So what is so amazing about these new supplements and what makes them different from a normal multivitamin? For starters, they contain every nutrient that the body requires in almost perfect ratios and in their natural form. It’s the most potent blend of nutrients known in any food or herb. In fact, if you take these superfoods daily, your multi-vitamin becomes worthless! Here is a brief summary of their nutrient contents:
- Omega-3 fatty acids:
- A good source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) (which is an omega-3 fatty acid). Omega-3 is lacking in the average diet, leading to chronic inflammation and other aliments. In addition, it helps brain function. If you would like to learn more information about omega 3's, please visit our essential fatty acids page.
- Vitamins:
- Spirulina and Chlorella are unique in being a plant source that provides B12 vitamins (prefect for vegans). They also contain all the other known B vitamins. Vitamin C and E are also abundant in these green-blue algae.
- Beta-carotene:
- Highest known source of Beta-carotene. In comparison, it’s ten times more concentrated in Spirulina than in carrots. Great support for your body’s antioxidants defense and immune system, not to mention your eyes!
- Complete Protein:
- Spirulina is 60 to 70% protein. Per gram, it contains way more protein than meat or soy and has all the essential amino acids. In fact, its protein content is higher than any other common food! Truly a source of complete muscle building protein and should be considered for anyone looking to increase their protein intake.
- RNA & DNA:
- Responsible for cellular growth and repair. Whoop-de-do, right? Just remember, your entire body is made of cells, so you best be in shape to repair them.
- Chlorophyll:
- Contains 10 times the amount of chlorophyll by volume than green veggies. Chlorophyll builds red blood cells, oxygenates and detoxs the blood, and has many other health benefits.
- Minerals (zinc, magnesium, iron):
- Very rich in iron, the most common mineral deficiency. Check out our iron page for more iron information.
Visit the favorite supplements page to see our recommended spirulina and chlorella supplements.
Benefits of spirulina and chlorella
Energy
Many people experience enhanced energy levels when taking Spirulina and Chlorella regularly. Studies have shown that spirulina alone is twice as effective in increasing energy levels as ginseng. Personally, I look forward to starting each morning with a few scoops of this superfood. Instantly, I feel more aware and ready to start my day. Between lunch and dinner I take my second serving to avoid the dreaded mid afternoon fatigue. The energy comes from its B vitamins and its other nutrients. Overall, it is a healthy alternative for energy compared to coffee or a nice hearty Red Bull.
Anti aging
The anti aging materials include beta carotene, vitamin E, and the fatty acid GLA. In addition, spirulina and chlorella contain the super antioxidant dismutase (SOD). People over 50 usually experience the best benefits from eating spirulina and chlorella daily because many of them have restricted diets, digestion problems, have nutritional deficiencies, and low energy levels. Because of the high protein levels, older people could lighten up on the amount of meat in their diets, which can reduce cholesterol and arthritis.
Brain Function
Immune function
These blue-green algae are a great way to boost your immune system due to its variety of nutritional factors. GLA has been effective for cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, skin disorders, allergies, asthma, and multiple sclerosis. GLA supports the immune system through a variety of mechanisms, but most importantly it lowers inflammation.
Polysaccharides contained in the cell wall of chlorella boost the immune system by improving the productivity of marrow cells. Also, it has been seen to exhibit strong anti-tumor activity in studies done in Japan (Adams).
Other substances that support the immune system are chlorophyll, chlorellan, nucleic acids (RNA and DNA), and or course, all the vitamins and minerals.
Weight loss/Appetite suppression
By restoring the natural nutritional balance of the body, you will have fewer cravings for food, especially for the empty calories that lead people to become over weight.
This is the case because when the endocrine system is dysfunctional due to nutritional deficiencies, it results in excess secretion of insulin, leading to strong cravings for refined foods. In addition, chlorella and spirulina stimulate digestion so the body can eliminate excess substances that cause weight gain.
Both chlorella and spirulina would be a great way to supplement any weight loss effort. It will reduce cravings and solve almost any nutrient deficiencies you have.
Detoxification
The build up of heavy metals and other toxins in the body can have disastrous results. Aluminum, mercury, and fluoride are in many of the products that we use or consume every day. Almost anyone with a typical western diet/lifestyle can benefit from detoxification to give the organs some much needed relief.
Spirulina has been shown to be an effective agent for removing mercury, cadmium, lead, and other radioactive elements. Chlorella also has proteins and peptides that bind to toxins and usher them out of the body.
The chlorophyll content also works wonders by cleansing the liver, kidneys and blood of toxins. I highly recommend taking chlorella and spirulina for anyone who puts additional strain on their liver by taking prescription drugs, or engaging in any kind of substance abuse (drinking, smoking, drugs, etc.). If your liver and kidneys are working properly, all functions or the body improves! (Adams)
Check out this video that explains the benefits of detoxing with chlorella:
I hope I convinced you that spirulina and chlorella are truly an amazing superfood. Other fruits and vegetables certainly have solid nutritional values, but nothing compares to the nutritional density of spirulina and chlorella. This food can replace your fish oil, multi-vitamin, or any other nutritional supplement you are taking. In fact, taking these superfoods are better than your multi-vitamin because you will be getting vitamins in their natural form, they are not manufactured in some factory.
Visit the favorite supplements page to see our recommended spirulina and chlorella supplements!
Sources
http://www.spirulina.com/SPBenefits.html
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/spirulina-000327.htm
http://www.antioxidants-for-health-and-longevity.com/chlorella-and-spirulina.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/033698_spirulina_superfood.html
http://www.chlorellafella.com/chlorella-articles/
http://spirulina4nutrition.com/
http://spirulina.org.uk/spirulina.htm
http://www.naturalnews.com/031635_superfood_spirulina.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/034194_spirulina_superfood.html
http://www.spirulinafactory.com/spirulina-features.asp
http://www.naturalnews.com/027740_spirulina_chlorella.html
http://www.chlorella-europe.com/weightloss.html
http://www.resorthealth.com/herbs/spirulina.html
http://www.cyanotech.com/spirulina/spirulina_techlit.html
Adams, Mike. Superfoods for Optimal Health: Chlorella and Spirulina
Hi-
ReplyDeleteI am a 53 year old woman and have been active and healthy all of my life. After a "blow-out" at work I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel (with synovial cysts on back of hands), and a few months after that with severe RA/Fibromyalgia. I am stiff and sore in hands, wrists, shoulders, neck, jaw and knees. There is deterioration of bone in my hands and my index fingers are starting to deform.
I had been on Methotrexate and had a reaction to it, and Dr. wants to put me on Humira. After investigating my options, I talked my Dr. into letting me try Minocycline along with the Methylpred (to keep swelling down). I am also taking whole food multi vits, fish oil, chlorella, Vit C and calcium. I am not sure what the doses for each should be, but I want to try anything before having to get on Humira.
Help me if you can?! Thank you.
Sincerely,
Denise Dahl