As a busy mother of two little boys I find that my energy can become zapped very quickly. For the past few years I’ve been taking whole food vitamins, and B-vitamins while also incorporating more exercise and healthy eating habits into my life, but it still wasn’t enough. Losing excess pounds and eating right certainly helps, but most of the time I felt as though I just needed more to keep up with the demands of motherhood. I added extra iron to my regime, which seemed to help at first, but I was still tired by mid afternoon.
Then my sister in-law told me about Spirulina. Thank you Jenn! She is losing weight and her energy has gone through the roof. She is also a busy Mom, trying to get as much accomplished in one day as humanly possible. After only a few days on Spirulina my energy level was consistently high throughout the day. I take 3 pills twice per day. I am still not the energizer bunny, but I feel so much better. Since adding this super food to my diet I also notice an improvement in my memory and concentration.
By now you might be asking yourself, what is Spirulina exactly? Well, this super food is a nutrient dense blue-green sea algae. The reason why Spirulina helps increase energy levels so dramatically is because it is the perfect protein. The body has the ability to utilize this protein much easier than animal or even other forms of plant proteins. It provides people with an instant energy bullet that lasts. This green sea vegetable is loaded with high doses of all the right vitamins to improve health at the cellular level.
One scoop of Spirulina powder contains high does of all of the following vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids:
Protein (44grams)
Amino Acids-Isolucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylanine, Threonine, Tryptophane, and Valine. (Amino acids are needed for optimal brain function, energy, metabolism, nerve health, and so much more.) Spirulina also contains a very long list of other trace levels of amino acids.
Minerals:
Calcium-(1,315 mg): Essential for healthy teeth, bones and muscles.
Potassium-(15,400 mg): This mineral helps to regulate the electrolyte balance within the body as well as preventing high blood pressure and muscular collapse.
Zinc-(39 mg): Zinc is an immune booster and good for the skin.
Magnesium-(1,915 mg): This mineral is needed for healthy muscles and proper calcium absorption.
Selenium-(0.40 ppm): Reduces toxic effect of carcinogens within the body as well as improving cardiac health.
Iron – Encourages the formation of hemoglobin, promotes healthy blood.
Phosphorus- (8,942 mg) - Increases bone density and improves the absorption of other vitamins and minerals.
Vitamins
Vitamin B6-(3 mg): Assists the body in breaking down protein. Improves edema, regulates hormones and promotes energy.
Biotin (0.4 mg) another energy producing vitamin that also helps to improve metabolism and the absorption of other nutrients.
Vitamin B12-(2 mg)-Essential for healthy blood, energy, and mental stability.
Pantothenic Acid-(11 mg): Helpful for acne, high stress levels, skin pigmentation and premature graying of the hair.
Inositol (350mg) - Helps to maintain a healthy liver, normalize cholesterol, and destroy carcinogens.
Folic Acid(0.5 mg)-Prevents birth defects, increases energy, and prevents anemia.
Niacin - (118mg)-Good for mental health, cholesterol, and energy levels.
Riboflavin- (40mg)- Helps to prevent cataracts and eczema.
Thiamine-(55mg) –Helps maintain healthy glucose levels, prevents cardiac damage, and improves overall cell health.
Vitamin E (190 mg) - Promotes oxygenation of cells, slows aging, and improves heart health.
The list goes on… This super food also contains chlorophyll which helps to clean the molecules within the blood, and detoxify the organs, among other things. You will also find several carotenoids within Spirulina. Carotenoids are converted into other vitamins by the body. For instance beta carotene is made into vitamin A. When it is found in this form it is less likely to be toxic because the body will only convert what is needed. This is why many nutritionists and naturopathic doctors recommend supplementing with beta carotene rather than pure vitamin A-retinol.
Carotenoids:
Beta-Carotene (1,700 mg)
Alpah-Caroten-Trace amounts
Xanthophylis (1,000 mg)
Cryptoxanthi (556 mg)
Echinenone (439 mg)
Zeaxanthin (316 mg)
Lutein (289 mg)
Spirulina also contains small amounts of fats, sodium, starches, other enzymatic pigments, and much more.
Feel free to comment and let me know what you think of Spirulina.
Sarahberra :)
Sources:
UC Spirulina Study
Nutrition Analysis
Nutrition Facts
