So, how often do you hear of spirulina? And how many of you mistake it to be wheatgrass? People often mistake the two to be one and the same thing and that is not entirely true. They both contain chlorophyll that makes them incredibly healthy, rich in anti-oxidants that combat free radical activity in the body, reducing inflammation, boosting immunity and keeping you protected from all kinds of infections and chronic diseases. Both are superfoods that act as perfect ingredients to your detox drink, aiding in maintaining a healthy weight.
However, despite their similarities, they are different. While wheatgrass is light green in colour, spirulina is a shade darker. Wheatgrass is what many may call the freshly sprouted first leaves of the wheat plant (Triticum aestivum). Spirulina, on the other hand, is a blue-green algae, and biomass of cyanobacteria, which is edible.
One of the most popular superfoods known for its incredible health benefits, spirulina is packed with vitamins and nutrients that will help you look better, think better, and feel better. More so, it will also detoxify your body of harmful toxins like metals, free radicals, pollutants, allergens, and the like. But, there are so many things that you don't know about this health-boosting product.
Read on to find out 5 scientific facts about spirulina that will make your jaw drop!
5 Interesting Facts About Spirulina
While you still have doubts about this superfood, let us convince you by providing you with 5 scientific facts about spirulina to blow your mind.
1. Thinking of making an energy drink made of spirulina? Well, good choice! Just one tablespoon of spirulina powder will fetch you 4 grams of protein, with vitamins such as B1, B2, and B3, and additional nutrients like copper and iron. Moreover, it’ll also give you trace amounts of nutrients such as manganese, potassium, and magnesium.
2. Are you someone who loves looking after their gut health? Then you’ve come to the right place. This is because spirulina is an excellent source of antioxidants and contains phycocyanin which helps fight free radicals, and has excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
3. A blue-green algae, spirulina is known as one of the most vital food sources around the world. It grows well in unreceptive conditions fairly well and is therefore easy to cultivate.
4. You will find more protein than most veggies and also high amounts of iron, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in this. Because of which, spirulina is used as a nutraceutical food supplement – thanks to its multiple health benefits that have attracted much attention.
5. Today, you can find spirulina powder to improve your immunity by providing an instant energy boost as well as work as a natural detoxifier to eliminate any toxins and impurities from your body.
How To Include Spirulina in Your Diet?
Nowadays, spirulina is available in tablet or powder form.
If you prefer powder over tablets, you can:
- Mix it in smoothies to give it a rich-green color
- Sprinkle spirulina powder in soups or salads
- Dilute a tablespoon into your energy drink, fruit, or vegetable juice.
You can use wheatgrass as a substitute, should you find it difficult to find spirulina in the market. If you were to combine the two superfoods, needless to say, it would only double the benefits to your overall wellbeing.
You can also take it as a dietary supplement in the form of a capsule. Although, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist before consuming it in any form. Wellbeing Nutrition’s Daily Greens contains this superfood along with spinach, kale, aloevera, brussels sprout, broccoli, ashwagandha, moringa, basil and a mix of over 30 antioxidant superfoods including acai, blueberry, turmeric, cinnamon, green tea, raspberry and many more. Just one effervescent tablet of Daily Greens in a glass of water will help you meet all your daily nutritional needs.
References:
- Bobescu E, Bălan A, Moga MA, Teodorescu A, Mitrică M, Dima L. Are There Any Beneficial Effects of Spirulina Supplementation for Metabolic Syndrome Components in Postmenopausal Women?. Mar Drugs. 2020;18(12):651. Published 2020 Dec 17. doi:10.3390/md18120651. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7767256/)
- Neyrinck AM, Taminiau B, Walgrave H, et al. Spirulina Protects against Hepatic Inflammation in Aging: An Effect Related to the Modulation of the Gut Microbiota?. Nutrients. 2017;9(6):633. Published 2017 Jun 20. doi:10.3390/nu9060633. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5490612/)
- Finamore A, Palmery M, Bensehaila S, Peluso I. Antioxidant, Immunomodulating, and Microbial-Modulating Activities of the Sustainable and Ecofriendly Spirulina. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:3247528. doi:10.1155/2017/3247528. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5274660/)
- Wu Q, Liu L, Miron A, Klímová B, Wan D, Kuča K. The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: an overview. Arch Toxicol. 2016 Aug;90(8):1817-40. doi: 10.1007/s00204-016-1744-5. Epub 2016 Jun 3. PMID: 27259333. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27259333/)
- Selmi C, Leung PS, Fischer L, et al. The effects of Spirulina on anemia and immune function in senior citizens. Cell Mol Immunol. 2011;8(3):248-254. doi:10.1038/cmi.2010.76. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4012879/)
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