Sakara Glossary is your go-to place to learn the foundation of optimal health and wellness — we give you the 411 on the minerals, vitamins, and concepts that are integral to a healthier, more conscious, juicier life.
Blue Spirulina
Origin: The deep blue sea
Arthrospira platensis
The blue pigment of this algae is just as it’s name states — pure magic. Have you ever seen such a vibrant blue color in your food, without false dyes and the chemical colors of a childhood birthday cake? Blue Spirulina — found in the re-vamped, Vanilla Cashew dream Detox bar— is a certified organic extract of the wildly used spirulina. The blue hue here comes from a combination of more than 30% of the powerful antioxidant phycocyanin (aka, PC) as well as non-PC compounds, all of which you cannot fully experience in spirulina powder alone (or anywhere else alone, for that matter).
Blue green algae, such as Blue spirulina, is not only mother earth’s very first protein source, but is the most ancient food on the planet! And yes, algae, even in this powdered form, is considered by scientists (like, NASA scientists) to be a complete, whole food, as well as the most nutrient dense food (ounce for ounce) that we are provided. Algae was the first organism on earth to make use of the sun’s energy to photosynthesize food for itself, and therefore for us.
And back to that NASA thing: they’ve been feeding Blue spirulina to astronauts for over 50 years, as just one gram of this algae has the nutritional equivalent of 1,000 grams of fruits and veggies. Further, The World Bank and The United Nations have declared algae to be THE solution to the world’s food shortage. Pretty powerful claim, huh? And they’re not kidding around — blue green algae brags a potent concentration of 62% protein; 12 vitamins (biotin, folic acid, vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B12, D, E, and K); the antioxidant phycocyanin; EFA’s 3 and 6; 9 amino acids (alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, cystine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosin); plus an abundance of 64 trace minerals (much too many to name here). And consequently, algae is considered to be beyond-a-superfood in the way that it nourishes and immediately replenishes every organ and function of our bodily systems. The body can digest Blue spirulina as an infant, and as an adult, though it’s worth mentioning that if you are pregnant, definitely consult your doc before pounding in the blue.
So what can all of the above actually do for you?
~ Super anti-inflammatory
~ Boost and regulate the immune system without stimulating it
~ Deliver steady energy
~ Cellular, radiation, and free-radical protection
~ Support healthy joints + improve exercise recovery time
~ Aid in depression and anxiety
~ Assist in weight loss
~ Kill off, as well as prevent cancer and various viral infections
Another unique quality of Blue spirulina is that more than any other food, it has been proven to increase immune cell migration, which is the process of getting healthy cells to where they need to be and killing off all cancerous, or just generally toxic ones. This is a powerful process that many anti-inflammatories such as NSAID’s and COX-2 cannot complete, as they trigger far too intense of an immune response and end up damaging more cells and tissues than before.
Blue green algae is similar to chlorella, in that it is able to absorb toxins (such as mercury and fluoride) and assist in swiftly removing them from your body. So when consuming a hefty dose of Blue Majik (specifically for detoxification purposes), definitely be sure that you’re drinking more clean water as well, to flush fluids and support the body’s delicate elimination system.
One more thing to add: if you’re feeling sad, let Blue spirulina be your therapist. Due to the potent concentration of healthy omega 3’s and omega 6’s, Blue spirulina regulates mental clarity and balances hormones, and therefore moods. Blue spirulina also contains a pretty little molecule called phenylethylamine (aka, PEA), which is naturally produced by the brain to be responsible for pleasure and an encompassing awareness.
Blue Spirulina was the food of the past, and today, it is the food of the future. Start toting this cleansing, body-nourishing ingredient —by bar!— on the run, before jetting off on a plane, as a hangover staple beside a large glass of water, and as a daily reminder that gentle cleansing is decidedly delicious.
