Spirulina

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Spirulina (Spirulina plantensis) is a single-celled blue algae that is recognized as one of the largest sources of protein and other nutrients among plants. Algae themselves are one of nature's most interesting creations. It is believed that it was from them that life on earth originated three and a half billion years ago. Algae are the basis of the life of over a million species, including man himself.

More than 20% of the planet's oxygen is due to algae, and the food that all living things eat is more or less related to them. For more than 1,000 years, humans have used algae as food and a cure for a number of diseases.

Around 6000 BC. in the Far East, and in Japan in particular, algae are used as the nutrient source that contains the greatest amount of nutrients combined in perfect balance.

Spirulina in the form of dried seaweed was known to the ancient Aztecs and Mayans, who used it to rejuvenate and strengthen their body. They made a cake with spirulinawhich was a traditional part of their menu. To this day, spirulina continues to be part of the daily diet of indigenous peoples in America and Africa, but methods for growing it have been developed in a number of other countries.

Composition of spirulina

Spirulina contains more than 100 nutrients, the most important of which: all in number of essential amino acids, about 60-70% protein, phytonutrients, blue phycocyanin, more than 17 different beta-carotenoids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, strong probiotic compounds, polysaccharides, chlorophyll, gamma-linolenic acid and unique pigments.

The composition of spirulina includes a bunch of vitamins in especially large quantities - A, E and B vitamins / B1, B2, B6, B12 /. The minerals contained in spirulina also not small - magnesium, iron, calcium, iodine, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, manganese.

Many scientists claim that spirulina is one of the richest sources of antioxidants. In addition, these algae contain 25 times more provitamin A than raw carrots and 50 times more iron than organic spinach. Spirulina is three times richer in vitamin E than raw wheat germ, and the protein concentration in it is three times higher than the amount of protein in fish, chicken and red meat.

The natural sweet taste that spirulina has is due to the complex sugar - rhamnose, which is very easily redistributed. This is extremely important for the insulin apparatus of the pancreas. In 1 gram of dry seaweed spirulina has only 4 calories and almost no cholesterol.

Intake of spirulina

Spirulina can be purchased in the form of powders, tablets and food supplements. If you decide to buy spirulina, it is best to choose certified organic spirulina in tablets or powder, but without the presence of soldering agents. You can add it to various shakes, but one of the best options is 30 minutes before meals, in the form of tablets.

Benefits of spirulina

During the autumn-winter period, the human body needs additional stimulation in order to cope with the annoying colds and flu that prevail during the winter months. Eating a nutritious diet that is rich in minerals and vitamins is a must. Spirulina is the ideal alternative. It is a powerful alkalizing food that has proven prophylactic effects in anemia, hypoglycemia, ulcers, gout, hepatitis, diseases of the cardiovascular system, chronic fatigue.

Spirulina is a very valuable supplement for athletes and people who want to sculpt a beautiful body. In addition, it is especially suitable for those who want to lose extra pounds.

The presence of gamma-linolenic acid lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure. Relieves the symptoms of arthritis, premenstrual syndrome, and is also useful in a number of skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema.

The high content of easily digestible and at the same time non-toxic iron in spirulina makes it extremely useful for the blood. Extremely rich mineral content is extremely important for maintaining healthy bones, teeth and nails.

Spirulina slows down the aging process by neutralizing free radicals. It has strong antibacterial, antiviral and antimutagenic properties.

Spirulina is extremely useful in diseases such as anorexia. It is suitable for vegetarians and vegans because it has twice the protein content of soy.

Recent studies show that spirulina has a potential protective effect on the liver, and its preventive nature against allergic reactions has also been the subject of a number of studies.

The extract of spirulina is used as an ingredient in many cosmetic products, whose main action is aimed at stimulating and improving metabolism, blood supply and skin elasticity.