Have you noticed that everywhere you go everyone is jumping on the health food trend? Just take a look at fast food chains like McDonald’s, they now offer milk instead of soda on the kiddie meals, salads now are in make it big sizes with offerings of low fat dressings to help you spend more. Well, all that is well in good but the reality is you are still , well consuming fast food. Now there is a new trend in foods that have been termed “Super foods” .
What exactly is spirulina as a super food and how does it work? Better yet, Why should consume these foods? Are they really better than a diet of whole grains and wheat combined with fruits and vegetables? In this article we will actually take a look at one of the super foods in powder form called spirulina and how it can help you overall. Who knows you may actually run away from all that unhealthy fried food in favor of more beneficial “super foods
First, lets explore what spirulina is. Spirulina is according to the encyclopedia of Encarta, a specific type of bacteria that has high concentrations of protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. spirulina is usually harvested and grown in tanks. I know yuck right! but hold on before you decide that spirulina is not for you. Spirulina like other superfoods really provides nutrients that you are not getting from your daily diet. It is a appropriately named a super food because it contains so many nutrients as well as benefits. Spirulina is also labeled as a dietary supplement that you can get as pure spirulina powder or in tablet form. According to sources like, earthrise.com. Spirulina is also high in vitamins like beta carotene which has been shown to be a anti-cancer oxidant nutrient. If that doesn’t convince you then, how about if you are a woman? The multi-nutrient is one of the highest sources for a oil called GLA. GLA is often found in a mother’s breast milk. In recent studies this has been shown to help an infant’s brain growth and development. Just take a look at some of the newer formulas out today. You will often see them proclaiming the benefits of GLA. GLA is found in high concentrations in Spirulina. In addition to those benefits, Spirulina because of the high concentrations of this oil is a reliever of PMS, and more youthful supple skin and healthy hair. Every woman wants that. Spirulina is has been found to be prescribed by Vietnamese doctor’s for pregnant women, because of it’s ability to level iron. As with any food or drug if you are on any prescribed or over the counter medications, consult your health care physcians before taking this or any other supplement. Especially if you are nursing or pregnant.
Other benefits include it helping to relieve constipation since it contains beneficial good bacteria necessary to maintain digestive health.
I know you say that that’s all fine and good but how would I be able to obtain this super food? Is it expensive? The answer to that is purchase pure spirulina powder in bulk, because in the long run it is less expensive than buying the tablets. It is recommended that at least 2-5 grams of spirulina be taken daily. It is highly recommended that if you prefer the powder that you dissolve one teaspoon into juice or water. Spirulina is so versatile that you can even sprinkle it on popcorn, believe me it is tasty actually. Another way your could enjoy the benefits of spirulina is in vegetables or prepared in your favorite lean meats. However,if tablets are easier for you to take then go to your local GNC or health food store to obtain the tablet form. Should you choose the tablets you will need to take the recommended dose of 6-20 tablets a day. I don’t know about you but I would rather take it in powder form.
Now before you go rushing out to get some spirulina, please understand that all spirulina is not created equal. Depending on the conditions of when and where the super food was harvested you could be getting contaminated or even spirulina that no longer has any active benefits. So you want to do your homework and search around for a reputable company that provides the supplement . Be sure to ask about spirulina that is organic as well. One source that carries pure spirulina powder is a place called Purebulk.com. As I stated before save money by purchasing in bulk and and enjoy the benefits of spirulina in its purest form.
http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_561539471/spirulina.html
http://www.healthrecipes.com/benefits_spirulina.htm
www.earthrise.com
