Those who took a biology class are already well aware that protein is essential for living a healthy, vital life with a body that performs all of its functions at a high level. In fact, this nutrient is a crucial component of every single cell in the human body and this is why it is vital to be included into one’s diet.
The body uses protein to build and to repair muscles and other tissues. Protein is broken down into amino acids, which are necessary components in enzymes and hormones. Protein is also an integral part of the bones, cartilage, blood, and skin.
Common sources of protein include meat, fish, beans, nuts, and lentils, but some are unaware that spirulina is also an incredible source of high-quality protein .
Protein Keeps the Body Healthy
Without an adequate amount of protein, the human body would be unable to function properly. For an example of just how essential protein is to the body, consider the symptoms of protein deficiency: lethargy, physical weakness, difficulty recovering from injury, muscle atrophy, hair loss, brittle fingernails… and the list goes on and on.
What is a “Perfect” Protein?
It’s important to note that not all proteins are created equally. Proteins are in fact comprised of amino acids, and while the body naturally produces 12 such amino acids, yet another nine must be obtained from food. These nine amino acids are referred to as the “essential” amino acids.
Proteins that do not include all of the essential amino acids are not as beneficial as those that do. Proteins that contain all of the essentials are called “perfect” proteins.
Spirulina: A Lean, Green, Protein Machine
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that comes from the sea. It’s packed with crucial nutrients, but one of its most notable qualities is found in its protein content. By weight, Spirulina is about 60% protein, making it an excellent source of the all-important nutrient that the body needs to function properly.
Further, the protein contained in Spirulina is a perfect protein, which means it contains all of the essential amino acids. That’s rather uncommon in plant-derived proteins, because most are lacking some of the essentials.
Spirulina’s status as a plant-based source of complete protein makes it an ideal dietary supplement choice for vegetarians, but it’s also an excellent option for those who are interested in upping their protein intake without taking on excessive calories in the process.
Plant-Based Proteins Are Ecologically Sound
Meat may be a strong source of protein, but meat production has serious environmental consequences, no matter how you look at it. Spirulina, on the other hand, is a sustainable source of complete protein with only a very negligible impact on the environment.
To get the benefits of protein, as well as a long list of other nutritional benefits, try adding Pure Hawaiian Spirulina to your diet. It can be taken in tablet form or powder form in which it can easily be mixed into many different types of food recipes.
Sources:
http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/What-Complete-Protein-Inquiring-Vegetarians-Want-Kno-165298
http://www.nomeatathlete.com/5-warning-signs/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/498112-how-common-is-protein-deficiency/
http://www.webmd.com/men/features/benefits-protein
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/07/01/spirulina-the-amazing-super-food-youve-never-heard-of.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirulina_(dietary_supplement)
http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/ask-diet-doctor-spirulinas-supposed-superpowers
