21 comments

The Benefits of Spirulina

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Spira-What??? Spira-where? Spira-WHO!?!?!  Spirulina! I couldn’t think of a better way to end “Juices, Smoothies, and Superfoods” month than by introducing you to one of the most potent superfoods ever! Spirulina.

Spirulina is microscopic blue-green algae living both in sea and fresh water. Spirulina has been a food source for ancient cultures (i.e., Africans in Chad, Native Americans living throughout Central and South America) for centuries. In the 1960s, spirulina got on the radar of French researchers, and since that time, more and more Westerners have recognized its health benefits and advocated for its consumption.

Spirulina is arguably the most potent plant-based protein source known and also packs iron, magnesium, beta-carotene, and calcium among other essential nutrients for healthy functioning. It also has antiviral and antioxidant properties, and is believed to help regulate insulin and help control sugar cravings. Spirulina comes in tablets or gel caps, as well as in powder or flakes form, which can be dissolved in hot liquids, sprinkled onto foods, or incorporated into dishes (and smoothies and juices!).

Because February turned into Craz-ruary, I decided that this post will serve as an introduction–both to spirulina and to Nutrex Hawaii, the company I get my spirulina from. I’m currently working on a couple of spirulina-based recipes that emphasize it’s lovely emerald color (I’ll give you a hint–one is sweet and one pays homage to Dr. Seuss who was from my hometown!). Until those recipes are finished and posted though, I’ll leave you with a recipe from Traci at Nutrex Hawaii (thanks for sharing Traci!!!).

Spirulina Pate

Juice of half a lemon

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon spirulina (flakes or powder)

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 clove garlic–crushed

*Mix the spirulina with the garlic. Add the lemon juice and soy sauce Mix well with a form. Stir in the olive oil. Serve on toast or crackers with slices of tomato and onion (optional).

Oh, and if you have time, head over to visit Nate and check out my guest post on mindful eating!

Happy Wednesday everyone!!! 😀

Written by

Tiffany M. Griffin is the woman behind Como Water, Washington DC’s premiere veg-centric cuisine consulting company. Through cooking classes, demonstrations, catering, and consultations, Como Water gives people the opportunity to learn how to prepare veg-centric cuisine that boasts maximum flavor, with minimal effort. Tiffany is quickly becoming a go-to expert on the future of veg-centric cuisine, and is a regular contributor to Como Water, the blog, as well as to vegetarian and vegan sites across the Internet. For over a decade, this self-taught, entrepreneurial expert has developed a set of tried and true techniques for making simple, delicious, and sometimes decadent veg-centric dishes. Featured on the Steve Harvey Show and other leading media outlets, Tiffany was born and raised in Springfield, MA. She then earned Bachelors degrees in Psychology and Communications from Boston College and a PhD in Social Psychology from the University of Michigan. She now resides in Washington DC, where she has worked in the US Senate and at a federal agency on issues around health, food, nutrition, and international food aid/development, and of course, as the owner of Como Water. Tiffany gets culinary inspiration from the food she grew up eating, and from her travels throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Western Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa. She is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge on veg-centric cuisine with others and to help others live by her mantra—love life, live long, and eat veg-centric cuisine!

Comments

  1. Natalie@DeconstructingTheHome

    Spirulina is great! I think it really gives my skin that healthy glow! I like to mix it with chocolate or throw it into soups.

    February 29, 2012
  2. Nava Krishnan

    I will say yes to spirulina and anything done with it, I will go for it.

    February 29, 2012
  3. Nikki @ The Tolerant Vegan

    I am SO THANKFUL to you for writing about spirulina! I’ve wanted to incorporate it into my diet for a long time but I’ve always been scared. Are the tablets just as amazing for you as the powder?

    February 29, 2012
    • Tiffany

      I think the powder absorbs into the body more easily, but both are good!

      March 9, 2012
  4. Jackie @ Domestic Fits

    I’ve never heard of this stuff! But it sounds amazing and it does look very Dr. Seuss-y. But I would eat it in a box, I would eat it with a fox… 🙂

    February 29, 2012
    • esi

      hi
      good responce of spirulina….

      September 19, 2012
  5. Tina (PinayInTexas)

    Thanks for sharing this Tiff! I remember that my mom used to take spirulina supplements! I guess it’s about time that I do!

    February 29, 2012
  6. moo eleven

    My sister introduced me to spirulina powder… erm, it tastes like pond water but I’m sure just by the colour, that it’s good for me!!!

    February 29, 2012
  7. Ramona

    I bought spirulina supplements… I need to start taking them again. 🙂 Great info!

    February 29, 2012
  8. Kiri W.

    How interesting! I’ve worked with spirulina in the lab, but had no idea you could make pates, etc!

    February 29, 2012
  9. Kelly @ Inspired Edibles

    …and, it’s beautiful too! One of the women’s shelters I use to volunteer at in Montreal used spirulina in their soup to give the women extra protein and other nutrients. Power food indeed.

    February 29, 2012
  10. Laura @ Sprint2theTable

    I’ve seen the name spirulina pop up more and more lately. Thanks for a great summary of it’s benefits! I look forward to seeing what tasty dishes you come up with!

    February 29, 2012
  11. Baker Street

    how very interesting. thanks for sharing all this info.

    March 1, 2012
  12. Sandra

    Spirulina has been on my wish list for a long time. I’ve also seen it popping up lots lately in ads and articles. I take that as a sign that to get in gear and get some!

    March 1, 2012
  13. courtney

    can’t wait to see the dr. seuss recipe! could it be what I’m thinking…minus the ham of course:-)

    March 1, 2012
  14. Cucina49

    Wow, that’s good information–I am always on the lookout for more healthy protein sources.

    March 1, 2012
  15. Alaiyo Kiasi

    I’ve known about Spirulina for a while now and tried it once in a smoothie. I’m so intrigued by your recipe that I want to buy it again!

    March 1, 2012
  16. Kankana

    wow i never heard of that before and this is the fun part about blog hopping! I am so curious to see what you make with this.

    March 1, 2012
  17. Tiffany

    Thanks for the comments everyone! 😀

    March 4, 2012
  18. Kristina

    Great post! I’ve bought those odwalla bars that have spirulina in them.. but I always just ate them because I figured they were healthy 🙂 Love all of the info! Now I feel even better eating them! I’ll have to find the powder now too!

    March 6, 2012
  19. Martin Ted Uy

    My Mom was taking chorella supplements and i started taking them also and noticed the positive effects, then i was in a health food store and bought some spirulina and noticed that the effects were similar to chorella, and have been taking them ever since. Since i work in Alaska and the climate is rough, ive had energy to go to work and feel healthy and strong after taking the Hawaiiana Pacifica Spirulina. I really don’t get sick, and when i caught a slight flu i took some of the tablets and got better while it seems everyone else who got the bug got worse and had to go to the clinic. Spirulina is truly a food of the gods!!

    April 13, 2012