Focus on Plants: Spirulina Algae

Focus on Plants: Spirulina Algae

What is spirulina algae?

Spirulina algae is one of those new foods that are becoming increasingly popular in recent times, let's see why: Although, out of habit and simplicity, we call it "algae", in reality it belongs to the class of Cyanobacteria. The Arthrospira Platensis is a unicellular organism that obtains energy through photosynthesis, just like plants and common algae. Like all Cyanobacteria, it thrives in very particular environmental conditions: it lives in the warm and salty waters of certain tropical lakes, especially those with a high alkaline concentration. Among the few lakes in the world that meet these characteristics are Lake Texcoco in Mexico - now almost disappeared - and the saltwater pools that form on the northeast coast of Lake Chad. It is no coincidence that it was the Aztecs and the Kanembu tribe, on two different continents, who discovered and appreciated Spirulina for their diet. In Mexico, it was consumed with corn and beans, while in Africa it is known in dried and powdered form as a preparation called "Dihé", and it can still be found for sale in local markets.

Properties and benefits of spirulina algae

It is difficult to condense in a short paragraph all the properties and benefits of the active ingredients contained in spirulina algae. Let's start with the vitamins: spirulina algae contains them in quantity: niacin (vitamin PP) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Both have fundamental properties and benefits for those who lead an active and outdoor life. In fact, as confirmed by the European Commission, Vitamin C helps maintain the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise and, together with niacin, provides support for normal energy metabolism and a reduction in fatigue. Ascorbic acid and niacin are also very important active ingredients for those who lead a "desk" life, as they contribute to normal psychological function. Spirulina is also a valuable source of minerals: all the statements we will report here are confirmed by the European Commission. Just think of calcium, essential for maintaining normal bones and teeth. Or potassium, which contributes to maintaining normal blood pressure. Thanks to the potassium content, calcium contributes to normal energy metabolism. Could iron, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system, be missing? Certainly not, just as there are extraordinary properties due to the presence of important amino acids. It is proven that leucine, for example, stimulates the synthesis of muscle proteins, and has been proposed in a scientific study as an aid to the elderly to prevent age-related muscle atrophy (sarcopenia).

How to use spirulina seaweed?

On Terza Luna you can find organic spirulina for sale online, of the best quality, easy to add to many preparations. Preferably at the end of cooking to not alter its highly praised properties. Let's see some recipes: 1) Spirulina Gomasio Gomasio is a typical seasoning in Asian and macrobiotic cuisine, made of roasted sesame seeds and a small amount of salt. Spirulina gomasio is available for sale as a variant of traditional gomasio. You can therefore add small amounts of spirulina to your homemade gomasio. 2) In soups and broths A simpler use is to flavor soups and broths, even legumes, with powdered seaweed. It pairs particularly well with green vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, and broccoli. Since, as already mentioned, it is recommended (when possible) not to cook spirulina, you can dissolve a teaspoon of spirulina powder in water and add it just before turning off the heat. 3) In the preparation of plant-based milk If you want a plant-based milk that is also energizing, then all you have to do is add a teaspoon of spirulina powder to half a liter of your choice of plant-based milk. You can have the drink in the morning instead of coffee for an energy boost or after an intense workout. 4) To dress salads Spirulina is perfect for dressing salads and vegetables, it pairs well with salads of all kinds, arugula, cucumbers, zucchini, and even avocado. Wash and cut the salad or grill the vegetables, then prepare a dressing with extra virgin olive oil, lemon or lime juice, salt, and if you prefer, finely chopped fresh herbs, and finally add the spirulina powder. Dress the vegetables or salad with the obtained dressing and serve on the table.

Complete Nutritional Values Table

Average Nutritional Values per 100 g (the following nutritional values refer to the generic product. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/3306)

  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Proteins: 57.47 g
  • Fats: 7.72 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23.90 g
  • Fiber: 3.60 g
  • Total sugars: 3.10 g

Minerals

  • Calcium: 120 mg
  • Iron: 28.50 mg
  • Magnesium: 195 mg
  • Phosphorus: 118 mg
  • Potassium: 1363 mg
  • Sodium: 1048 mg
  • Zinc: 2 mg

Vitamins

  • Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C): 10.10 mg
  • Thiamine: 2.38 mg
  • Riboflavin: 3.67 mg
  • Niacin: 12.82 mg
  • Vitamin B6: 0.36 mg
  • Folate: 94 µg
  • Vitamin A (RAE): 29 µg
  • Vitamin A (IU): 570 IU
  • Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol): 5 mg
  • Vitamin K (phylloquinone): 25.50 µg
Terza Luna Posted by Terza Luna
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