This is key because high levels of oxidative stress can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes.
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Meaning, it combats oxidative stress by neutralising harmful free radical molecules before they can potentially damage cells and organs and cause oxidative stress.
Responsible for spirulina’s blue-green colour, phycocyanin is also a potent antioxidant, according to Megan Byrd, R.D., registered dietitian and founder of The Oregon Dietitian. Okay, so spirulina is packed with benefits and nutrients, but what does that mean for your diet? Read on to learn about the health benefits of spirulina, according to dietitians and scientific research. Here’s the nutritional profile of one tablespoon (~7 grams) of dried spirulina powder, according to the USDA:
But it packs an impressive amount of protein into a small package: 4 grams per tablespoon to be exact, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Now, spirulina is no chicken or Greek yoghurt. In addition to being known for its wide range of micronutrients (it boasts vitamin E, iron, and magnesium, too), spirulina stands out for its “high protein content,” according to the aforementioned review. Loaded with nutrients such as B vitamins, potassium, and calcium, the aquatic algae also contains phycocyanin, a blue-green pigment that’s responsible for spirulina’s colour and an antioxidant. The World Health Organization has actually dubbed spirulina a “superfood,” according to a 2019 scientific review. (Similarly, farro actually refers to three types of wheat, but, like spirulina, is often considered a singular food item. For the purpose of this article, “spirulina” will refer to the species in general. While it can be eaten live or raw (think: taken out of the water, strained, and then eaten), spirulina is most commonly consumed as a powder (the dried, processed form of the algae).įun fact: The term “spirulina” actually refers to several cyanobacteria varieties, rather than just one organism or one ingredient. Central Africa, Asia, Central America), according to a 2020 scientific review. Spirulina is a type of cyanobacteria, aka blue-green algae, that grows in both fresh water and saltwater in tropical regions (i.e.
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Spirulina powder – a blue-green algae is one you might see on ingredient lists at your favourite smoothie joint or across your social media feeds – you can find 4.5 million posts tagged #spirulina on Instagram and 19.5 million views with #spirulina on TikTok! But is the nutrition hype legit or is spirulina just a pretty face? Read on to learn about the health benefits of spirulina, plus potential risks and ways to eat the aquatic ingredient that tastes as good as it looks. Another day, another green powder or so it seems.