How Nutritional Supremacy of Spirulina Enhances Levels of Defence Antioxidant?
Spirulina is essentially a blue-green algae found in fresh water lakes and when it comes to nutrition profile, it is practically loaded with a wide variety of these. Some of the most common micronutrients present in Spirulina include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, niacin, iron, vitamin A and some B-vitamins. This low-calorie food is also rich in antioxidants and amino acids.
The Protein Profile
However, the most interesting fact about spirulina is that it is a ‘Protein Powerhouse’. So much so that, about two-third of spirulina’s dry weight is all but protein. That is perhaps why it is known to be the richest plant-based source of proteins. Protein, as we all know, is essential for our growth and recovery. Our body not only needs protein to build and repair tissues, but also make various enzymes, hormones and chemicals required for its day to day functioning.
Wonderful Diet Supplement
Consumed as whole food in powdered form or as a pill, Spirulina is by and large safe for human ingesting. And if you are worried that you are not getting enough protein or vitamins from your diet, spirulina is your “go-to” supplement, any given day! Taking spirulina, along with a rather healthy and balanced diet keeps you well nourished. You could add it to your smoothies and juices, to enhance their health quotient. And owing to its incredible health benefits and nutrition content, it is aptly known as a superfood of sorts. Besides, its rich protein and vitamin content has led people all over the world include it in their diet as an enduring supplement.
Health Benefits of Spirulina
Spirulina offers various benefits and keeps us far and away from various health complications. Let us zoom in and read more about what this truly effective supplement could do for us.
- This low caloric product allows people to eat less, feel more satiated and lose some weight down the line, all without compromising on the nutrition part.
- Spirulina is also associated with an increased metabolic rate. Its regular consumption helps boost our metabolism, thus allowing us to lose weight and feel more energetic.
- People who are hypertensive, or those with cholesterol issues could also reap some benefit from including spirulina in their diets. By managing the cholesterol and blood pressure levels, spirulina helps keep you hale and hearty.
- It also has the capacity to reduce inflammation and provide relief from a whole host of inflammation-based conditions such as asthma, arthritis, etc.
- Including spirulina in your diet along with other high-fibre, gut-friendly foods may also help you maintain your gut health.
- Spirulina could well be good news for those experiencing diabetes. People consuming it regularly have recorded reduced blood sugar spikes, increased insulin levels and much improved liver enzyme markers.
The Need for Antioxidants
As the name suggests, antioxidants are the substances that work against the oxidation process and prevent us from the subsequent damage. They are adept at fighting the existing free radicals, and significantly slowing the formation of new ones. Each passing minute, our health is being compromised with the presence free radicals, and the slow and silent damage that they are doing to our body. These are nothing but some unstable atoms that are chemically active in nature. Eventually, these oxidising agents cause a gradual damage to the cells, proteins and DNA present in our body. Also known as oxidative stress, this affects the growth, development and the sheer survival of the building blocks in our body. Needless to say, prolonged contact with oxidation can expose our body to various health issues and premature ageing.
How do Free Radicals Get In?
Smoking, overeating, leading an inactive lifestyle, exposing ourselves to pollution and toxic substances can all lead to an increase in the number of free radicals present in our body. The more the number of free radicals, the more prone are we to suffering from something that could otherwise have been prevented. That is precisely where the need for antioxidants comes in.
Spirulina’s Antioxidant Activity
Spirulina, our very own superfood here, is loaded with some of the most amazing antioxidants found in nature. Phycocyanin, spirulina’s most active substance, also happens to be its key antioxidant. It is what gives this cyanobacterium a blueish-green colour, and equips it to keep the free radicals away.
Spirulina also has the potential to activate the antioxidant enzymes at the cellular level. And it goes a long way in inhibiting the lipid peroxidation and damage to the DNA. Its ability to find and fight the free radicals is astonishing, which is what makes it one of the most active antioxidants in nature. At the same time, spirulina also increases our body’s defence mechanism by boosting the immune system.
That is perhaps why regular consumption of spirulina can help us combat the oxidative stress, thus reducing the chances of inflammation, chronic illness or premature signs of ageing from surfacing.
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
Dr Sonica Krishan’s Books are available at Amazon
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