Looking for a perfect supplement to fit your multi-purposes?? Try Spirulina: The super food!
Spirulina is the world’s first super food, and one of the most nutrient-rich foods on Earth. It became popular when NASA proposed that it could be grown in space and used by astronauts. Basically Spirulina is one of the oldest life forms on Earth. In fact, this blue-green microalgae is partly responsible for producing the oxygen in the planet’s atmosphere that billions of years ago allowed the planet’s originating life forms to develop.
COMPOSITION:
A single tablespoon (7 grams) of dried spirulina powder contains:
Protein: 4 grams. The protein in Spirulina is highly usable and has a net protein utilization rate of between 50-61%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 11% of the RDA.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 15% of the RDA.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 4% of the RDA.
Copper: 21% of the RDA.
Iron: 11% of the RDA. Even for those who consume meat, it has a highly absorbable form of iron that is gentle on the digestive system.
Spirulina is also incredibly high in calcium with over 26 times the calcium in milk.
It also contains decent amounts of magnesium, potassium and manganese, and small amounts of almost every other nutrient that we need.
A tablespoon of spirulina contains a small amount of fat (around 1 gram), including both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in about a 1.5:1 ratio.
The quality of the protein in spirulina is considered excellent, comparable to eggs. It contains all the essential amino acids that we need.
It is often claimed that spirulina contains vitamin B12, but this is false. It contains pseudo vitamin B12, which has not been shown to be effective in humans.
MEDICAL BENEFITS:
According to National institute of Health spirulina has been researched to be beneficial for following concerns.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Spirulina is a fantastic source of antioxidants, which can protect against oxidative damage to DNA and cells. The main active component is called phycocyanin. This antioxidant substance also gives spirulina its unique blue-green color. Phycocyanin can fight free radicals and inhibit production of inflammatory signaling molecules, providing impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
Lower LDL and Triglyceride Levels
Spirulina can lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while raising HDL (the “good”) cholesterol.
In a study of 25 people with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams per day of spirulina significantly improved these markers.
Another study in people with high cholesterol found that 1 gram of spirulina per day lowered triglycerides by 16.3% and LDL by 10.1%.
Several other studies have shown favorable effects, but with higher doses of 4.5-8 grams of spirulina per day
Protects LDL Cholesterol from Becoming Oxidized
The antioxidants in spirulina appear to be particularly effective at reducing lipid peroxidation which is a cause of many diseases in body.
In a study of 37 individuals with type 2 diabetes, 8 grams of spirulina per day significantly reduced markers of oxidative damage. It also increased levels of antioxidant enzymes in the blood.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Some evidence suggests that spirulina can have anti-cancer properties. For example, some research in test animals shows that it can reduce cancer occurrence and tumor size.
Spirulina has been particularly well studied with regard to oral cancer, which is cancer of the mouth.
One study looked at the effects of spirulina on 87 people from India with precancerous lesions called OSMF in the mouth. After using 1 gram per day for 1 year, 45% of the spirulina group had a complete regression of lesions in the mouth, compared to only 7% in the control group. When they stopped taking the spirulina, almost half of the responders developed these lesions again the following year.
In another study of 40 subjects with OSMF precancerous lesions, 1 gram of spirulina per day led to greater improvement in symptoms than the drug Pentoxyfilline.
Blood Pressure
In the treatment of high blood pressure 1 gram of spirulina is ineff
ective, a dose of 4.5 grams per day has been shown to reduce blood pressure in individuals with normal blood pressure levels. This is thought to be driven by an increased production of nitric oxide, a signaling molecule that helps the blood vessels relax and dilate
Improves Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is characterized by inflammation in the nasal airways. It is triggered by environmental allergens, such as pollen, animal hair or even wheat dust. Spirulina is a popular alternative treatment for symptoms of allergic rhinitis, and there is evidence that it can be effective. In one study of 127 people with allergic rhinitis, 2 grams per day dramatically reduced symptoms like nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion and itching
Anemia
In a recent study anemia is shown to be treated by spirulina intake but more studies need to be done before recommendation. In a study of 40 older people with a history of anemia, spirulina supplementation increased the hemoglobin content of red blood cells. Immune function also improved.
Muscle Strength and Endurance
In two studies, spirulina was shown to enhance endurance, significantly increasing the time it took for people to become fatigued. Another study in college athletes found that spirulina supplementation increased muscle strength, but did not have any effect on endurance
Blood Sugar Control
Animal studies have shown that spirulina can significantly lower blood sugar levels. In some cases, it has outperformed popular diabetes drug, METFORMIN. There is also some evidence that spirulina can be effective in humans.
In a study of 25 patients with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of spirulina led to an impressive reduction in blood sugar levels. HbA1c, a marker for long-term blood sugar levels, decreased from 9% to 8%, which is substantial. Studies estimate that a 1% reduction in this marker can lower the risk of diabetes-related death by 21%
DETOXIFICATION:
Spirulina may also have other beneficial effects, such as helping to “detoxify” the heavy metal arsenic from the body although this needs more experimental support.
DOSAGE AND METHODS OF INTAKE:
- Therapeutic dosage of spirulina varies from 2g per day to 8.4 g per day in tablets or capsules. Usually taken in powdered form as 1 tablespoon daily.
- Substitute one of your vitamin supplements with SPIRULINA TABLETS as it has good absorption with vitamins.
- Blend 1 tablespoon spirulina powder into two cups of natural, unsweetened fruit juice. Add a banana and a few cubes of ice for a healthful breakfast smoothie.
- Combine 2 teaspoons each of cumin, paprika and chili powder. Add 2 tablespoons of spirulina and sprinkle over a Mexican salad or oven roasted potatoes.
Whisk or stir 1 tablespoon of spirulina into 2 cups of your favorite vegetable juice. Pour into a tall glass, garnish with fresh herbs and drink immediately.
Disadvantages of Spirulina
Spirulina usage may cause potential side effects and disadvantages.
Phenylketonuria
Phenylketonuria describes a medical condition characterized by the deficiency in the enzyme that metabolizes phenylalanine, a type of amino acid. As mentioned by the University of Maryland Medical center, if you have problems with their phenylalanine metabolism, you must avoid taking foods containing this amino acid. Spirulina contains rich amounts of amino acids, including phenylalanine; therefore, it should be avoided by patients with phenylketonuria.
Worsening of Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune disease refers to the over-activity of the immune system resulting in the destruction of normal tissues within the body. If you have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, avoid taking spirulina, since it can further stimulate the immune system and make the condition much worse.
Drug Interaction
Spirulina may negatively interactive with your medications taken to suppress the immune-system, such as seen with cancer patients. Medline Plus reports that this can lead to the decreased effectiveness of the said medications. Therefore, patients who are taking immunosuppressants should never take spirulina supplements.
During pregnancy:
Spirulina might also be contaminated with microcystins, which are liver-damaging substances, as well as harmful bacteria. Contaminated spirulina can cause vomiting, liver damage, rapid heartbeat, thirst, shock and even death. Whether pregnant or not, avoid any spirulina product that is not tested and certified free of contaminants, including microcystins.