In the world of superfoods, one often-underestimated gem shines brightly for its outstanding nutritional prowess – spirulina. This ancient blue-green algae has graced human diets for centuries, offering a plethora of health benefits. In this article, we’ll uncover the benefits of spirulina and why it deserves a prime spot in your daily nutrition routine. 

Understanding spirulina

Spirulina has been consumed for centuries due to its remarkable health benefits, dating as far back to ancient civilisations such as the Aztecs. Today, it's grown worldwide, including in the Lifestream range, and available in a wide variety of formats. Lifestream Spirulina is meticulously nurtured in mineral-rich ponds, away from pollution, ensuring pristine quality and purity.

Nutritional composition

Spirulina stands out for its rich nutrient profile, rivalling and surpassing many conventional sources.

High protein content – Lifestream Spirulina Bioactive contains: 

·         2 x more protein than rump steak*

·         3 x more protein than cod fish* 

Essential vitamins and minerals – from its vitamin B complex to iron, calcium, and magnesium, spirulina packs a potent punch. Lifestream Spirulina Bioactive contains:

·         50 x more iron than spinach* 

·         9 x more calcium than milk* 

·         5 x more magnesium than fresh kale* 

·         1.5x more dietary fibre than broccoli* 

Powerful antioxidants – spirulina is rich in protective antioxidants and phytochemicals including beta-carotene, chlorophyll, carotenoids, zeaxanthin, lutein, and phycocyanin. Phycocyanin is a potent antioxidant found only in spirulina, and helps to support energy, immune function, and muscle recovery after exercise.  Antioxidants help to neutralise free radicals, helping to protect cells from damage and supports overall health and wellbeing. 

Essential fatty acids – spirulina is packed with omegas 3 and 6, crucial for brain function, joint health, skin, heart, and healthy circulation.  

Health benefits

The benefits of spirulina extend far and wide. This nutritional powerhouse can help with:

·         Supporting energy and vitality: Spirulina's unique blend of nutrients, and high plant-based protein and iron content helps to support your energy levels and stamina, making it a favourite among athletes, and busy people who are seeking sustained energy.

·         Supporting your immune system: Spirulina’s antioxidant properties and dense vitamin content helps to fortify your immune defences, particularly crucial over the winter months.

·         Detoxification: Spirulina supports healthy detoxification and elimination of unwanted toxins, supporting overall health and helping to reduce the burden on your body’s system.

·         Supporting cardiovascular health: As spirulina is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and phycocyanin, this nutritional powerhouse also supports cardiovascular health. 

Who is it suitable for?

All this nutrient goodness makes spirulina a potent addition to your day, and is ideal if you:

·         Are entering your 40s or 50s and experiencing a decrease in energy

·         Lead a busy and stressful lifestyle

·         Are recovering from illness 

·         Want to prepare your immune system for winter 

·         Want a plant-based source of protein and iron

·         Are an active exerciser wanting help with stamina and recovery 

·         Are an active senior

·         Follow a restrictive eating plan or Keto diet

·         Struggle to eat your quota of vegetables and fruit each day.

How to incorporate spirulina into your diet

Incorporating spirulina into your daily routine is easier than you might think. Lifestream Spirulina is available as a powder, tablet and capsule format. Tablets and capsules can simply be taken with water, and powders can easily be added to smoothies, water or juice, or even homemade pesto!

Sustainability and quality considerations

When choosing spirulina products, it's essential to choose spirulina from a reputable supplier that enables wellness for both you and the planet. Opt for reputable, sustainably-cultivated sources like Lifestream Spirulina, to ensure purity and quality. Lifestream Spirulina is also non-GMO and bottled in plant-based (sugarcane) packaging, that’s kerbside recyclable. 

Lifestream Spirulina is a nutritional powerhouse and versatile superfood, offering a myriad of health benefits – from helping you with your energy levels to supporting your immune defences and cardiovascular health, it really is nature’s wonder multi-vit! 

*when compared to Lifestream Spirulina Bioactive per 100gm.