Spirulina is a blue-green microalga, one of the oldest forms of life on Earth, which helped produce oxygen for millions of years so that other life forms could emerge.Characterized as a "superfood", spirulina is so rich in nutrients that a diet based on water and this algae can support the proper functioning of the body.In the beginning, spirulina was found in warm alkaline lakes in Africa and in Central and South America, being consumed, among other peoples, by the Aztecs, who confirmed its food safety and beneficial effects on the body for centuries.The name comes from the spiral shape of the algae, being specific to freshwater lakes, although it can also be found in saltwater springs.Once harvested, it is turned into a thick paste, then left to harden, then crushed, and finally sold as capsules or powder.Even if some complain about the unpleasant taste, spirulina contains 60-70% pure protein, that is, more than beef or chicken can contain.This means that it has all eight essential amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine) that can maintain optimal health.Among the other valuable nutrients it contains are: gamma-linoleic acid, which reduces bad cholesterol LDL (low-density lipoproteins no) and prevents the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, phycocyanin, a substance that inhibits the formation of colon cancer, a level five times higher beta-carotene than carrots and 40 times higher than spinach, arachidonic acid, vitamin B12, iron, chlorophyll and nucleic acids RNA and DNA.In addition to vitamin B12, spirulina also contains vitamins D, E, K, calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc.According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 7 grams of spirulina powder (one tablespoon) contains:Spirulina has numerous health benefits:Administered half an hour before a meal, spirulina reduces appetite, helping to reduce body weight and fight obesity. A 2020 study showed that spirulina can contribute to weight loss by reducing body mass index, body fat percentage, of waist circumference, appetite and blood fat levels.One effect of spirulina would be that it can reduce fat absorption in the small intestine.But more research is needed to confirm these weight loss benefits.Another mechanism by which spirulina can contribute to weight loss is that of stimulating metabolism.A small study in patients with hepatic steatosis showed that taking 6 g of spirulina over a period of time led to improved metabolism and weight loss.However, further research is needed to see if people without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can also enjoy these benefits.Spirulina can also contribute to the health of the microbiome, the totality of bacteria in the body: a study in guinea pigs showed that spirulina can help maintain healthy bacteria during the aging process.Good gut microbiome health and balance are associated with overall good health.Spirulina fortifies, increases resistance and stimulates the body's defense system, slows down the growth and reproduction of bacteria, having a bactericidal, bacteriostatic effect.In addition, it provides prophylaxis of infectious diseases, detoxifies, accelerates the natural process of purification and elimination of toxins.According to a 2016 study, spirulina could help lower total lipid and cholesterol serum levels.Basically, spirulina supplements could reduce the value of the LD1 component, the bad cholesterol, and increase the level of the good cholesterol, HDL.Another study showed that taking 1 g of spirulina per day could lower cholesterol in 3 months.Also, another study showed that spirulina can fight chronic inflammatory diseases, which can lead to the reduction of high blood pressure.Regarding blood sugar, a 2018 study highlighted the fact that spirulina could help lower blood sugar levels during fasting.Due to the increased iodine content, spirulina contributes to the optimal functioning of the thyroid gland, regulating metabolic processes and some cases of thyroid hypofunction.Seaweed contains iron, therefore it is a natural source of supplementing iron in the body, especially for children and the elderly, where deficiency can cause disturbances in the body.In other words, spirulina has an antianemic effect.Spirulina regenerates the body through its rich content in natural nutrients, compensates for deficiencies caused by an unbalanced diet and is a valuable source of essential amino acids, necessary for the development of the body in the period of growth and development.Spirulina is the ideal supplement for lacto-vegetarian diets, the easily assimilable proteins providing all the necessary essential amino acids.Spirulina is also rich in beta-carotene, which, once in the body, is transformed into vitamin A, an essential element for the health of teeth, bones, mucous membranes and good eyesight.Skin health is visibly improved when we consume spirulina.In addition to the increased mineral and nutrient content, the antioxidant properties help reduce acne and cell repair.Spirulina also helps increase the skin's metabolism, which means it heals faster and prevents the spread of bacteria.In addition, it protects the skin's protective barrier and prevents lack of hydration.Spirulina has a great power of penetrating the skin, having a calming, regenerating, refreshing effect, smoothing wrinkles, reducing dilated pores, eliminating spots and skin irritations.Periodic use of spirulina restores the youth and freshness of the skin.Spirulina-based creams are indicated for skin sensitive to wind and cold and are applied to exposed areas before going outside.The cream is not applied in a very thick layer, but must be allowed to gradually enter the skin, so that the active principles in spirulina exert their protective effect.Spirulina creams are also recommended for prematurely aging skin.The treatment is done 2-4 times a week, after a warm shower, to remove dead cells, so that spirulina can have its effect.Creams with spirulina increase skin elasticity and accelerate regeneration processes at this level.The names under which this algae is found on the market are "spirulina", "spirulina platensis" or "Arthrospira platensis".For a spirulina supplement to be quality, it needs to meet certain criteria.Thus, in the composition of the tablets, a percentage of at least 98 percent spirulina must be found.If buying a spirulina powder, its percentage should be 100 percent.The best spirulina on the market should not contain additives or preservatives and should be a dull green color.Note, there is also blue spirulina, which is extracted from the yellow-blue spirulina algae.The smell of spirulina is specific, like algae, but it should not be very strong.A strong smell indicates an increased level of oxidation of the product.If dissolved in water, spirulina should neither dissolve too quickly nor too slowly.In addition, even though it may cause bloating, spirulina should not cause extremely distressing abdominal discomfort.Otherwise, the product is of poor quality or degraded.Spirulina is taken by administering 1-2 tablets (500 mg) daily or according to the doctor's recommendations.Ideally, any dietary supplement should be taken on the doctor's recommendation.It is good not to exceed the recommended doses and to start the treatment gradually to avoid the unwanted effects of sudden detoxification (gastrointestinal disorders, headaches).If it is generally considered to be a food that can be consumed safely, its quality, on the other hand, can have a very big impact on health.If it is grown and obtained in unsafe conditions, it can contain a high level of toxins, harmful to the liver.Thus, spirulina can have the following adverse effects:People suffering from hyperthyroidism (resulting in an excess of iodine in the body) must consume algae in the form of tablets only on the recommendation of the doctor and only under strict supervision.Information about complementary therapies, medicinal plants or natural remedies, which can help the patient, does not exclude or replace medical treatments, but complements them.Gândul Media Network SRL is not responsible for the faulty or unsuccessful application of any treatment.The information on the site and related materials are used "as is" without guarantees of any kind.CSID does not provide medical advice similar to that which you can receive from the doctors who carry out the consultation and who come into contact with the reality of your cases. CSID does not propose to replace the specialized medical consultation, the information presented on this site is informative.Enter the search word and press ENTER