Blue Spirulina is an algae found in lakes, ponds, and alkaline rivers. Phycocyanin is a blue pigment made from spirulina that, when taken out, gives the algae its dark blue shade.
Unlike green spirulina, blue spirulina does not taste fishy. Protein, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and carotenoids are abundant.
History Of Blue Spirulina
Spirulina, which was first utilized by the Aztecs as an endurance enhancer, is now regarded as a superfood – an all-in-one source of nutrients with protein levels matching those found in eggs.
The Aztecs utilized spirulina to heal a variety of ailments, and tradition has it that the kingdom’s couriers used it to fuel their marathon runs.
Many of the reported advantages of spirulina are supported by modern research, and its potential for addressing health conditions is still being investigated.
Health Benefits Of Blue Spirulina
Good For The Heart
According to research, the protein in spirulina might inhibit the body’s absorption of cholesterol, hence decreasing cholesterol levels.
This keeps your arteries free, lowering pressure on your heart and the risk of stroke-causing blood clots and heart disease.
Its protein also helps to lower triglyceride levels. These are blood lipids that can lead to artery hardening, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and pancreatitis.
Spirulina also stimulates nitric oxide generation in the body, which aids in blood vessel relaxation.
According to studies, this can drop your blood pressure, lessening your risk of heart disease.
Promotes Oral And Eye Health
Zeaxanthin, a plant pigment that may lower the incidence of cataracts and age-related vision loss, is abundant in spirulina.
Its antimicrobial qualities could further aid in promoting optimum dental health. According to one study, individuals who used spirulina-enhanced mouthwash had lower rates of dental plaque and gingivitis.
It reduced the risk of mouth cancer among smokers, according to another research.
Relieves Allergies
The anti-inflammatory impact of spirulina’s antioxidants may benefit persons who suffer from pollen, animal hair, and dust allergies.
According to one research, participants’ symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and itching were greatly decreased, indicating that spirulina may be a useful alternative to allergy medicines.
Supports The Immune System
Spirulina contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for immune system function, such as vitamins E, C, and B6.
According to research, spirulina also increases the creation of white blood cells and antibodies, which help your body fight viruses and germs.
Spirulina has been shown in laboratory experiments to be effective against influenza, herpes, and HIV; however, much more study is needed to evaluate these benefits in humans.
Aids In Preventing Cancer
Spirulina contains several antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Cancer and other illnesses are influenced by chronic inflammation.
In addition to reducing inflammation in the body, phycocyanin, a plant pigment that is responsible for spirulina its blue-green color, has also been discovered to inhibit tumor development and destroy cancer cells.
The immune-stimulating protein’s potential as a cancer therapy is being researched.
Possible Risks Of Blue Spirulina
Because spirulina contains a lot of nutrients, you should consult your doctor before using it or any other supplement. It may endanger certain people’s health.
Pregnancy Issues
There is little evidence to show that blue-green algae is safe for pregnant or nursing women. Doctors advise pregnant women to avoid spirulina due to the toxin risk.
Toxins
Wild-harvested spirulina may be polluted with heavy metals and microorganisms. Some of these toxins may stress or harm your liver if consumed in large quantities.
Diabetes
People with diabetes should watch their blood sugar levels when taking spirulina since it may impact blood sugar levels.
Blood Clotting Issues
Spirulina may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in those with certain bleeding problems since it helps inhibit blood coagulation.
Medication Clashes
Spirulina’s health advantages may interfere with or counteract the effects of some drugs, such as those used to treat diabetes and blood thinners.
What Can You Add Blue Spirulina To?
Because spirulina has a bitter taste, it is frequently included with yogurts, juices, and smoothies to improve its flavor. Spirulina supplements are widely accessible at health food stores.
With all of the advantages that spirulina provides, it’s no surprise that many individuals desire to incorporate this algae into their regular diet.
While some individuals combine simple spirulina powder with water, many find the spirulina flavor unpleasant.
Others are turned off by the supplement’s slightly earthy, seafood-like odor. If you’ve ever tried eating plain spirulina powder, you’ll understand what we mean.
Spirulina tastes like the sea, with a green, earthy, and occasionally sulfuric or fishy undertone. Spirulina has an unusual flavor and fragrance since it develops primarily in water.
As a result, it grows in freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds.
Fortunately, there are several methods to include spirulina into your meals and make them not only nutritious but also delicious! Continue reading to learn about tasty ways to consume spirulina.
One of the most frequent methods to take spirulina is to mix it into various smoothies. You may add it to your regular smoothie to give it a dark-green color and make it more healthy.
Sweet foods like bananas and mangoes can also help cover the odor of spirulina. Mix it with fruit like strawberries and blueberries, as well as veggies like cucumbers, kale, and spinach.
Spirulina can be added to juices in the same way that it can be added to smoothies. Choose delicious fruit juices or prepare green lemonade with spirulina, sparkling water, and lemon.
Mint leaves can be added for additional flavor.
In addition to liquids, blue spirulina may be made into a dip like hummus, a spaghetti sauce, a pureed soup, and much more!
If you’re craving something sweet, blue spirulina may be made into a treat like ice cream or mixed into chocolates and popcorn.
Summary
In conclusion, blue spirulina is a freshwater algae that thrives in lakes, ponds, and rivers. The pigment-protein complex phycocyanin gives spirulina its vibrant blue color.
Spirulina contains phycocyanin, which has several health advantages, including a strong antioxidant impact.
What is so great about this algae is that it can be added to your diet in lots of different ways so that no matter what your preferences are, there is a tasty way to add it to your diet and reap the many health benefits.
However, keep in mind that there are a few potential health risks that can come with taking blue spirulina, particularly if you are on certain medication, have a blood clotting disorder, or are pregnant.
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Calories is not a dirty word. If you remove emotion from it, it is simply a unit of energy.
We need calories to live and thrive, and knowing how many to consume is important to ensure that you’re living a healthy lifestyle.
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