Spirulina Benefits: The qualities that make this seaweed one of the greatest nutritional contributions to our diet

  • 2019
Table of contents hide 1 What is Spirulina 2 Historical uses of the benefits of spirulina 3 Spirulina benefits 4 Composition and characteristics of spirulina 5 How to consume spirulina to take advantage of its benefits 6 Side effects of spirulina 7 Final considerations

"Gram by gram, spirulina could be the most nutritious and complete food on the planet, which is stored almost indefinitely."

- Gabriel Cousens

In this article we will talk about the benefits of spirulina, its composition and the way it should be consumed.

In the current days, with the advances of science and technology, we have more tools to discover our functioning as a species. And thanks to that, we have come to realize the role that our food plays in the quality of life .

So today we are witnessing a new wave of consciousness in our diets. And in the way of supplying our body with a diet rich enough for optimal functioning.

And the truth is that food is a fundamental factor in our life. And not only because it forms the greatest source of daily energy. But also because it plays a decisive role in the balance that affects our whole body, our mind and our spirit. Even our mood is affected by the way we feed ourselves.

And it is in this search that we have found the benefits of spirulina, although this is nothing new. Ancient civilizations already enjoyed their components daily.

But what is spirulina ? How has it come to position itself under our radars? What benefits can this food offer us?

Stay with us, while we take a tour answering these and more questions.

What is spirulina

To give the definition of spirulina we must say that it is the biomass of a set of cyanobacteria, specifically the species Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima, which are suitable for human consumption. These cyanobacteria have the appearance of blue-green algae, and float freely, mainly on the coasts of Africa and Asia the genus platensis, and on the coasts of Mexico and California the maximum genus. Either way, they are now grown all over the world.

This source of proteins, nutrients, minerals and vitamins has been used for centuries, and today they have become part of a dietary compound, cataloged as a superfood .

In 1974 it was declared as the food of the future, and today millions of people choose the benefits of spirulina as a supplement to their diet. And it has also been recommended by the UN as a tool to fight the acute and chronic malnutrition that occurs in places of humanitarian emergency. Of the same, it was also proposed as a positive element for sustainable development.

It is without a doubt, a great tool.

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Historical uses of spirulina benefits

Spirulina is an excellent contribution to our diet, and NASA considers it one of the most convenient food sources for long-term expeditions. However, spirulina consumption is not a possibility that has gone unnoticed by ancient civilizations.

What do we mean when we talk about it being used for centuries? Well, spirulina in its natural state has been used as a source of food by some ancient cultures . Among them, the Aztec civilization and some other Mesoamerican cultures until the 16th century. Among the documents, the cultivation and sale of this has been registered by one of Cortés' soldiers. The Aztecs gave it the name of ' tecuitlatl ' (" insect larva ").

While spirulina has been found in large quantities in Lake Texcoco by some French researchers in 1960, there were no references to its use by the Aztecs as food after the 16th century, probably due to droughts.

Thus, the appreciation of the benefits of spirulina by ancient cultures did not see the light again until 1940. In this case, it was learned that the Kanembu tribe, inhabitants of the Republic of Chad in Africa, made a preparation based on spirulina called ' dihe ' that they used to make broths for meals.

Thus, the cultures located in the surroundings from where this seaweed can be extracted, have been able to see and take advantage of spirulina. Fortunately, today its benefits can be enjoyed worldwide.

Spirulina benefits

We know then that spirulina can be a great contribution to our health. But we will see what are the benefits of spirulina that stand out the most.

To start, spirulina strengthens us . It has the ability to strengthen our physical strength in the long term, and help us maintain a high vital energy during our life. In turn, it helps us to eliminate from our body the waste generated by heavy metals, such as lead or mercury. This detoxification lowers blood pressure and helps us also boost our immune system .

In turn, spirulina delays cell aging . Its composition rich in Phycocyanin has important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Another antioxidant compound that can be found in spirulina is beta-carotene, which is also good for our eyes.

We know that even spirulina acts as a protector of our liver.

Thanks to it we can also keep our hair, our nails and our skin in better condition. And dramatically reduces the risk of heart attack.

We also know its cultivation is sustainable, which is one of the most convenient spirulina benefits . You don't need a lot of water, nor a significant energy expenditure. To make the comparison, a kilogram of spirulina proteins is produced with fifty times less water than what is used to produce a kilogram of veal.

It also has anti-cancer properties, it helps us to control blood sugar levels and regulate our cholesterol, among many other benefits.

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Composition and characteristics of spirulina

The composition of spirulina is extremely rich in protein. Dry spirulina has a percentage of 5% water, 24% carbohydrates, 8% fat and 51 to 71% protein.

Consumed in its typical powdered dietary supplement form, an amount of one hundred grams of spirulina supplies two hundred and ninety calories. It is in turn a rich source that exceeds 20% of the daily values ​​of numerous essential nutrients, such as B vitamins ( thiamine and riboflavin ).

Among the important minerals it gives us, we find iron and magnesium, as well as selenium, or zinc that are part of important functions to preserve the health of our nervous system . And this is just some of the benefits of spirulina.

The fatty content of spirulina is 8%, providing fatty acids, linoleic and stereic acids, among others. These are important to combat conditions such as obesity and arthritis. They also prevent some diseases of neuropsychic character. The lack of fatty acids is one of the most serious results of alcoholism.

However, spirulina does not contain a significant amount of vitamin B12, important for the formation of red blood cells and the metabolism of cells. It has, instead, a pseudovitamin B12, which biologically is not active in humans.

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How to consume spirulina to take advantage of its benefits

The way in which we consume spirulina and the time of the day we do it will depend on the objectives we have.

If what you are pursuing is the weight loss, it is always advisable to consume it half an hour before each meal with a glass of water. Thus, the satiety that it produces will have an effect on us and we will arrive at the food with less appetite. Now, if what you want is to gain weight, what you should do is just the opposite. A glass of water with spirulina after the meal will help you achieve that goal.

If you use the benefits of spirulina as a treatment for any particular disorder, you should think about consuming spirulina on an empty stomach, at least thirty minutes before eating any food.

Now if you only want it as a nutritional supplement, it is best to consume it in smoothies made with green leafy fruits and vegetables.

The most common way of consumption is powder, dissolved in water or sprinkled in food. It also usually occurs in tablets or capsules.

The recommended dose for those who start using it is 500 milligrams to one gram, and one to three times a day. Then, we will gradually increase these amounts, always being attentive to the way our body reacts to spirulina .

Always try to start with low amounts, and make sure it is quality spirulina that you consume. If possible, organic. That way, you will avoid aggregates that may be harmful to your health. Keep in mind that these algae have a high absorption capacity.

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Spirulina side effects

We must remember that spirulina is a food, not a medicine. This should not present serious contraindications when ingested within the appropriate doses. However, some people may notice the occurrence of some side effects.

Among them, after consuming large amounts of spirulina, we may be very thirsty, because the body will need large amounts of water to assimilate it. It can cause constipation.

It can give us a fever, due to the excess demand of the body to digest excess protein. There have also been cases of dizziness and headaches and stomach aches.

Other possible side effects of spirulina may be skin irritations and itching.

You should keep in mind that in cases of hypo and hyperthyroidism it is advisable to consult your doctor before starting to supplement with spirulina . It contains a small amount of iodine, and this can have an impact on your thyroid gland. And in case you should consume it, always start with small doses.

Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding, and young children should also consult before consumption. Also people suffering from kidney failure.

On the other hand, the Food Department of the COF of Barcelona has listed other possible side effects from spirulina consumption .

These are:

  • Hepatic injury
  • Diarrhea and vomiting
  • Inflammation in the digestive tract
  • Bone mineral density problems
  • Dermatomyostitis (skin rash and inflammation)
  • Sleep disorders
  • Muscle pain
  • Decrease in blood pressure

Final considerations

It is clear that the benefits of spirulina are many. And especially in these times, when we realize the importance of taking care of food in our lives.

Our food can be a great determinant in the quality of our lives . It can make the difference between well-being and suffering. It can radically change our energy levels, and therefore, the quality of our actions. It may be the engine that drives the habit changes we are so much in need of.

However, within our body there is also a balance. And this balance is delicate.

Vitamins and minerals found in our body, must be administered in certain amounts. And those are the amounts that will make our body and our mind enjoy the energy for optimal functioning.

So before starting to consume a dietary supplement, it is important that you consider what are the goals you are looking to meet. And that you listen to the recommendations of a professional.

As we have seen, there are also numerous side effects that spirulina intake can cause. Taking care of yourself is related to knowing what is best for yourself. In the same way, it is advisable to also adjust the diet we are currently consuming so that it is not contrary to what we want to achieve.

Having made sure that there is no problem, then it will be time to enjoy those characteristics of spirulina that are beneficial.

And you, have you tried spirulina? What was your experience?

AUTHOR: Lucas, editor and translator of the great family of hermandadblanca.org

SOURCES:

  • https://cuidateplus.marca.com/alimentacion/dictionary/espirulina.html
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirulina_(dietary_supplement)
  • https://www.manuelsanchezhernandez.com/beneficios-de-la-espirulina/
  • http://www.espirulina.es/
  • http://www.espirulina.es/contraindicaciones.html
  • https://www.cuerpomente.com/alimentacion/superalimentos/espirulina_1869

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