Spirulina

moog54

I have recently seen a program that says this is the new 'power' food on the block. Done a lot of research, I found out that it is high protein, low fat/carb and can help conditions like diabetes, circulation and cancer. I have now purchased a tub of this powder and will keep you informed as to results. What I'm interested in is, has anyone else had experiance of Spirulina or other 'power foods' and had good/bad experiances?

plaffo786

I haven't but would be interested in recipes that use it

moog54

I plan to add it to my shakes to increase my protein levels. Im told that this is a single cell micro-organism, farmed in the USA. It's quite expensive but hey if it's as good as it says must be worth it. I read that it is used in third world countries to help beat malnutrition.

msf74

moog54 wrote: »

I plan to add it to my shakes to increase my protein levels. Im told that this is a single cell micro-organism, farmed in the USA. It's quite expensive but hey if it's as good as it says must be worth it. I read that it is used in third world countries to help beat malnutrition.

This is what my wife did in the past (added it to shakes.)

It is certainly has convenience benefits but is it worth the money? Probably not as you can maintain a healthy, balanced diet without is at less cost. I would recommend you watch the most recent episode of "Superfoods - The Real Story" where it was discussed.

moog54

Thats where I got the idea from, I have ordered a pot of this stuff thro Holland & Barret (UK heath food shop). The program had mostly praise for this wonder product saying that it had positive health benefits.

crystalewhite

Go easy on it, I put some in my green smoothie and it was very bitter. I ended up giving the jar away because I couldn't stand it.

whmscll

Spirulina is not new. My stepmom was all hot on it in the early 80s. She was hoping it was a miracle weight-loss food. It wasn't. And she still has heart disease.

Ready2Rock206

My son drinks a smoothie with Spirulina in it. I am not a fan of the flavor. Yuck. He likes it though and drinks it based on the health benefits more than the flavor. I need good flavor too for it to be worth it to me!

moog54

Yes I can now vouch for the bitter flavour, even with orange juice it turned it all dark green and tastes awful. Its ok once its down, but it tastes and smells dreadful. According to the instuctions Im to drink 3 teaspoons (10g) a day.

acheben

It makes for a pretty tasty green beer: Freetail Brewing Co - Spirulina Wit

wkwebby

I tried it for a few months with no improvement in my health. I was hoping for energy, but no luck. I guess it depends on what you're trying to get out of it. I couldn't get past the algae look of it after I tried it with no success so I stopped using it. The marketing for it is great though and it definitely got me to buy one tub of it.

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jgnatca

Spirulina was all the rage in the seventies, when it was touted as the solution to the world hunger problems. Production costs have not come down and it's about the most expensive protein you can find.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirulina_(dietary_supplement)

jgnatca

You know the two miracle foods I'd like to see touted more? Eggs and buckwheat. Buckwheat is not wheat by the way. Paleos may even be allowed to eat it, and it doesn't have any gluten!

Imagine all the recipes you can make using eggs!

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jgnatca

I cured my husband's cold sores by having him take a daily B-12 STRESS vitamin. He's been cold-sore free for over fifteen years.

PeachyCarol

I want to get my hands on some of that bacon-flavored seaweed I've heard about in the news. That's a sea veggie I can get into.

Spirulina's been around a long time.

snickerscharlie

Google "Spirulina hoax" for all the info you'll ever need.

galgenstrick

It's less for weight loss and more for its micronutrient profile. There's some research on the benefits. Is it worth it? I think that depends on if that's where you think the best place for your money is. I would first spend the money on high quality foods, and exercise equipment / gym membership. Then consider any supplements.

Alluminati

My co-worker drank it and it looked/smelled like the water that comes out of a dirty fish tank filter.

jeneticir

I put it in my smoothies sometimes- not too much because the flavor is not great, but it has high levels of B12.

PaulaWallaDingDong

It sounds like the kind of thing that should come in capsule form so you don't have to taste it in order to benefit from it.

PaulaWallaDingDong

jeneticir wrote: »

I put it in my smoothies sometimes- not too much because the flavor is not great, but it has high levels of B12.

jgnatca wrote: »

I cured my husband's cold sores by having him take a daily B-12 STRESS vitamin. He's been cold-sore free for over fifteen years.

asflatasapancake wrote: »

jgnatca wrote: »

Spirulina was all the rage in the seventies, when it was touted as the solution to the world hunger problems. Production costs have not come down and it's about the most expensive protein you can find.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirulina_(dietary_supplement)

I see nothing about a herpes cure. I'll have to find, I mean my friend will have to find something else. Meanwhile, I think I'll eat the usual tasty things like chicken, fish, beans, etc. to get my protein.

There may be hope for "your friend" after all!

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Laurenjenai

I took spirulina back when I was losing weight, I took it in capsule form to avoid tasting it. If you read on it there are many benefits to it, but some think you can get the same benefits by food as well, which is true also.

Liftng4Lis

Alluminati wrote: »

My co-worker drank it and it looked/smelled like the water that comes out of a dirty fish tank filter.

I just threw up in my mouth.

belimawr

jgnatca wrote: »

You know the two miracle foods I'd like to see touted more? Eggs and buckwheat.

Know what the problem with eggs are? Eggs pretty much require some effort in preparation! No quick two second prep and down the hatch. I know many people who won't do eggs for the simple fact they have to be cooked (unless you're into raw eggs).

Seriously though, I don't know what I'd do without eggs, two eggs a day, and so very tasty no matter how they're done.

The other problem is most people are scared of the yolk due to misinformation.

jeneticir wrote: »

I put it in my smoothies sometimes- not too much because the flavor is not great, but it has high levels of B12.

I hear an echo in here... it's saying "eggs". Again, the majority of B-12 is in the yolk.

professionalHobbyist

Ok

This thread cleared up my wondering if I should buy some

More $ saved by MFP

moog54

The benefit had better be worth it, this stuff tastes awful. Takes blending with strong fruit like orange or banana to make it palatable. One thing is down it quick then a couple glasses of water helps. I bought 200g of this so got to go the course.

RuNaRoUnDaFiEld

I tried it many years ago and it did nothing for me. Tastes like frog spawn!!!!

moog54

I think it's more about who you want to believe, the proffesional nutritionists, and scientists who have researched the product. Or those out there who have tried it for a short while, found the results to be disapointing and so decide to put the product down. I will try this for 6 months or so and report back with my results. I am diabetic type2, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, similar to emphaseama) severe circulatory problems, low blood oxygen and clinicly obese (plus can't spell), so my situation can only get better. The benefit had better be worth it, this stuff tastes awful.