Replies to This Discussion

StudentPermalink Reply by Maggle Rock on March 3, 2012 at 4:18pm

Spirulina is great! I usually just take a spirulina tablet each morning with my daily supplements (vitamin D , vitamin B, and probiotics). I have tried a superfood smoothie mix before and I couldn't really handle it, faarr too "healthy" tasting for me haha. I much prefer the tablet, I just chew it up a little bit with my front teeth to help with the breaking down process. 

I wouldn't worry too much about having an excessive amount of protein from spirulina or any other plant sources. Most health issues that stem from protein excess are the result of a meat-eaters' diet and from animal proteins like casein (present mainly in dairy) which have been proven to be carcinogenic. Plant proteins haven't been proven to have the same harmful effects. 

Also, you don't really need to worry about getting "too much" of vitamins or minerals. The "percent daily value" of vitamins and minerals on nutrition facts labels are a bunch of baloney and a lot of people that choose a whole foods, plant based diet tend to get far more vitamins and minerals than people on the Standard American Diet (y'know, fast food, meat, starch, and few unprocessed foods). 

I don't see why you should have to change your diet at all after adding Spirulina.. Though more whole raw plant foods are always good things to incorporate more of. 

StudentPermalink Reply by Corri on September 9, 2012 at 10:03pm

"Also, you don't really need to worry about getting "too much" of vitamins or minerals. The "percent daily value" of vitamins and minerals on nutrition facts labels are a bunch of baloney..."

It's important to note that fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) can be very dangerous to consumers. It is possible, though less likely, to overdose on water soluble vitamins. Minerals can also be dangerous. Iron, just for example, can be fatal in high doses.

I'm not trying to be rude, I just felt that your statement was somewhat misleading. Have a great day! :)

Permalink Reply by Lady Eve* on July 22, 2012 at 11:05am

So maybe I am a radical or just over the top, but I really don't like taking supplements, vitamins, powders, etc.  This teaches our bodies to no longer take those nutrients from food, because we are giving these nutrients to ourselves.  Thus, more problems are caused that way.  And their is a myth that vegans/vegetarians need supplements to get all the nutrients.  However, all the nutrients anyone needs (vegan or not) are in all of our fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds.

Obviously I am passionate about this.  Partially because I have been a vegetarian for 5+ years, and had to become a vegan because now I have a severe dairy allergy.  My family always gives me grief over my diet.  I actually had one of them tell my little brother that you need animal products to get protein.  I told my brother the truth, that he does not.  Well, that person snapped at me and said I should not lie to my 10 yr old brother.  I WASN'T!  So frustrating!

Anyways, I made this video about an Ayurvedic dish used for cleansing, but also super delicious.  The main ingredients are lentils and basmati rice (we used red lentils).  When the two are cooked in the same pot together, they breakdown than reform into complete proteins!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEWLahTkTlc&feature=plcp

Also, my friend went to France and happened across a vegan cafe.  He asked the lady how does she get all her nutrients, and what does she eat?  Her response was quick with "First, I eat a lot of greens!"  Greens, greens, greens!  I cannot express how important they are.  By eating a wide variety (kale, chard, bok choy, lettuce, spinach, etc) you obtain all the vitamins and minerals you need (even calcium and vitamin d). 

Long story short: stay away from supplements, stick to fresh veggies and fruits

Hope this helps.  This is something I am passionate about.  Actually working on starting a food forest here in my hometown!

Love and light!

StudentPermalink Reply by Corri on September 9, 2012 at 10:15pm

Very cool recipe. Lentils are an excellent source of iron (I love love love them) and this dish includes the vitamin c to help absorb it. Plus it sounds yummy. Leeks totally rock. I will definitely try. Have you seen this recipe before?  http://vegweb.com/recipes/my-lentils-sprung-leek

Permalink Reply by Lady Eve* on July 22, 2012 at 11:06am

Oh dang, so I realized I could tell you a whole bunch more.  If your interested let me know!  I would love to help you out.  Since I was forced to become a vegan, I have gotten even more into fresh foods than I was before.  Good luck!

Permalink Reply by PHoops on September 10, 2012 at 7:23pm

Higher quality protein foods come from animal sources, where vegetables are incomplete in essential amino acids. Grains and legumes are excellent sources for protein but neither offer complete essential amino acids. (lysine, methionine) A vegan can obtain all of the essential amino acids by truly making their diet versitile. Beans, seeds and nuts, bread, vegetables, brown rice, oatmeal etc... There really aren't any benefits from excessive protein intake.  I would skip any protein powders due to the chance of kidney stones or ketosis.