“You Eat Algae?”

Over the past year I’ve been steadily increasing my intake of algae. Yeah that’s right…algae. Superfood algae such as chlorella and spirulina are gaining popularity in health circles thanks to their amazing nutritional qualities and age-fighting benefits.

I first learned about algae Superfoods from nutrition expert David Wolfe, who I often talk about on this blog. Celebrity nutritionist and beauty expert Kimberly Snyder also recommends these powerful superfoods to her clients and fans (see her book The Beauty Detox Solution). Recently I started hearing more about algae, as many health-conscious people are taking spirulina and chlorella supplements, including serious athletes who take these high protein algae foods after workouts instead of filling up on meat and whey protein. Very interesting!

It may seem impossible to incorporate algae into your diet or even gross to taste these amazing superfoods, but I promise it’s much easier than you think. When you incorporate them into other flavor-packed foods that you already eat, you won’t even notice they are there—you’ll just reap all the benefits. Plus, there are easy-to-swallow supplements as a great option.

Check out some nutritional benefits of my favorite green superfoods below, and then read on for easy ways to incorporate them into your diet for 2012 and beyond.

Chlorella – This algae grown in water is the richest source of chlorophyll per gram of any plant discovered so far. Chlorophyll is great for cleansing your blood and your digestive system and is a terrific natural detoxer for your body. Experts say that chlorella supports healthy liver function, boosts your immune system, promotes healing and rebuilding of your inner tissues, reduces bad breath and body odor, fights free-radical damage, and contains about 60% digestible protein. As a superfood, chlorella is also extremely potent in major vitamins and minerals such as beta-carotene, lysine, vitamin C, vitamin E, B vitamins, iron, calcium, folic acid, and more. (Ref: David Wolfe, Superfoods, p. 231-236)

Spirulina – This ancient algae has been consumed by people in Mexico City and also Lake Chad in Africa for thousands of years. In recent years people all over the world have been eating it and taking supplements. Spirulina has about 65-71% protein content which is the highest known protein source found in any food. It is also a potent source of vitamins, K, B1, B2, B6, E, and A, phytonutrients, chlorophyll, enzymes, and the healthy essential fatty acid called GLA (gamma-linoleic acid). Spirulina is known to improve blood quality, protect from ultraviolet radiation, reduce the risk of cancer, and improve the look and feel of hair and skin due to its potency in the essential fatty acid GLA. (Ref: David Wolfe, Superfoods, p. 107-118)

Easy ways to incorporate algae superfoods into your daily diet:

• Add spirulina or chlorella granules to your favorite smoothies, juices, and shakes. Many juice bars keep these superfoods in stock and can easily add a spoonful if you request it.


• Mix granules into your salad dressing, salsa, or guacamole.


• Take daily supplements in powder or pill form. A few brands I like are: Sun Chlorella and Health Force Nutritionals. The Natural News Store is a great place to shop for high-quality nutritional supplements.


• Look out for these supplements hidden inside raw chocolate. My favorite Gnosis Chocolate bars all contain blue-green algae.

Of course, check with your doctor before taking any supplements to be sure they are safe for you, especially if you are on other medications.

Want to learn more about these superfoods? Check out Mike Adams’ free ebook “Superfoods for Optimum Health – Chlorella and Spirulina“.