Spirulina - an algae with versatile properties

An unusual plant - spirulina, which resembles a microscopic spiral in shape, is sometimes called Mother Earth's milk. This is due to the high content of GLA, i.e. gamma-linolenic acid, as well as other valuable nutrients.

Hawaiian Spirulina

Scientists estimate that the Hawaiian spirulina appeared on Earth already 3.5 billion years ago. The earliest people in Africa, Asia and South America started to take advantage of its health-promoting properties, where the plant is still very popular today thanks to the conditions conducive to its growth. First of all, spirulina is used as a dietary supplement. It is added to various types of cocktails, but also as a cosmetic agent for skin masks.

It is believed that the Hawaiian spirulina contains about 60% protein on average, because as many as 18 amino acids can be found in it. In addition, it is extremely rich in other health ingredients. These include beta carotenes and the early mentioned gamma linolenic acid. In addition, the most valuable substances contained in spirulina include linolenic acid, chlorophyll, DNA and RNA enzymes, glycolipids, fytocanine, peroxide dismutase, or several vitamins belonging to the B group.

Spirulina - properties

In order to get to know the possible applications of spirulina it is necessary to become familiar with its individual components. This plant contains:

• large amounts of protein, including as many as 8 exogenous amino acids - not produced naturally by the body
• B vitamins - high concentration of vitamins B1 and B2 as well as B12. The latter seems to be especially important for man, because it contributes to the improvement of memory capacity, as well as affects the general strengthening of the body, preventing the occurrence of anaemia, for example.
• gamma-linolenic acid - lowers cholesterol levels, thus avoiding hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
• linolenic acid - similar to gamma linolenic acid, has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, e.g. by lowering blood pressure. Moreover, it activates the immune system, eliminates inflammatory states and regenerates the skin and nails.

Spirulina - action

During weight loss you often suffer from a shortage of vitamins as well as minerals. All because a weight loss diet often requires the abandonment of nutritious meals. Spirulina can be a solution in this difficult situation, because it is a plant rich in nutrients, and at the same time it is low in calories, among other things due to its low fat content. In addition, thanks to phenylalanine, it fights the desire to eat.

Diabetes and blood sugar levels

As a result of too high blood sugar levels, an extremely troublesome disease such as diabetes occurs. Every diabetic should follow a diet rich in such nutrients as beta carotene, vitamins A, C, all of the B group, magnesium, zinc, potassium, as well as manganese. All these ingredients are contained in spirulina, so it is highly recommended for diabetics.

Spirulina - strengthens hair, skin and nails

The building block for hair and nails is protein, which spirulina supplies the body in large quantities. In addition, biotin and vitamin F have a good effect on hair, skin and nails. The latter, together with nucleic acid, is responsible for the transport of oxygen to individual cells of the body, thus ensuring their proper nourishment.

Antiviral effects of spirulina

Spirulina has proven to be very effective in controlling certain viruses, especially those that cause diseases such as flu or rubella. According to a recent study carried out at the University of Pharmacy and Medicine in Toyama, Japan, the effectiveness of this plant in the fight against viruses is due to its high calcium content. In addition, this calcium is extremely well absorbed.

Anti-allergic spirulina

Some studies indicate that spirulina has an anti-allergic effect. All thanks to the content of pantothenic acid, that is simply vitamin B5

Spirulina and renal problems

Stone deposition can occur in many places in the human body. First of all, however, molecules of uric acid are deposited in the urinary system, including the kidneys. The stone can be stopped by the phosphorous in the spirulina, which removes the stone and leads to the cleansing of the urinary tract. Thanks to its properties, phosphorus not only prevents kidney stones, but also the formation of stones in the gall bladder as well as inhibits the development of arthritis.

Spirulina for seniors

As you get older, your body starts to lack many nutrients. In order to maintain its proper operation it is necessary to supplement it regularly. Many proteins or vitamins necessary during the golden age are found in spirulina.

Spirulina and anticancer effect

Nowadays cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases. Nutrients that have an antioxidant effect can prevent its occurrence. This includes beta-carotene, which occurs in relatively large quantities in spirulina. This plant can therefore help to avoid the dangerous disease of cancer.

Spirulina and liver nutrition

It is well known that the liver has a high regenerative capacity. However, in order for it to rebuild itself, it needs amino acids, and above all one of them - methionine. As you can easily guess, it is supplied by spirulina, among other things.

Spirulina and its effects on the brain

Proteins are the basic building blocks of the whole human body, including the brain. Therefore, in order for the nerve cells to work properly, it is necessary to regularly supply the body with appropriate amounts of exogenous amino acids. Many of them, because as many as 8 are contained in spirulina.

Spirulina - where to buy?

Medicinal products containing spirulina can easily be obtained without a prescription at the pharmacy. In addition, algae can be obtained in many shops that are famous for their healthy and organic food. Spirulina can be consumed in many ways, many people add it to various drinks, as well as to many dishes.

Spirulina - price

The price of spirulina varies primarily because of the form in which it occurs. The cheapest seem to be tablets, usually at a price of several groszy per one. The most expensive is spirulina powder. For half a kilo is paid from 40 to even 150 zlotys.