5 Amazing Spirulina Benefits That Your Digestive System Will Be Praising You For

There are so many different layers to consider when it comes to supporting good health. If even one internal system isn’t working properly, it can leave you feeling fatigued, bloated, or pained as your body tries to correct the internal imbalance. 

That’s why it’s important to include foods in your diet that can support all-around good health from multiple directions. For this purpose, we recommend including as many superfoods in your diet as possible. 

Superfoods are certain foods that are known to have powerful health-boosting properties, which could include lots of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, protein, healthy fats, and other compounds that help the body function optimally. 

Some superfoods are more commonly known about and understood, such as avocados, berries, and nuts. However, there are some superfoods that are more exotic and may not be found on the shelves of your standard grocery store.

Let’s take a look at a great example of a superfood that may not be a common staple in most households just yet but is quickly becoming recognized for its powerful benefits on the digestive system and more – spirulina.  

Table of Contents: 

• What is spirulina?
• History of Spirulina
• Benefits of Spirulina
• The Spirulina Experience
• Where to get Spirulina
• How to Store Spirulina
• Health Benefits of Spirulina
• How Spirulina Supports a Healthy Gut
• The Importance of a Healthy Gut

Speed-dating with Spirulina: 5 Facts You Should Definitely Know

Spirulina might be one of the most unique and powerful superfoods known today. In fact, these blue-green algae are actually considered to be one of the Earth’s oldest forms of life, providing nutrients for living things for millennia. 

Spirulina is able to grow just about anywhere on earth that has mineral-rich soil, but it’s most commonly found in the soil of alkaline lakes near volcanoes. However, many scientists have discovered ways to imitate the optimal growing conditions of spirulina in lab settings so that they can produce this superfood in larger quantities.

Spirulina is a biomass of cyanobacteria and can be consumed by humans and animals alike. It is cultivated and eaten all over the globe and besides being a great source or protein, it is also used in the aquarium and poultry industries as a supplement. Yes, it is also used as fish food but don’t let that freak you out.

Here are five quick and easy-to-understand facts about spirulina to help get you better acquainted.

1. Blue-Green Algae: Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in freshwater lakes and ponds. It has been used as a food source for centuries by various cultures.
2. Nutrient-Rich: Spirulina is incredibly nutrient-dense. It is a good source of protein, vitamins (especially B vitamins), minerals (such as iron and magnesium), and antioxidants.
3. Vegan Protein: It’s a popular choice for vegans and vegetarians because it’s one of the few plant-based sources of complete protein, meaning it contains all essential amino acids.
4. Potential Health Benefits: Some studies suggest that spirulina may have health benefits, including supporting the immune system, providing energy, and acting as a powerful antioxidant.
5. Easy to Incorporate: Spirulina is available in various forms, including powder, tablets, and capsules. It can be easily added to smoothies, juices, or used as a supplement.

Remember that while spirulina offers potential health benefits, it’s essential to use it in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.

History of Spirulina: Ancient and Modern Uses

The benefits of spirulina have played a role in the diets of many ancient cultures, but some of the most significant are the Aztecs, who resided many centuries ago in what is now the south of Mexico. 

The Aztec people would bake spirulina into a nutrient-dense cake known as Tecuitlatl, and this food was extremely common within the culture as a way to stay healthy and vital. 

Another way the Aztecs used spirulina was as fuel for their athletic endeavors such as marathons. Additionally, the substance was known to have medicinal properties that could help to cure ailments. 

Today, spirulina continues to be used as nutritional support for active people due to its high protein content as well as its plentiful vitamins and minerals. Even if you don’t include spirulina in your pre- or post-workout fuel, this algae can support overall health and vitality in a variety of ways when included in your diet on a regular basis.

The Benefits of Spirulina for Cleanses

Many health buffs include cleanses in their routine on a semi-regular basis to rid their body of toxins and give their digestive system a much-needed break. There is a wide variety of juice cleanses you can choose from that focus on different benefits, such as reduced inflammation, increased energy, boosted immunity, and more. 

There’s a reason why spirulina is often included in these cleanses. Not only can spirulina help to support your energy levels with its high protein content, but it also has powerful effects on gut health that can provide the digestive reset you’re looking for. 

Additionally, the health benefits of spirulina can continue to work in your favor long after your cleanse has ended

The Spirulina Experience: Texture, Taste, and Best Food Pairings

If you’ve never considered eating any type of algae before, you’re not alone. These algae are different from the typical mossy stuff you may have seen in a river or pond. Packed with nutrients and flavorful in its own unique way, spirulina is a worthy addition to any complete diet. 

Spirulina is rarely eaten on its own but is added to other foods in powder form to include its health benefits without significantly affecting the taste of the meal. Spirulina itself has a slightly bitter taste and lightly powdery texture, which can add a nice dimension to otherwise sweet meals such as a smoothie, yogurt cup, or acai bowl.

If you like the taste on its own, you could even partake in the benefits of spirulina by simply mixing it into plain water or tea!

Other Superfoods to Pair with Spirulina

Spirulina can pair well with a wide variety of superfoods. If you prefer a sweeter taste, blend it up in a smoothie with berries, banana, and mango or pineapple, and you likely won’t even notice spirulina’s slightly bitter taste or powdery texture in your beverage. Even though it may not be your most favorite flavor to ingest ever, the spirulina benefits outweigh any of that.

The powdered algae can also be sprinkled over the top of salads packed with dark leafy greens like kale and healthy fat superfoods like avocado, chia seeds, and hemp hearts.

Different Ways to Eat Spirulina

 

Looking for other ways to get in your spirulina other than a smoothie or salad? If you prefer to take your spirulina as a supplement, you can do just that with spirulina pills that provide your daily serving of this health-packed superfood in seconds. 

Additionally, there is a wide variety of ways to include a sneaky serving of spirulina in your favorite foods. Add a tablespoon of spirulina to your hummus, your pesto sauce on pasta night, your soup recipe, or even your homemade latte to include the incredible health benefits with little to no effort.

Most Digestible Form of Spirulina for Sensitive Stomachs

Not sure if spirulina will agree with your sensitive stomach? In general, spirulina doesn’t tend to irritate digestive or gut issues — in fact, regular spirulina consumption can actually improve digestion and gut health. 

However, taking spirulina in supplement form is often the best way to try out this superfood if you’re just getting started and aren’t sure how it will make you feel.  

Where to Get Spirulina

Spirulina is available in health food stores in most regions of the U.S. and might even be ready for purchase at a standard supermarket in your area. If you can’t find spirulina on the shelves of any of your local stores, you can order it online from a variety of different health food brands.

How to Safely Store Spirulina

Spirulina powder should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place such as a pantry or drawer in a completely airtight container. However, if you typically don’t go through your spirulina containers very quickly, they should be stored in the refrigerator. You can also store spirulina in the freezer for up to a year.

Spirulina Benefits

Ready to take a deep dive into the specific health benefits of spirulina? The digestive benefits are some of the most discussed when it comes to this ancient algae, but it has many other distinct health effects too. Let’s take a look at how spirulina could improve your health on a daily basis with regular consumption.

Packed with a Variety of Nutrients

Our bodies need plenty of nutrients every day to support our internal functions, and spirulina contains a significant amount of many of these essential nutrients. Some of these include iron, protein, copper, and vitamins B1, B2, and B3. 

Additionally, a single serving of spirulina powder only contains around 20 calories, which can easily fit into any daily intake.

High Antioxidant Content

Including plenty of antioxidants in your diet is crucial for preventing disease and reducing inflammation. 

These chemical compounds are naturally occurring in many superfoods like spirulina and help the body combat free radicals, which are unstable atoms that can cause harm to healthy cells. In fact, the antioxidant content in spirulina is what gives the algae its unique green-blue color.

Supports Heart Health

The high protein content is one of the benefits of spirulina that allows it to help the body reduce cholesterol absorption, which results in lower cholesterol levels, clearer arteries, and reduced strain on the entire cardiovascular system. Spirulina has also been shown to increase the production of nitric oxide in the body, which helps lower blood pressure.

Helps Regulate Blood Sugar

Poorly regulated blood sugar can cause a variety of health concerns, including reduced energy, brain fog, and diabetes risk. Regular spirulina consumption has been linked to lower blood sugar overall and has even outperformed certain diabetes medications in some studies of blood sugar regulation.

Supports Healthy Digestion

The digestive benefits of spirulina are often hailed to be some of the most significant that these algae have to offer. Spirulina contains a balanced mixture of the three macronutrients – protein, fats, and carbohydrates. 

Additionally, the algae contain natural dietary fiber, which is a known supporter of regular bowel movements and healthy digestion. 

Great Option for Vegans/Vegetarians Alike

Spirulina benefits both vegans and vegetarians as a valuable dietary addition. Despite being an algae, spirulina is considered a suitable choice for these diets. It is a living organism, but its cultivation typically involves harvesting and drying, making it a plant-based source of essential nutrients so vegans and vegetarians can eat it without any second thoughts.

Spirulina benefits vegetarians and vegans by providing a rich source of complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids necessary for a balanced diet. You often think of tofu, nuts, or cottage cheese being great alternatives for protein but spirulina is one that doesn’t get quite as much hype even though it should. Moreover, its high vitamin and mineral content, especially vitamin B12, iron, and calcium, addresses common nutritional concerns in plant-based diets. Additionally, spirulina’s easy incorporation into various dishes and smoothies makes it a convenient way for vegans and vegetarians to enhance their nutrient intake and maintain a well-rounded, plant-focused diet.

How the Benefits of Spirulina Support a Healthy Gut Biome

In addition to its balanced macronutrient content as well as its dietary fiber, spirulina is rich in B vitamins. These vitamins, particularly Vitamin B-6, help the body to fully extract the energy it needs from the digestive process. 

Additionally, spirulina’s niacin content helps keep the appetite controlled, supports proper gut enzyme function, and encourages proper digestive system function. 

In some studies, spirulina has been shown to improve the symptoms of colitis, which is an inflammatory disease of the colon that can cause significant issues in digestive health. Similar studies have shown spirulina to have a positive effect on the health of the intestinal cells, aiding them in their fight against infection and disease.

What Can Damage Digestive Health?

There are many lifestyle factors that can affect the health of your gut and digestive system. Some of these include:

• Stress levels
• Side effects of medication
• Infection
• Foreign bacteria from food

Any of these causes and others can lead to digestive issues such as IBS, colitis, and Crohns’ disease. While the guidance of a doctor is needed to treat these issues, including digestion-boosting superfoods like spirulina in your diet can be an effective way to support these functions from the inside out.

The Importance of a Healthy Gut for a Healthy Life

Your gut is made up of many different types of bacteria, some “good” and some “bad.” Gut issues can arise when the types of bacteria are imbalanced, or there are too many bad bacteria from foreign sources living in your gut biome. 

The health of your gut can affect more than just your digestive system. An imbalanced gut biome can cause pain in the abdomen, brain fog, heartburn, vomiting, and bloating, among many other issues. 

Using the power of superfoods in your daily diet can help support a healthy gut as well as a healthy body in general. However, it’s important to consult your doctor if you feel that you are experiencing extreme symptoms related to an unhealthy gut.

Are There Any Dangers Associated with Spirulina Consumption?

In general, spirulina is considered to be a safe health supplement by most medical professionals and can be part of an overall healthy and balanced diet. However, it’s important to make sure the spirulina products you’re purchasing are trustworthy and free of additives. 

Spirulina supplements can become dangerous when the algae are produced in unsafe conditions. In fact, toxins like microcystins and harmful bacteria can develop when spirulina is improperly grown or is contaminated. Side effects of ingesting these toxins include liver damage, changes in blood pressure, vomiting, and loss of energy. 

Make sure that the brand you’re purchasing performs rigorous checks on their products and grows their spirulina in guaranteed safe conditions. Additionally, never consume spirulina that is past its expiration date or has been stored improperly.

Support Health and Longevity the Delicious Way with Clean Juice

Spirulina is an incredible superfood that is easy to include in a variety of delicious meals, including acai bowls, juices, and so much more. 

Ready to take your health and wellness to the next level with the benefits of spirulina and other superfoods? Place your order with Clean Juice today and get your daily doses of health and nutrition delivered right to your door.

Sources:

• Spirulina: Are there Health Benefits?
• How to Store Spirulina
• The Health Benefits of Spirulina
• Preventative Effects of Spirulina
• Spirulina and Digestion
• 7 Reasons to Listen to Your Gut

Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Consult your doctor before using any health treatment, including natural remedies, and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications. 

If you’re unsure whether spirulina would be a healthy addition to your wellness routine, ask your doctor if any of your health details might make spirulina unsafe for you.