Spirulina, an algae composed of complex sugars interlaced with amino acids, simple sugars and protein called mucopolysaccharides, is easily digested. It is an important source of nucleic acids, gamma linoleic acid, vitamin A, B vitamins, vitmain E, iron, selenium and other trace minerals. According to author and raw food expert Renee Loux Underkoffler, this single-celled organism, rich in an unusual blue pigment called phycocyanin, is known to enhance mental functioning by arranging amino acids in the brain for neurotransmitter formation.
Supplement Forms
Tablets, capsules and powder can be found in health food stores. If you choose tablets, they can be swallowed, however they are not usually coated. You could also chew them. The powder is the most versatile and easy to work with. If you dislike the taste, you might need to be more creative with how you get it into your diet, finding what flavors complement spirulina's taste. You can also purchase empty gelatin capsules from major health products providers or herb suppliers and fill them yourself.
Energy Bars and Cookies
You can find bars containing spirulina in health food stores. You can also make your own. Raw food diets and vegan diets use spirulina quite often for its protein and vitamin content. Here's Brigette Mars' recipe for sesame-spirulina bars: 1/2 cup coconut oil, 1/3 cup honey, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1/4 cup spirulina powder, 3/4 cup sesame seeds (unhulled or black) and 3/4 cup pine nuts. Combine all ingredients. Press mixture into an 8-inch by 10-inch pan. Refrigerate for an hour and cut it into squares before serving. A simple cashew spirulina bar consists of 2 tbsp. of spirulina, 1 cup soaked raw cashews, 1/2 cup of dates, 2 tbsp. agave nectar, and 1 cup shredded coconut. Put all ingredients in a food processor, process until uniform. Form into cookies or bars. Wrap them individually and freeze until ready for a snack.
Other Ideas For Spirulina
You can add powdered spirulina to smoothies. It goes particularly well with bananas and mixed berries. It has its own taste however, so you can simply dissolve it in some fresh water and drink it up. Stir a little into your next batch of guacamole as it is already green. It can also lend itself well when stirred into soup or sprinkled on salads.
Aside from using spirulina as a supplement, it makes an effective food coloring alternative. Its blue-green hue works well to color coconut, frostings and puddings.
Treatments and Precautions
According to the website Womens Health Club, spirulina is used medicinally to treat anemia, diabetes, glaucoma, hair loss, liver disease, pancreas inflammation, peptic ulcers, stress, to curb the appetite and to promote weight loss. Spirulina may contain mercury depending on where it is grown. Read the labels and don't buy the cheapest form, buy the smartest.
References
- "The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia"; Rebecca Wood; 1999
- "Living Cuisine"; Renee Loux Underkoffler; 2003
- "Rawsome!"; Brigette Mars; 2004
- Womens Health Club: Spirulina Herb -- Health Benefits, Uses and Side Effects
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