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It is worth starting with the fact that although this word may at first be associated with quite “chemically”, in practice spirulina is the common name of products derived directly from nature. We are talking about different types of microalgae and cyanobacteria that occur all over the world. However, the best conditions for the growth of spirulina are in Africa and South and Central America (where the largest supplies of this raw material come from).
| Blue or green spirulina? |
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| For some, the color of spirulina is a big problem. A blue variety, extremely vivid in terms of color, attacked us in the media a few years ago under the name Blue Majik. Meanwhile, in photos and in advertising brochures, it is usually green (you can confuse it with chlorella!) Or blue-green – the color depends on the amount of dyes (phyococyanin, blue, and chlorophyll, green). |
The secret of popularity lies not only in its original appearance, but also in its amazing properties. Who should find spirulina the most attractive?
Spirulina – algae worth knowing
Let’s start with, is it possible to come to the store and simply ask for spirulina itself? Yes and no. Most often it is an accessory for all kinds of dietary supplements and bars. It can also be purchased in pure powdered form, but it is not eaten “dry”. It is best to add the powder to the cocktail, which gives it amazing nutritional power. By the way, it is worth mentioning that spirulina has a rather characteristic taste, and at the same time spicy – perhaps it will take a few moments to get used to such a novelty.
Where to buy a proven product? Preferably in a pharmacy or a certified health food store. It is worth paying attention to the expiry dates (about 3 years from the date of production, which is a long time, but it is worth taking a look) and choose a proven manufacturer. Only a few companies in the world have a patent for the perforation of the algae cell wall, and this process is necessary for the production of fully functional preparations, i.e. in short, valuable and noteworthy.
Spirulina – properties
Exactly, because we mentioned its great advantages, which it owes its constantly growing popularity. The properties of spirulina include:
- Increasing the production of antibodies. Thanks to this property, it is assumed that spirulina contributes significantly, e.g. in fighting cancer cells!
- Lowers cholesterol. It is worth remembering that hypercholesterolaemia may be genetically determined and affect not only obese people and those who lead an unhealthy lifestyle. Even active people sometimes have to take a closer look at these parameters.
- It reduces the risk of some serious ailments. These include, for example, stroke and atherosclerosis. This is due to the fact that the antioxidants contained in it, by limiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
- It has properties that people with high blood pressure will appreciate. It just lowers them! 🙂
It cannot be denied that it is all thanks to the quite unique nutritional values of spirulina. Among them we can find:
- Amino acids. We are dealing here with a set of exogenous amino acids, i.e. those that the body is unable to produce on its own / must be supplied from the outside. As many as eight of them are exogenous, i.e. not produced by our own body!
- Vitamins B1, B2. Their doses are definitely higher than in the case of most of the fruit, vegetables and even whole ready meals we eat.
- Protein. Therefore, the topic should be of great interest to fans of the plant-based diet.
- Vitamins K, E, D, C and A. Also in solid doses!
- Acids: GLA and folic acid, plus iron, selenium, zinc and manganese.
The image is complemented by antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, moreover, spirulina takes care of the good condition of our liver. It helps in the fight against anemia, has an anti-influenza effect … and how to help reduce unnecessary kilograms?
Spirulina and slimming
Does Spirulina Help You Lose Weight? Yes, can support the whole process. After all, it cannot be viewed through the prism of a “cure for all evil”. In relation to slimming activities, you need to show a holistic approach, i.e. provide the body with appropriate ingredients through a diet and encourage fat burning through increased physical activity, remembering also about regular hydration of the body.
Why are we mentioning this? First of all, due to the fact that spirulina should be treated as an additive, a typical “support” for a well-designed menu, where the basis will be a complete range of vitamins and nutrients. Unfortunately, many people, leading an incumbent and unhealthy lifestyle (stimulants, lack of sleep, irregular meals) later try to bypass some processes with the “magic pill”, and this is not the way to go.
Chlorella or spirulina?
A world without the element of competition would be boring, so it’s time for a duel of healthy algae. The blue-green and blue spirulina compete in this field with bottle-green chlorella. Which one to choose?
We left this argument for the end, but spirulina, due to its phenylalanine content, may also have an influence on the control of excessive appetite. Of course, spirulina supplementation alone will not cause weight loss, but can only support it.
Chlorella, in turn, has four times more chlorophyll, as well as a lot of iron and nucleic acids. Its composition primarily indicates the properties supporting the good functioning of the liver. So it looks like you can alternate the two supplements with different benefits.
Thanks for your comments, Natural! drew attention to a very important health aspect, so let us quote her: “Spirulina is a cyanobacterium, its use does not always bring health benefits, as marketers claim. You have to be aware of the anti-nutritional substances it contains: neurotoxins and hepatotoxins, which can cause problems, especially in people with impaired health. As for B12, I confirm the remark of Aquarella, it is inactive in spirulina. Of these two, I definitely chose Chlorella, which I used to cleanse my intestines. »
Including spirulina in your diet can be a good idea, and it will be appreciated especially by people with a very active lifestyle, including athletes. But what shouldn’t you do about spirulina? Treat its actions as a medicine for everything. An add-on, not a substitute. In addition, before including it in the menu, it is always worth consulting a doctor.