Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae. Its fibers are coiled into a so-called spiral, it is simultaneously a plant capable of photosynthesis, and at the same time a bacterium. In nature, it is distributed in alkaline lakes (Africa, Mexico, China). It grows pretty quickly, you can tell by the hour. On the surface of the water, spirulina forms dense masses, but if they become dense enough to not pass the light that is necessary for photosynthesis, then the growth of these algae begins to stop. There are, also, spirulina farms, in which a mass of algae is mixed with specially designed blades in order to not slow down the growth. And as a result, algae grow so quickly that they exceed any agricultural crop, even corn and soybeans. The rate is so impressive that the UN in its projects to combat hunger calls spirulina the food of the future. If you think about it theoretically, then a small pond can feed a population of 60,000 people.
When creating nutritional supplements, these algae are dried, then pressed, as spirulina in its natural state is not preserved for a long time. And in the dried form, since ancient times, it is used to drink. There is an opinion that spirulina has medicinal properties, and they began to learn from the time they became familiar with the life of the canem tribe that lives in Africa on the shores of Lake Chad. As it turned out, the tribe is constantly feeding on spirulina. Representatives of the tribe collect this plant from the lake surface, dry it in the sun, then make cakes from it - "dihe". This product serves as the basis for the sauce, which they seasoned with special dishes, prepared from pras. The dried "dihe" is ground, pour the water, cover with salt, add tomatoes and chilli peppers. If you believe the Africans, then "dihe" replaces them and fish, and even meat? in the event that hunting or fishing was not successful.
It turns out that the nutritional value of spirulina is not less than that of milk, eggs or milk, since it contains 70% of the protein that contains all the amino acids that a person needs. In beef, as it turned out, protein is less than three times. The protein found in spirulina is much easier and more quickly assimilated by the human organism due to the special structure of the cells of this alga.
Advertising descriptions of dietary supplements with the presence of spirulina promise to the buyers of weight loss for 20 days, and the weight, according to promises, if you take this drug, should decrease by 6-15 kg, and fat deposits vyagodnichnoy area and abdomen for 40 days. Involuntarily the question arises: what are the chemical substances entering spirulina that stimulate this result?
In addition to protein, spirulina contains about 2000 active substances - it's vitamins, iamino acids, and minerals, and enzymes. The glycogen content ensures the organization of energy, tyrosine slows down aging and prevents graying, cystine regulates the state of the pancreas, arginine cleanses blood from toxins of the ishlaks, thiamine strengthens the nervous system. The most valuable active substance vpiririna is considered phycocyanin - it is a pigment necessary for algal cells, and thanks to which photosynthesis is carried out. Phycocyanin in humanorganism manifests itself as a powerful antioxidant, able to prevent the development of a cancer cell. Therefore spirulina is used in the treatment of such diseases as anemia and radiation sickness.
However, counting on the burning of excess fats, thanks to the active components of spirulina, is not worth it. Spirulina will help regulate the metabolism. The presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids in it will affect the stability of blood sugar and cholesterol. In the event that the fatness is a consequence of an incorrect metabolism, then spirulina has a very tangible benefit, that is, it normalizes the wrong metabolism. But if the cause of excess weight in the systematic malnutrition and the lack of mobility of life, then in this case spirulina can not help.
Capsules sellers argue that spirulina, which has a high protein content, has the ability to dull the feeling of hunger, if a person observes a diet, but at the same time replenishes the body with all the components necessary for a full life. This statement is quite controversial, as people feel not saturation from the nutrients contained in the tablets, but from the food that is in the stomach.
The wave of weight loss from spirulina has already been experienced by China and America. All this served as an occasion for Chinese and American scientists to conduct various studies in order to identify the properties of spirulina, contributing to weight loss. In 2008, Chinese scientists tested a popular American dietary supplement, which includes spirulina, in mice. It became clear that the metabolism in rodents did not change, which means that it does not affect people either. The Ministry of Health of America conducted a study of volunteers. Subjects felt lowering of cholesterol level and stabilization of blood pressure. However, their weight did not decrease.
The conclusion is one - spirulina is very useful, it is an element of healthy nutrition and a source of vitamins and active substances, but alas, it has nothing to do with losing weight. So, it is better to study the composition of the magic mean in detail, and then make a purchasing decision.