SPIRULINA
Hi friends last week fully was stressed coz of the allergies and rashes in my face due to this unfavourable weather conditions in my place. So just went to my ayurvedic physician. She just spoke to me about my work and travel and my life style. Later she insisted me to use Spirulina.....yes the blue green algae which is also called SUPERFOOD. OK LET ME TRY I thought coz my doc she always tells me the home remedies instead the chemical or medical bases.
once i am back home I studied about spirulina and God it has amazing benefits and i started using it already and seeing the changes in my skin.
So just wanted to share what i studied and learnt. Spirulina represents a biomass of cyanobacteria that can be consumed by humans and other animals. There are two species, Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxim
Though spirulina is a super food it also lacks some minerals and vitamins like Vitamin Bcomplex is missing . If you are taking spirulina consider the balanced diet by talking to your docter or dietician and plan your diet.
This blue-green algae is a freshwater plant that is now one of the most researched, and alongside its cousin chlorella, most talked about superfoods today. Grown around the world from Mexico to Africa to even Hawaii, spirulina is renowned for its intense flavor and even more powerful nutrition profile!
While you may have only seen it as an ingredient in your green superfood beverages, energy bars and natural supplements, spiralina benefits are so amazing that taken on a daily basis they could restore and revitalize your health! To date, there are nearly 1,200 peer-reviewed scientific articles evaluating its health benefits.
Hi friends last week fully was stressed coz of the allergies and rashes in my face due to this unfavourable weather conditions in my place. So just went to my ayurvedic physician. She just spoke to me about my work and travel and my life style. Later she insisted me to use Spirulina.....yes the blue green algae which is also called SUPERFOOD. OK LET ME TRY I thought coz my doc she always tells me the home remedies instead the chemical or medical bases.
once i am back home I studied about spirulina and God it has amazing benefits and i started using it already and seeing the changes in my skin.
So just wanted to share what i studied and learnt. Spirulina represents a biomass of cyanobacteria that can be consumed by humans and other animals. There are two species, Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxim
Nutrition Facts
| Calories 290 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| *Per cent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. |
Though spirulina is a super food it also lacks some minerals and vitamins like Vitamin Bcomplex is missing . If you are taking spirulina consider the balanced diet by talking to your docter or dietician and plan your diet.
This blue-green algae is a freshwater plant that is now one of the most researched, and alongside its cousin chlorella, most talked about superfoods today. Grown around the world from Mexico to Africa to even Hawaii, spirulina is renowned for its intense flavor and even more powerful nutrition profile!
While you may have only seen it as an ingredient in your green superfood beverages, energy bars and natural supplements, spiralina benefits are so amazing that taken on a daily basis they could restore and revitalize your health! To date, there are nearly 1,200 peer-reviewed scientific articles evaluating its health benefits.
Cautions About Spirulina
Those with PKU should consult with a doctor before taking, as it does contain that amino acid. Those on any type of anti-coagulation medicine should consult with a doctor before beginning (or stopping) taking Spirulina. Some people with autoimmune disease do not do well with this supplement. If you are pregnant, nursing or have any medical condition, check with your doctor first as it is often not recommended for pregnant or nursing women
The History Behind It
You might wonder how algae sitting on top of a pond suddenly evolved into a viable food source.
As you can imagine, this didn’t happen overnight; there is a rich and specific history to it.
What was once just pond scum took time to be accepted and enjoyed as food.
This belief grew exponentially once the true health benefits were understood.
Now you see this true superfood being looked to as a protein source and even a way of preventing certain health problems.
Can it really be this beneficial?
You will soon see that the health benefits speak for themselves and that these solutions were derived from the findings of our ancestors.
They knew that spirulina was something good for you, but they just didn’t realize how extensive these findings would end up being.
The history of spirulina, as we know it today, dates back to the fourteenth century with the Aztecs.
Other ethnic groups living in Africa or surrounding regions also found that these specific algae served them well in their diet.
Little did they know that it was packed full of protein, but they recognized that it was satisfying and fulfilling and, therefore, became one of the main staples in their diet.
Throughout history from this time forward, spirulina started to gain momentum in the fact that it could provide fuel and nourishment to certain cultures.
It was the type of food that was behind the scenes, so to speak, though many parts of the world enjoyed spirulina in their diets.
It wasn’t until 1974 that spirulina was actually declared one of the best foods for the future.
This declaration came at the hands of the World Food Conference and, at that time, it was specifically a food considered in helping to fight malnutrition in certain parts of the world.
It would not skyrocket to popularity in the mainstream or in established countries until years later.
Spirulina would also become a main fixture within the diet plans that NASA would use for their astronauts in space.
The algae were provided in a form that suited the spacemen’s needs, but still provided them with nutrition that they needed.
The rest of the world would start to catch on to this superfood once people heard that NASA utilized it for its superior nutritional profile.
From thereon in, the story of spirulina would continue to grow and evolve over time.
Interesting Facts about Spirulina
You might wonder what gives spirulina its rich dark color.
You may even wonder what caused this pond scum to be accepted as a viable and safe food source.
You may be skeptical and that’s perfectly normal.
Admittedly, until you have tried spirulina in its prepared format, you may be unsure of eating it at all.
Nearly everyone goes through this transition, but if you go in with an open mind, you will soon find that you may actually enjoy spirulina too.
Let’s start with the fact that this superfood is up to 70% protein by weight.
You would be hard pressed to find any other food that is so nutritionally superior.
Not only are you getting a really significant serving of protein, but you are also enjoying a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
We’ll get to the specific health benefits later on, but, for now, know that the makeup of spirulina is part of what differentiates it as being unique and outstanding.
Let’s start with the coloring.
Spirulina’s color, more than likely, is unusual to you and can’t be compared to anything else you have seen.
The blue-green deep rich color of spirulina is caused by the presence of a specific pigment called phycocyanin.
It is at the heart of what leads to the health benefits and this pigment alone is specifically responsible for the rich color that you will come to recognize and appreciate.
Spirulina has an extraordinarily high antioxidant count, which may help to fight free radicals that enter the body.
It is the essence of this that causes spirulina to be nutritionally superior for both humans and animals.
Many health experts believe that the presence of the pigment phycocyanin also provides the powers to fight free radicals, also known as toxins, that may enter into the body.
It is extremely noteworthy that understanding the necessity of antioxidants in our food supply and in our health started with foods such as spirulina.
No wonder so many people and cultures have looked to and hailed spirulina for being a true superfood, even before we really recognized what that even meant in the first place!
How to Take
Recommended dosage, active amounts, other details
The dose of spirulina used in studies examining its effects vary greatly. In general, 1-8 g per day of spirulina has been shown to have some effect. The specific doses depend on the condition its being used for:
- For cholesterol, doses in the range of 1-8 g per day may be impactful
- For muscle performance, doses of 2-7.5 g per day have been used
- For blood glucose control, very mild effects have been seen with 2 g per day
- Blood pressure may be affected at doses of 3.5-4.5 g per day
- Effects for fatty liver have been seen at doses of 4.5 g per day
Spirulina is about 20% C-phycocyanin by weight, and about 1% phycocyanobilin by weight. The dosage range of 200mg/kg C-phycocyanin (1g/kg spirulina) in rats is approximately:
- 10.9g for a 150lb person
- 14.5g for a 200lb person
- 18.2g for a 250lb person
Further research is needed to determine whether spirulina should be taken once a day, or in smaller doses, multiple times per day.
It is not recommended to exceed the highest dose mentioned above, as no clear benefits have been noted beyond that level.
Spirulina Health Benefits:
1. Treatment of Allergies:
According to research, Spirulina can help in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Consumption of Spirulina helps in reducing symptoms like nasal discharge, sneezing, congestion and itching.
2. Lowers Blood Cholesterol Levels:
Spirulina reduces the blood cholesterol levels naturally and boosts the absorption of vital minerals. Consumption of several grams of Spirulina daily can reduce LDL or bad cholesterol and improve the cholesterol ratio. This normalization of cholesterol plays a great role in weight reduction.
3. Beneficial in Diabetes:
In a study it was observed that taking Spirulina as a dietary supplement for 12 weeks results in a significant reduction in blood-fat levels. It is particularly beneficial for diabetics as it decreases inflammation and helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.
4. Aids in Weight Loss:
Spirulina is rich in beta-carotene, chlorophyll, fatty-acid GLA and other nutrients which are particularly beneficial for overweight people. Taking this supplement is beneficial while fasting, as it supplies the nutrients that are needed to cleanse and heal your system, while curbing your appetite.
5. Prevents Cancer:
Several studies have proven that Spirulina can arrest the development of cancer progression, reduce the risk of cancer initiation and boost your immune system. It is a great substitute for animal products as it contains a special form of protein that assimilates well. Unlike animal proteins, it does not burden your body with waste products. It is also rich in phycocyanin, a pigment with anti-cancer properties. It strengthens immunity and inhibits excess cell division. Spirulina also offers some protection against oral cancers.
6. Improves Brain/Cognitive Function:
Folate and vitamin B-12 play an important role in the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system. Being rich in these nutrients, Spirulina helps in protecting cognitive function as one starts to age. This nutritional supplement helps maintain brain function.
7. Cures Depression:
Spirulina is a good source of folic acid which provides nourishment for the brain and supports the production of energy and blood cells. This makes it beneficial in the treatment of depression.
8. Eye Health:
Research has shown that Spirulina is beneficial for the eyes. It is proven to be effective in treating eye diseases such as geriatric cataracts, diabetic retinal damage (retinitis), nephritic retinal damage and hardening of retinal blood vessels (angiosclerosis).
9. Treatment of Ulcers:
Spirulina acts as a good treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, thanks to the presence of amino acids, cysteine and a high content of high quality protein. Being rich in chlorophyll, it is great for retaining and restoring a good digestion.
10. Treatment of Hepatitis and Cirrhosis:
Clinical reports have indicated that Spirulina prevents, as well as cures, fatty liver and hepato-cirrhosis. This supplement should be taken for at least one month to notice beneficial results.
11. Promotes Sexual Vitality:
The high content of protein in Spirulina, as well as the presence of other vitamins, minerals and enzymes, makes it beneficial for improving sexual vigor.
12. Dental Health:
Spirulina has a high content of phosphorus and helps improve your teeth.
13. Antibacterial Properties:
Chronic candida yeast is responsible for worsening symptoms of various autoimmune diseases. Spirulina keeps candida overgrowth under control by encouraging and supporting the growth of healthy bacteria in your stomach.
14. HIV and AIDS:
Spirulina can cure the symptoms that are a side-effect of HIV and AIDS treatment. It also helps inactivate the human immunodeficiency virus associated with HIV and AIDS.
15. Beneficial during Pregnancy:
Spirulina has a high content of iron which is required during pregnancy, particularly for those with anemia. It also prevents constipation.
16. Other Uses Of Spirulina:
Spirulina possesses antimicrobial properties that can destroy bacteria and viruses such as HIV-1, enterovirus, cytomegalovirus, measles, mumps, influenza A and herpes simplex. It also boosts the immune system by making it produce more monocytes, natural killer cells and macrophages, all of which destroy invading pathogens in the body.
Skin Benefits of Spirulina: Being loaded with proteins, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, Spirulina has a lot to offer in terms of skincare. It is beneficial for your skin in the following ways:
17. Skin Toner:
Spirulina has a high content of vitamin A, vitamin B-12, vitamin E, calcium, iron and phosphorus, all of which are vital for your skin’s health. Free radicals make your skin look tired, limp and flabby. Taking Spirulina supplements on a regular basis works wonders for your skin, making it look toned, youthful and vital. It also treats flabby skin by eliminating the body’s metabolic waste products and strengthening the body as a whole.
18. Treatment of Dark Circles:
Spirulina is effective in treating dark circles and dry eye symptoms. Its detoxifying effects give your eyes new energy and power, removing dark shadows and dryness.
19. Anti-ageing Benefits:
Spirulina contains tyrosine, vitamin E or tocopherol, and selenium, all of which are known for their anti-ageing effects. Tyrosine slows down the ageing of skin cells. The antioxidants present in it eliminate free radicals which are responsible for skin ageing. Try this facial mask to prevent premature ageing of skin and fight acne. Make a paste by mixing some Spirulina with water and apply it on your face. Keep on for 20 minutes and wash off. This will make your skin amazingly soft and smooth as well as prevent signs of ageing like wrinkles.
20. Detoxifies Skin:
Spirulina facilitates faster cell turnover that helps skin heal faster. It wards off free radicals and eliminates toxins from the skin to increase skin metabolism. It also prevents candida overgrowth that can cause acne breakouts.
21. Healthy Nails:
Regular use of Spirulina treats fingernail ridges and other nail problems. Spirulina contains 70% high-value protein which is required by the body. Consuming it for about 4 weeks can cure nail problems and warts.
Hair Benefits of Spirulina:
Spirulina is being widely used for promoting hair growth and to combat hair problems like thinning hair and baldness. Spirulina contains amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamin A and beta-carotene, all of which are great for hair. Some of its hair benefits are as follows:
22. Promotes Hair Growth:
External use of Spirulina can speed up hair growth. Besides consumption, this algae is used as an ingredient in shampoos and conditioning treatments. It also helps in hair re-growth.
23. Treatment of Hair Loss:
Alopecia is an autoimmune disease characterized by hair loss at an alarming rate. It is not just confined to the scalp alone but also leads to hair loss across the body and face. This can result in bald spots, even in women, and even complete baldness. Spirulina acts as an alternative medicine to deter further loss of hair and facilitate hair renewal.
24. Treatment of Dandruff:
Spirulina acts as an antioxidant compound and taking it for 4 weeks makes your hair completely dandruff-free, glossy and stronger.
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