Abby