Battle of superfoods: Spirulina vs Sea buckthorn

Spirulina or sea buckthorn? Although, both are superfoods, there are some differences that make them special and unique.

 As superfoods are defined those foods that contain higher concentration of nutrients, which means better nutrient density,in a better proportion and variety, regarding others.

What is it and where they come from

Sea buckthorn, generally known as hippophaes, is a fruit from a shrub that mainly grows in Asia and Europe. According to studies, the fruit took its name (hippophaes) from the fact that used to be an excellent food for horses. Sea buckthorn belongs to Elaeagnaceae family and contains a lot of nutrients.

Spirulina is a blue-green alga which is found in lakes and generally in places where there is water. Nutritional value of spirulina diverse, according to the characteristics of the subsoil that grows. In Greece, it is cultivated the famous spirulina Nigritas or Spirulina of Serres, which due to environmental conditions is rich in micronutrients and offers many health benefits.

Nutritional value

   Sea buckthorn is a highly nutritious fruit rich in vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, minerals and carbohydrates. Several studies have revealed that has high concentration of vitamin C and protein (24%) and is a very good natural source of selenium, carotenoids, iron, chlorophyll, calcium, phytosterols, flavonoids, lycopene, vitamin B complex, calcium, magnesium, and omega fatty acids.

   Spirulina has very high nutritional value as a food supplement. It is a very good source of plant protein, fatty acids, vitamins like B complex, vitamin C and E, while contains several minerals like iron, copper, manganese, selenium, zinc and chlorophyll.

Actions and benefits

   Hippophaes thanks to high consentration of vitamin C and other antioxidants, such as selenium and flavonoids, it has very strong antioxidant properties. It enhances the activity of immune system and fortifies body against colds and viruses. Vitamin E has antioxidant and anti-aging properties, protects skin, while carotenoids enhance eyesight and prevent the onset of degenerative eye diseases such as cataracts. Several studies indicate that seabuckthorn has anticancer properties thanks to flavonoids. Omega fatty acids (omega 3,6 and 9) help prevent CVD (atherosclerosis), have anti-inflammatory properties and help treat and heal skin diseases (like acne or atopic skin). It is available in oil form, dried or in tablets, alone or in combination with other elements such as spirulina.

   Spirulina is one of the best stimulants of immune system, it improves the oxygenation of body and in combination with a balanced diet can offer all the necessary nutrients to the body. It also helps to regulate appetite and reduces the desire for sweets. Dure to high content in fibers help increase satiety, making it the ideal supplement to a hypocaloric diet. Spirulina help detoxify body from toxins and heavy metals. Chlorophyll and phycocyanin, have strong antioxidant properties, protecting body from free radicals. Ideal for people who have strong mental and physical fatigue, vegetarians, people who fast or athletes. Available either in powder or in tablets, alone or in combination with other superfoods as Chlorella and seabuckthorn.

In conclusion!

It is rather difficult to distinguish which one is better. The combination of Spirulina and hippophaes, provides a beneficial food supplement for health with several properties!