Spirulina

Spirulina

Build Muscle / Aid Overall Health / Increase Energy / Lose Weight

Spirulina is one of the emerging nutritional supplements on the market which is marketed as offering a natural way to achieve high protein results, weight loss, immune boosting and holistic health. While often considered a primarily vegetarian and vegan supplement for its high protein potency, which helps to supplement meats and dairy that the person might otherwise eat, Spirulina also offers great benefits for meat eaters and the general population.

Spirulina, an alga, is a supplement that has been shown in test trials to increase bodily immune defense and express the health benefits of energy and muscle repair due to high protein. There are many supplements on the market that you may have considered taking: one of them is Spirulina. If you have heard of the term, but are yet unsure of what exactly it is, what it does, and if it is safe; this article is surely for you.

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Summary

Spirulina Defined Spirulina is an all natural, organic blue green algae found in both fresh and salt bodies of water all over the world, and is presently gaining popularity in Western culture for its nutritional benefits. Its first beneficial use was shown as early as the 16th century in u... more

Spirulina Defined

Spirulina is an all natural, organic blue green algae found in both fresh and salt bodies of water all over the world, and is presently gaining popularity in Western culture for its nutritional benefits. Its first beneficial use was shown as early as the 16th century in use by the Aztecs and other related cultures in a cake form as a means of food. Research has also shown use of Spirulina in this cake form as early as the 9th century in various cultures.

Obviously, it was a wonderful choice for early societies, as it provided benefits without alteration, and was available in various bodies of water. Since then, Spirulina has changed very little from these early times and is now sold in a number of forms that include powders and pills. You should always ensure that the supplement you choose to purchase has no other ingredients.

Spirulina Benefits

While algae have always been linked to improved health in a number of categories, Spirulina has been examined again and again and rendered the best of algae for supplementation. This is because it contains rich stores of B complex vitamins, Vitamin E, Manganese, Beta-Carotene, Carotenoids, Copper, Iron, Selenium, and Gamma Linolenic Acid and is approximately 70% protein rich. This is an amount greater than any food. Few algae can offer such a wealth of nutrients and minerals, and thus, it is a somewhat popular supplement for health benefits.

  • Protein Value: As noted, Spirulina offers a higher amount of protein than any food available, and is much more easily digestible for the body than animal fats. The easier the ability to digest for the body, the healthier the body will be.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Aside from offering high protein value, Spirulina supplementation offers high amounts of beneficial vitamins and minerals to include: B, C, D, E, Iodine, Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, and Iron-all vital for a healthy bodily function. Spirulina is also high in essential fatty acids, GLA, ALA, and DHA.
  • Allergies: Studies have shown supplementation of Spirulina in those experiencing allergic reactions on a chronic basis results in an improvement in symptoms. This is because Spirulina can protect against histamine reactions in the body.
  • Boost in Immune System: In various trials, the use of Spirulina has been shown to bolster the growth of antibodies and cytokines which are necessary for a strong immune system, and defending the body against regular infection and serious conditions, such as Cancer.
  • Oral Cancer: One specific condition, Oral Cancer, has shown benefits from the regular use of Spirulina. Preliminary studies have shown the precancerous lesions associated with Oral Cancer were reduced with supplementation.
  • Weight Loss: Another area of bodily health that Spirulina has been linked to is weight loss. While studies are divided on whether or not Spirulina contributes greatly to weight loss in those taking it, it can be assured that taking Spirulina helps the body feel more satisfied with the foods it does ingest due to the high protein content. This, in turn, often leads to weight loss.

Spirulina Dosage

For safe dosage of Spirulina, it is best to always follow the dosage information on the product itself, and also consult your physician to determine if this supplement is a beneficial for you. The average market dosage is likely to be 4-6 tablets (500mg) daily, or the equivalent amount in powder or flake form.

While Spirulina has been used by children, the correct dosage for children is not a set standard. Of course, always consult with your doctor or pediatrician prior to giving any new supplementation or medication to a child.

Spirulina Precautions and Side Effects

There are no known side effects of Spirulina, but there are various considerations to understand prior to taking it as a supplement:

  • First, those who have a rare condition called Phenylktonuria should not take Spirulina as the amino acids in the supplement cannot be digested
  • Second, those struggling with autoimmune disorders should also avoid supplementation of this
  • Third, common to many algae supplements on the market, Spirulina can contain toxic contamination, and this is why choosing a brand that you trust and talking with your physician prior to supplementation is crucial. Moreover, those pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid use of Spirulina.

To locate Spirulina supplements, or compare them with other nutrition sources and benefits, visit the free supplement finder now!

Other

  • Side Effects
  • Other Names
  • Uses
None Known
Contraindicated For Certain Medical Conditions
AFA, Algae, Algas Verdiazul, Algues Bleu-Vert, Anabaena, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Arthrospira maxima, Arthrospira platensis, BGA, Blue Green Algae, Blue-Green Micro-Algae, Cyanobacteria, Dihe, Espirulina, Hawaiian Spirulina, Klamath, Klamath Lake Algae, Lyngbya wollei, Microcystis aeruginosa, Microcystis wesenbergii, Nostoc ellipsosporum, Spirulina Blue-green Algae, Spirulina fusiformis, Spirulina maxima, Spirulina platensis, Spirulina pacifica, Tecuitlatl
Allergies
Energy
High In Essential Fatty Acids
High Protein Potency
Immunity
Muscle Repair
Oral Cancer
Vitamin Rich
Weight Loss