In the 16th century, the Aztecs in Mexico found a natural remedy known as “Tecuitlatl” in Lake Texcoco. They used it as their food source, and one of Cortés’ soldiers even illustrated it.
Nowadays, there’s a remedy called Spirulina found in various parts of the world. It belongs to the family of Algae and is a consumable form of blue-green Algae. People use it as a significant source of protein and as an energy supplement all over the globe. In ancient times, Spirulina was served as an appetizer on dinner tables and used as pills to aid digestion and promote healthy bowel movements.
Spirulina also gained importance after it was utilized by NASA. The blue-green algae spirulina, also known as arthrosis, sprang to fame after NASA employed it effectively as a functional food for astronauts on space missions. It can regulate immunological processes and demonstrates anti-inflammatory characteristics by preventing mast cells from releasing histamine.
Known to be among the world’s most popular supplements spirulina and its benefits. it is enriched with various nutrients and antioxidants to keep your body and brain strong and calm.
Below mentioned are some benefits of Spirulina that are based on evidence and scientific discoveries.
Goodbye Cancer
Enriched with Antioxidants it has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the risk of chronic inflammation that leads to cancer. The pigment that is responsible for Spirulina’s blue-green color Phycocyanin is known to lower inflammation, block tumor growth and kill cancerous cells.
A happy heart
The protein present in Spirulina is known to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in our body and reduce the thickening of Artery walls that reduce the risk of blood pressure and heart attacks and other heart-related problems. Reduces the chances of blood clots and may help in reducing the risk of heart strokes.
Triglyceride – What do you need them for?
These fats in your body are responsible for numerous diseases and disorders and cause multiple life hazards like the hardening of Arteries that causes heart strokes and heartaches and if not treated causes heart attacks. diabetes and pancreatitis are some of the few diseases that consumption of Spirulina can reduce.
High Nutritional value
Talk about being a blast in a small package containing a huge amount of nutrients in just a spoonful. One tablespoon of spirulina contains:
Calories: 20
Protein: 4 grams
Fat: 1 gram
Carbohydrates: 2 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Sugar: 0 grams
Containing several nutrients Spirulina is a good source of:
- Thiamine (vitamin B1)
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
- Niacin (vitamin B3)
- Copper
- Iron
The backbone of your Immune system
Spirulina has many vitamins and minerals that help keep your immune system strong. With Vitamins like E, C, and B6. Research has shown that spirulina also contributes to the production of white blood cells and antibodies that fight foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria in your body. Studies show that spirulina can help prevent herpes, the flu, and HIV. Though none of these is certain.
Glorious eyes and beautiful whites
Spirulina contains zeaxanthin, a plant pigment that can help reduce the risk of cataracts. Studies show that Spirulina consumption leads to healthy and moist eyes that reduce the chance of catching cataracts. The antibacterial properties help in keeping teeth clean and white, removing bacteria that cause dental plaque and causes gingivitis.
Relief from Allergies
Anti Inflammatory effects caused by the antioxidants present in Spirulina may help with allergies caused by pollen, animal hair, and dust.
A study found that people’s symptoms like stuffy nose and sneezing decreased a lot when they took spirulina. This suggests that spirulina might be a good option instead of medicine for allergies.
Reduction of blood pressure
The consumption of Spirulina lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood pressure is a major cause of many heart-related diseases and body aches. The production of Nitric Oxide is the major cause of lowering blood pressure. The presence of Nitric Oxide signals as a blood vessel relaxant and dilates the blood causing lesser pain and heart problems.
Anemia is your enemy
Anemia happens when your blood doesn’t have enough hemoglobin or red blood cells. This can occur due to a shortage of important nutrients or essential minerals in your body. The high nutritional value of Spirulina helps with the lack of such nutrients and helps replenish the lack of RBC and hemoglobin and eases the symptoms of Anemia.
Reproductive Health
Males who took a supplement containing Spirulina extract had semen volumes that were 11% larger than those in the control group. Similar to boars, spirulina has enhanced the quality of the sperm produced by bulls.
HOW TO USE SPIRULINA?
Most commonly Spirulina is available in two forms: powder and tablets. There is no need for a prescription for Spirulina tablets or powder. The ways to take these are pretty simple.
To use Spirulina tablets as a dietary supplement, take them half an hour before meals with a big glass of water. Please make sure not to consume them before sleeping hours or it may cause sleep disorders, uneven sleep, and dizziness after sleeping hours. These pills are beneficial if you have to work late at night as they are good energy supplements and help you last without sleeping for long hours.
For Powder usage, you just have to take a spoonful of it and mix it with a large glass of water or juice as per your liking or you can just mix in a smoothie and gulp it down.
Please make sure not to consume them before sleeping hours or it may cause sleep disorders, uneven sleep, and dizziness after sleeping hours. Benefits of Spirulina if you have to work late at night as they are a good energy supplement and help you last without sleeping for long hours.
So far, there are no known side effects of Spirulina, its main benefits. However, as a precaution, people with allergies should avoid it. This is because Spirulina contains phenylalanine, which can be harmful to individuals with a rare inherited condition called phenylketonuria. Spirulina’s protein is of great quality and contains all the important amino acids your body need.
