Why NASA Supports Spirulina As Space Food?
Give it a thought that there is a centuries-old Super-food that has recently been acknowledged as an excellent choice of being considered as space food! Spirulina essentially supports overall good health, and is an amazingly safe supplement to be consumed by people of almost all age groups and walks of life.
Why Spirulina Is “Super” Food?
To understand why Spirulina is considered as ‘Super-food’, you need to recognize the amazing merits of this Natural Health ingredient.
- Spirulina is fundamentally a blue – green algae that grows naturally in fresh water lakes and ponds almost all over the world.
- It also is a health supplement that is loaded with powerful nutrients which make it a natural food par excellence.
- These are such as most of the necessary vitamins, minerals, iron, magnesium, beta-carotene, gamma-linolenic acid as well as all the essential eight amino acids.
- Not only this, This ‘Health food’ is also rich in potassium, phosphorous and calcium among the best of minerals
- And it contains significantly large amounts of protein when compared to various other sources.
- Besides, this spiral-shaped, multi-celled plant is also encumbered with Phytochemicals such as chlorophyll and Phycocyanin
- This is how it also goes a long way in removing toxins from our body and strengthening our immune system.
- Moreover, it is this immensely high nutrient profile and almost close to zero calorie count which makes Spirulina a super food.
But What is Space Food?
Nowadays space foods are similar to those eaten every day on earth. These include frozen vegetables and desserts, refrigerated food, fruit, herbs and dairy products. Nutritionists ensure the food that is being consumed provides them with a balanced supply of vitamins and minerals.
Is It Same For Those In Space?
Although the calorie requisite might differ for astronauts from person to person, yet the Space food however needs to be dehydrated or prepared in special ways. Since a space mission could last for months together, foods in space must be designed and packaged to prevent spoilage. Therefore, generally the vacuum packed, freeze-dried foods have been used where water is removed from the food during packaging.
Why NASA Consents Spirulina?
National Aeronautical and Space Agency (NASA), had conducted relevant studies on Spirulina, a vegetable nutrient, as a potential food for space travel.
- The goal was to provide astronauts with foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
- Spirulina is a rich source of beta-carotene, which helps to improve eye sight and has very high natural protein content.
- Not only this, the particular protein present in Spirulina has 18 of the 22 amino acids that the body needs and this nourishment digests easily.
- Consequently, this ensures proper utilization as well as assimilation of food.
- Also, Spirulina’s rich content of natural iron and folic acid helps not only to largely enhance the hemoglobin levels in the blood, but this has found to be sixty times more absorb able than normal iron capsules.
Why NASA Supports Spirulina As Space Food?
Spirulina owes its significantly growing reputation as a space food, to the fact that only a little amount of Spirulina is sufficient to fill you up, and therefore, does not stack up on much space. There are more reasons to this.
- Back in the 1970’s, it was discovered by NASA that Spirulina is actually a safe and practical choice of food that can be carried all the way to the space.
- The composition of Spirulina with all those edible bacteria and micro-organisms is what makes Spirulina one of the most concentrated foods available to mankind.
- The space travelers, therefore, can travel light and also be reassured that they are not compromising on food, both in terms of quality and quantity.
- It is available to be consumed in a variety of forms, such as powder, capsules, tablets as well as flakes.
- That is what makes Spirulina quite convenient to carry and consume.
- Besides, this health food boosts energy, is quite nourishing, removes toxins from the body thanks to its antioxidant action, and is also incredibly easy to digest.
- Hence, this makes Spirulina a wonderful diet choice for those travelling into the space for weeks and months altogether.
Spirulina – A Magnificent Health Food
- Spirulina comes fortified with a capability to cure a variety of problems such as those related to cardiovascular system, allergies, diabetes, inflammation and immunity.
- It supports digestion, helps in regulating hypertension and helps maintain optimum cholesterol level.
- Spirulina also demonstrates excellent antioxidant properties.
- Amazingly, this health food has a host of healing properties accompanied by an intense flavour.
- And moreover has been used by people since centuries as a part of their diet to give a boost to their energy and endurance.
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About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
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