Spirulina is an algae powder consumed for centuries due to its nutritional value and health benefits. It grows naturally in oceans and salty lakes like Lake Texcoco (Mexico) or Lake Chad (Africa).
When harvested correctly from non-contaminated ponds and bodies of water, it is one of the most potent nutrient sources available. Spirulina grows in microscopic spirals that tend to stick together making it easy to harvest.
It contains high concentration of iron and protein and it makes it ideal for pregnant lady, after surgery or to boost the immune system.
A tablespoon (7 grams) of dried spirulina powder contains:
- Protein:4 grams.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin):11% of the RDA.
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):15% of the RDA.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin):4% of the RDA.
- Copper:21% of the RDA.
- Iron:11% of the RDA.
- It also contains amounts of magnesium, potassium and manganese, and small amounts of almost every other nutrient that we need.
This is coming with only 20 calories, and 1.7 grams of digestible carbohydrate. Spirulina is also one of the few foods with a natural GLA content.
Health benefits:
- Spirulina may be helpful in balancing blood sugar
- It is a potent anti-inflammatory because contains antioxidants
- May help those with allergies – it reduces inflammation that leads to nasal congestion and other issues
- It helps remove heavy metals
- Spirulina increases fat burning during exercises and decreased muscle damage from exercise
Choose organic Spirulina or without any additives. It taste like pond water, so be prepare for that.
Cautions
Consult with a doctor before taking it especially if you have PKU, you have an autoimmune disease, you take any anti-coagulation medicine, you are pregnant or nursing, etc.
Cooking Without Limits 
Good that you include the caution at the end! I once added it to a smoothie and spent several hours on the toilet afterwards. Wow never again … (I have several auto-immune diseases)
I LOVE Spirulina! I even like how it tastes straight off the spoon 😃
I ate it every day when I was pregnant, & had a very healthy 10 pound baby boy at home on the back verandah 💪🏼😃
I use it in my smoothies daily!
Thank you for the mention that it tastes like pond water. It’s smart to be prepared for that.
You are welcome
Such a lovely informative post. Thank you dear😚
You are welcome
Reblogged this on #TheReallyNourishMovement and commented:
#ReallyNourish yourself!
Reblogged this on Wag 'n Bietjie.
It sounds good…nutritionally, but the way you described the flavor…advice on how or what to consume it with?
I use it my smoothies and I add a lot of pineapple
Fair enough. Thanks!
Ooo I’ll definitely be looking into this to add to my smoothies 👌🏾
This information are great! 🙂 Myself, I am using spirulina a lot and many years. When I was pregnant, I had problems with skin a bit, due to hormonal changes. And my Chinese doctor recommended me spirulina as a facial mask, just the smell is not that nice! 🙂 But it helped a lot 🙂 However, consult with a doctor.
would you believe it!… algae is the bane of my life in the orchard. It forms a soup in the water tank and clogs the irrigation system. however, it seems to be something special as a bio-fuel, and now as you interestingly point out as a super-nutrient food!
Very informative
Thank you
I’m going to try it. It contains a lot of great vitamins and minerals and blood sugar is an issue for me.
I love your photos.
I just want to let you know that I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. Feel free to check out the post: https://myspicypasta.wordpress.com/category/awards-and-recognition/
Thank you for your nomination
Tip: don’t eat a spoonful on it’s own
True
Great info! Heading out to buy some now 🙂
Thank you
I have been seeing people talking about spirulina but have not known anything about it or where it comes from. Very interesting! What do you typically eat it in it with?
Smoothie
I also add it to sauces. If the taste is strong enough, like spicy pasta sauce, then my family doesn’t even notice.
I have been adding spirulina to my smoothies for a while and I love it. It’s a great option for those of us who need a little nutritional boost without a lot of calories.
Check out the 12 Effective and Organic Remedies for Cold and Flu. You can even find home treatments at home! 😉
Thank you