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Power foods is a trending buzzword in the nutrition and lifestyle community. Menus, recipes, and ingredients boast that they are or contain power food.
But what does power food even mean? According to WebMD power foods are nutritionally dense foods that are packed with nutrients, proteins, fiber and other goodies. One power food that’s made its mainstream debut in the last few years is spirulina.
Spirulina, an algae derived substance, is famous for its iconic blue-green color. It often features in blue smoothies and juices. But, spirulina doesn't just make drinks look vivid and appetizing. It is healthy, nutrient-dense, and has a host of benefits..
Nutrient-rich
Just one tablespoon of spirulina powder contains a number of important nutrients, vitamins, and minerals according to Healthline. For starters, a single tablespoon has four grams of protein. It also has a fifth of the recommended daily value of riboflavin, nearly half the daily value of copper, and more than a tenth of the daily value of thiamin and iron. Spirulina contains small amounts of Niacin, magnesium, and potassium. A protein-rich and nutrient-heavy tablespoon of spirulina, amazingly, only has 20 calories.
Packed with antioxidants
Spirulina is packed with antioxidants that can prevent cell damage, and keep cells functioning as they should. Antioxidants may help keep some cancers and chronic diseases at bay. Spirulina is full of phycocyanin, which not only gives the algae its striking color, it is also a potent antioxidant.
Could flush out toxins
Not only can consuming spirulina keep your cells chugging along, According to Well + Good, the protein-rich compound may also help rid your body of toxins, like heavy metals. Spirulina has peptides in it that bind to heavy metals and other toxins, and prevent them from being absorbed in the bloodstream. Actually, spirulina is sometimes used as a water filter, precisely because of its capacity to flush out toxins.
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Helps to boost endurance
Spirulina may increase blood flow, boosting athlete’s muscle strength and endurance. In addition, it may prevent muscle fatigue when working out and weight lifting. A spirulina shake at the gym could be a good way to kickstart an exercise session.
Promotes heart health
Spirulina may help heart health by lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure A study suggested that a regular, six-week course of spirulina correlated with lower blood pressure. In addition, spirulina may help boost the good HDL cholesterol and lower the harmful LDL cholesterol.
Could improve allergy symptoms
Many people suffer from seasonal allergies and allergic rhinitis, according to Healthline.Triggered by environmental allergens like blooming trees or pet dander, allergic rhinitis causes inflammation of nasal passages. Spirulina is a popular alternative to using antihistamines to treat allergic symptoms.
Good for diabetics
Spirulina could also help lower blood sugar levels. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders suggested that using spirulina could reduce blood fasting levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
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