Here’s the shakedown on the secret power ingredient in your protein shake: Spirulina!
Eating algae from the ocean, ponds and salty lakes is in! Yes, you read that right!
Spirulina, green and blue-colored algae (found in both fresh and salt water), is one of the healthiest super foods. We should all be incorporating this into our diets every day. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that spirulina has significant amounts of iron, vitamin B, calcium, omega-3 fats, potassium, and magnesium – all essential for keeping your body in fighting condition. Spirulina is also protein-rich, making up about 60 to 70 percent of its dry weight. It’s also a significant source of vitamin E, zinc, and beta-carotene, making it a powerful antioxidant. Below are the top five reasons why you should starting throwing spirulina into your Sunwarrior protein shakes!
It Helps Remove Heavy Metals from Your Body
Heavy metals are naturally found in many foods, water, and even in the air we breathe. Studies show they can cause diseases and neurological problems. Spirulina is truly your knight in shining armor! It absorbs those heavy metals by reaching deep into the tissues and extracting them. Think of it as a vacuum that cleans the bottom of a swimming pool – it targets metals in your body that should not be there.
Add Spirulina to Your Smoothie Today
Wondering which smoothies to add spirulina to? Check out Sunwarrior’s smoothie eBook and get ideas for your next smoothie
Strong Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
Chronic inflammation is no joke. This happens when the immune system starts attacking healthy tissues, making them become infected with disease. This can cause a slew of health problems and terminal illnesses, so it’s important to incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet. Spirulina protects your immune system and fights oxidation, a chemical process that creates free radicals, which causes damage to cells in your body. Foods like spirulina line your organs with an army of good guys that constantly fight off the bad ones trying to infiltrate your system.
Aids in Weight Loss and Muscle Development
Eating densely packed, protein-rich foods helps your body burn fat and maintain lean tissue. A study from Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise found that spirulina could increase fat burn from daily exercise as well as provide increased muscle strength and endurance, further intensifying your workouts. It has also been found to help fight muscle fatigue and promote muscle gain.
Adds Healthy Bacteria to Your Gut
Many foods don’t keep your digestive track healthy. Heavily-processed products make it hard for digestion to function properly. One solution that has become increasingly popular is consuming foods and drinks with probiotics. Spirulina falls right into this category because it helps stimulate the reproduction and growth of healthy bacteria while controlling damaging strands. This is also important because about 70% of your immune system lives in your gut, so you want that area of your body to be as healthy as possible.
It Fuels Your Brain
According to Body Ecology, researchers discovered that Spirulina combats against damage and degenerative diseases to the brain, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Research has also shown that it can help boost your memory and safeguard against toxicity to the brain, while also helping your mind focus and calm down. The undeniable healing properties of spirulina have led to it being called “brain food.”
Through my research, I have found that pure Hawaiian spirulina is the best kind to purchase. Some companies add in green or blue dye to spirulina powder, so be sure to read those ingredients carefully. Some spirulina brands from Japan and China have been found to contain heavy metals and contamination, so it’s critical to know where your spirulina is coming from. I buy the Nutrex-Hawaii brand because Hawaiian spirulina receives more sunlight than any other coastal location in the United States, which allows it to be as nutrient-packed as possible. You know it is coming from a healthy environment because it naturally grows twelve months out of the year, flourishing in its natural habitat. Buy a jar of spirulina, throw a tablespoon into your morning protein shake, and enjoy all of the health benefits it provides!
