Spirulina (Bluegreen algae)

Imported from Hawaii 1.5 ounces

By weight, Spirulina has a high protein content. Spirulina is primarily constituted by a protein called C-Phycocyanin – a protein that tends to bunch together and is named after the dark blue-green of the algae. It is found in. Spirulina can be anywhere between 50 and 70% protein, meaning that it is an incredibly good source of protein relative to its weight. Whilst it may not make for a particularly high-protein snack or supplement (due to how much we would have to consume), it is incredibly calorie-sparse and those calories it does have are mostly from protein.

A high protein content encourages weight loss, muscle tissue development and the recovery of damaged tissues after exercise [1]. Aside from the wealth of other benefits mentioned below, this makes spirulina supplementation an excellent choice for those who are attempting to watch their weight.

Spirulina, as with many other deep green vegetables (e.g. Kale, spinach, seaweed), is a great food for the combating of oxidative stress. Those who regularly partake in sustained, intense exercise (such as those who run long-distance) will produce a huge amount of oxidative stress and free radicals, which are associated with the development of cancer and other negative health effects 

The phytochemicals and proteins contained in Spirulina may also be beneficial for inflammation: preliminary studies have shown that some populations (primarily males) can achieve positive changes by consuming supplemental quantities of Spirulina [3]. Inflammatory changes can be profoundly effective in the maintenance of health and reducing negative physiological processes (such as inflammation of the intestines or joints, more specifically). This contributes to overall health.

Among those who are overweight, obese or struggling with the effects of metabolic syndrome, spirulina supplementation has been noted to have significant effects on the levels of blood triglycerides and cholesterols. These changes are associated with reduced risk of poor blood health, improved cardiovascular health and protective effects on cardiovascular disease – the number 1 cause of mortality in many economically-developed countries.

It has been shown to preferentially improve the health of the liver, especially in conditions where individuals suffer from conditions such as “fatty liver” – a condition where fat is deposited into the liver tissue. This condition negatively effects the performance and localized-health of the liver. Adding spirulina to the diet – either as a food or as a supplement – has been noted to improve the activity and effectiveness of some important cells in the immune system. Studies show that Natural Killer Cells (those which find and destroy cell tumours, linked to the early stages of cancer) are markedly improved through the supplementation of spirulina. Immune function is yet another incredible benefit from a food that is so easily added into the diet!

One of the most interesting and least predictable effects associated with the consumption of spirulina is that it genuinely detoxifies! Whilst there are many supplements on the market that claim to detoxify, there are very few that actually do this – Spirulina and the active ingredient C-Phycocyanin have been shown to reduce the effects of various actual toxins, whilst also improving immune function and organ health. Consuming C-Phycocyanin in the form of spirulina has actually been shown to reduce the effects of arsenic poisoning