Did you ever think drinking pond water could be good for you?! Ok, so I'm not saying you should drink pond water but there is something in it that you should hear about.
Spirulina is a blue-green, fresh water algae. I know that algae may not sound appetizing but wait until you hear how much your body will love it.
It has a long history of medicinal use and was a staple food for the Aztecs.
Spirulina is rich in protein and is loaded with nutrients. It's often touted as a superfood. There are also claims that spirulina can promote weight loss and burn fat. But are they true?
There are a lot of studies showing spirulina's effects against
- cancer
- inflammation
- high blood pressure
There are far fewer studies on weight loss and spirulina.
Is there any evidence for these claims, or is it a myth?
Two small scale studies did suggest that spirulina may help with weight loss.
Here are two interesting studies on Spirulina. One on its effect on obese individuals and the other on exercise performance and related fat loss.
When obese subjects consumed spirulina it caused a small reduction in body weight. This was at a dose of 2.8 grams of spirulina three times a day for 4 weeks. Although the number of subjects were small, the results showed significant weight loss.
The second study was on the effects of spirulina on exercise performance. It studied its influence on carbs and fat use among those on moderate training exercises.
In this study, each subject received either spirulina ( 6 grams per day) or placebo for 4 weeks.
This was followed by a period of no supplements.
The supplementation period, involved a treadmill run for 2 hours. First at an intensity corresponding to 70- 75% of their VO2 max and then at 95% till exhaustion. VO2 refers to the amount of oxygen your body is capable of utilizing in one minute.
Researchers found that there was an increase in exercise performance during spirulina intake. The participants ran 30% longer after spirulina intake. They also burned fat at 10.9% higher rate than normal.
The study results suggest that spirulina may help with fat loss along with exercise.
Although these were small studies in humans, the results seem promising. Being, nutrient-dense spirulina can be a helpful weight loss tool. Spirulina is a safe supplement and for those with weight problems, it is worth the try.
Getting started with spirulina
The recommended dose is 3 – 5 grams 2 times per day. Start with small doses and gradually increase the dosage.
Spirulina is a safe food and is suitable for all age groups. If you have seafood allergy or hyperthyroidism consult with your doctor before taking spirulina.
TweetChoosing spirulina
Choose from reputed manufacturers: This helps you to keep away from heavy metal contaminants. Be sure that you are buying 100% spirulina powder and that it's free of microcystins.
Pollution-free source: Make sure the source is pollution-free and not cross-contaminated with other algae.
Buy Organic: This ensures there are no chemicals or additives used in the manufacturing process.
I like spirulina because it is simple and nutritious. It's perfect for use in your breakfast smoothies. Just add 1- 2 teaspoons along with your favorite fruits, milk and ice to whip up a nutrient-dense shake. I think you'll love it too!
Yours in Health,
Danette
P.S. Please share this info. with your friends and I welcome your comments below.
