Spirulina

Spirulina (scientific name: Spirulina) is a kind of lower organism, prokaryotic organism, composed of single or multi-cell filaments, 200-500 μm long, 5-10 μm wide, cylindrical, loose or tight regular spiral bends, shaped like a clockwork, hence the name. It has the effects of reducing the toxic and side effects of cancer radiotherapy and chemotherapy, improving immune function, and lowering blood lipids.

Spirulina, also known as "Arthrospira". Cyanobacteria, Oscillatoriaceae. The algae is an unbranched filament composed of single-row cells, with no or only a very thin gelatinous sheath, and has a regular spiral shape to form algae segments for reproduction. There are no heterocysts and posterior wall spores. There are about 38 species, most of which grow in alkaline salt lakes. Currently, large-scale artificial cultivation is carried out both at home and abroad, mainly three types: Spirulina platensis, Spirulina maxima and Spirulina indica. It is edible, rich in nutrients, and has a protein content of up to 60%-70% . In natural waters, its large-scale reproduction will form algal blooms.

Spirulina Effects and Functions

Lowers cholesterol

Lowering cholesterol can effectively prevent the onset of heart disease and stroke. The gamma-linolenic acid in spirulina can lower the cholesterol in the human body, thereby effectively lowering high blood pressure, preventing heart disease and reducing cholesterol.

Regulate blood sugar

Spirulina contains spirulina polysaccharides, magnesium, chromium and other hypoglycemic substances, which can regulate blood sugar metabolism through various pathways (such as promoting insulin secretion, slowing down sugar absorption, promoting substance metabolism, anti-oxidation, etc.).

Strengthens the immune system

Since the algae polysaccharides and phycocyanin in Spirulina can enhance the proliferation activity of bone marrow cells, promote the growth of immune organs such as the thymus and spleen, and promote the biosynthesis of serum proteins, Spirulina has an immune-enhancing effect.

Protect the stomach

Most patients with stomach problems have excessive gastric acid, which leads to gastritis, gastric ulcers and other diseases. Spirulina is an alkaline food. It contains high plant protein and rich chlorophyll, tail-carotene, etc. These nutrients are very effective in neutralizing gastric acid and repairing, regenerating and normalizing the secretion function of the gastrointestinal mucosa, and are particularly suitable for patients with gastrointestinal problems. By improving the intestinal environment, it also has auxiliary therapeutic significance for diabetic patients. Spirulina can improve emergency response capabilities, and has a certain preventive and protective effect on diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver and kidney damage .

Anti-tumor, anti-cancer and anti-cancer

The mechanism of action of anti-mutagenic and anti-cancer drugs is related to the repair of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The algae polysaccharides, tail-carotene and phycocyanin in Spirulina all have this effect. Therefore, Spirulina plays an important role in anti-tumor and cancer prevention.

Preventing and treating hyperlipidemia

Spirulina contains a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids, of which linoleic acid and linolenic acid account for 45% of the total fatty acids. Both are important components of the phospholipids in the mitochondria of cell membranes. They can prevent the accumulation of total cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver and blood vessels, and avoid damaging the normal physiological functions of the cardiovascular system .

Anti-oxidation, anti-aging, anti-fatigue

Free radicals are one of the root causes of human aging and disease. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) can catalyze dismutation reactions to remove free radicals. Spirulina can reduce the damage of oxygen free radicals caused by exercise, protect the cell membrane structure, and have an anti-exercise fatigue effect .

Anti-radiation function

Spirulina polysaccharide can resist radiation

.The mechanism of Spirulina's anti-radiation is related to the following factors:

(1) Spirulina contains a large amount of phycocyanin and algae polysaccharides, rich in protein and multiple vitamins (such as vitamin C and vitamin E), carotene and trace elements (such as selenium, zinc and iron), and other biologically active ingredients, which can increase the body's immune function and relieve and reduce the inhibitory effect of radiation on the immune system.

(2) Spirulina has a strong antioxidant effect. It can enhance the activity of the body's antioxidant enzymes and capture free radicals, thereby reducing the DNA damage caused by the formation of free radicals induced by radiation.

(3) Spirulina is rich in iron, vitamin B12 and chlorophyll, which can promote hematopoietic function and relieve and reduce the inhibition of bone marrow hematopoietic function by radiation.

Treating anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is a very common phenomenon, and spirulina is extremely rich in iron and chlorophyll, these nutrients can effectively improve the anemia condition of the human body.

Spirulina is rich in active iron, vitamin B12 and chlorophyll, which are the raw materials and coenzymes for synthesizing hemoglobin. In addition, the phycocyanin and algae polysaccharides in spirulina can enhance the ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes to normochromatic erythrocytes in the bone marrow of mice. Therefore, spirulina can promote hemoglobin synthesis and bone marrow hematopoietic function in many ways, and play an anti-anemia role.

Medicinal value of Spirulina

Spirulina is known as a "micro green functional nutritional treasure trove", and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has included it in the 21st century human food resource development plan. Domestic and foreign studies have shown that spirulina has a high protein content and a very reasonable amino acid composition ratio, among which the content of essential amino acids is close to or exceeds the standard recommended by FAO. Since the cell wall of spirulina is not composed of fiber, but of some polysaccharides, it is easy to digest and absorb, with a protein digestibility of 75% and a bioavailability of 68%. Therefore, spirulina is the food with the highest protein content and quality known to mankind. In addition to being rich in protein, spirulina also contains vitamins and a variety of trace elements. It is the most excellent, most comprehensive, and most balanced pure natural protein food source discovered by scientists so far. It also has many functions such as enhancing immunity and adjusting metabolic functions. It is also a natural resource for health foods and medicines. Therefore, spirulina is recommended by the Food and Energy Organization of the United Nations and the World Food Association as "

The most ideal food in the 21st century". Recent studies have also shown that spirulina plays an important role in clearing environmental pollution and developing bioenergy.

Spirulina beauty effects

1. Maintain skin elasticity:

The large amount of chlorophyll, carotene, γ-linolenic acid and vitamins contained in spirulina can inhibit bacterial growth, promote the metabolism of skin cells, enhance cell vitality, regulate fat metabolism, promote the excretion of toxic substances caused by fat metabolism disorders through the skin, and have the functions of eliminating toxins and clearing intestinal toxins in the body. Spirulina can also effectively correct endocrine system disorders. Therefore, spirulina can reduce skin chloasma, acne, age spots, promote hair growth, and prevent hair follicle keratinization and dry skin, so that the skin remains elastic, shiny and rosy.

2. Delay aging:

Spirulina contains many anti-aging active substances such as carotene, vitamin E, and γ-linolenic acid. Spirulina contains a large amount of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which can effectively remove free radicals in the body, delay the aging process of the body, promote the normalization of human functions, enhance cell vitality, promote human metabolism, delay gonadal atrophy, and prevent arteriosclerosis. At the same time, the rich content of selenium in spirulina can effectively enhance the ability of lymphocytes and macrophages to remove bacteria, and also has the function of anti-oxidation to protect cells from damage, and can promote the production of immunoglobulins and improve the body's immunity. In addition, spirulina is rich in clinical vitamin E and vitamin C, which has an antioxidant effect and can delay aging.

3. Weight loss effect:

Spirulina is a high-protein, low-calorie, complete nutritional food. It is rich in plant protein, vitamins, chlorophyll, carotene, γ-linolenic acid and other balanced nutrients, which can regulate fat metabolism. Spirulina has high nutrition, low calories, and low fat properties. Spirulina is rich in iron, so anemia caused by iron deficiency will not occur during the weight loss process. Because it is rich in protein and easily absorbed by the quilt, it contains very little fat, so the calories generated are also low, so the purpose of weight loss can be achieved. If combined with a healthy diet, eating less high-calorie, high-fat foods, and exercising more, it can play a role in safe weight loss.

4. Anti-fatigue effect: The various vitamins, amino acids and bioactive substances contained in spirulina can regulate the body's acid-base balance and promote muscle contraction. Adults who take it regularly will feel energetic.

Edible value of Spirulina

(1) Spirulina is rich in protein, up to 60-75%. Its content is three times that of fish, four times that of meat, and more than five times that of eggs. Spirulina is also rich in amino acids that cannot be synthesized by humans and animals.

(2) Spirulina is rich in beta-carotene, which is 15 times that of carrots and 40-60 times that of spinach. Beta-carotene can improve the body's immunity, and the chlorophyll content is more than 10 times that of vegetables.

(3) Spirulina is rich in vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, B11, B12, C, E, etc.

(4) Spirulina is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, which can promote calcium absorption, enhance immunity, prevent metabolic disorders and prevent aging.

(5) The polysaccharides in Spirulina have anti-radiation properties and can indirectly inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells by enhancing the body’s immunity. In addition, Spirulina polysaccharides can increase the activity of SOD in plasma, reduce the production of lipid peroxides, and have an anti-aging effect.

(6) Spirulina contains a variety of trace elements necessary for the human body, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iodine, selenium, iron, copper, zinc, etc. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, zinc deficiency can lead to stunted growth; selenium can activate

DNA repair enzymes, stimulate the production of immunoglobulins and antibodies, capture free radicals, reduce or resist the toxicity of certain metals in the body, and inhibit the carcinogenic effects of some carcinogens. Selenium can also prevent altitude sickness.

How to consume Spirulina

1. For health care:

(1) Daily health care: 2-3 times a day , 2 grams each time, 30 minutes before meals. You can take it at any time.

2) Anti-fatigue: 2-3 times a day , 2-4 grams each time, 30 minutes before meals. Take an additional 2 grams when you feel particularly tired.

3) Weight loss:

Rapid weight loss method: 3 times a day , 10 grams each time, 60 minutes before meals, drink soy milk or milk with a small amount of vegetables and fruits in the morning, about 120 grams of staple food with appropriate amount of vegetables for lunch, and about 100 grams of staple food with appropriate amount of vegetables for dinner. Ordinary weight loss method: 3 times a day, each time

4 grams, take 60 minutes before meals, reduce food intake by 1/3-1/2 than usual. If you drink soup, do it before meals and eat less greasy food.

4) Poor physical condition : 3 grams, 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

5. For patients with poor immunity, take 3 grams three times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

6. For those who are malnourished and thin, take 2-3 grams three times a day, 30 minutes before meals. For those who want to gain weight, take 15 to 30 minutes after meals.

7. Anti-radiation : Take 2 grams 2-3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

8. Anti-aging: Take 2-3 grams three times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

9. For beauty use: take natural algae powder

10.20 grams, add clean water and stir or add egg white and apply directly on the face. You can also add it to the facial mask you use regularly. It is ideal for increasing skin nutrition and moisturizing the skin.

2. For treatment

1) Gastritis: For common gastritis, take 3 grams three times a day , 30 minutes before meals. For gastric ulcer, atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, etc., take 4 grams three times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

(2) Patients with negative hepatitis virus and fatty liver should take 4 grams three times a day , 30 minutes before meals. For patients with fatty liver and obesity, take 4 grams 3 times a day, 60 minutes before meals. Patients with positive hepatitis virus, hepatitis B virus, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and all patients with high transaminase should take 4 grams three times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

6 grams, take 30 minutes before meals.

(3) For diabetes, take 3.5 grams three times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

(4) For patients with high cholesterol, take 2-4 grams three times a day , 30 minutes before meals. For patients with high triglycerides, take 3-4 grams three times a day, 30 minutes to 60 minutes before meals. For obese patients, take 60 minutes before meals.

(5) Take 4 grams three times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

(6) For tumors, take more than 6 grams three times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

7) Iron deficiency anemia: Take 3 grams three times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

8) For glaucoma and cataracts, take 4 grams three times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

9) For arteriosclerosis, take 4 grams three times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

The above dosage is for adults. Children under 6 years old can take half of it. Children aged 7-15 years old should take the adult dosage.

2/3. For health care, one cycle is 2 months. Generally, there will be a certain effect. Long-term use is ideal. For treatment, one course is 2 months, except for hepatitis, tumors, glaucoma, cataracts and arteriosclerosis. One course is 3 months. Take with 1-2 cups of warm water.

Spirulina side effects and contraindications

Side Effects of Spirulina

Spirulina is recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as "the most ideal food of the 21st century", and the World Health Organization calls it "the safest health food of the 21st century". The United Nations calls for the development of spirulina as an edible algae to save human lives. However, eating more spirulina does not necessarily mean better for the body, as it also has certain side effects.

Spirulina can be eaten by most people and is the preferred nutritional supplement for children, teenagers, the elderly and pregnant women. However, 1-5 grams per day is enough. Eating too much at one time can cause stomach bloating and indigestion.

Spirulina with excessive lead content will have adverse effects on the body after ingestion. Lead is a metal element that the human body does not need and can accumulate in the body. Long-term intake of very low doses of lead may also cause damage to the nervous, kidney, blood and other systems. The harm to children is more obvious, and it is easy to cause developmental delays and low cognitive abilities. Therefore, it is also very important to choose pollution-free spirulina.

For the processed spirulina, many manufacturers adopt pharmaceutical processing technology and add excipients, disintegrants, binders, etc. which are commonly used in pharmaceutical technology. If you choose this kind of product, long-term consumption will definitely be harmful to your body.