This blue-green superfood is possibly the hottest thing on the health scene right now. With mystical and magical health claims, it’s no wonder so many people are trying to add spirulina into their diets. But what is the best spirulina powder? Luckily for you, I have done my research and have the five best spirulina powders just for you!
What is Spirulina?
Year in and year out, new products pop up in the health and wellness market claiming to be the best thing since sliced bread. Especially in the last few years we hear the term “superfood” over and over again. If you were to believe all of the advertising, you’d think that eating superfoods like quinoa will somehow give you x-ray vision or unbelievable strength.
The fact is, most people hear about these things and have no real idea what they are, what they do, or how to identify a quality product. I can’t begin to tell you the amount of people I know who have quinoa in their cupboards yet have no idea how to eat it, or why they even should.
So let’s clear up all the facts about spirulina. It is a blue-green algae found in fresh waters around the world from Hawaii to China. One of the most researched superfoods to date, there are over 1200 scientific articles about the vast amount of health and nutritional benefits spirulina has to offer.
Originally it was consumed by Aztecs, however, it regained popularity when good old NASA realized it could be grown in space and therefore, eaten by astronauts!
Although most known as a main ingredient in your green superfood beverages, if used everyday, spirulina has the power to seriously improve your health.
Benefits of Spirulina
A single tablespoon (7 grams) of dried spirulina powder contains:
- Protein: 4 grams.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 11% of the RDA.
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 15% of the RDA.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 4% of the RDA.
- Copper: 21% of the RDA.
- Iron: 11% of the RDA.
All in all, with only 20 calories, spirulina could be the most nutritious food known to man. Not to mention, all of the health benefits are backed by science.
Improves Microflora Balance
Research tells us that microbiota like candida are totally normal within the body. In fact, having a healthy balance is crucial to good health. However, studies show that candida overgrowth has become the leading sign of most autoimmune diseases today and candidiasis is the leading cause of mycosis-related death in the United States.
Spirulina helps by promoting the growth of “good bacteria”. According to research, spirulina essentially inhibits candida from thriving by eliminating candida cells and in turn, strengthening the immune system.
Helps Prevent Cancer
According to a report by the University of Maryland Medical Center, “A number of animal and test tube studies suggest that spirulina increases production of antibodies, infection-fighting proteins, and other cells that improve immunity and help ward off infection and chronic illnesses such as cancer.”
According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for 8.8 million deaths in 2015 alone. With such staggering figures like these, it is clear to see why adding anything to your diet which could potentially lower your risk is seriously beneficial.
The Power of Antioxidants
Spirulina contains a powerful antioxidant called phycocyanin which gives spirulina its unique blue-green color. Numerous studies show that this antioxidant fights free radicals and has impressive anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of inflammatory signalling molecules.
Effective Against Anemia
There are many different types of anemia with iron deficiency anemia being the most common of all globally, although deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin A and folate call all lead to the condition.
One study, which used spirulina supplements for older people with a history of anemia, found that the hemoglobin content in red blood cells increased. Although more research is needed, this shows that spirulina could be effective against anemia, especially in the elderly.
The Best Spirulina Powder
I have taken a look at the best spirulina powders from all over the world and came up with five top choices to share with you today.
Our Choice for the Best Spirulina Powder
For me, the winner just has to be the Bulksupplements brand. The fact that their products are third party lab tested gives me confidence in the level of quality of each and every one of their products. Also, it is one of the cheapest spirulina powders around, making it a realistic choice for continuous daily use.
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