There are many foods that can be hailed as a “superfood” and Spirulina is definitely one of them…

Spirulina is one of the most potent, most concentrated and most nutrient-rich foods on the planet and, according to health experts, it has the power to give us maximum nutrition, health and energy, as well as minimum calories and no trans-fatty acids.

Spirulina is a member of the bacteria kingdom, not the plant kingdom and although it is recognised as a blue-green algae, it’s a cyanobacteria (meaning blue bacteria).

There are 35 varieties of spirulina, with some being more nutritionally superior than others. It can survive in the harshest temperatures, so whether you freeze it, refrigerate it, keep it at room temperature, or cook with it you’ll still get all of its nutrients.

Spirulina is a complete protein source, containing all eight essential amino acids and eighteen amino acids in total. Depending on the variety, it consists of 65-71% protein, which is the highest concentration of protein (by dry weight) found in any food, and has a high digestibility of its proteins, making it comparable to casein in milk. Not only that but Spirulina production only uses two percent of the water required for an equal quantity of beef protein production, making it a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly food.

Depending on the variety, it’s 25-50 times richer in iron than raw spinach and equivalent to red meat! It is also two to six times richer in Vitamin B12 than raw beef liver, so a great dietary source for vegetarians.

The beta-carotene in spirulina is ten times that of carrots and it is also one of the richest sources of the essential acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is responsible for reducing inflammation. Spirulina is a powerful tonic and immune-system booster, killing cancer cells and protecting against HIV infections. It increases the production of T-fighter cells, macrophages, B-cells, and the anti-cancer natural killer (NK) cells.

As if all that wasn’t enough, spirulina can be used on the skin as sunscreen, due to its blue pigment, protecting against ultraviolet radiation. A 50/50 mixture of organic coconut oil and spirulina will create a sunscreen suitable for sensitive skin (although be prepared – you will look green!)

What’s not to love?! Include spirulina in your daily diet by adding one tablespoon to smoothies or soups, sprinkling it on salads, or add it to homemade protein bars to improve your health, reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, cleanse and alkalize your body and protect yourself from the suns rays. ☺