Spirulina is the term. In other words, Spirulina is not technically a herb but a cyanbacteria. Actually a natural ‘algae’ powder that has high contents of protein and an outstanding source of antioxidants, B-vitamins along other nutrients. You can harvest it from non- contaminated ponds as well as water bodies.
It is one of the most influential source of nutrients. It is composed of proteins and essential amino acids. In addition it has high natural iron content thus an excellent choice to vegetarians. As if that is not enough it has high B-12 content. As a matter of its importance are too many to be underrated. For instance it is quite useful to the pregnant women as result of its high concentration of protein and iron. It is also ideal for boosting the immune system and enhancing the recovery of surgery patients. Mind you Spirulina is one of the few foods with a natural Gamma Linolenic acid (GLA). This is because GLA is rarely found in a food source making Spirulina an outstanding type of food.
The Truth….
The truth is that Spirulina is composed of 65% protein and amino acids including the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid. The GLA in question has caught the world`s attention as a result of its anti- inflammatory properties which have been quite helpful to a considerable number of people who have joint pain or other types of inflammation. Incredibly Spirulina has Omega 3-6 and 9s and particularly high in Omega-3s. By the way, the reason why I earlier long said that it boost the immune system is because of its high content of chlorophyll which aids in the removal of toxins from the blood. This implies that once the toxins are removed the immune system is boosted to a greater extent.
In addition it solves constipation problems and gives hope to anemia patients along the expectant mothers. This is because of its high concentration of bio-available iron. The good news is that the proteins and the nutrients in Spirulina are easy to absorb. Do you have kids? Or are you old and need special nutrition? Be encouraged you just landed on the right article. This is because Spirulina is remarkably rich in calcium, actually the calcium is 26 times more than the calcium in milk. Surprised? Don`t be that is not all. The point am driving home is that it is super excellent for your kids, the elderly as well as the pregnant women. Incredibly it is a relief to anyone who is suffering from allergies.
I wonder what I would be writing about if scientists never existed. We are highly indebted to them for having worked tirelessly to an extent of discovering that Spirulina binds with radioactive isotopes and may be quite useful for radioactivity exposure or the radiation therapy. As if that is not enough it has proved to be of great help as part of a tooth remineralization regimen due to its phosphorous content. Incredibly it is liable of binding with heavy metal that are in the body and then remove them enhancing good general body health. During exercise it is outstanding in enhancing fat burning.
The Nutritional Facts of Spirulina Powder
Amount per serving
| Calories | 81 | |
| Calories from fat | 19 | |
| % DV | ||
| Total Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated fat | 1g | 4 % |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 0mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 7g | 2 % |
| Dietary fiber | 1 g | 4% |
| Sugars | 1g | |
| Protein | 16g | |
| Vitamin A | 3% | |
| Vitamin C | 5% | |
| Calcium | 3% | |
| Iron | 44% |
Spirulina is usually available in both powder and tablet form
Images of Spirulina in Tablet and Powder Form
One tablespoon 7grams of dried Spirulina powder contains the following;
- 4grams of protein
- 11% of the RDA iron
- 21% of the RDA Copper
- 4% of the RDA Vitamin B3
- 15% of the RDA Vitamin B2
- 11% of the RDA Vitamin B1
Contain considerable amounts of Magnesium, potassium and manganese as well as little amounts of every other nutrient that you require.
What is most important is that spirulina powder is loaded with nutrients and have a great impact on your body and the brain. As a matter of fact standard daily doses of Spirulina is 1-3 grams, though doses of 10 grams per day have also proved to be efficient.
‘I have heard stories pertaining the unlimited benefits of Spirulina. Should I call that rumors or is it true? Somebody help me. Am in a dilemma.’
Is that your voice? Hold your peace! To begin with you are right about the unlimited benefits of Spirulina. They really are unlimited. Have a look at some of the amazing benefits. They include;
Spirulina is highly nutritious
It contains almost all the nutrients that your body requires to stay healthy. In that case it is worth your trust. You will find it in fresh or in salty water. It is actually a type of bacteria known as cyanobacterium alternatively referred as blue-green algae. This bacteria usually produce energy out of sunlight through photosynthesis.
It has strong antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties
The antioxidant in question are efficient in protecting you against oxidative damage which can harm your DNA and cells. Such damage drives chronic inflammation which in turn contributes to cancer and other health problems.
Spirulina lowers LDL and Triglyceride levels
As a matter of fact Spirulina have proved to lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and in turn raising HDL which is a good cholesterol. To achieve this higher doses of Spirulina are needed. Such as 4.5 -8 grams per day.
Prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol
Actually the oxidation of lipoproteins in the blood usually lead to heart disease. But antioxidants in Spirulina prevents the fatty structures in your body from being oxidized thus hindering the occurrence of many diseases.
Contains Anti-cancer properties particularly oral cancer
Research has proved that Spirulina is liable of preventing the growth of cancer cells and tumor size. Oral cancer alternatively known as the cancer of the mouth can be prevented by the use of Spirulina since it fights precancerous lesions known as OSMF (Oral submucous fibrosis)
Reduces blood pressure
A number of people all over the globe are suffering from high blood pressure. The good news is that Spirulina is an excellent relief. High blood pressure is quit deadly since it causes heart attacks, stroke and chronic kidney disease. A dose of 4.5 grams of Spirulina per day have been found to reduce blood pressure in persons with normal blood pressure levels.
Improves the symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis causes inflammation in the nasal airways, which is enhanced by environmental allergens for instance pollen, animal hair or wheat dust.But Spirulina is known to treat all the ympt5oms of allergic rhinitis.
Prevents anemia
Anemia is usually caused by few hemoglobin or red blood cells in the blood. It cause fatigue and weakness. But due to the high content of iron in Spirulina, it was found effective in healing anemia.
Increases muscle strength
Muscle fatigue is usually caused by Exercise -induced oxidative damage. But Spirulina has antioxidant properties that are quite efficient in helping athletes and all the physically active persons to minimize the damage. It also enhances endurance as well as boosting muscle strength.
It is an excellent blood sugar control
Some research was conducted pertaining Spirulina and it was found to lower blood sugar levels significantly thus enhances good health in patients.
Is it true that Spirulina is a great source of proteins?
Unmistakably speaking Spirulina has high contents of protein. In fact it is 65% protein. The rest is the essential amino acids. As a matter of fact it provides more proteins in comparison to carbohydrates. This makes this product most ideal for use by vegetarians. This because among all the foods that are good sources of protein, none can compare to the protein punch that is delivered by Spirulina. Surprisingly you are only required to consume two table spoons of spirulina as a protein substitute for every meal.
Why is Spirulina referred as a miraculous product?
Apart from the scientist terming Spirulina a ‘miraculous product’ everybody who would hear or read this would conclude the same. Incredibly Spirulina is liable of inactivating the human immunodeficiency virus that is associated with HIV/AIDS. As a matter of fact drugs that are used to treat HIV and AIDS patients for instance AZT are likely to cause the symptoms they are expected to cure unlike Spirulina which performs effectively.
Does Spirulina has any side effects?
A good question. The truth is that the product in question has no side effects. As a matter of fact it is a safe source of proteins, nutrients, and minerals. However there is a likelihood that your body may react depending on your health status. Though the reaction are not serious. In that case you don`t have to worry. Some of the reactions include;
Fever; this is triggered by the high protein content in spirulina since it increases metabolism which in turn may increase the body temperature. But the good news is that the fever won`t be any serious.
Waste matter that is dark green in colour; this is due to the presence of chlorophyll in Spirulina. In addition it can remove accumulated waste in your colon which end up causing darker stool.
Bloating; this is an indication that the digestive system is not functioning properly. This enhances excessive passing of gas.
Feeling high; this is because of the conversion of protein into heat energy. This in turn causes temporary high feelings.
Sleepiness; Detoxification causes a lot of fatigue and your body may need some rest.
However you have nothing to worry about. After your body gets used to Spirulina it will adjust and get back to normal. But let nothing prevent you from partaking on all these outstanding Spirulina benefits.
