Composition and Properties

Spirulina contains the following nutrients and chemicals:

* High amount of proteins (between 55 and 77% by dry weight).
* Carbohydrates (among which rhamnose that helps the assimilation of glucose);  fiber.
* Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, biotin, pantothenic acid, inositol, A, D, alpha-tocopherol, K).
* Essential and non essential amino acids (among which methionine, cysteine and lysine).
* Essential fatty acids (such as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA), stearidonic acid (SDA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA)).
* Minerals (Ca, K, P, Na, Mg, S, Cl, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni, Mo, Cr).
* Photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll-a, xanthophyll, beta-carotene.

Spirulina health benefits

* Nutritional, antianemic, and tonic
* Detoxifying, antioxidant, antiradical. antiviral
* Immune system booster (read my immune system boosters post for additional info on more natural immune system boosters)
* Hypolipemic; hepatoprotective
* Anti-inflammatory
* Vasodilative;  anticoagulant

Nutritional, antianemic and general tonic properties

Spirulina has proven to be particularly useful in low calorie diets, because of its high nutritional values combined with its low calories (390 Cal for each 100 g of dry product). It helps therefore in contributing with important nutrients during weight loss diets. The essential amino acid phenylalanine (3%) is able to reduce hunger and helps people while following low calorie diets as it determines a feeling of satiety. In such cases it is recommended to take the spirulina supplements around 30 minutes before the main meals. The presence of vitamin B12 is precious especially for vegans. Spirulina is also particularly useful as a supplement for persons involved in sport activities, supplying a good amount of ergogenic vitamins and minerals that help the energetic metabolism, complex amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine), essential and non essential amino acids, proteins, antioxidants, carnitine and creatine. Furthermore, the presence of iron, in biochelated form, and of the essential amino acids help the synthesis of hemoglobin and of red blood cells, preventing or reducing some anemic forms. The dietary supplements of spirulina are particularly indicated for pregnant women and during convalescence.

Fighting mental and physical stress (antioxidant and antiradical activity)

In case of stress, the system needs to assimilate a high quantity of antioxidants, with radical scavenger properties. In spirulina it is particularly useful the presence of phycocyanin, for which there are studies that show an antioxidant activity against peroxyl radicals. The antioxidant properties of spirulina are also due to chlorophyllin, derived from chlorophyl, to carotenes, to xanthophylls, to cysteine, to methionine, and to vitamins A and E, to zinc and manganese.

Immune system boosting and antiviral activities

Spirulina strengthens the immune system and has antiviral effects. The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and linoleic acid (LA) activate the production of prostaglandins (PGE1) with immune system boosting, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilative properties. The presence of beta-glucans in spirulina might promote the stimulation of the immune system, thanks to an increase of lymphocytes and macrophages. Immune system boosting effects are also attributed to phycocyanins. Studies on animals have shown a relationship between the consumption of Spirulina platensis and the increase of the activity of macrophages and a higher production of nitric oxide (NO), with an hypothetical immunoprotective role. The nitric oxide (NO) acts as a physiological messenger between cells that helps stimulating the phagocytic activity of the cell. The consumption of aqueous extracts of Spirulina platensis in man activates the immune system in the 50% of the subjects, through an increase in the production of interferon-gamma and in the cytolytic activity of the natural killer cells (NK).

Indications

As we have seen, spirulina has many health benefits and, as a dietary supplement, is particularly indicated in the following cases:

* Sport activities (it integrates the nutritional values needed, preventing losses in the muscular mass).
* Psychic and physical stress, or highly stressful situations.
* Vegetarian and vegan diets.
* Low calorie diets and unbalanced diets.

1. Clean out your desk.

Cleaning out your desk not only makes you more organized, but will help you find things you didn’t know where there or missing. It can be a relaxing and calming process.

2. Take a bath.

Water is very therapeutic and can help you unwind. After a long day at work, fill up the tub, dim the lights and even light a few candles to add to the atmosphere. Soak for as long as you are comfortable.

3. Go for a drive.

Bring along a favorite CD of yours and listen to it while you drive. Drive somewhere where you’ve never been. Make it an adventure and be sure to wear your seatbelt!

4. Draw a picture.

Not all of us are artists, but it can still be very relaxing to sit down and just draw. Draw what is on your mind, a portrait of a friend or your boss. Be creative and don’t worry about how it turns out.

5. Disconnect.

Set your cell phone on silent, ditch the PDA and turn off the TV. Disconnecting from the electronic monkeys on our back gives us a break to just relax.

6. Go for a jog.

Jogging not only clears your mind, but it also releases stress. Wear comfortable shoes and go explore your neighborhood on foot.

7. Spend a day with a loved one.

Is there anyone who you would like to spend the day with? Try your friends or relatives! Have lunch with them or go to the park. Make it a relaxing, carefree day.

8. Cook a meal.

Invite some friends over and prepare a home cooked meal! Save money by not eating out and be in the comfort of your home at the same time. Try something wild or exotic to really make it an unforgettable night.

9. Add some green.

Add some plants to your home or office. Having plants around you can reduce your stress and make you more relaxed. Make sure the plants can live indoors.

10. Breathe.

This almost sounds too easy. Breathing is something we HAVE to do right? Well yes, but what about deep breathing? Find a quiet place with a comfortable chair. Clear your mind of everything. Imagine a big box, put all your thoughts into that box and then throw it away. Just take deep breaths and relax.

11. Read a book.

This isn’t school, so feel free to pick whatever book you want. Expand your thoughts and your vocabulary. Reading helps us stay sharp and rounded. Reread a book you’ve read years ago, it will surprise you as to what you remember and what you forgot about the book.

12. Wear your favorite shirt (outfit).

Who cares what it is, if it is your favorite shirt, wear it! Wearing something you like brightens your day.

13. Write a Haiku.

Write a Haiku! A Haiku is a type of Japanese poetry. A Haiku poem written in English is 3 lines long. The first line has 5 syllables, the second has seven syllables and the last has five. Here is an example.

Summer starts a blank slate, (5)

Carve it with your memories, (7)

Make the best of it. (5)

14. Listen to new music.

Switch from your normal genres of music and expand your horizons. Switch all the presets in your car and clear out your itunes. Refresh your taste in something new. Who knows? Maybe you will like it.

15. Get a massage.

Massages can be a life saver if you are stressed. Schedule your appointment and have your worries literally worked out. Be sure to leave a tip for the massagist.

16. Take pictures.

Take your camera out and start snapping. Take pictures of whatever you like. Always take your camera with you in case you happen to stumble upon the perfect photo opportunity or a UFO. Photography can be a great way to relax and find beauty in the world around you.

17. Go to the movies.

Take someone out with you to the movies! This is a perfect place to have no worries and just watch. Along with this, holding hands and kissing can lower stress too, so maybe you could make it a date!

18. Watch the sunset.

Stay up and find a great view to watch the sunset. It is a beautiful event worth watching.

19. Get some sun.

Fix that farmer’s tan of yours. Get outside and breath some fresh air while enjoying the sun. Don’t forget the sunscreen though.

20. Write someone a letter.

When was the last time you actually got a personal letter in the mail? Grab a pen and write a letter to a friend. Don’t type it or email it, that ruins the point.

We hope you enjoyed this blog post.