Spirulina: The Ultimate Smoothie Ingredient?

Spirulina

I recently had an in-depth medical examination as a part of the World Trade Center Monitoring Program (I was present at WTC on 9/11/2001 and the months following) which included a chest X-Ray. I’m not a big fan of X-Rays and try to only have them when absolutely necessary.  I think checking my chest for tumors is a good reason to get one but it made me think about foods and supplements that can help the body deal with toxins and radiation.  For one, I boosted my already high dosage of daily vitamin C. Another thing one can do is consume algae like chlorella and spirulina which has shown the ability to help the body deal with radiation as well as heavy metals (which I know I inhaled during 9/11 along with many other toxins).  Check out these studies: Chemo   NCBI

What is spirulina?

Spirulina is a multi-celled, spiral-shaped plant that grows best in fresh water lakes, ponds and rivers but also grows in salt water.  It is a nutritional powerhouse with a long history as a food source for humans. It was the primary protein source of the Aztecs and was first introduced to Europeans when the conquistadors arrived. Called, “Tecuitlatl”, the Aztec dried it into brick-shaped cakes and consumed it as we would cheese. Spirulina was also consumed in Africa on Lake Chad possibly going back to the 9th century.

Health Benefits:

1. Lowers Blood Pressure: Studies show that consuming spirulina regularly can lower blood pressure.
2. Detoxes Heavy Metals: Heavy metal poisoning is a growing problem in our polluted world.  Arsenic, mercury, cadmium etc. are more and more prevalent in the water we drink and food we eat.  Spirulina as well as chlorella, have been shown to help the body eliminate these heavy metals. In Bangladesh where arsenic poisoning is a huge problem, researchers found that just 250mg of spirulina extract given daily, reduced arsenic by 47%. Do you eat a lot of sushi or fish?  You may have high levels of mercury.
3. Reduces Cholesterol: Studies show spirulina may reduce LDL as well as serum triglycerides.
4. Helps Prevent Cancer: More than 70 peer-reviewed studies looking into spirulina’s ability to fight cancer with many positive results.
5. Lowers Chance of Stroke: Animal studies show spirulina supplementation lowered intimal aorta surface by 33-47% which suggests that it can prevent atherosclerosis and subsequent stroke.
6. Eliminates Candida: Candida is an invasive, destructive gut bacteria that can have severe health consequences.  With the reduced potency of antibiotics as well as the fact that they also kill the good bacteria, natural alternatives are a preferred route. Spirulina has been shown to be toxic to candida while not harming the good bacteria.  Actually, spirulina has been shown to promote beneficial gut bacteria which further inhibits the growth of candida.

Nutrition Facts: 1 Ounce of spirulina

• Protein: 39g (Beef only has about 5g) Spirulina is 50-70% protein. Higher than any other food.
• Calories: 81
• Carbs: 1.7g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Fat: 3% daily value
• Iron: 60% daily value

Spirulina is very high in chlorophyll which gives it that blue/green color. Chlorophyll, which is found in all plants, helps promote healing, protection of DNA, controls hunger, healthy iron levels and may prevent cancer. Spirulina is also packed with antioxidants which protect against oxidative stress.There is no magic bullet but spirulina comes pretty close. Incorporating this algae into your diet is simple and easy and can truly improve your health.

Zenberry contains spirulina along with cracked-cell-wall chlorella for a one-two punch which can help you achieve your health goals. Combined with the other superfoods, probiotics, enzymes, vegetables and fruit found in Zenberry Greens, Holy Frappe and Vanilla Chai, there is no need to make expensive additions to your smoothies.