Author: Seymour Buzc
Many health experts classify this blue-green algae or cyanobacteria as a superfood, making it a promising food item for today and for the future. Available in powder form, you can incorporate spirulina in some foods and beverages, including smoothies, popcorn, and energy bars. People have been using it as a food source for many centuries, and numerous users all over the world have been promoting its health benefits.
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina has the ability to thrive in extreme conditions in which other water-dwelling organisms cannot survive. People usually cultivate it in natural or man-made lakes, then harvest and freeze-dry it. While growing in microscopic spirals, it tends to stick together, which makes harvesting it quite easy. It contains about 60% protein, and its taste is relatively mild. Besides being a rich source of protein, it also comes with gamma-linolenic acid, beta-carotene, essential fatty acids, and other various minerals.
The main ingredient of the cyanobacteria is phycocyanobilin, which resembles the bilirubin compound of the body. This component works by inhibiting the Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate enzyme complex so that spirulina can provide potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects.
Effects on Humans
Studies reveal what spirulina can do, and the level of these effects on the human body.
Lipid Peroxidation
There is a notable reduction in lipid peroxidation, and it offers stronger results than other supplements.
Triglycerides
In varying doses from 1 to 8g, the powder can decrease triglycerides by about 10-15% in people who have metabolic syndrome or related conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, etc.
Allergies
A study indicates that it can control allergies and minimize the symptoms of nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, and nasal discharge.
Liver Fat
After three months of consumption, there is a remarkable decrease in liver fat in the users.
Liver Enzymes
There is evidence of a decrease in liver enzymes in connection with the degree of damage to the liver since the reduction of liver fat is also powerfully effective.
Natural Killer Cell Activity
After a week of oral intake, there is a notable increase in natural killer cell activity by 40% against the tumour cell lines.
Health Claims of Spirulina
Spirulina is full of nutritional content, and some of the nutrients are not present in your daily diet. Spirulina contains large amounts of iron, B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, niacin, and calcium. It is also rich in essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, and spirulina comprises 70% of the protein in its dry weight.
A lot of people consume this blue-green algae powder to treat issues like slow metabolism, diabetes, high cholesterol, and various heart problems. They also drink it for a variety of emotional and mental disorders such as attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, stress, and anxiety.
It is also known to treat various eclectic health conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and premenstrual symptoms. You can combine it with zinc to help the body eliminate arsenic, particularly if your body has an unusually high level of fluids. Plenty of fibres are also found in it, to help you feel fuller much longer.
In addition, many users have revealed an improvement in their glucose and lipid metabolism, while it protects the heart. There are several studies as well that gave promising results when the use of spirulina revealed effects similar to certain reference drugs for treating neurological disorders. The amazing results do not end here. When you do enough research, you would know that there are reputable places that sell these supplements. You can always go online and find spirulina powder from Tropeaka, a health and wellness site.