Spirulina is a Superfood and is part of what I call, the Superfoods family. Don’t hesitate to have a look on my other article “Superfoods” if you don’t remember what a Superfood is.

What is Spirulina ?

Spirulina is the dried biomass product from the two species of algae:  Arthrospira platensis and A. Maxima. Those two species are blue microalga, rather living in slightly salty, hot waters.

The history of spirulina, as we know it today, dates back to the fourteenth century with the Aztecs. When they were taking this huge mass of “blue mud” from a lake near Mexico. They were drying the algaes to add them in their daily diets, mainly for their proteins and mineral values.

What are the benefits of eating Spirulina ?

Spirulina are a good source of vitamins and minerals. They contain:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (which may prevent sudden heart attack and stroke; play a role in regulating blood pressure, blood clotting, immunity and brain function).
• Omega-6 fatty acids (play the same role as Omega 3, but Omega-6 also regulates cellular functions and gene expressions).
• Vitamin K (plays a role in blood clotting, bone metabolism, and regulating blood calcium levels) .
• Vitamin C (boosts the immune system).
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) (plays a big part in energy production from carbohydrates and fats).
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) (is needed for growth and overall good health. It helps the body break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats to produce energy, and it allows oxygen to be used by the body).
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin) (In fact, every part of your body needs it to function properly. As a supplement, niacin may help lower cholesterol, ease arthritis and boost brainfunction).
• Copper ( helps the body form collagen and absorb iron, and plays a role in energy production).
• Calcium (which is bone-friendly).
• Magnesium (wait.. another bone-friendly ?!).
• Iron (important component of hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to transport it throughout your body).
• Potassium (helps to maintain consistent blood pressure).
• Iodine (important for cognitive function and maintaining a healthy skin).
• Sodium (it helps to control your body’s fluid balance; It also helps send nerve impulses and affects muscle function).
• Manganese (too many bone-friendly in Seaweed..).

Spirulina is also awesome for:

• It’s high amount of proteins.
• It can lower the level of bad cholestherol (LDL and triglycerids) in the blood, while increasing the good cholestherol (HDL).
• The minerals it contains, as they fight against diseases.
• Helping with blood pressure regulation.
• Its powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Do not forget that these are in no way some “miracle” food, capable of saving us from diseases. The basis to a good health is simply to eat healthy and to exercise!

You enjoyed reading this article ? You have questions ? You found this article helpful ? Don’t hesitate to leave a message and to hit the like button !

See you soon for another article, your healthful blogger in sports.

Picture source:

1. https://top-topic.com/spiruline/
2. https://www.santenaturellemag.com/alimentation/complements-alimentaires/tout-savoir-sur-la-spiruline.html
3. https://www.well-beingsecrets.com/spirulina-benefits/

Sources:

1. https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Solutions/PlantesSupplements/Fiche.aspx?doc=spiruline_ps
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-spirulina#section2
3. https://www.well-beingsecrets.com/spirulina-benefits/
4. https://www.santenaturellemag.com/alimentation/complements-alimentaires/tout-savoir-sur-la-spiruline.html
5. https://top-topic.com/spiruline/