What are Superfoods?
A superfood is any food that is rich in nutrition and is especially considered very beneficial for health and well being. Some examples of superfoods are avocados, flax seeds, blueberries, green tea, almonds, broccoli, etc.
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a blue green algae that is now often referred to as a “superfood” by many. This algae is rich in chlorophyll and is found in ponds and other such water bodies. It is usually available in powdered form. It tastes savoury with a sea vegetable taste.
Benefits of Spirulina
Spirulina, when harvested in the right form from the water provides many benefits. Some of them are
Nutrition
Spirulina is rich in nutrition. It provides 57g of protein per 100g. It is also rich in vitamin B1, calcium and iron.Other nutrients it contains are vitamin B2, B3, B6, B9,Vitamin C, D, A and E. It also provides potassium, chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc. It is also a good source of omega 3. (It contains a form of vitamin B12 which is not absorbable by humans.)
Antioxidants
Spirulina is high in antioxidants and hence stabilize the free radicals in our body which are dangerous to health.
Good for the immune system
Spirulina is high in chlorophyll and hence it can flush heavy metals and toxins from our body and give the immunity system a boost. It also helps in increasing the monocytes, white blood cells that destroy bacteria, virus and fungi in our body.
Muscle and Endurance Benefits
Due to high levels of antioxidants, it reduces oxidation during exercise and also helps in quick muscle recovery.
Discovery
Spirulina has been found to be used in ancient times by many people. It was grown in lakes, seas and other water bodies, dried and consumed by many. It was first discovered by Hernando Cortez in the early 16th century when it was served and eaten at the tables of the Aztecs during his visit in Mexico’s Lake Texcoco.
On the other side of the world, in Africa, botanist Pierre Dangeard became fascinated with how the pink flamingos consumed spirulina and survived. After some support to his discovery, the french started the first spirulina processing plant, Sosa Texcoco, in 1969.
Dose
The recommended dose is 3g, approximately a teaspoon or 6 tablets of 500mg.
Side Effects
Spirulina might cause certain side effects depending on one’s medical condition. These side effects are fever, breakouts on skin, fatigue and green coloured waste. Please consult a doctor if you have any medical condition or are pregnant before consuming.
OZiva
OZiva Protein & Herbs shakes and Nutritional Meal Shakes are enriched with such foods and other ayurvedic herbs to bring you all their benefits. The Nutritional Meals Shakes are blended with spirulina and other such herbs.
Add OZIVA Protein & Herbs Shake to Your Diet if your diet is lacking in proteins.
If you want a detailed nutrition consultation, drop us a mail at nutrition@oziva.in or call us on 9769298556 and our experts will help you with your fitness goal
Last modified: February 26, 2018
