subject: Powerful Health Benefits Of Spirulina [print this page] Scientifically, spirulina is a simple one-celled blue-green micro algae that flourishes in warm alkaline fresh water. It is not considered a medicine, but since the 1970s it has become increasingly popular that experts continually analyzed it chemically for its excellent source of over a hundred different nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and there are now farming companies producing this in various forms to make it available to the general public.
What's in Spirulina?
Spirulina is found to have a 60 to 70 percent high concentration of vegetable proteins in its dry weight with all essential amino acids in absolute balance. It is even better than beef, which contains only 22 percent protein. The eight essential amino acids found in Spirulina include: isoleucine, which is necessary for optimal growth, intelligence development, and nitrogen equilibrium; leucine, which is responsible for the increase of muscular energy levels; lysine; methionine; phenylalanine; threonine; tryptophane, and; valine. Besides, this so-called super food is a very rich source of vitamin B12, or cobalamin, a rare vitamin containing 250 percent more than what beef liver gives, and; four to seven percent lipids.
In addition, this nutritious micro salt water plant is suitable in sustaining childrens nutrition, especially for those who do not eat enough vegetables, or those who suffer from imbalanced food consumption. It is also good for teenagers, who need sufficient nutrients for growth; pregnant women who need more nutrients; the elderly, who have trouble getting an average three meals a day; athletes or sports-active individuals which need more nutrients to maintain their energy levels; career-oriented individuals, who hardly find time to eat properly due to their constant juggling of work and appointments, and; patients who are recovering from ailment or surgery.
Forms of Spirulina
Spirulina can come in the form of capsules, tablets, powder, flakes, or extracts, and it may also be combined with chlorella, wheat, or barley grams. Its dosage per person depends primarily on the form taken.
Since spirulina is a completely natural food source, it is relatively safe to ones health provided you follow the recommended dosage of less than 50 grams per day. Besides, there is no reason, at all, to take more than the recommended dosage.
Nevertheless, just like any other dietary supplements, spirulina can also bring about side effects if taken beyond the recommended dosage. Most often, it causes an increased level of uric acid, which may eventually lead to kidney complications, and damaged liver function due to the high content of vitamins and minerals. It may also cause minor side effects, such as: slight fever, nausea, thirst and constipation, stomach ache and other gastrointestinal symptoms, and skin itching.
Spirulina Nutrition
Spirulina is not only limited to being consumed by humans either, as animals can also benefit from the nutritional properties it provides.
So if you're looking for a way to increase your protein intake without having to resort to buying lots of steak and eating many eggs, you should give spirulina serious consideration. This can be purchased from many online stores, and also from local specialist health shops.
