"What is spirulina?" one patient asked me recently. To be honest, I was a little surprised by this question. Why? Because I thought that everyone already knew about this product, so "famous" and so often recommended by nutritionists.
In short, spirulina is a blue-green alga. This would be the answer to my patient's question, but I don't think it's too informative for him or my readers.
I better explain why spirulina is considered a superfood, in this regard I have prepared several arguments:
- Spirulina has phenomenal nutritional value: in terms of nutrient content, 1 g of algae is equal to 1 kg of vegetables. Spirulina is 60% protein, which is twice as much as meat.
- Spirulina has a unique biochemical composition, which has no analogues in nature. And here's why. It also contains about 200 different vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and 18 of the 2 existing amino acids. Among them, the unique blue pigment phycocyanin, which is the only established substance that can stop the growth of cancer cells.
- In addition to the wonderful composition, spirulina also has a lot of benefits for the body. Here are just a few of them:
- strengthens the immune system;
- reduces tumor growth;
- promotes the growth of healthy microflora in the intestines;
- counteracts inflammation; controls cholesterol and triglyceride levels;
- prevents the oxidation of bad cholesterol;
- normalizes blood pressure;
- actively fights allergic rhinitis and its symptoms;
- helps in the treatment of anemia;
- helps to increase endurance and strength indicators of the body;
- restores blood sugar levels to normal levels etc.
In this article, I will limit myself to these arguments, not that there are no others, but I think that they are already enough to make you realize the value of this product.
But how to take spirulina? Basically, however you want. In dry form, spirulina powder can be added anywhere, but is best in freshly squeezed vegetable or fruit juice.
This is where my favorite part of the article begins – the recipes. Although spirulina doesn't smell great, it can be part of some pretty tasty snacks if done right.
Cucumber and avocado appetizer
Ingredients: cucumber – 1-2 pcs, avocado -1 pc, tomato – 1/2 pc, lime juice – 1 tsp, spirulina – 1/2 tsp, salt – a pinch, cherry tomatoes for decoration.
Cut the cucumber into slices three centimeters thick and remove the core from them. Mash the avocado with a fork and transfer to a bowl along with the cucumber core, spirulina, diced tomato, lime juice and salt. Mix well until smooth. Place one tablespoon of this mixture in each cucumber and garnish with half a cherry tomato on top.
This is a very simple and refreshing snack. It is easy to imagine it both on the festive table and as lunch snacks during a diet.
Guacamole
Ingredients: avocado – 1 pc, lemon or lime juice – to taste, garlic – 1 clove, spirulina – 1 tsp, onion – 1/2 pc or nuts (pecans or cashews) to taste, salt and pepper to taste.
Peel the avocado, cut into slices and season with lemon and lime juice, add chopped garlic clove, spirulina powder, half an onion or chopped nuts to taste – pecans, cashews. Season with salt and pepper, mix thoroughly. Serve as a dip or as an appetizer.
Zucchini hummus with spirulina
Ingredients: tahini – 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed lemon juice – 1/8 cup, medium zucchini – 1 pc, spirulina powder – 1 tbsp, cloves of garlic -1-2, sea salt -1/2 tsp, ground pepper – 1/4 tsp.
Blend lemon juice and tahini in a blender or food processor until creamy. Add chopped zucchini, olive oil, salt and pepper, spirulina and minced garlic and stir until smooth. Serve in a small bowl.
Delicious, healthy and fresh snack – delicious fresh hummus! It's super easy and quick to make, and it's a great way to supplement your diet with spirulina-enriched fiber.
Green soup puree with spirulina
Ingredients: 1 zucchini, 1 onion, a package of greens (arugula, spinach, etc.), potatoes – 3-4 pcs. (optional);
coconut cream (to taste), 1 tbsp spirulina powder, salt and spices to taste.
Chop the zucchini, onion and potatoes. Boil until done. Add herbs, cream, spices and salt. Puree in a blender. Add spirulina powder and continue to puree until smooth.
An original soup with which you can surprise your colleagues at the dinner table it’s ready!
My advice! Spirulina can also be used as a seasoning: simply add a teaspoon of the powder to a fresh vegetable salad dressing. Both tasty and healthy!