Spirulina powder.
Spirulina is a blue-green micro alga which grows in fresh water ponds.
Spirulina, just like chlorella, is one of the oldest water-based plants on our planet which had been around for around 3.6 billion years. (Ref. 1)
Over the last 20 - 30 years, spirulina has become a very popular supplement thanks to a whole array of its essential nutrients - all present within this plant in their natural form.
Apart from familiar nutrients, such as vitamins A, B-complex, C and E, it also contains vitamin K; minerals and trace elements ex. calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc; amino acids ex. alanine, arginine, glutamic acid, phenylalanine, serine, and a lot more. (Ref. 1)
On the whole, spirulina has an exceptionally high content of easily digestible protein - on average 65% of its total nutritional make-up. (Ref. 1)
Some of spirulina's fatty acids, ex. gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), are potent anti-inflammatory agents. (Ref. 1)
On top of that, spirulina has a compound called phycocyanin which gives it its characteristic deep blue colour. Among other things, phycocyanin acts against cancer cells and improves the functions of the brain and nervous system. (Ref. 1)
How Does Spirulina Help With Energy Levels?
Just like many other whole foods, spirulina helps to restore vitamin and mineral balance within our bodies. This, on its own, is one big step towards increasing our energy levels naturally, since vitamin deficiency is often a major cause of constant and unexplained tiredness.
Phycocyanin, on the other hand, helps improve our mental capacity making us feel generally better, less stressed, more upbeat and much more energetic.
Spirulina is also a strong detoxifier - it helps remove all the waste which bags up our systems and brings our energy levels down.
Always consult a nutritional therapist if you are planning to take spirulina for a medical condition.
Written by: Irina Bright
Original publication date: 2013
Updates: 2020
Republication date: 2020
References.
1. Robert Henrikson (2009). Earth Food Spirulina. How this remarkable blue-green algae can transform your health and our planet. Published by Ronore Enterprises, Inc. Retrieved May 30, 2013 from: https://www.smartmicrofarms.com/PDF.cfm/EarthFoodSpirulina.pdf