Tagged with 'chlorella'

Our top algae choices because they’re full of chlorophyll, packed with nutrition, and create an alkaline environment in the body.

Have you tried this green algae yet? It packs a big punch!

Take your love affair with guac to the next level with this supercharged, superfood version! Add in HealthForce Vitamineral Green, Vitamineral Earth, Chlorella Manna, or a combination to amp-up your game day snacking. If you need convincing, here are 5 reasons to love chlorella. 

Go [Insert team here]!

Superfood Guacamole

• 4 medium avocados

• 1 large tomato, diced

• ½ chopped onion

• ½ to ¾ cup chopped cilantro

• 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice - fresh

• 1-2 teaspoons Healthforce chlorella powder (Chlorella Manna)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Mash avocados in the bowl.

2. Add chopped ingredients.

3. Add lemon or lime juice.

4. Add salt and pepper.

5. Mix in 1-2 teaspoons Healthforce Superfood powder

Serve with chips and fresh veggies

As the hot summer proceeds, you might expect to see algae floating in a lake or river, but in your food? Yep! Food producers have started to use the stuff to make new foods, including cooking oil and even natural food dyes.

Some more common types of algae you may have heard of are spirulina (blue-green algae) and chlorella (microalgae). Spirulina’s a classic smoothie-booster with its biggest claim to fame being its protein content, especially as an option for vegans. It contains 8 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons, plus iron and antioxidants like beta-carotene. Aside from spirulina’s nutritional benefits, people also eat to improve cardiovascular health—in particular, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and its anti-inflammatory properties.  

Research suggests another green variety, chlorella, is a concentrated source of chlorophyll, shown to have antioxidant properties. Chlorella may also improve immune function and is high in lutein, an antioxidant prized for its role in supporting eye health. 

Another reason to love microalgae is its unique sustainability potential. Unlike most crops or livestock that take months or years to grow, this ingredient can be farmed in a matter of days without large swaths of land. However, some experts say microalgae’s eco-friendly potential hasn’t been met yet because its production, particularly at the drying stage, still requires too much electricity. 

The good thing is, you don't have to collect any pond scum yourself! There are lots of companies who collect it and turn it into tablets and powdered greens!

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Live Superfoods

The Aztecs discovered spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, thousands of years ago and soon made it a staple in their diet. Now days, spirulina is considered a “superfood.” The bright green color of spirulina indicates it is full of antioxidants and also contains many elements necessary for a healthy functioning immune system and nervous system. Give it a try!

11 Health Benefits of Spirulina

1.  Spirulina is rich in protein. In fact, amino acids make up 62% of spirulina and provide 4 grams per 1 Tablespoon.

2.  Spirulina is high in B-vitamins: vitamins B-1 (thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3 (nicotinamide), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folic acid).

3.  Spirulina is high in other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium.

4.  Spirulina contains gamma linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid. It has amazing anti-inflammatory properties especially when taken with other quality Omega-3 supplements.

5.  Spirulina can be used for increased exercise performance. In one study, taking spirulina for 4 weeks was associated with a significant increase in exercise performance and fat oxidation.

6.  Spirulina has potent antioxidant activity, particularly phycocyanin and beta carotene—antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage.

7.  Spirulina was clinically effective on managing allergic rhinitis through its anti-inflammatory and/or antioxidant properties.

8.  Dried spirulina contains 8 mg calcium per 1 Tablespoon serving, which is more than raw spirulina.    

9.  Spirulina contains chlorophyll which is used for “detoxification” by helping remove toxins such as heavy metals and other pollutants from the blood.

10. Spirulina is often alternated with chlorella for detoxifying the body. 

11. The very high concentration of bioavailable iron makes it excellent during pregnancy and for those with anemia.

How to Eat Spirulina

When choosing Spirulina, make sure to choose a product that is organic, as others can have nitrate compounds as additives.

Some common ways to take Spirulina include: 

• Add spirulina to a smoothie or fresh juice
• Add spirulina to a small amount (1/4-1/2 cup) of organic apple cider
• Mix spirulina with organic applesauce
• Simply mix spirulina into water and drink it straight, though many people have trouble with this. Some would go as far as saying it tastes horrible! You can decide for yourself. If you ask me, the nutrition punch spirulina provides makes it worth it!

How Much Spirulina

Recommendatins vary, but start with a small amount of Spirulina, maybe ½ tsp. at a time and slowly increase your intake until you are eating 2 teaspoons per day. Take more—2 or more tablespoons—during illness, after radiation exposure, or during pregnancy. 

Precaution

If you have an autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid  arthritis, or lupus, you should avoid spirulina. Theoretically, it could  stimulate your immune system and make your condition worse.

What are your favorite ways to incorporate Spirulina into your life?

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods

References:

1.  Kalafati M, et al. Ergogenic and Antioxidant Effects of Spirulina Supplementation in Humans.  Med & Sci in Sports & Ex. 2009 DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181ac7a45

2.  Spirulina.  University of Maryland Medical Center.

3.  USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference; Seaweed, spirulina, dried