If you’ve spent any time reading my blog post for the past 5 years, you know that I believe very strongly that nutrition plays a very important role in caring for your beautiful black skin.
So today I thought we’d take a look at Spirulina. It’s being marketed as the next great superfood. Since it’s been on the planet for thousands of years, why now? Could it be that in man’s arrogance, he actually thinks he’s discovered something new, again. With that being said …
Let’s talk about Spirulina … What is it?
Imagine … you come across a plant that’s been said to nourish your body, provide you with most of the protein you need to live, it can prevent sniffling and sneezing from allergies, reinforce your immune system, help control your blood pressure and cholesterol And help protect you from cancer. Yes, this is what they’re saying about spirulina.
Spirulina is not the average plant found in your garden. It’s often referred to as the miracle plant. It’s actually blue green algae that’s found in bodies of warm fresh water.
One of the oldest life forms on earth, Spirulina cells contain no nucleus and their walls are soft. Why is this important? Because it allows for very easy and complete digestion of the nutrients in Spirulina. Did you know that Spirulina was considered a food staple for certain people for centuries. It’s said that the Mayans and Aztecs consumed Spirulina and actually used it as a form of trade goods.
Here are some of the nutrients found in Spirulina:
Beta Carotene – this is necessary for cellular and bone growth, good vision and a healthy immune system.
Iron – we all know that iron is important. It is essential in the formation of red blood cells as they transport oxygen throughout your body. Iron helps with memory and supports your immune system.
Vitamin B-12 – this is an essential vitamin that’s required for the formation of red blood cells, neurological function and DNA synthesis. Vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells.
Vitamin K1 & K2 – these vitamins are essential nutrients for bone and blood health with additional clinically validated benefits for your live and cardiovascular system.
Daily Use of Spirulina enables you to have energy and endurance, the ability to cleanse your body from a cellular level, stimulates your immune system, aid in digestion and when added to facial mask, it will bring a healthy glow to your skin.
Here are a few recipes for you to try:
Ginger Pear Smoothie
2 cups of diced ripe pear
1/3 cup dried white mulberries
2 teaspoons freshly minced peeled ginger
2 cups of chopped fresh spinach ( some of you have told me you like frozen spinach when you’re in a pinch for time)
1 3/4 cups of unsweetened almond milk
1/2 teaspoon spirulina powder
sweeten to taste with honey or maple syrup
Goddess Kale Salad
1 bunch of curly green kale
Super Goddess Dressing
2/3 cup of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2 tablespoons hemp seeds.
Be sure to wash all ingredients, make sure they are dry before add
Goddess Dressing
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons tahini
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons hemp seeds
11/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons ume plum vinegar
1 teaspoon spirulina powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon kelp powder
Blend all ingredients together and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Just the beginning ….
Spirulina is one of those foods that you’ll have to experience for yourself. No food or drug is the golden ticket, but it helps when bring the right combination of healthy ingredients to the table.
That’s it for this week. As always,
Dedicated To Your Beauty
Juliette Samuel
Esthetician/Author/Publisher/Aromatherapist