Packed full of nutrients that benefit your mind and body, spirulina is one of the most popular superfood supplements in the world. A type of cyanobacteria (AKA blue-green algae), spirulina transforms light energy into chemical energy through a process called photosynthesis. This process results in an extremely concentrated source of the nutrients we need for optimal health and wellbeing.
H
ow is spirulina good for you? Before buying some Tropeaka Spirulina, you’d probably like to get a better understanding of how spirulina is good for you - so let’s break it down!
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Powerful pigments with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Spirulina is a fantastic source of antioxidants, which protect against the oxidative stress that can harm your DNA and cells. Antioxidants fight free radicals and reduce inflammation to keep all the systems in your body functioning at their best.
Some of the most powerful antioxidants in spirulina are the compounds that give this alga its vibrant blue-green colour. The blue pigment is phycocyanin, which not only fights free radicals and inhibits the production of inflammatory signaling molecules, but it also contributes to spirulina’s extremely high concentration of protein.
To protect itself from burning in the hot sun, spirulina produces a full spectrum of ten mixed carotenoids and has the most beta-carotene of any food. Not only do these potent antioxidants work as a natural sunscreen for spirulina, but they are also converted into vitamin A by the liver, which is essential for growth, immune system function, eye health, and more. Like all antioxidants, carotenoids can reduce inflammation, but research indicates they may be particularly beneficial to cardiovascular health.
Both the beta-carotene and the phycocyanin in spirulina modulate the immune system towards a more anti-inflammatory state. Although it’s most well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, there are also many other ways in which spirulina is good for you.
It’s because of its chlorophyll content that spirulina has a reputation for being one of nature’s best cleansers
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Rich in chlorophyll; nature's cleanser
The green pigment in spirulina is chlorophyll; another antioxidant compound that has many potential health benefits ranging from increased red blood cells and improved wound healing, to enhanced liver detoxification.
It’s because of its chlorophyll content that spirulina has a reputation for being one of nature’s best cleansers.
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Beneficial fatty acids
While spirulina is sugar-free and low in fat, the fat it does contain is so healthy that it contributes to spirulina’s superfood status. A 5 gram serving of Tropeaka Spirulina contains 0.2g of healthy fat, which offers an ideal balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Eating omega 3 fatty acids is essential for a healthy heart, brain and metabolism, while omega 6 fatty acids are an important source of energy for the body. Getting the right balance of these healthy fats can help keep your heart healthy, reduce inflammation, support healthy brain function, and improve your mental wellbeing.
It also delivers a broad spectrum of 18 amino acids that we need for the growth and repair of our muscle
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A ‘complete’ protein source
Not many people realise how rich in protein plants can be, so it may come as a surprise that spirulina has 3x more protein than fish or beef. In fact, protein makes up 60 to 70 per cent of spirulina’s dry weight, and in just one 5g serving of Tropeaka Spirulina, you get 3.3g of protein!
It also delivers a broad spectrum of 18 amino acids that we need for the growth and repair of our muscles, as well as:
- Healthy connective tissue, skin, hair, and nails
- Healthy digestion
- Hormone and neurotransmitter production
- Mood regulation
- Energy production
Our bodies can produce some amino acids, but spirulina provides all of the essential amino acids that need to be taken in through our diet. As a complete protein, spirulina is an excellent choice if you’re looking for nutritious, plant-based options to increase your protein intake.
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Essential nutrients for energy production
Many of the vitamins and minerals in spirulina are required for the healthy production of natural energy, which is why this superfood supplement may help reduce tiredness and fatigue. It’s much easier to avoid relying on caffeine or sugar for energy when you incorporate a powerful superfood like spirulina into your diet. Some of the essential nutrients found in spirulina include:
- B vitamins
- Vitamins C and E
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Selenium
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Zinc
- Calcium
- Chromium
- Copper
- Iron
As it’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet and naturally sugar-free, adding spirulina to your diet will provide you with real energy without the blood sugar spike.
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Full of B-vitamins
Spirulina contains vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6, which are essential nutrients for a healthy immune system and much more. As B vitamins are water-soluble and can’t be stored in the body, daily intake is necessary for optimal health.
B vitamins have a direct impact on your energy levels, skin health, muscle function, brain function, nervous system and metabolism; they are essentially the building blocks for a healthy body. Not only are they necessary for biochemical processes such as the methylation cycle and DNA synthesis, but they also help convert the food we eat into energy.
When optimal methylation takes place, it has a significant positive impact on many other biochemical processes in the body that regulate the cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive, and detoxification systems.
The B vitamins in spirulina can help support:
- DNA production
- Hormone and neurotransmitter production
- Detoxification
- Histamine metabolism
- Oestrogen metabolism
- Eye health
- Fat metabolism
- Cellular energy
- Liver health.
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Niacin for skin, brain and heart health
Vitamin B3 is also known as niacin, which is essential for healthy brain function and helps protect skin cells from sun damage. It also keeps the heart healthy by lowering triglycerides and ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol while raising the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol.
According to studies, the antioxidants in spirulina also help to prevent the oxidisation of harmful cholesterol.
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Rich in magnesium
Like B vitamins, magnesium is also vital for the methylation cycle, along with many other processes in the body. This essential mineral helps regulate muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure, as well as making protein, bone, and DNA.
Magnesium plays an important role in relaying signals between your brain and body, and getting enough can help improve the symptoms of PMS, anxiety and depression. It also acts as a natural calcium blocker that helps your muscles relax after contracting, making spirulina an excellent supplement for exercise recovery.
By helping your mind and body relax, magnesium can also improve the quality of your sleep, which has an enormous impact on your overall health and wellbeing.
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Contains phosphorus
The main reason we need phosphorus in our diets is for the formation of our bones and teeth. However, this essential mineral also works with B vitamins and plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats for energy.
Not only is it needed for the body to make protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues, but phosphorus also helps the body make ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the molecule used to store energy within our cell
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A source of selenium
Selenium is another one of the many crucial nutrients found in spirulina, and it’s necessary for many bodily processes, including cognitive function, a healthy immune system, and fertility in both men and women.
In addition to DNA synthesis, selenium plays a critical role in metabolism, thyroid function, and it helps protect your body from oxidative stress. Research indicates that selenium may also help reduce cognitive decline as we age, and lower the risk of cancer, thyroid problems, heart disease and asthma.
Spirulina happens to be one of the best plant-based sources of iron
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A good source of plant-based iron
Iron deficiency has a negative impact on athletic endurance and mental focus, and is especially common among young women who live an active lifestyle. Spirulina happens to be one of the best plant-based sources of iron, so it’s the perfect superfood supplement to support your training.
Spirulina’s combination of plant-based protein, iron and antioxidants provides many benefits for athletes and people with active lifestyles, including enhanced endurance and increased muscle strength.
Iron is essential for a healthy immune system, but it also supports energy production and cognitive function, along with increasing the production of red blood cells. Adding spirulina to your smoothies can help fight tiredness and fatigue by ensuring you reach your daily iron requirements.
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Contains calcium
Most people know we need calcium to build and maintain strong bones and healthy teeth. However, it also plays a role in cardiovascular function and muscle movement, as well as maintaining healthy communication between the brain and other parts of the body.
Having enough calcium in your diet helps keep your blood pressure at healthy levels while enabling efficient digestion and metabolism by activating many enzymes. Taking spirulina daily can help you reach your calcium intake!
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Prebiotic and antibacterial for gut health
Prebiotic foods stimulate the growth of the beneficial bacteria that live in the gastrointestinal tract. Antibacterial substances, on the other hand, can help reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the gut microbiome. Spirulina is both prebiotic and antibacterial, making it a powerful superfood for gut health.
Common allergy symptoms, like allergic rhinitis, have a strong link with gut health issues, which is often overlooked by people seeking a solution. Studies show that spirulina can be a very effective alternative treatment for allergic rhinitis.
Now that you know exactly how spirulina is good you, the next step is to order your own Tropeaka Spirulina Powder and experience all these powerful health benefits for yourself
