In the article, we consider the chemical composition of spirulina. This seaweed is unique and amazing. Scientists claim that this is the only cyanobacteria that has managed to live on the planet for hundreds of millions of years. Her secret of vitality lies in the particular biochemical composition.
The chemical composition of spirulina
This algae has a very rich chemical arsenal, consisting of many useful substances for humans.
Amino acids in spirulina are present in large quantities. It is also rich in proteins, minerals in the form of calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium.
Riboflavin, thiamine, antioxidants, and iodine are also present in spirulina seaweed. It is worth emphasizing that this cyanobacteria contains a complete set of all essential amino acids required for health in the form of isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, alanine, arginine, cystine, histidine, tyrosine, glutamine.
B vitamins are also present in spirulina .
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In nature, there are many types of spirulina, but today only two are used by humans. It is worth emphasizing that this alga is the only source of a powerful antioxidant phytocyanin. There are about three hundred calories per 100 grams. Someone may say that this is quite a lot, but spirulina is taken a maximum of two tablespoons, so there is no need to worry about the number of calories.
On sale you can find spirulina in the form of tablets, cereals and powder.
Fields of application
In addition to being in the form of a biological food supplement, spirulina is also added to the feed when breeding animals and fish. The powder of this algae is used in cosmetology. A variety of masks are made from it, designed to rejuvenate and nourish the skin of the face. Due to the presence of persistent pigment, often spirulina extract is used in the food industry as a natural dye.
Indications for use
What can be learned from the instructions for use of spirulina?
The composition of cyanobacteria contains more than fifty vitamin and mineral substances, as well as all the amino acids required by the human body. The drug regulates digestion processes, enhances energy reactions and reduces tissue oxygen demand. Spirulina is often used as an adjunct in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system, the tool helps to normalize the intestinal microflora and relieves any inflammation.
In addition, it has a positive effect on the thyroid gland and has pronounced immunostimulating properties. The intake of such an additive is indicated in the presence of protein, mineral and vitamin deficiency. Spirulina is also used in the complex treatment of the following pathologies:
- With diseases of the digestive system, that is, with gastritis, dysbiosis, ulcer.
- Against the background of thyroid pathologies.
- In the case of atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease and its insufficiency.
In addition, such a bioadditive is used as an auxiliary and immunomodulating agent in the treatment of cancer pathologies.
Contraindications and harm means
As the instructions for use for spirulina indicate, people suffering from autoimmune pathologies should avoid taking all kinds of additives and medications that contain this substance. Since this cyanobacteria enhances the body's defenses, it can worsen the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other diseases that are associated with hyperactivity of the immune system.
For the same circumstances, spirulina is able to weaken the effect of immunosuppressants, often used to treat autoimmune pathologies and to prevent repulsion of transplant organs.
Spirulina in tablet form should not be used simultaneously with anticoagulants, and in addition, it is not recommended to combine it with foods and herbs that reduce blood clotting (for example, ginger along with garlic, turmeric, ginseng). There are no studies on the safety of taking supplements with this algae by pregnant women and children, so doctors recommend avoiding such drugs at appropriate times in their lives.
Dosage and administration
Spirulina tablets are intended for oral administration. This tool is recommended to take half an hour before a meal. For children from three to twelve, the drug is prescribed one tablet twice a day. Children who are already twelve, as well as adults, can take tablets one thing three times. Against the background of the treatment of thyroid diseases, two tablets are used three times. The duration of therapy in each case by the doctor is determined individually, based on the severity of the symptoms and the severity of the disease.
Why is the chemical composition of spirulina so unique?
Beneficial features
Today, spirulina is considered one of the natural, and at the same time affordable anti-aging drugs, since it has a powerful antioxidant effect. Of the total mass of the chemical composition, about sixty-five percent of it is represented by an easily digestible protein, which includes almost all amino acids required by humans. So, what are the beneficial properties of trace elements in spirulina?
- It contains unsaturated omega acids.
- Thanks to chlorophylls, spirulina-based supplements help cleanse the blood of toxins, strengthening the human immune system.
- The high content of easily digestible iron makes spirulina a useful supplement in the treatment of anemia.
- The substance improves eyesight and is very beneficial for the health of the eye as a whole.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties.
- This natural medicine stimulates cell regeneration, due to which it is actively used in the field of cosmetology.
- The removal of toxins and toxins along with increased immunity.
- Improving the sex life of women and men.
- Regular consumption of spirulina helps people get rid of the symptoms of many types of allergies, for example, pollen, which very often torments many in the spring.
- Lowering blood cholesterol, adjusting blood pressure.
- It inhibits the formation of tumor cells, prevents many types of oncology.
- Improving memory and the health benefits of the cardiovascular system.
- Acceleration of metabolism and healing of the skin from the inside. In this regard, it is advisable to use for acne and dermatitis.
- Gives an energy boost and improves digestion.
Is spirulina a source of iodine?
It is worth noting that, contrary to many beliefs, spirulina is not a rich source of iodine, therefore there is very little of this trace element in it. A standard portion (per 3 grams), as a rule, accounts for a maximum of 0.3 micrograms of this component with a daily human need of about 150 micrograms.
What can replace this substance?
Replace spirulina in cosmetology and traditional medicine is quite realistically similar in composition. For example, in dishes such algae can be replaced with other active substances and edible algae.
In folk medicine, fresh spirulina can be exchanged for tablets, capsules or powder. It will even be much more convenient, since the composition of these products is similar to fresh algae. It is in this regard that most connoisseurs of home medicine, as well as experienced housewives, recommend using dry spirulina, purchased at a pharmacy, for the preparation of cosmetic or medicinal products at home.
Spirulina as a magic remedy for all diseases
Many doctors who are familiar with traditional medicine recommend that this alga be included in the diet for women planning a pregnancy. Given that this product increases the reproductive function of the body, conception will become more successful, and the course of pregnancy is safe and calm. In addition, spirulina is also useful as part of breastfeeding, serving as an excellent tool to help prevent mastopathy. It will be useful for women, among other things, to use such an additive in the presence of regular delays in menstruation, as well as in the treatment of fibroids.
As for men, it is worth noting that for them, the benefit of spirulina is that its consumption will help cure prostatitis. Most bodybuilders and athletes use this alga in the diet, since it makes it possible to simplify the set of weight and muscle mass, which is an important condition in sports nutrition.
In particular, the product in question helps people treat gastritis or constipation. In addition, this ingredient is used in the fight against worms and other parasites that appear from time to time in the body. Against this background, spirulina can be given to children, but only starting from the age of ten.
Very often, traditional medicine experts recommend taking spirulina for diabetes, pancreatitis, adenoma, asthma, anemia, breast cancer and other oncological diseases, as well as against the backdrop of pancreatic ailments. There is an opinion that even such complex diseases as HIV are treated with this algae. Due to the presence of antiviral substances in the composition, with the help of this alga, you can actively cope with herpes or with the flu.
In the presence of alcoholism and a hangover, spirulina is used to protect the liver from the harmful effects of alcohol. Thanks to this, addiction can be cured practically without any consequences. Papillomas along with thrombosis are also an occasion to include this unique alga in your diet.
We examined the chemical composition of spirulina.