Spirulina According to Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, Spirulina is considered useful for overall health and a preventative herb. With malnutrition being a major cause of diseases, this wonder plant helps to prevent illnesses.
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a blue-green alga that is grown in various parts of the world, in both fresh water and saltwater. The quality of the protein in spirulina is considered extremely high and comparable to eggs. It gives all the essential amino acids that you need. This means it should be at the forefront of the nutrition world, because of its health benefits! Specifically, it is considered above all else to be an energy booster.
The Green Machine
Don’t be surprised if you've never heard of Spirulina! It’s not a superfood that is commonly talked about, but it is starting to break its way into smoothies, juices, and food discretely. Its deep green color instantly turns even the brightest red berry juice to the darkest sea green, and that's because it's natural algae, one of the oldest on the planet in fact.
It can be found in many freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds. It grows best in environments that have moderate temperatures, and very high levels of sunlight. Its incredibly nutrient-dense, which means it provides a variety of different vitamins and minerals. Spirulina’s long history reaches back to the Aztec civilization, but the superfood became a household name more recently because NASA discovered that it can be grown in space and used as a dietary supplement for their astronauts.
What it doesn't contain, is vitamin B12. It has pseudo vitamin B12, which has not been shown to be effective in humans.
Spirulina is also rich in Chlorophyll, which in turn helps to transfer energy inside the body. Chlorophyll helps this process by transferring electrons which accelerates the production of energy inside the body.
Protein-Packed Spirulina
While Spirulina is nutrient-dense and an energy-booster, it's important to know that the protein found in Spirulina is a complete protein. A complete protein means that it contains all the essential amino acids that are required for protein assimilation in the body. If the body is deficient in amino acids, many of the functions, like energy production, won’t run effectively.
For those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, Spirulina can be a beneficial source of plant-based protein, Omega 3, and Omega 6 Fatty Acids. However, due to it being great for energy, Spirulina is a great addition to anyone's diet.
It's important to mention that Spirulina also contains iron, copper, magnesium, and potassium. It boasts being one of the few superfoods that comprise small amounts of almost every nutrient, including vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. It’s an easy way to boost the nutritional content of your diet.
Properties of Spirulina
GUNAS (NATURE): Sattvic
DOSHAS: Kapha Balancing, Vata/Pitta Aggravating
Superpower: Energy Booster
Tastes: Salty, Bitter
Element: Air, Ether, Earth, Fire
The Benefits of Spirulina
What’s so great about Spirulina?
The quality of the protein in spirulina is considered extremely high and comparable to eggs.
Improves gut health
May assist in weight loss without losing nutrients
Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Manages symptoms of diabetes
It is good for the heart as it can lower LDL and triglyceride levels.
Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure
Boosts metabolism
Appears to have anti-cancer properties and works well against oral cancer
Controls inflammation in the nasal airways (allergic rhinitis symptoms)
Effective against anemia
Useful for HIV patients as it strengthens the immune system
Improves muscle strength and endurance
Boosts brain energy as it increases Ribonucleic acid
Antitoxic Properties
Anti-aging properties
Contains Tryptophan which supports Seratonin production