Spirulina: From time to time, researchers find nutrient-dense superfoods that improve people’s lives and health. One of these powerful foods is spirulina, a type of seaweed that, in addition to strengthening the immune system, helps with weight reduction.
But do you know how to use it and what spirulina is for? We invite Dr. Carmem Verônica Alves José, a doctor, and homeopath who works with functional medicine, to answer all your questions and explain a little more about this superfood. Interested? So keep reading.
Table of Contents
What Is Spirulina?
Dr. Carmem explains that spirulina is a microscopic green alga that grows in tropical and subtropical lakes in Central America, South America, Africa, and Asia. Due to its rich composition, this seaweed is used as a nutritional supplement and is even considered a superfood.
“Its nutritional composition is quite rich and has 60 to 70% of proteins”, says the doctor. In addition, spirulina contains an actively called phycocyanobilin, an antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory that acts in the fight against free radicals.
Below, we list other essential nutrients present in this food:
- critical amino acids such as methionine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and cystine, among others
- 14 to 20% carbohydrates
- 6 to 7% lipids
- minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and iodine
- beta-carotene
- vitamin A, E, and K
- Complex B vitamins
Because it is rich in protein, spirulina will consider a superior protein option to plant proteins. However, when compared to milk or meat, it is an inferior source.
This seaweed is sold in several formats, such as capsule and powder, and can ingest with a bit of water or mixed with juices. The purchase can be made in natural products stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, and online stores.
How To Consume Spirulina?
“To know the recommended dose for each patient, it is important to seek medical advice. Ingesting the seaweed excessively does not bring side effects, as it is a food. However, this will not recommend. It is optional to eat up to 2 g of spirulina per day”, says Dr. Carmen.
At the time of purchase, it is essential to look for suitable suppliers and stores with a good origin because spirulina can contaminat with heavy metals and other toxins if developed in an uncontrolled environment. In addition, the packaging must be well sealed and stored correctly.
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How To Use Spirulina For Healthy Weight Loss?
“Spirulina has a powerful anti-obesity action, as it increases the activity of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme responsible for hydrolyzing triglycerides, digesting them, and modulating fat reserves,” explains the doctor.
In addition, seaweed stimulates the feeling of satiety due to the elevation of amino acid levels in the blood, which enable the production of the hormone cholecystokinin, which acts in the intestine, reducing the desire to eat in excessive amounts.
Its concentration of magnesium also helps to reduce the desire to eat sweets because this mineral can transform tryptophan into serotonin, a substance responsible for the feeling of well-being. The lack of serotonin is one of the reasons the patient has more desire to stick to the diet.
For those who want to use spirulina to help with weight loss, the doctor’s tip is to ingest one capsule one hour before the main meals, not exceeding two capsules per day.
In addition to spirulina, it is necessary to include physical activities and a well-balanced diet in the routine, with fruits, vegetables, and grilled lean meats. Sugary and high-calorie foods should will avoid.
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What Are The Benefits Of Spirulina?
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Improves The Skin
Spirulina is rich in beta-carotene — a substance responsible for the pigment in fruits and vegetables, such as carrots. This component helps preserve collagen, which ensures firmness and elasticity to the skin, and in the production of melanin, which helps to maintain the tan.
In addition, the seaweed also has antioxidant action, which fights free radicals, preventing premature skin aging.
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Relieves Anxiety And Mood Swings
As we have already mentioned, spirulina acts in the formation of tryptophan, an amino acid that turns into serotonin. By associating the consumption of seaweed with vitamin B6 in high doses, it is possible to alleviate the effects of anxiety and depression and improve mood. In these cases, the doctor usually recommends the consumption of 4 capsules of 500 mg daily.
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Relieves Physical Symptoms Of Allergic Rhinitis
Another benefit of using spirulina is for patients suffering from allergic rhinitis. Due to seaweed’s anti-inflammatory properties can inhibit histamine release and significantly reduce interleukin four levels. Aalleviating physical symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, itchiness, and a runny nose.
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Improves Metabolism
Regular consumption of spirulina helps reduce weight and prevent and treat other conditions linked to obesity, such as diabetes. Pre-diabetes, cholesterol, and hypertension. In addition, zinc, present in this superfood, has anti-inflammatory power and helps to strengthen the immune system.
Protects The Liver
The seaweed also has a hepatoprotective effect. Protecting the liver from toxins and preventing damage to the cells of this organ. In addition, spirulina can reduce fat accumulated in the liver.
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