Spirulina is one of the nutritional supplements that we have heard most frequently lately.Some say “21.Spirulina, which he calls "the superfood of the century", is actually a type of algae that has been consumed since the 1500s.Let's see, what is this food, which is consumed both as a powder and as a tablet, and what it is not...We have become familiar with different nutritional supplements lately, one of the most notorious of which is spirulina.Although spirulina, whose name comes from its spiral structure, is introduced as a 21st century superfood, it is a type of algae from blue green algae that was discovered centuries ago.The first scientific studies on spirulina, known to have been consumed by the Aztecs for the first time in the 1500s, and the production of its commercial cultures were made by the French Petroleum Research Institute in 1963.Later, this algae, which was used to make food tablets for NASA astronauts, managed to attract attention.Today, spirulina is produced in many countries.In addition, spirulina was recognized as a safe and beneficial food for children and adults by the United Nations and World Agriculture Organizations in 2007.Thanks to its protein, vitamins, minerals and biologically active components, it is a natural food that can be used as a supplement in the treatment of many diseases from diabetes to cancer.Its production is carried out in private pools.After the ripened spirulina is taken out of the water and dried, it is offered for consumption in its natural form without being subjected to any chemical treatment, either as a powder or in the form of tablets.Spirulina in powder form can be added to soups, salads, energy bars, smoothies, juices and baked goods such as cakes, muffins, and pastries.WITH RICH NUTRITIONAL CONTENT Spirulina has 70 percent protein content.One tablespoon of spirulina provides 20 calories, 1 gram of fat, 2 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of protein.In addition, it supports health with its content of beta carotene, which is the precursor of vitamin A, vitamins B1, B6 and B12, vitamin E, methionine amino acid, various minerals such as iron, zinc, manganese, selenium and copper, and gamma linolenic acid.Thanks to these components, spirulina can be a nutritional support that can be used for vegans and vegetarians who consume limited minerals and protein sources such as copper, iron, zinc.Being one of the most important sources of superoxide dismutase enzyme, which is a powerful antioxidant, spirulina helps the body get rid of harmful molecules called free radicals.With this feature, besides playing a protective role against many chronic diseases, it offers healthier skin and hair.Spirulina does not have the cellulose cell walls found in plants, besides, it facilitates digestion thanks to its mucoprotein content in different parts of the body such as the gastrointestinal tract, reproductive organs and synovial fluid in the knees, and can be used as a support in stomach disorders such as gastritis and ulcers.CAN SUPPORT WEIGHT LOSS AND EXERCISE Spirulina is a high-nutrient but low-calorie supplement and contains gamma linoleic acid and polysaccharides that support energy production.It also supports the production of vitamin B6, which is involved in energy metabolism.In a recent scientific study published in 2016, when overweight individuals consumed 2 grams of spirulina regularly for three months, their body mass index decreased.In addition, thanks to its antioxidant structure, spirulina can prevent fatigue during exercise, thus increasing the exercise capacity and facilitating the strengthening of the muscles.CAN BE BENEFITS IN INFLAMMATORY DISEASES Phycocyanin, a bioactive component, strengthens the immune system and creates an anti-inflammatory effect by increasing histamine release.It is known that spirulina can be effective on many diseases, from allergies caused by inflammation to cancer.Scientific research has shown that spirulina consumption can have a positive effect on diabetes control by lowering blood sugar and supporting insulin release from the pancreas;it protects cardiovascular health by positively affecting blood fats and lowering blood pressure;It has been shown that it can reduce allergic symptoms and has antiviral and anticancer properties.However, since most of these studies consist of animal studies and studies conducted on a small group, larger studies are needed to provide a definitive recommendation for the treatment of these diseases.IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CONSUMPT WITHOUT OVERDOSE In general, spirulina is considered safe for human consumption, but it can absorb heavy metals from the water in which it grows and can therefore be contaminated with toxic substances.Other algae that grow in the same place as Spirulina produce deadly toxins that cause permanent damage to the body.For example, one of them, microcystin, can cause serious damage especially to the liver, causing muscle spasms and motor neuron diseases.When contaminated spirulina is consumed, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, liver damage, thirst, rapid heartbeat, shock and death can be encountered.However, many toxicological studies have proven the safety of spirulina, and spirulina is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration.For this reason, there is no harm in purchasing spirulina products from a reliable brand that tests them for the contaminants they contain, and consumes them in moderation.The recommended dose for Spirulina is between 1-3 grams, that is, 1 teaspoon per day, and it is also known to be effective up to 10 grams and does not cause any side effects.PAY ATTENTION TO DRUG INTERACTIONS Although there is not enough information about the side effects of spirulina in pregnant women, I do not recommend that pregnant and lactating women consume it because babies are sensitive to the toxins that may be found in spirulina.In addition, spirulina has a strengthening effect on the immune system.It may cause problems by reducing the effect of the drug in those who use immunosuppressive drugs.For this reason, I recommend that you consider whether there is an interaction with the drug you are using.Finally, patients with phenylketonuria, a rare protein metabolism disease, should avoid spirulina.Because this type of algae contains phenylalanine, which is restricted in patients with phenylketonuria.Spirulina smoothie INGREDIENTS: 1/2 medium banana 1 handful of raw, unsalted hazelnuts 1 tea glass of whole milk 1 teaspoon of cinnamon 1 teaspoon of coconut 1 teaspoon of powdered spirulina INSTRUCTIONS: Add all the ingredients and grind until creamy, small take it in a bowl.Cocoa balls with spirulina INGREDIENTS: 7-8 dates 15 raw, unsalted almonds 1 teaspoon of cocoa 1 tablespoon of peanut butter 3 tablespoons of oats 1 teaspoon of powdered spirulina 2 tablespoons of water PREPARATION: First, grind the almonds until they are well crumbled, Add dates, cocoa, peanut butter, oats, spirulina and 2 tablespoons of water that you have soaked in warm water for 5 minutes and run the rondo again.After you have prepared the mixture into small balls, keep it in the refrigerator.You can consume 2 of them in a snack.