Spring brings with it the awakening of nature and the senses, but also a lot of tiredness and fatigue – both physical and mental. The beautiful days in fact help us to feel more serene and eager to do, but our body seems not to make it. This is the reason why in the change of seasons there is a boom in the use of energy supplements. But there are also completely natural food-medications that help us regain strength and energy. One of the most important and effective is Spirulina. What is Spirulina
It is a kind of blue-green microalgae. In fact it would be more correct to speak of Spiruline. Among the most common are Spirulina Major Kutz, Spirulina Maxima Bernard and Spirulina Platensis. They live in very alkaline waters, particularly in Mexico in Lake Texcoco and in Central Africa. In both countries the seaweed is harvested, cleaned and dried, in order to be used for culinary-therapeutic purposes. Benefits of spirulina
Spirulina is very important for human health thanks to the presence of essential and non-essential amino acids, B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, H) and antioxidant vitamins such as A and E It is very rich in essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid, alpha linoleic and gamma-linoleic acid. It also has good quantities of mineral salts: calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc etc. Finally, its highly antioxidant pigments are chlorophyll, carotenes, xanthophylls and phycocyanins. Spirulina, the super natural tonic also suitable for athletes
Thanks to the presence of all the aforementioned nutritional elements, Spirulina is considered one of the best natural restoratives with low calorie content: therefore excellent even during slimming diets. It is also suitable for people who follow vegan diets due to the presence of vitamin B12 (of which the diet is generally lacking). Although, according to some studies, the form of vitamin B12 present in micro-algae may not be sufficient for people who do not consume animal products. Spirulina gives strength to the body, especially to anemic people because it has a highly available form of iron. Furthermore, the presence of branched amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine and valine combined with carnitine and creatine, make it a super product even for athletes.
- Deepening: How many proteins does spirulina contain
Spirulina has a very high protein content. There is talk of about 70 grams for every 100 grams of seaweed. Therefore much higher than meat which has about 25 grams of it for the same quantity.
Spirulina helps to lose weight
It is not a real slimming. However, the presence of phenylalanine seems to act directly on the nerve centers of the stimulus of hunger, increasing the sense of satiety. In addition, it has iodine which improves the functioning of the thyroid gland and therefore of the metabolism. Spirulina stimulates the immune system
Spirulina microalgae also boosts the effectiveness of the immune system. The essential fatty acids contained in it, stimulating the production of prostaglandins PGE1, in association with beta-glucans increase the defenses. But not only that: they are also useful for reducing inflammation and improving blood coagulability (antiplatelet agents). According to recent studies, it also increases the production of nitric oxide which stimulates the activity of phagocytes. In addition, some research has shown a greater production of Gamma interferon and an increase in Natural Killer cells. The doses of spirulina
Spirulina is available both in powder and in tablets or capsules. The average dose to take is about 10 grams per person, per day. Also excellent added to your meals to give taste and more nourishment.Side effects of spirulina
This is a generally well tolerated product, but it should not be taken for prolonged periods or longer than 4-6 months. People with thyroid disease should pay attention to the use of algae due to their iodine content. Mild gastrointestinal disturbances have rarely been reported.
