Learn About The Incredible Benefits Of Spirulina

Although it is known as a dietary supplement to lose weight, spirulina can also help us detoxify the body and reduce high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides

Although it is currently consumed in supplement form, several centuries ago it was “obtained” naturally. This alga was already used in the times of the Mayans and the Aztecs and has many properties. In this article we will tell you more about spirulina, a more than powerful ancient remedy.

Brief history of spirulina

In the chronicles about the conquest of Mexico by Hernán Cortés mention is made of vegetation that lived on the surface of Lake Texcoco and was collected by the Aztecs. They dried it in the sun and then roasted it to consume it as food. The name used by the natives was “Tecuitlat” which means “stone product”. This species only survived in water with a high content of mineral salts.

• The use of spirulina as a food is also present in other cultures. For example, the Kanenmbu in the Lake Chad area.
• In Spain we can find this species in the Doñana National Park, in Huelva, more precisely in the Santa Olalla lagoon.

It is not native to the Iberian Peninsula, but has arrived in the country transported by flamingos on their migration from Africa. In the last half of the 20th century, spirulina was used industrially. The cultivation began in 1962 in those arid areas where the salinity of the water was not suitable for conventional agriculture.

Although it was believed that they were algae, they are actually prokaryotic organisms with a central region (where the nucleic acid is) and a peripheral region (with chlorophyll). At present it is consumed raw in the form of pills or powder. In addition, it is easy to find in the dietary supplement sector of stores and supermarkets.

Nutrients and properties of spirulina

This spiral-shaped cyanobacterium (hence its name) is greenish-blue in color due to the phycocyanin and chlorophyll it contains. It is a wonderful supplement that provides more digestible proteins than many foods – 57% of the weight is made up of this nutrient – .

• Spirulina is also a great source of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and vitamins A and B12.
• Among the minerals it offers, we highlight calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus.

There are many health and beauty benefits that we can take advantage of by consuming spirulina. For starters, it is a dietary supplement that slows down the aging of cells. Thus, it also provides antioxidants such as beta-carotene, which is very good for eye health.

Because it has a lot of iron, it is recommended in people with anemia, exhaustion and demineralization. It is consumed by professional athletes to increase their performance in competitions and training, as it allows them to recover energy, vitality and physical form.

Being low in saturated fat and essential fatty acids, it is an ideal supplement for those who want to lose weight or eat healthier. As if that were not enough, spirulina provides almost no calories and also contains an amino acid capable of suppressing appetite.

Spirulina and its many benefits

Spirulina has the ability to protect and nourish both the liver and the lungs. In addition, it also helps us to:

• Detoxify the body.
• Strengthen the immune system.
• Regenerate the intestinal flora – It is recommended in cases of constipation, as it favors the formation of stools – .

On the other hand, it contributes to the production of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. It keeps neural functions in balance and improves the health of the central nervous system. Thanks to the vitamins in spirulina, brain cells function better – perfect to consume before an exam, for example – .

This saltwater-dwelling organism has many benefits for cardiovascular health, as it can lower cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as high blood pressure. Of course there are many more advantages to this exceptional add-on:

• Avoid osteoporosis during menopause.
• Lets fall asleep.
• Reduces symptoms caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
• Treat ringing in the ears or tinnitus.
• Reduces bad breath.
• Disinfects and heals ulcers or wounds in the mouth.

Benefits of spirulina for aesthetics

In addition to all the benefits of this plant for our health, we can also highlight its properties in the area of ​​beauty. To begin, we must mention that, due to its great contribution of minerals, vitamins and amino acids, it helps in hair growth and strengthening.

• For this reason it is recommended for those who suffer from hair loss.
• At the same time it avoids the fragility of the nails.
• It also acts as a skin rejuvenator thanks to chlorophyll, linoleic acids and vitamin E.

How to consume spirulina?

We can get this supplement in different presentations: capsules, liquid, tablets, tincture and powder. The allowed daily dose in adults is 3 to 5 grams.

Contraindications and side effects

• People who suffer from gout or hyperuricemia, as well as pregnant or lactating women, should avoid the consumption of spirulinas.
• It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, skin reactions, and headaches. In these cases, you should stop consuming and consult a specialist.