Are you starting to miss the vivid green colors of spring and summer? I know I am! Oh, well! Spring is just around the corner... In the meantime, winter is the perfect time to add the power of rich, green nutrients to our diets. I'm referring especially to spirulina, which is the most beneficial type of blue-green algae. It is one of the most nutritious, concentrated foods known to mankind.
You may wonder how algae can be good for us! Its purity and hygienic safety are assured, however, because it grows in a high pH environment, on the surface of warm, alkaline waters, where no other microorganisms can survive to pollute its environment.
It is an ideal whole food supplement for people of all ages and lifestyles. Spirulina provides several nutrients that are badly lacking in most people's diets.
It contains an average of 60 per cent highly digestible protein, about three times as much as beef or eggs. This easily assimilated protein contains 18 of the 22 amino acids necessary for the human body. All nine essential amino acids are present in spirulina, in the proper proportions, making spirulina an outstanding food!
Its dark blue-green color is due to the pigments, chlorophyll (green) and phycocyanine (blue). Spirulina is one of the richest sources of chlorophyll, which significantly increases red blood cells. It facilitates the transport of wastes, giving spirulina a gentle, natural laxative effect. It also normalizes the secretion of digestive juices, favors regeneration in damaged liver cells, increases blood circulation and strengthens cardiac rhythm.
Phycocyanine, exclusively found in spirulina, promotes efficient links between the amino acids which form neurotransmitters in the brain. Spirulina is known as "brain food."
Furthermore, spirulina is the most important source of the growth factor, GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid) after mother's milk. This is important for high blood pressure, allergies, heart attacks and obesity. GLA is a powerful regeneration agent for brain cells that have been damaged by drugs or alcohol.
People with various health concerns have enjoyed an increased sense of well-being from this wonder food. It is a boon in nutrition to those with digestive, assimilation and elimination problems, because it is extremely absorbable and assists the elimination. Whenever it is difficult to obtain all our required nutrients from food, it is particularly important to supplement with concentrated whole foods that can be easily digested and used by the body.
Spirulina is the best whole food source of beta-carotene, a provitamin A, which is converted to Vitamin A by the
body. It is also rich in the anti-stress B vitamins. It contains more Vitamin E than wheat germ, in a more stable form.
Minerals it offers include phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc. It contains 3.5 times the potassium of brown rice. It is also the most easily assimilated form of iron, more easily absorbed than the iron in spinach and other plant sources.
The carbohydrates it provides maintain optimal stability of the blood sugar levels. It also provides sterols that are transformed into vitamin D under the influence of sunlight.
Spirulina, low in sodium and cholesterol, is a storehouse of antioxidants and enzymes!
It actively eliminates environmental toxins absorbed by the body, such as tobacco and other air pollution. It enables us to increase our intake of greens, even if we don't like vegetables or if we simply don't have time to cook ideally. It helps weight-watchers by providing essential nutrients that help to satisfy the appetite. It even provides athletes with longer-lasting energy and reduces recovery time.
To sum up, besides being a high-energy food, spirulina offers a multitude of nutrients in an easily assimilated form.
It has a cleansing effect, due to its chlorophyll content. It also helps to improve digestion and elimination. What more could we ask for in one single food? Add some color to your diet today... Why wait 'til spring? Do it now!
Dr. Gail Smolinski, Doctor of Natural Medicine, has her Doctor of Naturopathy degree and is Board Certified in Traditional Naturopathy and in Nutritional Wellness.
She is a Certified Low Intensity Laser Therapist, Master Herbalist, Registered Nutritional Consultant, Professional Homeopath and Holistic Iridologist.
Dr. Gail offers Low Intensity Laser Therapy, health consultations, bio-energetic therapies, detoxification footbaths and a wide variety of professional health products at her natural health clinic. You may contact her at 306-783-1261.
This column is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. It provides general information about health and nutrition. It is run bi-weekly, space permitting.
