Who Should Take Spirulina and How Often

Spirulina is a powerful little algae that can provide you with a wide variety of health benefits. These benefits will also be exactly the same regardless of whether you consume its fresh, powder, or tablet forms. Just remember that when choosing spirulina, you are always best to go organic. This is because non-organic spirulina may contain nitrate compounds.

Oh, and I should also warn you that despite being one the best super foods, something that will give your body all the nutrients it needs, spirulina is definitely not known for its pleasant flavor. But don’t worry, every problem has a solution and what follows are my tips for how best to benefit from this amazing little green algae.

3 Simple Steps How To Take Spirulina

Step 1 – Take a 3000 mg dose of spirulina each day, preferably in the morning with breakfast. A health care provider will need to determine the exact dosage that is right for you, but 3000 mg is the standard dosage and will provide you with all the healthy benefits.

Step 2 – Add a dose of spirulina powder to your smoothies, juices, or yogurts. This will help conceal its slightly bitter taste.

Step 3 – Take spirulina at least one hour before drinking alcohol, coffee, or soft drinks. As tough as it is, surviving even at 160 degrees Fahrenheit, these drinks can destroy its delicate nutrients and enzymes.

You Can Also Use Spirulina if You’re:

Pregnant –  Spirulina is a safe choice for cautious mothers, and its superior nutritional content make it ideal for periods of fertility and pregnancy.  Indeed, as well as being an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, spirulina is also a rich source of easily digestible protein and omega 3; an essential fatty acid which helps to build the brain and nervous system of the foetus.When taking spirulina during pregnancy, start with a low dose. A quarter of a teaspoon is fine, and then increase slowly to a maximum of two teaspoons.

Athletic – Do you enjoy the active side in life, and is in need for more stamina, better performance, more endurance and fast recovery? Then spirulina is definitely for you! Spirulina is used by most athletes as a supplement to boost their performance and enhancing their level of endurance. Spirulina also protects athletes from over training, by supporting their immune system. Spirulina increase the metabolism which helps the body to burn fat much faster. This process reduce the body’s dependence on carbs for energy, which helps to release energy during you workout, as well as keeping sustained energy levels after your workout. The build up of toxins in the muscles is the main cause of muscle fatigue during exercise, but spirulina has a high level of antioxidants, which prevents the building up of toxic-free radicals in your muscles during exercise or training. Depending on your training schedule, you can take up to 30 grams per day with water. In the case of extreme exertion, take 6 to 9 tablets per day extra, which means you can take up to 30 tablets daily. Spirulina is easy to digest, so you can take the tablets before and during the competition or trial. A few tablets after the completion of the trial will ensure faster recovery.

Creating Food With Spirulina

Creating meals with the superfood spirulina can actually be a very tasty experience! The addition of spirulina to your culinary creations, even if just a sprinkle on your salads, will add a little zest and excitement. Try it, apart from all the aforementioned health benefits, it’s also easy to use and very colourful.

Spirulina Shakes

Shakes are easy and are even less time consuming than physically cooking or preparing a meal with spirulina. Try one for breakfast or before a work out. I recommend the Banana Island Spirulina Shake!

Banana Island Spirulina Shake

Ingredients:

11/2 Frozen Bananas

3/4 Cup Watermelon, Frozen. (Pinepple can also be used)

1/2 Cup Non-Dairy Almond/Rice Milk

1/2 Tsp Spirulina

Method:

Blend until smooth

For a tropical spin, splash on some coconut milk or sprinkle with a few pinches of dried coconut.

Spirulina Juice

You probably want to begin with a teaspoon of spirulina powder, mixed with fruit juice in a blender, but to create your own organic spirulina juice will enhance the taste, freshness and be more nutritious.

Go-Green Spirulina Juice

Ingredients:

1  Fresh Chopped Cucumber

2 Medium Sized Green Apples Sliced

1 Small Lime

1 Tsp Spirulina Powder

Method:

Add the chopped cucumber and apples in the blender.

Squeeze the lime juice over the contents.

Blend until smooth and then only add the spirulina.

Blend until fully mixed.

Spirulina Salads

Spirulina don’t have to be used in juice and shakes only, but in fresh salads as well. A sprinkle of spirulina over your fresh salad will enhance your level of nutrients and leave you energized.

Green Delight Spirulina Salad

Ingredients:

2 Cups of Fresh Mixed Greens

1 Cup of Alfalfa

1/2 Cup of Fresh Basil

1/2 Cup of fresh Mint

1/2 Green Avocado Chopped

1 Cup Chopped Tomatoes

1/4 Cup of Raw Almonds

2 Teaspoons of Spirulina powder

Method:

Break the mixed greens wit your hand in a bowl.

Add the fresh alfalfa , chopped avocado, chopped tomatoes and raw almonds.

Chop the fresh mint and basil finely and add into the bowl.

Sprinkle the spirulina over the salad and mix with a tsp of olive oil.

Spirulina Dessert

By choosing superfood-based desserts, you will never have to sacrifice taste for health. Spirulina can be enjoyed in delicious desserts as well! You can now enjoy a guilt- free dessert filled with all nutrients your body need.

Sweet Spirulina and Sesame Balls

Ingredients:

1 Cup Raw Almonds

125 ml Organic Almond Paste

1/2 Cup Tahini

1/2 Cup almond Flour

1/4 Sesame Seeds

1 Tbs Spirulina Powder

Method:

Line a baking tray with baking paper.

Chop the nuts roughly.

Add all ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth and combined.

Add extra almond flour if the mixture is too wet. Roll small handfuls of the mixture into balls.

After creating the mixture balls, roll them in a coat of sesame seeds.

Place the balls on a tray and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm.

These balls will keep fresh for several weeks in the fridge.

This post is an item in this series about superfood.

To experience all the great benefits of  a variety of super food and living a more energized and uplifting healthy life, you need to read further in this series about superfood:

Top 13 Health Benefits of Superfood Spirulina

Who Should Take Spirulina and How Often

Exploring The Top 10 Benefits Of Goji Berries

Reference
[amazon_link id=”0963751131″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Spirulina Nature’s Superfood [/amazon_link] by Kelly J. Moorhead
[amazon_link id=”142005256X” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Spirulina in Human Nutrition and Health [/amazon_link] by Amha Belay
Wikipedia