What is spirulina?

Spirulina is a blue-green algae that lives in warm freshwater bodies of Asia, Africa, South and Central America with a high content of hydrogen. In its natural form, it looks like a thin green thread of a cylindrical shape. After processing, spirulina is sent to retail chains in the form of tablets, paste or powder.

The product belongs to the class of biologically active natural additives. Spirulina has become a trend, so you need to be aware of its beneficial properties and possible side effects from its use.

Important: Before taking it is necessary to consult a doctor.

What are the health benefits of spirulina?

Even South American Indians used spirulina on long trips as a remedy that satisfies hunger and increases physical tone. The volume of protein compounds is about 70% of the total weight of the dried product.

Spirulina also contains 17 amino acids, including essential elements — 8 deficient amino acids that the human body does not produce on its own. Algae are rich in vital mineral ingredients: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, sodium, zinc. Spirulina also contains vitamin inclusions: provitamin A, niacin, tocopherol, B12, B1, B2, B3, B6, inositol, vitamin groups C, D and E.

Please note that all the beneficial components in spirulina are not 100% absorbed.

Thanks to its high protein content, spirulina can be considered a convenient travel food supply.

What are the disadvantages of seaweed?

Two tablespoons of spirulina contains 10% of the daily intake of magnesium, about 2% of the daily intake of calcium and 10% of potassium.

Too active use of algae leads to an additional load on the liver, and in some cases causes allergic reactions.

Please note that the poor quality of algae cleaning does not guarantee that the final product will not contain heavy metals. When choosing, it is better to focus on the brand and buy spirulina from well-known manufacturers.

The supplement has contraindications. Spirulina should not be taken by people who suffer from autoimmune diseases.

Regular intake of spirulina does not mean that you need to give up other healthy products. Remember that this is only a dietary supplement that complements the daily diet.

5 useful and unusual products that you might not have heard about how and where spirulina is used

The product is used as a food coloring when making chewing gum, lollipops, ice cream and desserts, as well as an active ingredient in cosmetic masks — spirulina improves the overall tone of the skin and helps reduce the relief of age and facial wrinkles.

Spirulina is found in many recipes for weight loss products. They prepare cocktails, smoothies, teas, puddings, puree soups, vitamin salads with it.

Often spirulina is used by athletes who need a diet with a high protein content. Vitamin groups in the composition of the supplement increase endurance, quickly relieve fatigue during intensive weightlifting and athletics.

The product must be stored in a dark place, out of the reach of children, at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C.

Be aware that there are many counterfeits of spirulina on the market. Pay attention to the color of the additive. The real product is blue-green in color and odorless. Any off-flavours indicate preservatives in the formulation.

The average shelf life of spirulina is two years.

What you need to know about spirulina?

Spirulina is a natural food supplement. It enriches the diet with deficient trace elements.

Please note that taking a large amount of algae leads to an additional load on the liver, and in some cases causes allergic reactions.

Spirulina should not be taken by people who suffer from autoimmune diseases.

Spirulina is used as a food coloring in the production of some sweets, as well as an active ingredient in cosmetic masks. Algae is a part of many cocktails, smoothies, teas, puddings, puree soups, vitamin salads.

Before taking spirulina, you should consult with your doctor.