As I mentioned in Part 4 of my Real Health diet series, I believe that taking green foods, particularly spirulina and chlorella, is very important to your health. Now, I’ll tell you why.
You may have heard these words, spirulina and chlorella before. What are they though? Basically they are green microalgae. They are microscopic plants which grow in fresh water. They are green due to chlorophyll.
It is sold in the form of powder. I take mine in veggie capsules. I believe the best comes from the Nutrex company in Hawaii. They sell under their own label. They also provide the spirulina that I buy from Jenny Lee Naturals, which sells a 580 capsule bottle.
First, spirulina. Spirulina is an amazing food. And it is a food, not a medicine. First, it contains protein. A lot of protein. Three times more protein by weight than beef. And this protein is more digestible than beef, so you take in more of it into your system. And spirulina contains complete protein, all eight essential amino acids.
It contains vitamin B12, and since it is a plant, of course it is a vegetarian source. B12 deficiency has been linked to low bone mineral density, forgetfulness and cognitive problems. You can ask your doctor for a test that will tell you if you are low in B12.
It contains the second highest amount of GLA. GLA is gamma linolenic acid. The most GLA available is found in human breast milk. GLA is essential to babies in that it helps the brain grow and build new connections. It also enhances the immune system. If like me, you were mostly bottle-fed, you probably never got enough GLA. Spirulina is a great source of it.
Spirulina also contains chlorophyll and beta-carotene, both antioxidants. They help support your immune system and may have anti-cancer effects. Spirulina is also an excellent source of calcium.
Think of spirulina as food, not pills or medicine. I take 30 400mg capsules a day. If you are ill, you can take up to twice that till your conditions improve. I’ve had no problems with taking spirulina and I have a fairly delicate stomach when it comes to things like this.
There is a lot to tell about chlorella, so I’ll make that into another real health post.
Any questions or comments, let me know.
Barbara