It sounds like the name of a little girl whose working class parents are desperately trying to fit in with their newly lottery acquired upper class friends. But spirulina is in fact a superfood you should consider adding to your kitchen artillery.
You'll find the blue-green freshwater plant in either powder, tablet or liquid form, in your local health food store. And it's waiting on that shelf for you to whisk it away and take advantage of the many health benefits it boasts:
PROMOTES LEAN MUSCLE
- At 65% protein spirulina is said to contain more protein pound for pound than red meat.
- It is a complete protein and contains all the essential amino acids required to repair and develope strong lean muscle.
VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN FRIENDLY
- Spirulina is a plant which has a unique ability to capture the sun's energy in a way that makes it nutritionally dense and one of the best sources of protein available for vegans and vegetarians.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
- It's lean muscle promoting properties make it ideal for those wanting to reduce bodyfat.
- The plant also encourages favourable insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone that is important in breaking down food, providing nutritional energy and keeping blood sugar levels steady.
IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT
- The plant's high chlorophyll content makes it a great aid for toxin removal.
- Spirulina is thought to be one of the richest sources of beta-carotene which is a natural chemical that helps cells communicate properly to each other and protects them from damage.
NUTRITIONAL EFFICIENCY
- Due to its soft and cellulose free composition it is easily digested.
- The body has no problem recognising the many natural, non-sythenthic vitamins and minerals present in spirulina and so they are easily absorbed.
BLOOD BOOSTER
- Spirulina has a powerful cholesterol reducing effect which helps keep blood clean and tidy.
- It has also proved itself in studies as a great natural alternative to balancing blood pressure.
- Plus the bluey-green stuff contains high concentrations of iron which makes it great for those with anaemia.
BRIMMING WITH ESSENTIAL VITAMINS
- Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid, C, D, A and E to name just a few are found in high concentrations in the plant.
GOOD FRAME & GOOD LOOKS
- Spirulina is a good source of potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc which all play a role in slowing down the effects of ageing as well as promoting a healthy nervous system and muscular-skeletal system.
AND...WORLD HUNGER
- Living up to its superfood status spirulina is said to be robust enough to withstand extremes of temperatures and thrives without modern mechanised farming techniques. As such some have deemed it a solution to world hunger.
