Spirulina—Superfood…Supergood

WHAT IS IT?

If you heard Spirulina’s more common name, you probably wouldn’t even consider giving it a try: Pond scum. That’s right, it is, quite literally, pond scum. In other words, Spirulina is cyanobacteria, an alga that is now available in powder form. It is a protein-rich compound chock full of vital nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. Largely considered to be a superfood, this blue-green freshwater plant has been the subject of more than 1,000 scientific articles.

WHAT’S IT GOT?

Said to be the most nutrient dense food on the planet, Spirulina is the ultimate source of top-quality protein. In non-contaminated conditions, Spirulina flourishes and brings with it a wealth of beneficial properties, the likes of which include Thiamin (Vitamin B1), Calcium and Iron. Thiamin helps us to process and digest proteins and fats while calcium fortifies our bones and protects our muscles and vital organs. Some evidence suggests that Calcium may even prevent cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening conditions.

Other contents include GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Folic Acid, Chromium, Copper, Magnesium, Manganese, Vitamins B3, B6, C, D, A and E, Zinc and Omega-3s.

GLA protects the skin, improving the effects of eczema and psoriasis. Riboflavin produces natural energy in the body. Folic Acid has been used for myriad conditions and aids in the production of fresh cells within the body. It is an essential nutrient for pregnant mothers as it supports normal fetal development.

Chromium, on the other hand, regulates blood sugar and helps to metabolize fats and carbs (carbohydrates). Copper has been featured in brain drinks as part of a blend for cognitive enhancement. Along with Chromium, it is a metal that is linked to mental health.

Magnesium is built to yield serious brain power and it does just that. Elevating mood and expanding your learning capacity are but two of the many things Magnesium can do. Magnesium is also essential for its role in balancing calcium levels, thereby protecting the heart. Magnesium use has been linked to muscle tension reduction, relief from migraines and alleviation of anxiety. In addition to its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties, it is also a natural sleep aid and a nootropic treatment for neurological disorders.

Manganese aids in the metabolism of glucose and assists in the prevention of Osteoporosis and other forms of inflammation. It facilitates the production of digestive enzymes and absorption of nutrients while safeguarding the immune system.

Omega-3s are famously beneficial to cognitive functioning; comprehensive research has been conducted to study the neurological effects of these fatty acids and the results reflect a significant effect on brain modulation. These studies show that they can improve cognitive function and make positive alterations to the brain.

WHAT ELSE YOU GOT?

Some research points to Spirulina being advantageous to those who suffer from allergies. Most likely, this is the result of its anti-inflammatory properties.

What’s more, Spirulina removes heavy metals from the body courtesy of its massive Chlorophyll content. This sucks the toxins out of the blood and fortifies the immune system. A study was even conducted that showed that, when taken in tandem with zinc supplements, five grams reduced arsenic toxicity by nearly half.

Additional research has been underway that points to Spirulina’s potential as a form of radiation therapy due to its ability to bind with radioactive isotopes.

Spirulina can kill off Candida, restoring us to a healthy microflora balance and preventing yeast infections. Research shows that it influences the manifestation of healthy bacteria flora in the intestines.

Perhaps most interestingly, Spirulina appears to improve HIV/AIDS by diminishing the viral load and improving CD4 cells, the white blood cells that combat infection.

Dr. Oz has publicly recommended using Spirulina powder to pep up your day, boosting energy levels naturally with this blue-green beauty. As Oz put it, Spirulina and lime give your body a “wake-up call.”

These are just some of the many benefits that can be unlocked by ingesting Spirulina powder. But where do you get it?

THE BEST SOURCE FOR SPIRULINA

There are many vendors offering Spirulina in powder form, but if you want pure Spirulina powder that you can trust, look no further than Zhou Nutrition. Their 100% vegetarian Spirulina “Longevity Superfood” is the purest on the market today. It has a five-star rating among consumers on Amazon and with good reason—Zhou Nutrition’s Spirulina is an All-American gluten-free non-GMO product. And it’s more affordable than almost all other superfoods out there. At 11 cents per gram, six ounces of Spirulina costs just $18.99!

As their product description reads, “Don’t settle for low-quality Spirulina.” Unlike competitors who get their Spirulina from some mud hut in another country, Zhou Nutrition sourced their product from a Southeastern California farm that’s a healthy distance from the smog-shrouded airports and highways of Cali’s big cities.

Each jar of Spirulina powder is produced using a closed-loop water and nutrient recycling process, ensuring optimal product integrity. Zhou’s Spirulina is pesticide and herbicide free and is guaranteed irradiated and organic. It is also kosher and halal certified and sustainably grown.

A cursory review of their product description gives you even more information on the myriad contents and benefits of Spirulina, making them the most thorough and astute producers around. 

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