All possible applications of spirulina

Spirulina is actively grown in laboratories in all corners of the globe. Deficiency in useful algae is not experienced by mankind. However, until now, not every consumer has had the honor to get acquainted with this super product, so often scientists call magic raw materials. What is in the algae so unusual? Let's understand.

Historical background

The first mention of spirulina as a full-fledged food product is associated with the Aztec tribe. Along with corn and beans, the population actively consumed algae harvested in the freshwater lake of Texcoco. Local cooks have knitted a stove from dried spirulina pies not only for their own needs, but also for sale.

It is unlikely that the Aztecs were interested in the biochemical composition of the product, but the tribes still in ancient times noted the ability of the alga to well satisfy hunger and have a beneficial effect on health.



If we consider that many of the medicinal plants studied and systematized by the Aztecs in the herb code were introduced into the modern world pharmacological practice, there is no reason to distrust spirulina as a product capable of providing adequate human nutrition.

Interesting! One of the legends says that the marathon runners, who delivered fish dishes to the ruler, replenished their forces with miraculous powder - dried spirulina - during long-distance rides. It was believed that the product quickly replenished the resources expended by the body and increased the stock of vital forces.

Today, the natural habitat of blue-green alga is a number of subtropical lakes, with special biochemical indicators of water. The largest farms cultivating medicinal raw materials in artificial reservoirs are located in India, America, Greece, China and Russia.

Interesting facts

Spirulina growing on an industrial scale is not an easy task. Special beds with nutrient water are heated and illuminated with lamps. Otherwise, the cyanobacter will freeze and die.

The main requirement for harvesting is no equipment and mechanized assistants. The reason is simple - the crop will quickly lose its medicinal properties. Part of the nutrients during processing will be transferred to solutions, which means that spirulina will lose the necessary concentration of vitamins and microelements.

Next, the raw material is dried. It is noteworthy, but seaweed is not demanding for drying conditions. At t = 70 ° C, it not only does not perish, but also retains useful substances, which contradicts all the existing laws of nature. After all, most of the enzymes of conventional plants are destroyed at temperatures above 50 ° C.

Interesting! During the heat, when the reservoir is completely dry, the alga hibernates. At the next arrival of water it revives and grows with new forces.

Composition of

Biophysicist M. Lyamin assures that 1 gram of powder is able to provide the body with those essential amino acids that participate in daily biochemical processes. This amount is enough to supply the body with the forces to restore and "repair".

For better perception, the composition of spirulina is presented in the form of a list. So, the percentage of nutrients:

• protein - 60/70
• carbohydrates - 10/20
• ash content - 7
• fats - 5
• fiber - 2.

The chemical composition of spirulina found a high content of such minerals( mg / kg):

• phosphorus -8280
• potassium 4353
• calcium 1180
• iron 528.

The spirulina composition is rich in the following vitamins( mg / kg):

• provitamin A-1700
• and aposotol( B8)-350
• vitamin E-190.

As for amino acids, the first positions on the list are:

• glutamic acid - 12,7
• aspartic acid - 9,1
• leucine - 8,7
• alanine - 7.9.

In addition to the listed components, spirulina also contains a number of other vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and pigments. There is no ascorbic acid, but it's okay. This vitamin can be replenished with other fruits and vegetables.

Benefits of the organic product

Therapeutic action

The modern consumer is suspicious of all novelties in the food or cosmetic industry. Probably doing the right thing. The intense rhythm of life, the impact of an aggressive environment and inadequate nutrition, provoked, in particular, by the chemical treatment of products, leads to a total deficit of biologically active substances that are responsible for building and maintaining the vital activity of the body's own cells.

When dealing with patients, doctors pay little attention to the issues of adequate nutrition, preferring the use of strong medications or surgical intervention. But these methods increase the negative load on the body, in connection with which the treatment of biologically active substances becomes even more urgent.

Science has proven that spirulina cures:

1. chronic fatigue syndrome, increasing efficiency, normalizing sleep and appetite
2. atherosclerosis of the vessels, improving health and physical performance in the brain, heart and kidney
3. hypertension, as well as vascular dystonia, bringing the pressure back to normal
4. Gastrointestinal diseases, in particular, a number of chronic diseases( pancreatitis, gastritis, ulcer).

In addition, the use of spirulina is manifested:

1. in the activation of the immune system, resulting in an order of magnitude lower risk of ODS
2. in normalizing the sugar level in diabetics
3. in the ability to stimulate the processes of hematopoiesis and rapidly increase hemoglobin( that is, it is pricelessto stop developing anemia, including in cases where pharmacological iron-containing tablets have proved ineffective).

For information! Preparations containing alga spirulina are used both in the complex treatment of the listed types of diseases, and separately, without prescribing other medicines. But remember! The rationality of using any drug is determined by a doctor!

The problem of excess weight

It is rumored that it is very useful to take spirulina for weight loss. It's true. Being a protein product with a mass of vital elements, algae compensates for the lack of nutrients in the body of a woman who is on a diet. And it is especially important to take spirulina for those who supplement the diet with hikes in the fitness club.

Scientists have also proven that algae normalizes the metabolism in the body, that is, indirectly contributes to weight loss.

However, in itself spirulina means for weight loss is not. Hence, its use as a drug for getting rid of excess weight without additional conditions and procedures, is not advisable.

Warning! When drinking seaweed, a generous drink is recommended!

Contraindications

Are there any categories of consumers who are forbidden to use drugs based on spirulina - powders, syrups, dietary supplements, tablets? Yes. These are:

• pregnant and lactating women
• patients with renal insufficiency
• hypotonic, suffering from low blood pressure.

Rarely, but there are reviews of women who, after taking BAD spirulina noted deterioration of health, dizziness, unusual drowsiness. Later it was found out that each of them belonged to any category, indicated above. Conclusion - before taking BAD spirulina should carefully study the instructions. No, are there any caveats?

This contraindication for the use of spirulina, including slimming, ends. It is believed that it is safe and can be added to food for children.

Recipe for a simple but nutritious dish! Ingredients: 1 tbsp.l.sour cream, ½ kg of green peas, 1 tsp. Spirulina, herbs and ground pepper to taste. Canned peas pour cold water, bring to a boil, cook for no more than 5 minutes. Then water is poured, sour cream is added to the glass and the products are blended with a blender to a mashed state. Finally, the prepared soup season with finely chopped parsley and ground pepper.

Spirulina in cosmetology

Taking algal spirulina inwards in the form of tablets or capsules has a beneficial effect on the work of internal organs, which can not but be reflected in external data.

Definitely a positive effect is noted on the condition of the hair. They stop falling out, become thicker and look healthy. Simultaneously, it acquires noticeable firmness, freshness and youthfulness of the skin.

To double the useful properties of spirulina, it is recommended along with dietary supplements to use cosmetic care products based on this unusual algae. Manufacturers with a world-wide name produce whole lines of masks, shampoos and balms. However, having at hand an ordinary spirulina powder can be independently manufactured in the home absolutely natural product for intensive care of hair or skin.

Cooking nourishing masks

Hair products

Recipes with spirulina are quite diverse. Algae perfectly "gets along" with many components, which makes it a universal ingredient, suitable for any type of hair. We offer for examination recipes of two effective masks:

1. For damaged ringlets. One teaspoon of powder is added to 2 tablespoons of carrot juice. The resulting gruel is mixed with egg yolk. A ready-made mask with spirulina is applied to dry hair, the composition is distributed evenly over the entire length and, after covering the head with a cap, is left for half an hour. After the specified time, the head is washed, as usual, with shampoo.
   

   Attention! Carrot pigment can spoil the hair color of blondes! Replace the orange juice with milk.

2. Against hair loss. Spirulina powder in an amount of 1 tsp.mixed with 2 egg yolks and 1 tsp.lemon juice. A well-mixed compound is applied to the hair and washed off after half an hour using a favorite shampoo.

Skin Maskes

The label of the purchased spirulina powder usually contains indications for use or instruction on the use of the product. So, the next useful properties of algae:

• nourishes and saturates the skin with vitamins according to the list
• stimulates the production of collagen and elastin
• restores the tone
• slows the manifestation of signs of aging.

The following recipes for facial masks with spirulina are in demand:

1. One teaspoon of powder is stirred in a teaspoon of water, and then combined with a half tablespoon of olive oil. You can add a drop of your favorite essential oil to slightly muffle the unpleasant aroma of the algae. The resulting mask is applied with a brush to the face and is washed off not earlier than in 20 minutes.
2. One teaspoon of spirulina( powder) is mixed with 3 teaspoons of liquid honey. Apply to the skin and do not rinse for 15-20 minutes.
3. One teaspoon of spirulina is diluted in 1.5 tablespoons of water and is applied to the face as a standard. Wash off after 20 minutes.

After these manipulations, the skin becomes soft and radiant. The result is obvious after the first application.

So, after considering the medicinal properties and contraindications for the use of spirulina, it's time to take stock. Algae really should be recognized as a useful product for a modern person. But! Always it is necessary to remember a simple truth - everything is good in moderation! Be healthy.