OH! Magazine - Australian Version August 2018 | Page 12

( FOOD & NUTRITION )
NUTRITION Q&A
ASHLEIGH
FELTHAM
Ashleigh Feltham answers your nutrition and health questions.
Q
UESTION: What is spirulina and
should I be taking it?
ANSWER: Spirulina is a green-coloured
capsule that contains an edible form of
algae, which has been found to deliver
numerous health benefits, such as the
following:
•
•
•
•
•
Referred to as having a ‘high
biological value’, this algae contains
substantial amounts of protein,
including precious amino acids that
cannot be produced by the body.
Contains the essential fats that your
body cannot produce, such as
essential omega-6 fats known as
‘gamma linoleic acid’.
Vitamins B12 and beta-carotene.
Minerals
iron,
calcium
and
phosphorous.
Phytonutrients and other components
that help fight the damage caused by
free radicals. Free radicals are
associated with ageing, illness and
disease as they create reactions
within the body every day.
Studies have proposed additional benefits
to this alga, which may include helping
your immune system stay strong, and
assisting your body to detox from heavy
metals. It also acts as an anti-
inflammatory, helps keep the gut healthy,
and has the added benefit of anti-ageing
effects. grains, lean meats and dairy, fruit and
lots of vegetables. Whole foods can
provide your body with everything it
needs, in most circumstances.
To provide your body with the nutrients
like a spirulina capsule (and more), try
these ideas:
There have also been claims around
taking spirulina as a method for weight
loss, but most current studies do not
support this claim. As with many
nutritional claims, if it appears to be too
good to be true then it probably is; so
taking a supplement like this in hopes of
reducing your weight is not something you
should pursue. •
There is no denying that spirulina can
enhance your health. But is it worth
taking, along with the million other
supplements promoted on the market?
As supplements go, spirulina may have its
benefits if you are willing to fork out the
big bucks. If your budget is tight you will
not necessarily miss out if you come back
to dietary basics and focus on eating a
balanced diet containing plenty of whole
•
•
•
A kangaroo steak seasoned with
chilli or turmeric powder with some
lightly steamed broccoli, mashed
potato and carrots with a side of
brown rice.
A 200g tub of yogurt with 15g of
mixed Brazil nuts or pine nuts, and 1
tablespoon of raisins.
Wholegrain toast with a poached egg
and a side of avocado, spinach,
mushrooms and tomato.
Brown rice sushi, filled with tuna,
avocado and carrot, and seasoned
with wasabi.
The take-home message here is to save
your money and learn how to enjoy eating
whole foods in a way that supports your
health, not only now but for the future as
well. Supplements should never be your
first point of call, because in most
instances you can obtain all the nutrients
your body requires through a balanced
diet.
To view the full references for this article
visit feedyourfuturedietetics.com
YOU CAN CONTACT ASHLEIGH VIA:
Web: feedyourfuturedietetics.com
Facebook: FeedYourFutureDietetics
Instagram: @feedyourfuturedietetics
12
OH! MAGAZINE ( AUGUST 2018 )