What is spirulina and how is it used for weight loss? Useful and harmful properties, contraindications for use. Instructions for use and real reviews.
Spirulina for weight loss is a blue-green alga (cyanobacterium) from the genus Arthrospira, which is used in the form of a dietary supplement. For their manufacture, two types of arthrospir are used: A. maxima and A. platensis. Industrial production is especially widespread in the United States, Thailand, China, India, Chile and Greece.
Description and composition of spirulina
For weight loss, spirulina alga is used both as a dietary supplement and as an independent ingredient in food preparation - although from the point of view of taxonomy it is not entirely correct to call it algae. It is especially appreciated for the presence in the composition of all amino acids irreplaceable for humans.
The energy value of spirulina is 290 kcal per 100 g, of which:
- Proteins - 57.5%;
- Fats - 7, 7%, of which 2, 6% are saturated fats;
- Carbohydrates - 24%
The chemical composition of spirulina determines its beneficial properties for weight loss and its usefulness as a dietary supplement in general, making it truly unique among other nutritional supplements. It contains only 5% water and practically does not contain iodine (its content is close to 0, 001%), which is especially important for people with thyroid disorders.
Spirulina ingredients:
- Essential amino acids … Algae contains all the essential (not produced in the body and supplied with food) amino acids necessary for humans - isoleucine and leucine, lysine, valine, phenylalanine, threonine, methionine and tryptophan, as well as the amino acid arginine, which is especially required for children and the elderly. Moreover, in 100 g of spirulina these amino acids are almost twice as much as is usually necessary for a person of average physique daily.
- Vitamins … Spirulina is extremely rich in B vitamins - except for B12, which is present in the form of the so-called pseudovitamin, which is inactive in the human body. The percentage of vitamins C, E and K is also relatively high. 100 grams of spirulina more than doubles the need for the daily intake of vitamins B1 and B2. The needs for vitamins B3 and B5 are covered by 70-80%, B6 and B9 - 25-30%, vitamins C, E, K - about 15-30%. Vitamin D is absent in spirulina.
- Minerals … In 100 g of algae, there is a double daily rate of iron. In addition, cyanobacteria are rich in manganese, magnesium, potassium and sodium, covering up to 70% of the daily requirement for these substances.
Algae is a high-calorie, high-protein food, and spirulina capsules alone are not suitable for weight loss; rather, it can be used as a strengthening supplement for weight gain. However, its rich and balanced composition also indicates the possibility of using spirulina for weight loss: by consulting a dietitian, you can lighten your diet and reduce the intake of excess fats and carbohydrates, replacing some of its components with spirulina. And its saturation with essential amino acids will reduce the number of accidental snacks: the desire to quickly eat something tasty in the middle of the day often arises precisely because of the deficiency of amino acids.
Kelp comes in powder, capsule, tablet and granule form. You can buy spirulina for weight loss in almost any online store specializing in dietary supplements. More expensive items usually need to be ordered in advance.
Spirulina Slimming Price:
- Solgar, a subsidiary of the American manufacturer Nature's Bounty Co., produces spirulina tablets - 250 pieces per package. Such packaging is relatively expensive - 1600 rubles. (650 UAH).
- The Vietnamese manufacturer Danapha (known primarily for its Zvezdochka balsam) offers spirulina at much more affordable prices - 500 rubles. (150-180 UAH) for a bottle with 90 capsules.
- A dietary supplement from the Czech company Walmark will cost about 450 rubles. (140 UAH). There are only 30 tablets in the package.
- Spirulina granules from Indian Auroville will cost you 900 rubles. (350 UAH) for 100 grams.
- Algae powder for weight loss from the American manufacturer Vimergy can be ordered on Amazon - a 250 gram package costs about 900 rubles. (770 UAH).
Benefits of spirulina for weight loss
In the photo spirulina for weight loss
Spirulina is notable primarily for its flexibility as a possible supplement to the diet. By satisfying the daily needs for the many nutrients that the human body needs, algae reduces cravings for occasional snacks, and the extremely high percentage of protein causes long feelings of fullness and is beneficial for physically active people seeking to keep in shape.
Sometimes the use of spirulina can interfere with weight loss: if you add it to an existing diet without modifying it in any way, it will be very easy to gain new kilograms.
Spirulina is an excellent source of linoleic, alpha-linoleic and gamma-linoleic fatty acids, the first two being essential for humans as well. These acids play an essential role in the work of the cardiovascular system and are especially necessary for growing children. To maintain a healthy heart rate in weight loss workouts, spirulina comes in handy.
