Herb Of The Day: Spirulina, The Protein Powerhouse

Spirulina is a blue-green algae that grows on freshwater ponds. Respected in many cultures for centuries as an excellent source of nutrition, it found its way into the U.S. diet just a decade or two ago, and only in a limited manner. The health smoothie, Naked has spirulina in it's Green Machine smoothie. Its use was primarily restricted to those who shop in natural foods stores but now you can find it in this smoothie in all grocery and convenience stores.

Spirulina is 55 to 70 percent protein by weight. It is considered the greatest plant source of usable protein and is rich in B vitamins and gammalinolenic acid (GLA). It is second only to dried whole eggs as protein source. People often complain about the flavor but it has to be better than dried eggs!
And the Naked smoothie drink is absolutely delicious!

In health food stores you can find it in tablet and powder form. The tablets are cheaper and the taste is probably easier to consume. A recommended amount is 6 to 10 tablets or 2 tablespoons of the powder daily. If you use the powder, mix it into a blender drink or sprinkle it onto stir-fries and salads. Still I think the easiest and tastiest way is to purchase the Naked smoothie.

Here's what you will find inside the Naked smoothie drink, Green Machine:

Fruit:

• 5 3/4 apples
• 1 banana
• 1 kiwi
• 3/4 mango
• a hint of pineapple

Vegetable:

• 2600 mg spirulina
• 800 mg chlorella
• 200 mg brocolli
• 200 mg spinach
• 100 mg blue green algae
• 100 mg garlic
• 150 mg barely grass
• 150 mg wheat grass
• 100 mg ginger
• 100 mg parlsey

Wow!!