Does spirulina really make you lose weight? Here are all the answers
Spirulina is a "blue-green algae that in recent times has become one of the most popular and popular super foods. It seems, in fact, that this alga has numerous beneficial properties and many are convinced that it also makes you lose weight." In this article we discover together everything there is to know about spirulina and how to take it as a supplement. Do you want to know other foods rich in antioxidants? Don't miss the video!
What is spirulina
Spirulina, whose scientific name is Arthrospira platensis, is commonly referred to as an alga, however it is more precisely a cyano unicellular bacterium that lives in warm freshwater lakes. It has a characteristic dark green color because it is very rich in chlorophyll and is called spirulina because its shape resembles that of a spiral. It has been known since ancient times by the Aztec and Asian populations, however today the main producers are the United States and Japan, where it is cultivated with the belief that it is a fit food that makes you lose weight.
It is consumed in the form of a supplement in tablets, powder or flakes and is used in particular by those who, following a vegan or low-protein diet, have food deficiencies. Spirulina, in fact, contains vegetable proteins called biliproteins, which would have a positive role in the diet of those who do not consume products of animal origin. Furthermore, this alga contains almost all the essential amino acids necessary for the construction of proteins.
Spirulina contains many omega 6, while it lacks omega 3, it also has an "excellent amount of gamma linolenic acid. It is also very rich in mineral salts: 145 mg of magnesium, 28.5 mg of iron, 6.1 mg. of copper and 1.9 mg of manganese. As for vitamins, it contains vitamin E (also called tocopherol), which has an "important preventive action against" lipid oxidation and has an antioxidant effect on the body. Vitamin B is also very well represented, as well as Vitamin A, however, does not contain B12 vitamins.
All the benefits of spirulina
Spirulina is considered a powerful super food capable of fighting aging and purifying the body. Here are all its benefits for our health:
- It has an antioxidant effect. Thanks to the presence of vitamins, phycobilins and other pigments, including chlorophyll, spirulina would have interesting antioxidant properties. It could, in fact, promote memory and concentration, helping to counteract free radicals and protecting the body from the damage they can cause.
- It can counteract the nutritional deficiencies typical of some diets. Spirulina contains a good dose of vegetable proteins, which are very useful for vegans and vegetarians.
- It plays a role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases due to the high levels of omega-6 and gamma linolenic acid.Furthermore, spirulina algae would help improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, stabilize blood pressure and improve the immune system.
- It protects the body from damage caused by oxidative stress and excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays.
- According to some, given the concentration of powerful antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, spirulina would help sportsmen and all those people who are subjected to heavy physical and mental stress.
- It also contains a good dose of iron and is therefore perfect for anemics.
Some interesting studies have recently been conducted to verify the efficacy of spirulina against diseases such as hay fever, allergic rhinitis, arthritis, hyperlipoproteinemia, hypertension and arsenic poisoning, however, according to the National Institutes of Health, scientific evidence is still too scarce to be sure of its effectiveness and to recommend it as a supplement.
Is it true that spirulina makes you lose weight?
Spirulina helps to optimize the metabolism of lipids in the blood, contains numerous minerals, including iron, and consuming it regularly helps to reduce the sense of hunger.However, no scientific studies have proven that this alga has a role in promoting true weight loss. is exactly. However, it can be consumed as a supplement in capsules, tablets or as a powder to be mixed with food. However, we must be very careful to buy only excellent quality spirulina (preferably organic), as it could be contaminated by microcystins or anatoxins and by heavy metals.
The consequences of these toxins are: gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, weakness, thirst and a rapid heartbeat.
