Present in a number of dietary and nutritional supplements, you will be interested to know what spirulina is and why it is so popular. Discover the properties and benefits of spirulina!
What is spirulina?
The spirulina is a microalgae, i.e. a type of vegetable found in the sea. It is green or sometimes bluish-green in colour and has a spiral or helical shape.
It has a high nutritional valueIt is rich in vitamins and minerals and, of course, protein.
It is for this reason that it is used as a nutritional complement both for those who find it difficult to reach the recommended daily amount and for those who, for various reasons, need to take a higher dose.
So much so that NASA has chosen it to include it in the astronaut diet and was declared, as early as 1974, as the better food for the future at the UN World Food Conference.
What are the properties and benefits of spirulina?
See what their properties are and how they help us.
- The blue-green colour is due to phycocyanin and chlorophyll. These are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Does not contain cellulose. This makes it ideal for those who do not digest this element well.
- Its essential fatty acids offer benefits in terms of diseases as diverse as obesity, arthritis or even alcoholism..
- Its high vitamin content also helps to boost the antioxidant effect. Includes lots of vitamin B and E.
- Among the minerals it is capable of absorbing, zinc and selenium, which are essential to keep the structures of our body in perfect condition, stand out. nervous system.
- Your high iron content also makes it very suitable for combating exhaustion, for strengthening our immune system (by producing antibodies and stimulating cell activity) and for preventing and treating anaemia. In addition, it is perfectly absorbed, as it is taken with vitamin C.
- It is also very high in protein. But not only that, they are of high quality, which means that, contrary to what usually happens when we eat animal protein, they are easier to digest.
- Its proportion of saturated fat in relation to its caloric value and nutritional value is very low, so that it is what is known as a superfooda product that we ingest in small quantities and that produces high benefits.
- The concentration of heavy metals serves to improve our kidney function.
- We have already said that, in part, its colour makes it a antioxidantbut the linoleic acids it contains, vitamin E, beta-carotene and retinols also play a role.
- The fibre which it includes acts as a prebiotic and antiseptic by stimulating microfloral activity.
- It is also regulates intestinal transit.
- The compendium of high quality protein, essential micronutrients, antioxidants and fibre lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, which is an important source of energy. lowering of blood pressure.