By Rica Anne D. Victoriano
Native to Aztecs but now cultivated worldwide, Spirulina is a type of blue green algae that is often dubbed as a miracle food for its massive nutritional content. It belongs to the family of cyanobacteria and is usually grown in warm alkaline waters in areas where the climate is temperate.
For several years now, the vegetable plankton has been creating a buzz even among experts because of the countless health benefits it offers. Commonly labeled as a “food of the future,” “super food,” and “miracle food,” a gram of spirulina is said to be packed with nutrients equivalent to 1,000 grams of assorted vegetables and fruits, according to the United Nations.
The blue green algae is also considered the only complete and natural single food source of essential nutrients for the body. A single spiral of spirulina contains more than a hundred nutrients that can be easily absorbed by the body.
It is packed with 7-12% of minerals and protein ranging from 65-72%, as well as essential amino acids like Isoleucine (good for controlling blood sugar) and Lysine (good for preventing and treating cold sores). It is also full of vitamins such as Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and E, which are all responsible for countless roles in our body.
Because of the incredible amount of nutritional content it has, countless benefits are in store for our body; from head to toe.
This nutrient-dense algae can improve the entirety of our immune system to get rid of unwanted diseases. It can also boost one’s metabolism, which makes it a staple for those who want to shed weight.
Spirulina can also cast wonders on the uppermost region of our body. It has been long known to be effective in stimulating brain function and focus. It can also prevent us from acquiring neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Its Omega 3 and 6 nutrient can also remove plaque that accumulate in our blood vessels, thus, good for preventing heart diseases. regulating cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
It can also improve one’s eyesight as one spirulina contains 25 times more beta carotene than carrots, which is long considered to be a food for the eye.
For people who have trouble sleeping, spirulina may be the answer too as it can help correct one’s sleeping cycle through its Tryptophan ingredient.
Nature indeed has a lot to offer to make our lives better, similar to how this richest source of protein is a wonder gift from nature that can improve the quality of our lives. It just demands to be cultivated properly so we can reap good benefits from it.
From Ms. Pat and Nurse Val Puente’s ‘Spirulina Growing and Health Benefits’ talk at the 3-day AANI Agri-Bazaar Cum Agri-Kapihan that was held at the Promenade Lane at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City on October 18-20.
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