If you’re into superfoods, you’ve probably heard about spirulina. This blue green algae is a freshwater plant – in fact, it’s the very same algae that can be found on the surface of the pond. While that might not seem very appetizing, there are practically an endless number of reasons you should eat it, at least in its final form of spirulina, which is completely safe. Check out these 5 reasons you should have a spoonful of spirulina each day. 1.Fights liver disease Spirulina may be essential for those with a chronic liver disease as research has shown that it helps to protect against liver cirrhosis, liver damage and liver failure. In the study published in Journal Nutrition, the scientists concluded that spirulina is beneficial for liver health in addition to functioning as an antioxidant, eliminating free radicals, preventing liver damage and chelating harmful-metals. 2.Supports brain health Taking a spoonful of spirulina a day is believed to help protect the brain from degenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. One study compared spirulina to foods rich in antioxidants like blueberries and spinach, which are well-known to cause neuroprotective effects because of their ability to lower inflammation and eliminate free radicals. Research has also shown it doesn’t only protect the brain from degeneration, but it also helps sharpen your mind, with some findings that suggest taking it daily can even help increase productivity and focus. 3.Improves muscle strength and endurance As one of the major contributors to fatigue in muscles is exercise-induced oxidative damage, consuming plant foods that are rich in antioxidants like spirulina can prevent the problem, or at a minimum, limit the damage. Spirulina has also been found in studies to be beneficial for improving both endurance and muscle strength. 4.Lowers the risk of cancer The University of Maryland Medical Center reports: “A number of animal and test tube studies suggest that spirulina increases production of antibodies, infection-fighting proteins, and other cells that improve immunity and help ward off infection and chronic illnesses such as cancer. 5.Lowers blood sugar levels Some animal studies have suggested that consuming spirulina can lower blood sugar levels, in fact, results have even shown that it can outperform some of the most common diabetes medications, like Metformin. Other research on humans, in which 25 patients with type-2 diabetes took two grams of spirulina each day for two months, experienced significantly lowered blood sugar levels. How to use spirulina: The easiest way to utilize spirulina is to mix it into various foods. While you could simply mix a spoonful into a glass of water, many people find its pungent taste rather off-putting, but adding it to a smoothie, fruit juice, soup or other foods, even dips, can be a great way to take advantage of its many benefits without suffering through the experience.

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