Spirulina

Spirulina is a blue-green alga that is classified under the cyanobacteria family. It is believed to be one of the oldest forms of life consumed by early men. Mainly due to its rich nutritional values and related health benefits. Up to date, these supplements are top-rated and in high demand. This is because of their potency compared to other superfoods. These supplements are also known as ‘miracles from the sea’. They have rare therapeutic values compared to animals and humans alike.

Spirulina supplements gained fame after their use in NASA. It is used to support the protein needs of astronauts on their voyage to space. The plant is autotrophic, meaning that it can manufacture its food without carbon compounds or energy sources. This plant takes very little water to grow and delivers a high level of proteins. Therefore it is better and more eco-friendly than cattle and poultry. It grows naturally in tropical and subtropical water bodies with high pH and high salt concentrations. One significant advantage of spirulina over other algae supplements is that it does not have cellulose cell walls. It is easy to digest in the human body. Indeed, you can consume it immediately after picking it up. But tablet supplements are ideal because of the dense concentration with a special formulation.

Getting the best out of your spirulina supplements

The health benefits of spirulina supplements are endless. In fact, it contains more proteins than meat. Besides it also contains a huge amount of nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants. All these elements are helpful in treating a wide range of illnesses. Many of these supplements have proven benefits in treating issues like cancer and heart disease. This is mainly because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it has powerful antioxidants, making it preferable for several illnesses, including mental health issues. Integrating spirulina supplements into your daily diet will enable you to facilitate your organs with nutrients and antibodies for optimum functioning. These supplements will lower your blood pressure, suppress oxidation, and lower your blood sugar levels. Nevertheless, you should rely on quality products for excellent results.

Nutritional values of spirulina protein powder

It is a rich source of proteins and contains about 60% proteins. Apart from its high protein content, spirulina supplements contain provitamin A, iron, and Vitamin B12. It is also rich in tocopherols, γ-linolenic acid, and phenolic acids. 7 grams of spirulina supplements/1 tablespoon contains 20 calories, 1.67 grams of carbohydrates, 0.54 grams of fat, 8mg of calcium, 2 mg of iron, 14 mg of magnesium, 8 mg of phosphorus, 95 mg of potassium, 73 mg of sodium, and 0.7 mg of vitamin c. Spirulina also has a high abundance of riboflavin, thiamin, folate, niacin, vitamins B-6, and K. Spirulina supplements have all the components required for cell and organ functions. Adopting spirulina as part of your balanced will help you to always keep fit.

How to include spirulina supplements in your diet

Spirulina supplements are available in powder form, capsules, and tablets. If you prefer using the powder form, you can add it to your smoothies to give them a dark green colour. You can also mix it with vegetable or fruit juices. Additionally, you can sprinkle the powder on your meals, soup, and salad or use it for cooking energy balls. If you prefer tablets, you should take them with water or fruit juice before your meals. Moreover, it is acceptable to take spirulina supplements as a quick snack in the middle of the day. Nevertheless, you must not cook it, boil it, microwave it, or use it to prepare meals, as this will affect the quality of its nutrients. Additionally, you can freeze it and defrost it only once but remember to consume it immediately after defrosting.

Using spirulina supplements for weight loss

People generally lose weight if they consume fewer calories than their body utilizes. Several studies conducted on the impact of spirulina supplements on weight loss have confirmed that they are effective. Spirulina supplements are rich in essential nutrients and low calories, enabling individuals to lose weight while maintaining their nutrition. Additionally, spirulina supplements enhance lipids and glucose metabolism, suppress appetite, lower blood sugar, and facilitate fat mobilization, which reduces liver fat. If you obtain spirulina tablets for weight loss, it is advisable to consume about 500mg daily, from 15 minutes to one hour before your meals. Spirulina is a reliable supplement for vegans who want to limit their calorie intake. Nevertheless, always ensure that you take spirulina supplements daily for outstanding results.

Spirulina capsules dosage and preparation

Nutritionists suggest different doses of spirulina supplements when addressing various health concerns because the results obtained from several studies vary significantly. When using spirulina supplements to manage cholesterol levels, a dosage of 1g to 8g is advisable. For endurance and muscle performance, you can use 2g to 7.5g daily. To control your blood sugar levels, you can start at 2g and then advance according to your practitioner’s instructions. Spirulina supplements have a notable impact on blood pressure and liver fat when administered from 3.5g to 4.5g daily. Your body’s appropriate dosage will depend on several factors like your age, medical history, and gender. However, never exceed the dosage. Always consult your doctor before administering spirulina supplements.