These blue-green chains of bacteria will probably be one of the main things on the menu in the future. At the moment maybe this does not sound like the delicacies that we are used to eating, but when it comes to nutritional qualities, spirulina takes the medal. Its production is ecologically friendly, and it is rich in nutrients while low in calories. What else can we wish for?
Here are some of the spirulina characteristics that you should know:
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Extremely high in nutrients
A single 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 decent amounts of magnesium, potassium, and manganese, and small amounts of almost every other nutrient that we need.
And believe it or not, all this is combined with only 20 calories. According to this information, spirulina is the most nutritious food that we have discovered. What is more curious is that the Aztecs used it in their daily diet, and even made cakes out of this green superfood.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
The active component in spirulina, that also gives it its characteristical color is called phycocyanin. It fights off free radicals and inhibits the production of inflammatory molecules. It is an impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
Spirulina lowers LDL and triglyceride levels, inhibits lipid peroxidation and controls blood sugar levels
High cholesterol levels are unfortunately a common health issue nowadays. Research has shown that spirulina lowers the LDL cholesterol and raises the HDL (good) cholesterol levels. A gram of spirulina per day lowers the triglycerides by 16.3%. In addition, a study made on 25 people revealed that 2 grams of spirulina per day significantly improves the condition of patients with type 2 diabetes.
What is probably the most important characteristic of this food is that the antioxidants in it are very effective against lipid peroxidation which causes many serious risks to our overall health. 8 grams of spirulina per day will reduce the markers of oxidative damage and will increase the count of antioxidants in the blood.
Allergic Rhinitis will no longer be a problem
Environmental allergens cause an inflammation of the nasal airways. This condition causes strong discomfort in patients. A study of 127 people affected by allergies showed that 2 grams of spirulina per day reduce the nasal discharge, sneezing, and itching.
Fight off anemia
Anemia can appear in many varieties. One of the most common states of anemia is the reduction of hemoglobin or red blood cells. Since hemoglobin contains mainly iron, the significant amount of iron in spirulina will directly improve this condition.