Spirulina, a dietary supplement is made by the cultivation of Cyanobacteria which is a blue-green alga commonly found in the environment. It is processed through plant cultivation and a superfood is obtained. It helps with many health-related problems since it is rich in vitamins, and minerals and also has enzymes that help with diseases. It also has some properties which help with weight loss by speeding up the digestion process. This can be consumed every day with your diet for speedy and healthy weight loss.
It can be consumed by direct supplements or powder, and both of them can be easily incorporated into your daily meals along with drinks, smoothies, and salads though you should not cause an overdose of anything. Here in this article, we present to you the benefits of Spirulina for weight loss and other benefits with some quick and easy recipes you can make at home and consume with your food for losing weight.
In this article we’ll discuss how to use spirulina for weight loss.
Read Also: Green Coffee For Weight Loss
Benefits of Spirulina For Weight Loss
First, let us talk about the benefits Spirulina provides for weight loss if taken in an adequate amount every day
Spirulina in Calories
It is extremely low in calories and thus this can help speed up your weight loss process. One tablespoon intake of spirulina increases to just around 20 which is very low for a type of food. Adding your morning diet with a spirulina smoothie or a drink would be a good option for aiding your weight loss process.
Spirulina Is High In Protein
It contains 60-70% protein and does not contain a lot of carbs. Most people who are trying to lose weight increase their level of protein intake and decrease their level of carb intake which helps with speedy weight loss. Proteins take longer to digest than carbs, which makes you feel for a longer time, thus the intake of spirulina could be very beneficial.
Plus intake of protein helps to build lean muscles increasing your muscle power and making the body look toned.
Spirulina is enriched with Anti Inflammatory and Anti Oxidant properties
Spirulina can reduce the oxygen radicals in the body because it contains antioxidant compounds. This further results in resisting the body to produce inflammatory substances which could show rapid weight gain. This is because the body starts producing anti-inflammatory compounds which prevent and curb inflammation.
Also, the anti-inflammatory properties help to keep your immune system strong and thus your metabolism gets stronger which ultimately results in losing weight quickly. And this is why spirulina intake should be done in some amount.
Spirulina Helps In Suppressing Appetite
Spirulina contains some kind of compounds it which helps suppress your appetite to a good level, it could stop you from eating since you automatically feel full and could help is losing weight.
Spirulina Is Highly Nutritional
Spirulina is very nutritious and contains Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin E. It is also enriched in minerals such as Copper, Zinc, Manganese, and also some other enzymes which help with weight loss. It also has dietary fiber which makes spirulina a very good weight-loss supplement. These enzymes, vitamins, and minerals help aid digestion which results in good metabolism. A good metabolism automatically helps with speedy weight loss because the toxins and eliminated with the intake of spirulina.
Spirulina Helps Lowering Cholesterol Levels
Many studies and research said that the intake of Spirulina helps with eliminating bad cholesterol levels and increases the good cholesterol levels in the blood. Thus consuming spirulina boosts fat mobilization which ultimately helps in losing weight.
Lowers Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure
Spirulina helps with lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure both. Plus it also helps to lower the blood glucose level which can result in weight gain. Stress developed through high blood pressure can also cause weight gain, which can be controlled by the intake of spirulina. Spirulina can lower the concentration of fat content in your body because it eliminates the fat content from the blood to give you an idea of weight loss.
These were some of the benefits of weight loss you could see in your body and health after the consumption of Spirulina. But before buying spirulina from any pharmacy or store make sure to visit a doctor. Spirulina is as such safe for consumption but too much of it could cause problems, plus sometimes you may not even need spirulina in your diet. Some people even could be allergic to spirulina which could cause them nausea or feel feverish after the intake. Thus it is best to check up with a doctor and take the doses accordingly.
Read Also: Use Cumin for Weight Loss
Forms of Spirulina
These are some of the forms of intake of spirulina in your daily diet
Spirulina Powder: This can be effective and can be added to many dishes and drinks. It can be added to just a glass of water, drinks, or smoothies. Spirulina can also be added to curries, sauces, salsas, and salads. Also for making homemade energy foods, one tablespoon can be added to cakes and pastries.
Spirulina Tablets: This is the direct supplement of spirulina and it is safe to take a tablet 2-3 times a day of 500 mg. Also, the dose may vary from person to person and thus a doctor consultation is needed before the intake of tablets.
Spirulina Recipes
Here are some quick Spirulina recipes you can make and consume for weight loss
Spirulina Lemon Smoothie
Ingredients: One tbsp organic spirulina, one tbsp of fresh lemon juice, half avocado, one banana, one cup nut milk, a pinch of cinnamon
Procedure :
1. Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend them well until you make a smooth paste
2. add honey as per your taste preference and serve it in a glass and consume.
The ingredients used here and high in protein and mixing them along with spirulina makes it a very healthy drink
Spirulina Lemon Juice
Ingredients: 500 ml water, 1-2 tbsp organic spirulina, one lemon, one tbsp rice malt syrup
Procedure:
1. Pour fresh lemon juice into a big container.
2. In this add organic spirulina powder and rice malt syrup and mix it thoroughly.
3. Pour water into the container and mix it well. Serve it immediately and consume it.
Consuming this every day twice in the morning and the evening would show a loss in weight in no time.
Spirulina in Salads
Ingredients: one tbsp spirulina, 3 tbsp lime juice, ½ cup grilled chicken/tofu, one cup baby spinach, 1 cup blanched and chopped asparagus, ¼ cup chopped baby tomatoes, one tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp low-fat yogurt, salt to taste, pepper to taste.
Procedure:
1. For the dressing, mix low-fat yogurt, olive oil, and lime juice in a bowl. Also, add salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
2. Add the chicken/tofu to the bowl of dressing along with the vegetables and Spirulina.
3. Toss them well and add a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
This salad is filled with protein since it has all healthy vegetables plus curd. Curd is rich in protein and makes you feel full in no time. Incorporating Spirulina in this healthy dish makes it even more healthy and aids weight loss. This can be consumed 1-2 times a day along with your food.
Thus it is best to check up with a doctor and take the doses accordingly.
Disclaimer
This article is purposive for intended general information and does not mark individual circumstances. It is not an alternative to professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. A licensed physician must be consulted to diagnose and treat any medical condition. Any decision you make depending upon the information highlighted here is strictly at your own risk and responsibility.
