Spirulina is a microalga that can be consumed by humans and animals. It is usually taken by humans as a nutritional supplement and is made primarily from two species of cyanobacteria: Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima.
Arthrospira is cultivated worldwide; used as a dietary supplement as well as a whole food; and is available in tablet, flake and powder form. It is also used as a feed supplement in the aquaculture, aquarium and poultry industries.
Spirulina has numerous health and nutritional benefits that makes this as an indispensable choice of food items.
Health benefits
Spirulina is an excellent source of RNA which is what is required by the brain badly after performing mental exercises. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of allergies, anemia, cancer, high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, viral infections, inflammatory conditions, liver damage, immunodeficiency, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions.
Also spirulina brings the following health benefits to our bodies.
- Rich in antioxidants
- Boosts energy and cellular health
- Ecologically grown in USA, in the California desert; pesticide and herbicide free
- More than 60% easy-to-digest all-vegetable protein.
- Rare food source of the essential fatty acid GLA
- High in B-12 and easy-to-absorb iron
- Encouraging weight loss
- Counteracting toxins in the body
- Helping purify the liver
- Increasing mental alertness
- Lowering blood cholesterol and excess triglycerides
- Helping fight viral infections
- Treating radiation sickness
- Enhancing ability to generate new blood cells
- Improving blood sugar problems
- Strengthening the nervous system
- Strengthening the immune system
- Removing toxic metals such as lead and mercury from the body
- Improving healing of wounds
- Have anti-cancer and anti-viral properties
Nutritional advantages
Spirulina Huge Health And Nutritional Benefits
Spirulina is found to have the highest concentration of the digestible vegetable protein content. All the essential amino acids are in perfect balance. It also has the highest concentration of beta carotene, vitamin B-12, iron and trace minerals and the rare essential fatty acid GLA. These surely make Spirulina an incredible whole food alternative to the isolated vitamin and minerals. Following are the various quantities of nutritional elements present in the spirulina.
- Proteins
High quality and quantity of protein (60%-70%) makes it useful in human nutrition.
- Amino acids
All essential amino acids are in perfect balance.
- Vitamins
Spirulina is a very rich source in vitamin B12, and that is a reason why these Cyanobacteria are of great value for people needing supplements in the treatment of pernicious anemia. Spirulina also contains high content of pro vitamin A
- Minerals
Iron in Spirulina is 60% better absorbed than ferrous sulfate and other complements
- Lipids
Spirulina contains 4-7% lipids. Spirulina has essential fatty acids: linoleic acid (LA) and g-linolenic acid (GLA). The latter is claimed to have medicinal properties and is required for arachidonic acid and prostaglandin synthesis.
- Carbohydrates
Spirulina platensis contains about 13.6% carbohydrates; some of these are glucose, rhamnose, mannose, xylose and galactose.
- Phytonutrients
Spirulina is overloaded with unique phytonutrients like phycocyanin, polysaccharides and sulfolipids that not only enhance the immune system, but also reduces the risks of infection, cancer and auto immune diseases.
- Antioxidants
Spirulina is rich in natural carotenoid antioxidants that promote cellular health and lessen the risk of cancer.
- Chlorophyll
It has cleansing chlorophyll which helps detoxify bodies that are prone to pollution.
- Pigments
Some natural pigments are found in Spirulina. These pigments are responsible for the characteristic colors of certain flamingo species that consume these Cyanobacteria in the African Valley. This knowledge has promoted the use of this microorganism as source of pigmentation for fish, eggs and chicken. Spirulina also increases the yellowness and redness of broiled chicken due to accumulation of zeaxanthin.
Conclusion
Spirulina has numerous health and nutritional advantages associated with its consumption. One also experiences the side effects of the spirulina during the initial phases of consumption. This shows that spirumila is removing the impurities from the body and improving its functioning to make it work better. This is just the detoxification of the body and nothing else.However these initial side effects signs subsidise gradually. Diabetic patients should consult their physician before resorting to the spirulina treatment plan.
Good and trusted, reputed brands of spirulina can ensure you lesser side effects and better results. Hence go for them and get the healthy lifestyle.