Spirulina

Spirulina is the ultimate natural nutritional supplement. It contains the most complete source of nutrients found in any single food. Spirulina typically contains over 65% protein, more than any other food including meat and fish. Proteins are necessary for maintaining tissues, sustaining growth and making hormones in the body. Spirulina contains the eight essential and 10 other amino acids and a greater concentration of vitamins and nutrients than any other natural food. Just 3 to 10 grams of Spirulina a day gives impressive amounts of beta carotene, B complex vitamins, Vitamin E, essential trace minerals and gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Spirulina is also a major source of iron and calcium...and not only!... Spirulina can also be used as the ultimate DIY, 'MIRACLE', BEAUTY PRODUCT... read more below...

Detox

Our bodies are constantly subjected to an onslaught of toxic chemicals from the air, water, food and drugs and need to continually eliminate these toxins. It has long been known that spirulina accelerates detoxification especially during fasting as spirulina has a unique combination of phytonutrients that can help cleanse our bodies.

Immune Booster
Spirulina is a powerful tonic for the immune system. Research and experience indicate that spirulina is an immune regulating food. Small amounts can help balance and stabilise the immune system, freeing up more of our metabolic energy for vitality, healing and assimilation of nutrients.

Diabetes
Spirulina is an ideal nutritional food for diabetes patients because of its high content of protein and vitamins and low content of carbohydrate. Furthermore, GLA, zinc and magnesium in spirulina can promote the synthesization of natural insulin.

Athletes
Spirulina is a superfood suited to a high intensity workout. Taken before exercise it delivers energy and improves stamina. Spirulina also helps to create and repair muscle and retain iron in the body. It is beneficial to hillwalkers, mountain climbers and marathon runners as it improves endurance and reduces cramp.

Anaemia
Iron is the most common mineral deficiency worldwide. Iron anaemia is prevalent in women, children, older people and especially women on weight-loss diets. Iron is essential for healthy red blood cells and a strong immune system, but typical iron supplements are not well absorbed by the human body.

Dysmenorrhea
GLA in spirulina can improve premenstrual symptom complex, such as headache, anxiety, oppression, etc.

Anti-Aging
Many people are aware of the value of food supplements for an aging population. It is well known that the antioxidants Vitamins C, E and beta carotene attack free radicals that roam throughout the body wreaking havoc on cells and organs increasing the aging effect and the risk of cancer. Anti-aging foods such as spirulina are ideal for older people who do not eat much, eat inappropriately or cannot absorb enough nutrients.

Wound healing
People use spirulina in face and body creams and body wraps. The Kanembu people in Chad use freshly harvested algae as a skin poultice for treating certain diseases. In France it has been found that pharmaceutical compounds containing spirulina accelerated wound healing. In Japan it has been shown that cosmetic products containing spirulina promoted skin metabolism and reduced scars.

Try our following beauty recipes at home:

• Anti Aging Spirulina Facemask

1 ripe avocado
2 teaspoon Spirulina powder

3 drop Geranium Essential oil

3 drop Frankincense Essential oil

Mash the avocado and mix in the Spirel Spirulina powder. Apply to the face. Leave for 15-20 mins then rinse off with cool water.

• Mini Lift  Facial mask (and skin whiting)

2 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon spirulina

2 teaspoons Fuller's Earth Clay
1 teaspoon Argan oil

3 drops Lemon essential oil
(Due to the use of citrus essential oil, please make sure that mask is applied at least 8 hours before going into direct sunlight)

Mix Fuller's Earth and Spirulina powder together. Mix the lemon eo and the Argan oil together and mix with your dry ingredients. Add water and mix until you have a smooth paste (add more or less water depending on your preferred consistency). Apply to the face. Leave for 15-20 mins then rinse off with cool water.

• Super Spirulina Body Scrub

1 teaspoon spirulina
1 teaspoon kaolin clay
3 tablespoons Epson salt (table salt can be an alternative aswell)
3 tablespoons Olive oil
5 drops of fennel essential oil

Mix all ingredients together well in a container. Apply on dry skin in circular motion. This scrub is excellent for it Detoxifying effects and as an anti-cellulite scrub.
(DO NOT use salts as facial scrubs as they are too harsh for the face. Alliteratively substitute salt with oatmeal to create a soothing yet cleansing facial scrub)

All items can be purchased from SoapCafe`, 46, St.Mary Street, Sliema. Malta