Spirulina algae
Spirulina is rich in vitamins and minerals and contains about 65% complete protein that includes important and essential amino acids for the body.
Spirulina contains omega 3, oleic acid, linoleic acid and antioxidants as well as chlorophyll and beta carotene.
Antioxidants protect against toxins and help strengthen the immune system and prevent inflammation.
Spirulina provides energy and is effective against chronic fatigue. Helps with weight loss, efficient metabolism, fat burning, attention and concentration problems, anemia, allergies and inflammation.
Spirulina helps athletes. The essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes are rapidly absorbed by the body during and after training. Thus, they contribute to improved performance, faster recovery of the body after training and muscle building.
Spirulina and weight loss: Findings from controlled trials
Spirulina is a green-blue alga. Some believe it is one of the oldest life forms on Earth. The first to use it were the Aztecs in Central America and today it has become a widely popular dietary supplements. Spirulina is known for its high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and large amounts of complete protein, which is a protein that contains all the essential amino acids for humans. Because of these rich and high-quality nutritional values, spirulina is often categorized as a "superfood".
A study published in the journal European Review for Medical and Pharacological Sciences in 2016 examined the effect of spirulina consumption on body weight, blood pressure, and vascular function. The researchers randomly divided 40 subjects into two groups. The control group was selected to receive a daily dose of 2 grams of spirulina for three months, while the control group was selected to receive a placebo at the same dose for the exact same period. The random allocation makes the characteristics of the subjects in each of the groups similar to each other, on average, and therefore any difference in weight and blood pressure indices at the end of the experiment can be associated with the treatment - spirulina intake.
The results of the randomized trial showed that spirulina lowered the body mass index (BMI), weight, systolic blood pressure and arterial stiffness index among the subjects in the treatment group and compared to the control group. For example, the weight of the subjects in the spirulina group decreased by an average of 5 kilograms at the end of the three months, while the weight of the subjects in the control group increased by about 2 kilograms. These changes are not only statistically significant, but also substantively large. The researchers argued that the findings show that consuming spirulina regularly for a period of three months improves weight, body mass, and blood pressure among obese people.[1]
A study published in 2019 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine conducted a meta-analysis to examine the effect of spirulina on weight loss. Meta-analysis is a statistical analysis that collects data from several previous independent studies and analyzes them in an integrative framework. If this type of analysis finds a significant effect between treatment (spirulina) and outcome (weight loss), it can be more certain that the effect is generalizable and does not depend on the specific time or other conditions that were unique to just one study. The researchers collected data from five randomized clinical trials. Statistical analysis showed that spirulina intake led to significant weight loss. In addition, weight loss due to consumption of spirulina supplement was greater in obese people compared to overweight people. Another finding also indicated a decrease in body fat percentage.
Bibliography
[1] Miczke, A., Szulinska, M., Hansdorfer-Korzon, R., Kregielska-Narozna, M., Suliburska, J., Walkowiak, J. and Bogdanski, P., 2016. Effects of spirulina consumption on body weight, blood pressure, and endothelial function in overweight hypertensive Caucasians: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, 20(1), pp.150-156.
[2] Moradi, S., Ziaei, R., Foshati, S., Mohammadi, H., Nachvak, S.M. and Rouhani, M.H., 2019. Effects of Spirulina supplementation on obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Complementary therapies in medicine, 47, p.102211.
The stated above does not constitute a medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider with any question or concerns you have on your medical condition.
