Diet Diary: Astronauts’ meal — Power-food for earthlings

Recent scientific research has revealed numerous health benefits of this ‘super-food’. Spirulina has been shown to help regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, alleviate pain, inflammation and allergies, balance the immune system, improve digestion by increasing good gut flora and deliver antioxidant activity to protect from life-threatening diseases like cancer, Alzheimers and strokes.

It has also been shown to suppress appetite and help weight watchers. Its high beta-carotene content helps maintain good skin and hair.

A study conducted at the JC Bose Institute of Life Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, published in ‘Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology’ in 2005, reported that spirulina improves the activity of white blood cells, stimulates antibodies and increases the population of natural killer cells.

Spirulina’s concentrated nutrition makes it an ideal food supplement for people of all ages and lifestyles, fussy eaters and especially those who do not manage to eat adequate amount of vegetables. However, pregnant and lactating women and people allergic to seafood or seaweed must consult their physician.

Tropical weather, strong sunshine, pure water resource and pollution-free environment is all what Spirulina needs for its cultivation. However, if water is polluted or contaminated with heavy metals, it is not suitable for spirulina cultivation as these metals and toxins will get highly concentrated in spirulina and make it unsuitable for human consumption. Hence, the source and purity of spirulina is critical.

Commercially, Spirulina is available in the form of powder, tablet, capsule and health tonic. It can be added to soups, pastas, fruits, vegetables, salads, pulses and lentils. Being high on nutrition and easy on digestion, it certainly is a good addition to our daily diet.

Ishi khosla is a former senior nutritionist at Escorts. She heads the Centre of Dietary Counselling and also runs a health food store. She feels that for complete well-being, one should integrate physical, mental and spiritual health. According to her: “To be healthy should be the ultimate goal for all.”