Powerful Antioxidants in Spirulina –
A Prime Source of Health & Wellbeing
Spirulina refers to free-floating biomass of Cyanobacteria that grows in alkaline water bodies across sub-tropical climates, including lakes as well as oceans. They also call it a miracle from the sea, and people all over the world have started cultivating the same.
Spirulina And Health
This blue-green alga is said to be one of the most nutritious foods available on planet Earth. It contains a number of nutrients and valuable food supplements, including Vitamin B1, B2, B3, iron and copper. Besides, it happens to be one of the richest plant-based sources of protein found in nature. And it is not just the amount of protein, but also, it is a quality that deserves to be mentioned. Spirulina contains all the essential amino acids that human body needs, and then some more. This is one good news for vegetarians, and precisely what makes spirulina a superfood of sorts. Health experts claim that supplementing our diet with Spirulina serves as complete nourishment.
At the same, this high nutrient, low calorie food helps us lose weight. While it regulates our appetite, it also effectively prevents us from indulging in overeating. Further, it boosts our metabolism and makes us burn more calories at the end of the day. Some of its healing properties offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic benefits.
Spirulina’s Antioxidant Profile
Any damage that is caused by free radicals in our body is referred to as oxidation. Gradual oxidation could cause significant damage to the body at the cellular level, and may cause various diseases and premature signs of ageing. This also leads to chronic inflammation by supporting the production of inflammatory signalling molecules. This is likely to give rise to various inflammatory diseases, including cancer. Hence, we need something that could keep these free radicals from proliferating in our body, and causing damage.
Antioxidants are the compounds that fight these free radicals and prevent oxidative stress, both physical as well as psychological. While our body contains some antioxidants, we often need to outsource more of these in order to ensure that these antioxidants outnumber the free radicals. While nature bestows us with a host of antioxidant rich foods, Spirulina remains the ‘one stop shop’ for almost all of our antioxidant needs.
An Insight into Spirulina
Spirulina contains various plant pigments and phenolic compounds, including Phycocyanins, tocopherols and beta-carotene. Phycocyanin remains one of the most active ingredients found in spirulina. This compound is the most potent source of antioxidants, and gives a nice blue-green hue to spirulina. Phycocyanin goes a long way in preventing oxidative stress, and keeping inflammation at bay.
Other Health benefits of Spirulina
- Spirulina exhibits hypolipidemic effect by reducing the LDL and triglyceride levels in our blood, and increases the good cholesterol.
- Also, by preventing LDL cholesterol from oxidation, it prevents the progression of several other diseases.
- It increases muscle strength and overall endurance, thanks to the rich protein content.
- It also lowers blood glucose levels and also is believed to help regulate hypertension.
- Spirulina also acts against allergic rhinitis (watch Video) , thus reducing allergic symptoms.
- Thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties, Spirulina goes a long way in looking after our heart health.
- By increasing the level of Serotonin hormone in the brain, spirulina actually supports our mental health and keeps the signs of stress and anxiety at bay.
Somehow, most of these benefits can be attributed to the vast antioxidant potential of spirulina. That is perhaps why spirulina is considered as the safest and most promising, all-natural source of antioxidants.
How to Include Spirulina in Diet?
Spirulina has been considered as an upright source of food in various countries since centuries altogether. Recently, it is becoming the most popular health supplements. It is available for consumption in the form of powder, capsules and tablets. As a powder, you could add it to your salads, soups and smoothies to further boost the health quotient. Commercially as well, it can be seen as a prime ingredient in various consumables such as candies, cold drinks, juices and energy bars, etc. However, make sure to consult your doctor before including it to your diet, as sometimes an overdosage or an interaction with some existing medication could result in potential side effects.
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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