Spirulina: An Aquatic Superfood?

You may have heard of spirulina before and wondered what this health supplement is all about.

Spirulina is rare blue-green algae that is a powerhouse of health. It is said to have all the health benefits of multiple fruits and vegetables, yet packed into an algae that is normally fed to fish!

Complete Protein: It contains all the amino acids necessary for health. This makes spirulina a great food or supplement for vegetarians and vegans, or for those who eat less meat. However, with the recommended daily dose of 1 teaspoon, you will only be getting 2 grams of protein.B12: One of the few plant sources. Spirulina does not produce B12, but, rather it is a byproduct of animal contamination. No need to worry about contamination and toxicity as long as you are getting your spirulina from a reliable source. In addition, the type of B12 found in spirulina is questionable. We are still unsure if it gets absorbed by the body or not. So, vegetarians and vegans should continue to supplement in other ways.Trace amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, iron, copper, and manganese in one teaspoon of dried spirulina.Chlorophyll: A pigment found in spirulina that gives it a green color. Can help to improve digestion, improve the circulatory system, and heal the liver. Serving size: 1 teaspoon There isn't any concrete scientific evidence about what spirulina can be used for, but here are a few possible health claims: Alleviate PMSReduce depression, anxiety, and other mood disordersIncrease energyWeight lossBetter blood glucose controlImprove skin toneDecrease inflammation and arthritisReduce cancer riskYou can buy spirulina in a pill or powder form. But, please remember to buy from a well known brand, and do not take excessive forms of this supplement as it is not well researched.

Spirulina seems to be a superfood and a highly digestible source of protein. But, it is still fairly new on the market, so I would recommend caution when consuming it by only taking the recommended daily dose.

Have you tried spirulina, and if so, have you noticed any health benefits?

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Barley: The Superfood Grain

I often forget about barley as a whole grain choice.

We often think about barley as peasant food or that mystery grain found in some soups.

But, barley has many nutritional benefits and can be easily used in everyday cooking.

Barley is similar to wheat as it is in the grass family and does contain gluten. So, those who avoid gluten or who have Celiac's Disease should avoid barley.

One cup of barley contains 13.6 grams of fiber which makes it an excellent fiber source. This is higher than most other foods. In comparison, oatmeal contains 4 grams per cup.

Barley is also an excellent source of selenium, and a good source of copper, manganese, niacin, and phosphorus. The high selenium content along with the high fiber content makes barley a powerful cancer-fighting grain. Studies have shown selenium to help prevent colon cancer as it can help to repair damaged cells.

Barley is considered a low glycemic food and therefore, is a great grain for Diabetics as well as those watching their weight. The magnesium found in barley in combination with the high fiber content helps regulate healthier insulin levels.

When shopping for barley, look for hulled barley which is a whole grain. This means that only the outer tough layer of the grain has been removed.

Here are some suggestions on how you can add barley to your healthy diet.

As the weather cools down, try adding barley as your grain to soups or stews. Try making a cold barley salad with fresh vegetables and herbs. Serve barley like rice as a side grain to your meat or fish. You can also buy barley flour for use in baking. Try cooking barley for breakfast like you would with oatmeal.

Aside from using barley for beer-making, there are plenty of other healthy ways to include barley in your diet! Again, more proof that whole foods help keep a body healthy.

Do you regularly eat barley? If so, how do you like to eat it?

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