Green Algae
Allow me to introduce you to Spirulina, most recently deemed the super-est of all super foods. Spirulina, a form of blue-green algae, boasts 10 times more beta carotene than carrots, is about 65% protein and provides us with essential fatty acids, phytonutrients, probiotics, and antioxidants. Millions of years ago, before we were even a tear in Mother Nature’s eye – Spirulina flourished. The nutrients contained in the spirulina plant helped our planet evolve.
Natural medicine practitioners usually agree that consuming foods that have survived the evolution of our species is the best way to achieve optimum health – and heal from serious illnesses. Consuming spirulina (algae) has been linked to recovery from diseases like Cancer, ADD, and Autism. Research also shows significant progress in its effect against the AIDS virus.
A super food is a complete food. Think — something they’d eat on the Matrix. People use spirulina to enhance energy, detoxify poisons (sugar, alcohol, mercury), control weight and balance mood.
Spirulina for Dinner?
Spirulina had been used as a food source by the Azetcs in Mexico in the 16th century. Over a thousand years ago, people of the Kanem empire in ancient Chad also ate it as part of their food. Even the space agency NASA plans to cultivate it as one of the first plants in space!
Spirulina Powder
So, the question is how does it taste? I’m sure you don’t want to be making yourself an algae salad three times a day just so that you can tout gorgeous skin and enough energy to keep you awake through the night, right? Well, Spirulina can be taken in pill form too – which is the least offensive. The pills smell slightly like fish food, but do their job well. Some companies, like Body Ecology sell a fermented Spirulina beverage that your taste buds may need to work up to.
Start Feeling Better Right Away
Soon after you introduce Spirulina to your body, it starts improving your health in many ways. It protects the body from oxidant stress and toxins while strengthening the immune system. Scientific studies suggest spirulina has anti-inflammatory properties and that it may be especially good for the brain and heart.
Who would have thought that this humble and tiny aquatic plant, that has been eaten by humankind since prehistoric times, would one day be at the forefront of healthy foods? As it turns out, Spirulina has all those properties rolled into one that, otherwise, only a large amount of fruits and vegetables can provide. After all, this ‘vegetable’ has more iron than beef, more protein than soy, more Vitamin A than carrots, is a source of essential Fatty acid GLA and is naturally low in fat.
Buy spirulina pills and powder at a health food store, and always remember to read labels. The plant has undergone intense studies for the past 30 years, and proves safe for the little ones as well. So, don’t worry so much if they won’t eat their lima beans – push the algae, and get super healthy kids!
Gina Laverde is a Chicago-based writer and researcher whose expertise in natural health stems from her experiences with Body Ecology Diet, Blood Type Diet and homeopathic remedies. Gina believes that we’re in the midst of a serious world health crisis, and that the key to survival lies within our guts.
David Askaripour says
Spirulina rocks! I’ve been taking it for years. It really cleanses the body and even helps to build red blood cells! The powered form is pretty bad tasting. Some people like to mix it in smoothies or drink with apple juice to mask the taste. I actually take the crystal form which has virtually no taste at all. Thanks, Gina. This reminds me that I need to start drinking my greens again, it’s been a while 🙂
Gina Laverde says
Spirulina also works to take away cravings for sweets. Since starting it 6 months ago, I have more energy than I’ve had since high school. I also drink the green kombucha tea, which contains spirulina. My kid loves that stuff.
David Askaripour says
Gina, I just read this “Researchers have suggested that supposed B12 supplements such as spirulina may in fact increase the risk of B12 deficiency disease, as the B12 analogues can compete with B12 and inhibit metabolism.” Have any thoughts? As a mostly raw vegan, I’m constantly studying vitamin B12 and trying to better understand where it can be obtained. I know that I get it via fortified soy milk — but now that I think of it, the soy milk must not be vegan. hehe… oh man…
gaurav says
Gina,
my 3 and 1/2 year old son is autistic, we are trying to treat him as per DAN Protocol. Right now we give him vit C, Vit B6+Mg, Multivitamin,GFCF Diet. We have also started giving him cilantro and garlic. I wish to know if I should add either Chlorella/spirulina to list of supplements. Are there any side effects ?
Your help would be highly appreciated
joseph wong says
would you recommend spirulina since it comes from the sea where lots of heavy metals are dumped possibly also nuclear wastes.
Have it been tested properly and chemically.
Gina Laverde says
Hi Joseph,
I often buy spirulina that claims it has been tested free of heavy metals. Yes this is definitely a concern. for me, though, I trusted what experts said and then experimented. My health is really greatly improved. And so has my son’s. If my son goes a few days without spirulina, he is much less focussed.
I have more recently decided to use e3 Live brand raw frozen algea blends. (especially Brain On) this company is very helpful. You can call them and they explain testing etc.
Its interesting to me that algea helps with chelation of mercury from our systems. Obviously plants digest minerals and we digest plants. with every green we ingest metals. I have found a good balance that keeps us feeling well and keeps improving my son’s illness.
Do your research. Ask people. Take spirulina or algea in raw organic form and note the results. My husband has almost no noticeable affect from non raw spirulina.
If it is working, after a short while you should have increased energy (but not a “high” feeling, increased clarity, improved digestion (especially if consuming raw algae)
Again, it is very detoxing, so please start with small ammounts to avoid autotoxification.
Be Well,
Gina