Super Foods – Spirulina Benefits
If you’re unaware of what Spirulina is and what the health benefits of Spirulina are, it will be very worthwhile for you to read this article. Spirulina, found in warm water alkaline volcanic lakes is from the family of blue-green algae and is considered one of the world’s greatest Super Foods. The benefits of spirulina can greatly enhance your life. Spirulina benefits come from the amount of protein, vitamins and minerals it contains.
Spirulina Health Benefits
Spirulina is rich in raw protein, containing roughly 70%, and seven significant vitamins: A1, B1, B2, B6, B12 (one of the best natural sources for B12, although the bioavailability its B12 is in dispute by many researchers), C and E. It naturally contains beta-carotene, color enhancing pigments, and whole range of minerals. In addition, Spirulina has a 62% amino acid content and contains all essential fatty acids and eight amino acids required for complete nutrition. Evidence as recent as late 2007 shows even more proof as to the profound anti-oxidant properties of Spirulina.1
You’ll find many health tips about how Spirulina promotes overall health and wellness:
- Diabetes – Studies have found that after a period of 8 weeks, fasting blood sugar levels were reduced in type 2 Diabetics.
- Weight Loss – Because of its high protein content (vegetable source), Spirulina can be used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss. With its vitamin and nutrient content and being carbohydrate and fat free, it is definitely the superior choice if you’re considering using a weight loss supplement.
- Cholesterol – Using the same principle as why you would use Spirulina for weight loss, it can also lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and improver overall heart health.
- Cancer – Spirulina’s properties seem to prevent viruses from either attaching to or penetrating cells, making it a cancer fighter.
- Immune System – People who use Spirulina report having fewer colds and flu, and when they do get them, their symptoms are much less severe and they recover more quickly.
- Eye Health – Having the highest known source of beta carotene, Spirulina is naturally good for healthy eyes and vision.
- Vegetarians – Because the extremely high protein levels in Spirulina are from a vegetable source and also contain so many other vital dietary benefits, it is an ideal food for vegetarians.
- Digestion – Research confirms it does promote digestion and bowel function. It suppresses bad bacteria like e-coli and Candida yeast and stimulates beneficial flora like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. Healthy flora is the foundation of good health and it increases absorption of nutrients from the foods we eat, and helps protect against infection.2
- Energy – Using Spirulina, whether you’re a weekend warrior, a jogger or a weight lifter, will improve your stamina and deliver more energy. Athletic or not, if you just use Spirulina to improve your overall health, you will notice increased energy levels and alertness.
Availability
Spirulina is usually found in 500 milligram tablets which are to be taken once a day. In terms of nutritional value, each tablet is roughly equivalent to 4 servings of vegetables. Spirulina is also available in flakes and in powdered form. Quite often (and more so lately), Spirulina powder is used in animal feed to increase overall animal health. As an acclaimed Super Food, Spirulina benefits are many and it should be considered as a daily supplement for optimal health.
Sources
1 http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/SpirulinaAlgae.html
2 http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-spirulina.html
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Filed under: Health Tips | Tagged with: benefits of spirulina, health benefits of spirulina, spirulina benefits, spirulina health benefits, spirulina powder