The term “superfood” can be applied to several foods - adaptogens like maca powder or tulsi root, hemp and flax seeds, or even fruits like acai and blueberries. Using one term to describe all of these foods is great when acknowledging the many benefits these foods can offer, but it becomes harder to distinguish the nutritional ranking. When chia seeds, goji berries, raw cacao, and holy basil are all superfoods, how can there be one that stands above the rest?
Introducing: Spirulina
This superfood is a type of blue-green algae that can grow in salt or freshwater. Due to the extremely high amounts of almost every necessary nutrient our bodies need, spirulina is arguably the most nutrient-dense food out there. One tablespoon contains 4 grams of protein, 11% of your daily iron, 1 gram of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and 15% of your recommended riboflavin, among so many other vitamins and minerals.
So, the nutritional breakdown reveals spirulina is worthy of its “superfood title,” but what else makes it such a powerhouse?
Benefits of Spirulina
- Lowers Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is the leading cause of serious conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, and chronic kidney disease. Making efforts to lower your blood pressure can significantly reduce your risk for these diseases, and spirulina is here to help. While it takes more than one gram of this green powder to take effect, a higher dose has been shown to increase the body’s production of nitric oxide, which helps our blood vessels expand and relax.
- High Source of Antioxidants
The main component of spirulina is called phycocyanin. It’s this antioxidant substance that gives spirulina its incredibly deep, blue-green hue. We all know antioxidants are great for their anti-aging effects, but let’s remember their powerful ability to fight free-radicals and lower inflammation in the body. The extra addition of spirulina to your morning smoothie will not only have you glowing, but keeping chronic diseases at bay, as well.
- Blood Sugar Stabilizer
Studies have shown that spirulina may benefit people with type 2 diabetes, as it can decrease fasting blood sugar levels. While more evidence needs to be amassed, the link between spirulina and lowered blood sugar levels is clear.
At DEFINE foods, we love being able to offer you the best of the best. Knowing that spirulina could potentially be referred to as “the most nutritious food on earth,” we aimed to create a delicious snack that makes spirulina as approachable as ever:
Change up your afternoon or evening snack time with a bowl of this nutrient-dense, superfood popcorn, and simply kick your feet up and enjoy.