People may ask – what is Spirulina, as this is yet to become popular especially in Bangladesh. Spirulina is the name of a seaweed. According to health journals, Spirulina is rich in a range of vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, like vitamins E, C, and B6. Research finds that spirulina also boosts the production of white blood cells and antibodies that fight viruses and bacteria in your body.
Some researchers say, Spirulina may cause some side effects of spirulina may include nausea, insomnia, and headaches. Still, this supplement is widely considered safe, and most people experience no side effects. It is important to note, Spirulina may be contaminated with harmful compounds, thin your blood, and worsen autoimmune conditions.
People with phenylketonuria (inability to process the amino acid, phenylalanine) and individuals with other amino acid disorders – for example, classical homocystinuria (HCU), or maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) – may need to avoid spirulina due to its high protein and thus amino acid content.
But here are some of the benefits of Spirulina. It is being widely used for promoting hair growth and to combat hair problems like thinning hair and baldness. Spirulina contains amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamin A and beta-carotene, all of which are great for hair.
Let’s know more about Spirulina.
Spirulina is a bluish-green alga. It usually grows in water. However, it is better known as seaweed. The name Spirulina is derived from the Latin word “Spira”, which means spiral or rolled. Because spirulina tends to look spiral.
It usually generates energy through the process of photosynthesis. Spirulina is usually eaten as a vegetable. Although the name is unknown, it contains almost all kinds of nutrients. Ingredients: 60-70 percent protein. Most of which are composed of essential amino acids. Carbohydrates contain 15 percent glycogen, and fats 5-6 percent are essentially essential fatty acids such as gamma-linoleic acid. Minerals also include iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and selenium. Vitamins include Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K. Notable among the natural pigments are chlorophyll, xanthophyll, beta carotene, and phycocyanin. It is called ‘super food’ as it contains all kinds of nutrients. There are a few more reasons to say superfood. It contains 3 times more protein than fish and beef and 6 times more protein than eggs. There are 2 times more minerals than soybean. There is 4 times more fiber or dietary fiber than flour. It contains 5 times more carotene than carrots and 40 times more carotenoids than spinach. It contains 10 times more calcium than milk. It contains 75 times more iron than spinach and 30 times more iron than beef. It is a nutritious vegetable.
Now let’s find out about the medicinal properties of spirulina.
Prevention of anemia in pregnant women: Spirulina contains a lot of chlorophyll Which is the most important component of blood that can be converted to hemoglobin and helps prevent anemia. Spirulina also contains vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, and amino acids. Which plays an important role in making blood. Ideal food: It contains a lot of protein and vitamin B12. Which reduces the deficiency of these two nutrients in vegetarians! This is because protein and vitamin B12 are missing from their diet.
Cleanses the blood: It contains a lot of chlorophyll and magnesium. These chlorophyll and magnesium combine to remove blood contaminants and help cleanse the blood. Studies have shown that after consuming 9-10 grams of spirulina daily, the patient’s arsenic-related skin disease is completely cured after 4-6 months.
Reduces the risk of heart disease: It contains high levels of gamma-linoleic acid. Which reduces the risk of heart disease by lowering the levels of harmful LDL in the body.
Protects against cancer: Spirulina protects against cancer. The blue-green color of spirulina can destroy cancer cells. Spirulina is rich in powerful antioxidants such as selenium, beta carotene, tocopherols, and phenolic acids. Which helps prevent various types of cancer.
Increases digestion: Inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria like E. coli and Candida. Spirulina produces good bacteria like lactobacillus and bifidobacterial that live in the digestive tract. So it increases digestion by increasing the body’s capacity by absorbing nutrients.
Protects the kidneys: Spirulina chlorophyll is a high concentration and the best natural detoxifier; It reduces kidney toxicity by removing heavy metals, harmful rays, and polluting metals from the kidneys.
Prevention of Diabetes: It helps in controlling diabetes by lowering the level of glucose in the blood. Because it has a lot of fiber. Which does not allow blood glucose levels to rise easily.
Spirulina contains many essential vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, calcium, and phosphorous. This microalga also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it may help with the treatment and prevention of certain conditions like arthritis.
Spirulina contains a high concentration of zeaxanthin, an important nutrient linked to eye health. As such, spirulina may help reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
But remember, many sources say you can’t overdose on spirulina as it’s a natural food source, but when taken in excess (as with any foodstuff), it could cause problems. In this case, it could lead to a vitamin A overdose.
It is very rare to eat it in Bangladesh. So, if the production of spirulina can be increased, we can immensely benefit from it in ensuring a healthy life. It can also make the growers financially beneficial. So, let’s cultivate spirulina, and help build a healthy nation and prosperous country.
