Criteria to Consider Before Buying Spirulina
Contents
- Criteria to consider before buying Spirulina
- Spirulina can interfere with medications and supplements
- Natural product
- The environment in which it was produced
- The production methods
- Tips for choosing spirulina
- Which form of Spirulina to choose
- Where to buy Spirulina
- Spirulina: how much does it cost
Spirulina looks like a super food, just like green tea, thanks to its beneficial properties for the body. But before buying this algae it is good to know that it is not always safe to take it.
Spirulina can sometimes hinder the immune system. In fact, it appears to affect the immune system and make it active. While this is good if you are trying to avoid trivial infections, in the case of autoimmune diseases, it can be counterproductive.
Therefore, in these cases, it is best to avoid spirulina, especially in the presence of diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, some skin diseases, and even type 1 diabetes.
Spirulina is not recommended for people suffering from phenylketonuria.
Phenylketonuria is an inborn error of metabolism. Developed right at birth, some babies cannot digest a particular amino acid which is phenylalanine. Spirulina contains this amino acid and therefore it is best to avoid it for those suffering from phenylketonuria. Spirulina can interfere with drugs and supplements
The effect of spirulina on the immune system is well known and this turns into side effects of spirulina for those taking immunosuppressants.
Likewise, spirulina can slow down blood clotting and therefore taking it together with anticoagulants can increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
The same goes for herbs which can alter the blood clotting time. In any case, it is always recommended to consult a doctor before starting to take this algae. Natural product
Although Spirulina is a natural food product, it cannot be consumed in excess. So it’s better to stick to the dosage tips than found on the package or better yet, choose a safe and certified product.
This way you won’t have to worry about the daily dosage, just commit to taking it. Also in this case it is recommended to ask your doctor for information. The environment in which it was produced
The way it is grown and above all the environment in which it grows can really make a difference.
Unfortunately, if you are not careful where spirulina comes from, its full potential can be compromised due to contamination from toxic metals, BMAA, microcystin, herbicides, pesticides and other harmful toxins.
For example, spirulina grown in Japan may have absorbed radiation from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, and some spirulina grown in China may have been contaminated with lead, mercury and arsenic.
It is also important to make sure that spirulina has not been grown in salt (sea) water, as it can absorb unhealthy iodine levels from the ocean.
And to further complicate the situation, conventionally grown spirulina may have absorbed all kinds of harmful pesticides and chemical fertilizers, no matter where in the world it comes from. Production methods
Spirulina grows naturally in mineral-rich alkaline lakes found on every continent, often near volcanoes. The greatest concentrations of spirulina today are found at Lake Texcoco in Mexico, around Lake Chad in Central Africa and along the Great Rift Valley in East Africa. Tips for choosing spirulina
The best way to ensure that you are purchasing pure spirulina is to always opt for a certified organic product. Look for safe stamps and seals, which can ensure that your spirulina adheres to rigorous growing practices that do not include chemical fertilizers, synthetic pesticides or genetically modified organisms. Additionally, your spirulina should be a pure and properly dried variety, grown in a fresh, pristine water source, and nothing should be added to the spirulina after it has been harvested. Which form of Spirulina to choose
The two most common forms of spirulina commercially available are powder and tablets.
It is also an ingredient in some protein and powder blends that are used for physical training and allow you to increase energy.
You can mix a small spoonful of spirulina powder into a glass of water or juice and drink it straight away, or you can add some to a smoothie.
When buying the tablets, the spirulina content must be at least 98% and they must not contain artificial preservatives or colors. If you buy a granular or powdered product, its content must be 100% spirulina.
Like other powdered green superfoods, spirulina can be taken in a variety of ways.
However, taking Spirulina tablets instead of the powder may be a better option; Just because Spirulina is taken in tablet form doesn’t mean it’s not as beneficial for your health. Where to Buy Spirulina
You have several options for sourcing quality spirulina, and it’s up to you to make sure it meets all your definitions of quality. You can find it on the internet, at herbalists, but also supermarkets specializing in particular foods.
Buying online is still the best way to save the time and stress of finding quality products to buy. You can take advantage of reviews to learn about the best options on the market, and when it comes to spirulina, you can learn everything you need to know if you sift through the online reviews.
Also try organic farms, which can be a great option.
It is always best to source ingredients and foods such as herbs, flowers and any other type of plant directly from the place where they are grown or produced.
And for spirulina algae, you can expect to find quality on farms that practice organic farming methods. You can find options online that reference organic farms, and they are usually the best options on the market for fresh supplies.
Finding farmers locally can be the best way to always find the best products and establish a contact who can guarantee you the best ingredients whenever they have fresh supplies.
If you are wondering where to find them, you can try looking for the farmers market to begin with. Spirulina: how much does it cost
We reassure you about the price of spirulina, as it is very low. Packs of 500 spirulina tablets, for example, cost between 20 and 30 euros.
As for the spirulina powder, a 100 g pack costs 8 euros. So, as you can see, the price is by no means excessive.
The problem lies in choosing the right product.
