In the raw food movement, the subject of adequate protein consumption is always up for debate. What is not up for debate though is the current state of livestock raised for food consumption. The majority of livestock are inhumanely slaughtered and their bodies are often ridden with chemicals, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and genetic modification! This is a far cry from a natural life! Spirulina, a superfood rich in protein and fatty acids is quite low on the food chain and easy to consume. Here are some benefits of making spirulina a staple in your diet!
Sustainability
People of the world are realizing a desire to protect the earth, and are choosing to do it in different ways such as recycling, composting or choosing organic foods. Cutting back on meat eating is yet another significant way of lifting the burden of destructive factory farming, which is a positive step in protecting our world. You may also have heard of the benefits of “eating low on the food chain.” The food chain starts with the smallest of living organisms and moves its way up to the largest of beasts. Choosing foods higher up the food chain such as large animals, means more accumulation of toxins. A primarily raw food diet rich in vegetables which are low on the food chain helps to keep our ingestion of toxic compounds quite minimal.
Try making the change to lower food chain items. You might be worried about insufficient protein intake, but there are many sources of plants that are rich in protein.
As we look back over history we've found many paths to sustainable nutrition when meat was not readily available. One source was spirulina, the single-cell, blue-green spiral algae. It was a steady food source for millions of Aztec people and also a staple for African people who called their wild spirulina “dihe”.
Nutrient Dense
Fundamentally, spirulina is at the bottom of the entire food chain and thus provides food for all living beings on Earth. It contains a vast array of nutrients which include protein, vitamins, chlorophyll, minerals, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Spirulina is also a complete protein source and has the highest protein concentration (by weight) of any food.
In comparison, animal proteins must be well cooked to kill the presence of any harmful bacteria. Spirulina on the other hand, is a raw source of protein and is easily digested and assimilated into the body. Gram for gram, it is four times more absorbable than beef and contains just as much iron. Another bonus is that the brilliant blue-green pigments also signify high-antioxidant protection against free radical damage.
Easy To Use
Spirulina has a mild flavour but is easily masked when blended into water, smoothies, soups or salad dressings. A little also goes a long way as an average adult dose would only be two to three teaspoons daily.
Even as a substitution for animal protein once or twice a week, there are still numerous benefits to consuming spirulina. It's cheaper, more humane, sustainable, eco-friendly, and a pure raw vegan option to help support our planet and a strong and healthy body. Got spirulina?
Photo Credit: William Ismael
