Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that natural health practitioners have recommended for decades. Its myriad of health benefits includes brain protection, reduction of fat from organs, control of blood pressure and diabetes, and an increase in dietary antioxidants. Beyond this, spirulina offers a concentrated dose of vitamins and minerals lacking in the standard American diet, including copper, iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Recently, spirulina has become increasingly used for another use altogether: fat loss. Research suggests that regular supplementation with spirulina can decrease your appetite and increase the rate at which your body breaks down fat. The net result of these two factors is a rapid loss of body fat.
Spirulina has been found to increase lipid metabolism in the body, which means that it increases the rate at which lipids, or fat molecules, are broken down in your body. The faster your body can metabolize fat, the more rapidly you can lose weight.
It also means that the dietary fats you consume when you eat high-fat foods are broken down in your bloodstream. This function prevents them from accumulating in your arteries and other undesired areas of the body.
Beyond its role in lipid metabolism, spirulina can aid in weight loss through another critical mechanism. Nutritionists and dietary professionals are well aware that vitamin and mineral deficiencies result in increased hunger. Meanwhile, increased hunger almost always causes an increase in calorie consumption. One of the most important ways you can decrease your appetite is by increasing your intake of nutrient-dense foods and supplements, which also will supply your body with enough of the vitamins and minerals it needs.
Spirulina is among the most nutrient-dense foods available for human consumption. It contains high levels of protein, iron, zinc, copper, B vitamins, and fatty acids, all of which are compounds your body requires to function at an optimum level. By increasing your intake of these essential nutrients, you may decrease your drive to eat continually. Many people report decreased snacking while using spirulina. Additionally, it may be easier to eat smaller portions as well.
Spirulina, although most commonly sold in a powdered form, often is preferred as a capsule or tablet by people who want to avoid its intense flavor. There is no apparent difference in effectiveness found between these forms of ingestion. Artificial sweeteners are often used to disguise the bitterness of spirulina. Some people mix the powder into smoothies or other beverages to improve the taste and make it easier to consume.
It is best to discuss your spirulina use with a qualified health practitioner. A doctor can help you to figure out the optimal dose for your health needs. Often, spirulina doses are split, with one half ingested in the morning and the other half at night. You should not take spirulina within three hours of bedtime because, when ingested late at night, it may cause or worsen insomnia.
Spirulina can help supercharge your metabolism, which can keep you burning calories at a faster rate than your body could otherwise.
One of the most important reasons to use vitamin C serum is that it can aid in protecting the skin against the damage created by environmental pollutants and in neutralizing free radicals. As a result, it enhances protection against exposure to UVA and UVB rays, two of Mother Nature's biggest villains.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVA rays are able to reach the skin's thickest layer of skin. If the skin is left unprotected, UVA rays can cause premature wrinkling and aging of the skin. They can also lead to the suppression of the body's immune system.