For the past few years, I’ve heard a ton of “S” words thrown around town. In particular, “superfood” and “spirulina” were at the top of my unknown, but interested list. If we were on a dating app, I’d swipe right for the content, but maybe not for the aroma (have you smelled spirulina!?). Let’s get to the bottom of these “S” words and put them into action.
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A Little About Superfoods and Spirulina
What are superfoods?
“Superfood” is a non-medical, marketing term that has been used over the last few years to promote any food with health-promoting properties and benefits. When you think about it, you could make an argument for most foods to fit under this category, which is why medical professionals steer clear of using this term. If you see this word advertised on a product, make sure you check the ingredients and use your common sense. If you can’t pronounce it, it probably shouldn’t go into your body.
What is spirulina?
I took the spirulina plunge and here’s what I found:
– Spirulina is a natural “algae” powder and a good source of protein, antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients. It is considered one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet when harvested correctly in non-contaminated bodies of water. Spirulina is often recommended for vegetarians, due to its’ high concentration of protein and iron.
– It has been linked to weight loss, the balance of blood sugar and cholesterol, the removal of toxins from the body (thanks to its high chlorophyll content), has muscle and endurance benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.
– It is available in powder and tablet form, but both are very expensive options.
-Consumption of the powder is recommended with water or juice, but its’ “pond water” like taste and smell made me turn the other way. Adding the recommended serving size of a teaspoon to my morning smoothie is great, given the taste and smell are absorbed by the other ingredients.
– The big question: did I notice a difference while consuming? I used spirulina in my smoothies every day for 2 weeks and I did notice a difference in my energy levels. As I lean more heavily into a vegetarian diet, I’ll continue to use in my well-blended concoctions!
Regardless of whether or not you’ve jumped on the “superfood” train, it’s always smart to consult your doctor before trying something new on the market, especially if you take any medications for your health. Make sure to read ingredient labels and adhere to the recommended serving amount. Too much of anything is bad for your health!
