Spirulina Powder

Spirulina powder is a dietary supplement prepared from the spirulina cyanobacteria. Basically, spirulina is an unicellular linear spiral shaped blue green alga, which belongs to the phylum cyanobacteria. There are nearly 35 different species of spirulina, of which the most widely used form is Spirulina platensis. Unlike other algae, spirulina can live both in sea and fresh water, and is commonly used for human and animal food supplements.

Spirulina powder is prepared by pumping up the algae grown in the ponds and then sifting it through fine mesh nets. After washing the sprinulina quite a number of times, the powdered form is obtained by drying it thoroughly.

Nutrition Facts

Being loaded with a variety of vitamins and minerals, spirulina powder is a popular dietary supplement used to boost energy levels. It comprises vitamins like thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), nicotinamide (B3), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E as well as minerals such as calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, zinc, and large amounts of potassium. Also in comparison to most plant proteins, spirulina powder is a good source of proteins, comprising significantly higher amino acid content.

Benefits

• Being rich in proteins, spirulina powder is used as a protein supplement in many poultry industries and the aquaculture.
• It is well-known for its blood glucose lowering properties and so is highly beneficial for people suffering from type 2 diabetes.
• Since spirulina powder comprises essential vitamins like vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium, it is used for curing problems related to bone, joints and muscles.
• It also aids in healthy hair growth as well as makes the nails stronger and keep them from getting brittle.
• Its chlorophyll content helps in the regeneration of blood cells as well relief pain or swelling associated with joints.
• Spirulina powder is quite effective in fighting against cancer, especially, oral cancer as it contains a compound called phycocyanin, which has the anti-cancer effect.

Side Effects
Although spirulina powder is a natural food source and is not expected to cause any problems, some people after taking it, experience slight fever, dizziness and nausea. Also it is known to increase thirst, hence, it is recommended to drink at least half a liter of water while having spirulina powder. This will also reduce the risks of having stomach ache or other gastrointestinal problems. Being high in nucleic acid content of spirulina, it increases the levels of uric acid in the body and its excessive intake can eventually lead to kidney as well as liver problems.

Some Recipes
Now if you are wondering how to incorporate this nutritional supplement in your diet, here are some recipes that will provide you with different ways of using it.

Spirulina Smoothie: To prepare this smoothie, take ½ cup yogurt, one cup soy milk or cup of fruit juice (apple, orange or pineapple), one papaya/peach/mango or half cup raspberries, one tsp spirulina powder in a blender and blend all the ingredients until incorporated well.

Spirulina Salsa: In a bowl of salsa, simply add one tsp of spirulina powder to enhance its taste and texture.

Spirulina Pate: Mix one tsp spirulina with one clove crushed garlic and then add ½ lemon juice and 1 tsp honey sauce. Mix well and stir in one tbsp olive oil. Spread the mixture on toast with slices of tomato and onion.

Spirulina Powder Dosage
Depending upon the form in which one consumes it, spirulina dosage varies. For example, around 10 - 20 (500 milligram) spirulina tablets a day for adults and 5 - 10 tablets for children, is its recommended dosage. When taken in extract or powder form, a spoonful of spirulina or about 3 to 5 grams daily is sufficient for an entire day. Spirulina being a natural food source, usually causes no adverse effects. However, it is advisable that one should not exceed from its recommended dosage in order to avoid its unexpected side effects.

Spirulina powder provides more stamina, strength, better nutrient absorption, hence enhances the body's immune system and is also safe for children, pregnant as well as lactating women. However, in order to overcome its adverse effects it is recommended not to exceed its normal dosage or consult a health care provider before incorporating this health supplement in your lifestyle.