First things first. What is spirulina? I’m glad you asked. It’s a micro salt water plant, similar to seaweed or algae. It’s very rich in chlorophyll (as most dark leafed plants are) and chlorophyll is known to have antioxidant properties, excellent nutritional benefits and can provide digestive assistance if taken regularly. Secondly, you can find spirualina in ALL of Republica Organic's Raw Superfood Mix range found at Woolworths!
But before we get into all the good stuff we have to say that spirulina should not replace a healthy diet - it’s there to support a healthy diet. Like icing on a cake. It’s a bit weird on its own but it’s perfect when it’s part of the whole cake package. Here's why we love spirulina.
It’s full of protein
Dried spirulina is made up of 59 to 65% protein while red meat sits at about 34% pure protein. This is obviously a good thing but spirulina is quite a special little plant and it would be very expensive to buy enough spirulina to satisfy your protein requirements. Best stick with your regular serves of protein and let your smaller serves of spirulina top you up in between.
It’s high in iron
Many vegetarians and vegans take spirulina as an iron booster. It’s one of the best plant sources of iron so it’s perfect for people who don’t eat meat. Even for meat eaters it’s a gentle and easily digestible iron hit in addition your standard 2 to 3 serves of ethical red meat per week.
It has more calcium than milk
It has three times the calcium of whole milk. But before you get too excited that’s a gram for gram measurement - and we’re really not expecting that anyone is going to eat an entire glass of spirulina! Just add a sneaky teaspoon of our Raw Superfoods Green mix to your morning smoothie to get those extra nutrients.
It’s full of really good stuff
Spirulina is one of the most complex superfoods around. It has thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin B6, C, A, E and K. It also has zinc, amino acids, magnesium and phosphorus. It’s also been proven to increase red blood cell count in seniors and has been reported to assist with relief of arthritis pain.
It’s a raw superfood
Organic superfoods are naturally rich in essential nutrients and phytonutrients. All of our Republica Organic Superfood Mixes are blends of grains, plants, algae, seeds, berries, fruits and vegetables. They’re totally free from pesticides, chemicals, colorants, flavourings, preservatives and authentic additives. There’s nothing better than eating from nature right?
Extra tip: Make sure you consult your doctor before taking spirulina as it might not be suitable for people with seafood allergies and some auto-immune diseases.