Spirulina! What it is, and why you need it.

What on earth is spirulina? It is a cyanobacteria (kinda like an herb, but not) basically it is a kind of algae that is gathered from non-contaminated ponds. Spirulina has amazing nutritional benefits. It is mostly made up of protein and essential amino acids. It is full of natural iron and B-12. 

It does takes pretty much like what you would imagine powdered algae would taste like. However, it is VERY good for the human body.

Thanks to Wellness Mama for this handy little chart.

• Spirulina is 65% protein and amino acids including the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which has gotten a lot of attention for its anti-inflammatory properties,   It contains all essential amino acids.
• Spirulina contains Omega 3-,6 and 9s and is especially high in Omega-3s.
• Spirulina is extremely high in Chlorophyll, which helps remove toxins from the blood and boost the immune system.
• Spirulina has a very high concentration of bio-available iron and is excellent during pregnancy and for those with anemia and will not cause constipation.
•  Spirulina is a great source of other nutrients including (according to Wikipedia): “Spirulina contains vitamins B-1(thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3(nicotinamide), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folic acid), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin E. It is also a source of potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium,  manganese, phosphorus,  selenium, sodium and zinc. Spirulina contains many pigments which may be beneficial and bioavailable”.
• This Spirulina (from Mountain Rose Herbs) was tested be an independent laboratory and found to have an ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) of over 24,000 which is 4x the ORAC score of blueberries. The ORAC score is generally used to measure antioxidant ability and concentration in different foods.
• Spirulina is also incredibly high in calcium with over 26 times the calcium in milk, making it excellent for children, the elderly and during pregnancy.
• Some research has suggested that Spirulina may be helpful in allergies and allergic reactions.
• Spirulina’s phosphorus content makes it helpful as part of a tooth remineralization regimen.
• Emerging evidence suggests that it binds with radioactive isotopes and may be useful for radioactivity exposure or radiation therapy.
• The protein in Spirulina is highly usable and has a net protein utilization rate of between 50-61%
• Spirulina can bind with heavy metals in the body and help remove them.
• Spirulina can increase fat burning during exercise.

Basically, you should have spirulina as a part of your life. You can buy it in tablets, capsules, powdered and such. I like to get the powdered from Mountain Rose Herbs, because I can control just how much I'm taking of it, and I can mix it into smoothies for my toddler. 

DISCLAIMER: This is for information purposes only. Please do your own research and know the benefits and risks of each ingredient before taking or giving this to someone.  The statements made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent anything.