Spirulina: A Vegetarian Superfood-05 Benefits

Lets know about Spirulina? It is a small green vegetable microorganism that has many unique and strange properties. In this article we will let you know about it, that may include what it is? what are its uses ? why is it so useful for human health and how can you add it int to your daily diet?

Lets have knowledge?

It is a a blue-green algae that auto-grown in mineral-rich water. It does not have leaves/roots. It grows in small coiled filaments and generally grows in lakes and shallow ponds. It was an important food source for the ancient Maya and Aztec peoples of South America, and the Kanembu people of Chad still grow it as a mainstay of the diet today.

One of the world’s most nutritious and beneficial “superfoods”, It is an ideal food source for human consumption. It contains almost the perfect balance of proteins, including essential amino acids; It is easily digested, quickly assimilated, and quickly satisfies hunger. Much smaller amounts are required than any other food, and it is naturally low in cholesterol, calories, fat and sodium. It is considered to be the most nutrient-rich of all known living foods and may be one of the original producers of oxygen on the planet.

Why is this product good?

There are many properties due to which it is called a super food and it is considered good for health. So let us know about its qualities.

01-Reduces Cholesterol

It helps in removing bad cholesterol accumulated in the body. Consumption of this nutrient increases the amount of good cholesterol. By consuming it, blood flow in the heart remains good and the risk of serious diseases like heart attack can be reduced. The nutrients found in this keep heart health good..

02-Beneficial in Diabetes

Diabetes patients must consume this product. This will make it easier to control blood sugar. Swelling in the body of diabetic patients can be reduced with this. Spirulina improves your overall health.

03-Weight Loss

People who are troubled by obesity must consume this product. This reduces weight rapidly. It contains very high amount of protein which keeps you from feeling hungry for a long time. Fatty acids, chlorophyll and beta carotene are found in it which help in weight loss. You can eat it on an empty stomach.

04-Reduces the risk of cancer

It works as an antioxidant agent which destroys harmful free radicals from the body. By consuming it , the risk of dangerous diseases like cancer can be reduced. Nutrient-rich Spirulina reduces harmful free radicals, which cause cancer.

05-Keeps the liver healthy

Many nutrients are found in in this product which make the liver healthy. It contains fiber and protein which helps the liver to function well. It can reduce the risk of hepatitis and cirrhosis.

06-Increases stamina

Spirulina has antioxidant properties that may help athletes and physically active individuals. Studies show it improved muscle strength and endurance. Additionally, it also increased the time it took for people to feel tired.

Is it good for vegetarians?

Vegetarians often turn to tofu, quinoa, legumes (like beans and lentils) and wheat gluten proteins (aka seitan) in their search for protein. Spirulina can add an incredible boost of protein to your diet as a supplement to these foods. This is a great option, especially for those with gluten or soy intolerance. Besides being a great protein source, It is also rich in iron and is said to boost energy and lower cholesterol.

Blue vs Green Spirulina

If you start searching online for where to buy spirulina, you will discover that there are two types – blue and green spirulina. The Blue one is derived from the blue-green algae, Arthrospira platensis. Phycocyanin is a pigment that gives green spirulina its slightly blue color. To make blue spirulina, the water-soluble antioxidant phycocyanin is extracted from spirulina and then sold as a blue powder. Phycocyanin is found only in Spirulina and a few other species of blue-green algae.

How to take Spirulina?

Spirulina is usually sold as a dark green powder or tablets. To take it, you can mix one teaspoon of it’s powder in a glass of water. Mix well, and then drink it! Just a small amount will color the water dark green.

Is it dangerous?

While spirulina is generally safe, it does have some side effects that are good to be aware of. First of all, it is best to avoid green algae if:

1-This may make it worse because you have an autoimmune disease.
2-If you take blood-thinning medications or suffer from a bleeding disorder, spirulina may reduce your blood’s ability to clot, increasing the chance of more bruising and bleeding.
3-This is not a product of any famous and trusted brand. It may be contaminated with microcystins or toxins.
4-If you are pregnant – It is advisable to avoid consuming Spirulina completely if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are suffering from such or any similar condition, it is better to be safe and consult a doctor before using it.

How to make it taste better?

If you have consumed Spirulina, you would know that its taste has never been so delicious. By itself, it tastes like seaweed and is sometimes sulfuric or fishy. Luckily, there are many great and delicious ways to incorporate spirulina into your diet. Here are some ideas:

.Add Spirulina to Your Smoothie
.Add it to Your Juice
.Make Spirulina Lemonade with Sparkling Water, Lemon and Sweetener
.Create delicious, creamy dips or sauces and add spirulina to the mix
.Make Spirulina Hummus
.Add this product to Baked Goods
.Add Spirulina to no-bake energy bars or bites
.Add this product to Homemade Banana Ice Cream

Best Superfood Products

To make sure you are getting the best quality spirulina. If you are buying tablets, make sure they contain at least 98% of the ingredients and do not contain any preservatives or artificial colors. Some of the best options are:

.Organic Blue Spirulina Powder- Fresh-high quality blue spirulina that is USDA certified Organic, Zona, Non-GMO Verified and Gluten-Free.
.California Grown Spirulina Powder – Grown in California, non-GMO, and pesticide free.
.Organic Spirulina Tablets – An easy way to get your daily dose of this nutrient-rich superfood containing Vitamin A and B12. 6 grams of protein is available in one serving.

Some important notes

..If you are pregnant or breastfeeding then you should not consume this product at all.
..Take this product at least 3-4 hours before bed, as high-protein foods increase alertness.
..This product may contain toxic metals, harmful bacteria, and microcystins. So always buy your Spirulina from well-known, trusted brands that have been third party tested.

Disclaimer

All the articles published in “Health Alpha” are prepared on the basis of various sources like doctors, internet, experts and books. The facts and information mentioned in the article have been checked and verified by Health Alpha.

All instructions have been followed while preparing this article. The related article has been prepared to increase the information and awareness of the reader. Health Alpha does not make any claims nor takes any responsibility regarding the information and information provided in the article.

For more information about the related diseases mentioned in the above article, consult your doctor and do not take any medicine without medical advice.

Views: 0