Over the past twenty or thirty years Spirulina - a green spiral-shaped fresh-water plant - has been tested and recorded and is known as the world's richest 'whole food' source of iron, protein, GLA and beta-carotene.
But not just that:
- Spirulina is 60% vegetable protein and easily digestible
- Contains essential fatty acids, B Complex, vitamins C and E
- AND contains phycocyanin, a cancer inhibiting protein.
So what is it exactly?
Spirulina is a single celled organism that exists through photosynthesis - it lives through absorbing sunlight - just like cyanobacteria, the first life on earth approx 3.6 billion years ago. It is cultivated, around the world (Africa, North & South America, Asia), is used as a dietary supplement and whole food and is a blue-green spiral shape.
So how do I eat it?
- In powder form - blend it with smoothies and juices for a healthy drink or sprinkle it on your cereal or soup
- In tablet form - take it like any vitamin
- In snack form - like the healthy snack bar pictured
- For recipe ideas like spirulina chips and spicy guacomole, click here
What will it do for me?
- Spirulina is nutritious and contains enough concentrated ingredients for you to power up your body before a busy day, during the day or when in need of an extra boost, such as fighting illness.
- If you're watching your weight, taking a heaped teaspoon, one hour before eating, will help you feel satisfied and fill you with vital, concentrated goodness.
- Because Spirulina is a natural food and easily digested, the body does not have to spend time digesting and extracting nutrients - the body gets on with its vital functions.
In 1981, Spirulina was confirmed as a valuable source of protein by the Food and Drug Administration (USA) and is therefore a legal food supplement. It is approved, sold and ingested in the UK, Europe Australasia, China and Japan.
It is particularly good for those of you who want to nourish yourself without eating too much, are feeling run down, recovering from illness, iron deficient, pregnant, sporty, elderly or just into looking after your inner health. Try using it in a healthy snack bar as this disguises the taste but allows you to absorb all the goodness.
For more detailed information on this curious yet powerful green stuff, visit Spirulina.org.uk, and if you want to buy the powder or tablets, search Yell.com for your local health food shop, or contact The Guarana Bar.
My tips
I enjoy sprinkling a bit of the powder into my smoothies, but also love these snack bars, available from Bioporek. They are tasty and full of goody goody ingredients so guilt free! Each bar contains 2g of Spirulina, which is a healthy daily intake.