Spirulina

Spirulina: Natural Multivitamin

Sunova Spirulina is a vital source of multivitamins and nutrients. It contains natural blue-green algae, which is known to boost metabolism. Along with this, it is also rich in vitamin and protein content. Due to this, Spirulina makes a great dietary supplement for vegetarians or vegan people.

To be precise, it is a rich source of protein that’s fortified with around 18 amino acids. It also contains approx. 60-65% natural proteins and 10+ vitamins, including Vitamin A (beta carotene), Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and Vitamin B9 (folic acid). Besides, the spirulina supplement even includes 10+ minerals, such as manganese, zinc, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, etc.

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is blue-green algae derived from the genus Arthrospira (“Arthro” means “Joint” and “Spira” refers to “spiral”). This natural ingredient is generally cultivated from water bodies like ponds or lakes.

Spirulina consists of various nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins like A, E and K, beta carotene, fatty acids and amino acids. It is even the right source of protein. Since spirulina usually comes from bacteria (particularly “cyanobacteria”), it’s a natural source of multivitamins for vegetarians and vegans.

Uses & Effectiveness

There are many benefits of consuming spirulina supplements, including:

• Boosting immunity while improving quality of life
• Improving stamina, keeps energy levels high and reduces fatigue
• Maintaining healthy lipids in the body, as it is a good source of omega-6 fatty acids
• Increasing haemoglobin levels while supporting muscle, bone and skin health

How Does It Work?

Spirulina is undoubtedly rich in various nutrients that are not found in average foods and fruits consumed daily. However, a person is recommended to have two capsules of Spirulina daily to maintain a proper level of nutrients in their body.

Spirulina works by providing nourishment to the tissues and cells in the body. It does so due to the high protein, vitamin and mineral content in one capsule.

How to Take Spirulina?

It is best to consult healthcare providers before taking any herbal supplement. Only a medical expert can better guide you about the right dosage and appropriate consumption as per individual requirements.

The manufacturer’s recommendations often vary. However, it is suggested not to have more dosage than what’s listed on the label. There is, however, no specific dosage for spirulina. But individuals with sensitivity or allergies need to avoid its consumption.

Who Shouldn’t Take Spirulina?

You should not take spirulina supplements without consulting a doctor first. A doctor will suggest you not take spirulina if you have:

• Allergy to blue-green algae,
• Phenylketonuria (PKU) or
• If you are pregnant

You also need to avoid spirulina if you are taking supplements or medications for any of the given medical conditions:

• High blood pressure
• Inflammation
• Allergies
• Immune system disorders
• High cholesterol levels
• Viruses
• Blood clots
• Weight loss
• Neurologic conditions
• Diabetes
• Weight loss
• Osteoporosis
• Heart problems
• Cancer

Does Spirulina Make You Gain Weight?

Any food, even spirulina, can make you gain weight if taken too much. However, in the case of spirulina, one has to take a large amount of this supplement to make anyone fat or gain weight. Having fat, high-calorie or sugar-filled foods with no exercise can make you gain more weight.

Spirulina Calories and Nutrition

It generally takes around 3,500 extra calories and more as per your daily needs to make you gain weight. One tablespoon of dried spirulina includes just 20 calories. So, it takes weeks for an individual to gain weight.

Sometimes, this natural supplement is taken to improve the nutritional value of your body. It provides around 4 g of protein and 11% of the daily iron value for thiamine and iron content in the body. It delivers around 21% of the DV (Daily Value) for copper, 15% of DV for thiamine and 15% of DV of riboflavin to the body.

All the B vitamins, thiamine and riboflavin, are essential to turn your food into energy. Plus, the added minerals help in forming healthy RBCs in the body.

FAQs

Q1: Does spirulina thicken hair?

Due to 70% of protein content, iron and fatty acids, spirulina provides a proprietary blend of nutrients required to increase hair growth. One of the best ways to gain hair growth benefits is spirulina, specially formulated with natural blue-green algae.

It also enriches the skin due to ingredients like Nrf2 Antioxidant Support Complex and B vitamins. These natural ingredients work both inside and outside the body while offering nutritional support to the body’s natural defence system for preventing premature ageing. Meanwhile, it helps to energise the body and increases clarity and mental focus.

Q2: Is Spirulina good for anxiety?

According to studies, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) help reduce fatigue during exercise. Meanwhile, the amino acids present in the natural ingredient ensure faster muscle recovery after a workout session. Frozen spirulina, such as SP2, delivers around 18 out of 20 amino acids.

It also contains more protein content compared to meat. It means that you’d reduce the body and mind stress with proper nourishment. Reduced stress in your body means you will have more resources available to tackle everything that comes your way at home or work. As your energy levels also increase with the natural supplement, an individual will feel less tired after a long day at work.

Q3: Does Spirulina boost collagen?

Spirulina not only neutralises the free radicals in the body and prevents early signs of ageing, but it can also give more firmness to the sagging skin. Spirulina is one of the best supplements to improve skin collagen production, thanks to a good amount of amino acids, including collagen (the main constituent of skin).

You can include spirulina tablets in your daily routine to help your system boost collagen production within the body. And, when the body starts producing a good amount of collagen, your skin is more likely to feel tight and supple. Moreover, the skin’s natural glow will also increase, along with more moisture content inside the skin.

Q4: Can spirulina lighten skin?

Whether you take spirulina supplement orally or apply it topically, it can help you attain a more even and toned complexion. Besides increasing faster cell turnover to make your skin recover and repair easily, spirulina works gradually to combat free radicals in the skin. It further helps repair or heal the skin naturally.

Due to the higher content of iron, phosphorous and calcium, and various vitamins (like B-12, A, and E), this natural supplement helps purify the entire system while leading to a smooth, light, even and plump complexion.

It is also packed with other beneficial antioxidants like phytonutrients and carotenoids, which help in improving skin hydration while protecting the skin. This also helps improve the skin tone with a radiant glow and flawless complexion. Whether you take it as a usual dietary supplement, skincare product with a high concentration of spirulina or create a DIY spirulina face mask with honey, this superfood is likely to work wonders for your skin. So, you can consider adding it to your daily diet but only after consulting a physician.

Q5: How fast does spirulina work?

Spirulina may take around 1 to 3 weeks for you to notice any visible results. The results may differ from individual to individual depending on their health condition. One important tip is to have plenty of water with this supplement to keep you hydrated and active.

A standard everyday dose of 1-3 grams is sufficient for daily use. However, even 10 grams per day won’t cause any harm to an individual. But we recommend always sticking to the dosage mentioned on the supplement’s label.

Also, store spirulina in a cool and dry place in an airtight container. Otherwise, there may be chances of contaminating spirulina with harmful bacteria, toxic metals and microcystins. And the contaminated spirulina is harmful to the body as it can lead to various health conditions like vomiting, nausea, weakness, thirst, liver damage, shock, rapid heartbeat and even fatality.