Spirulina in diet pills. How to take, contraindications, reviews

Algae are one of the most ancient representatives of the terrestrial fauna. They are rich in vitamins, minerals and various trace elements useful for the human body. The unique composition allows you to effectively use algae for the preparation of various dishes, medicines and cosmetic products.

The most popular types are kelp (seaweed), and spirulina, which are not only ingredients for salads, but also form part of diet pills that have received many positive reviews.

Spirulina is a freshwater blue-green alga that is used as a bioactive additive, or an independent ingredient in food preparation.

It contains practically no iodine, which makes it possible to take drugs based on it for persons suffering from disorders of the thyroid gland.

Spirulina is a protein rich food. Losing weight with it without revising the diet will not work. With a balanced diet, its intake will allow you to reduce the consumption of fats and carbohydrates, replenish the deficiency of amino acids, reduce the number of snacks and gradually get rid of extra pounds.

Spirulina preparations are used not only for the prevention and treatment of obesity.

Supplements based on it are recommended in the following cases:

• vitamin and mineral deficiency;
• slagging of the body;
• metabolic disease;
• decreased immunity;
• physical and emotional overload;
• disruptions in the functioning of the digestive tract.

The protein contained in algae is almost completely absorbed by the body. According to the WHO, it is effective in preventing more than 50% of known diseases. At the end of the last century, spirulina was included in the list of the most promising products of the future, and NACA made it one of the must-have nutritional ingredients for astronauts.

Composition

Spirulina tablets, reviews of which are mostly positive, have a unique composition. Before becoming a component of a bioactive additive, algae undergoes heat treatment, after which only 5% of water remains in it.

The concentration of nutrients in 100 g of dry product, as well as its calorie content, increases. The energy value of a living culture is only 26 kcal, and that of a dried culture is 290.

100 g of dried seaweed contains:

1. Protein - 57.5%, which is 4 times the protein content of meat. Spirulina protein contains over 20 identified amino acids, 8 of which are essential. The human body cannot synthesize them on its own and the only source is food.

Content of essential amino acids in algae protein:

The amount of complete protein contained in algae fully covers the daily requirement, without exposing the digestive system to overloads associated with the processing of animal proteins. The product perfectly complements the dietary diet and is ideal for elderly people suffering from gastrointestinal disorders;

2. Fats - 7.72 g... They must be present in the daily diet, since they are a source of nutrition, are responsible for the safety of internal organs and protect the body from hypothermia.

The algae contains fatty gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) - one of the most important elements that ensure full brain function. Spirulina is the only known plant-based product with a high concentration of this element.

3. Carbohydrates - 20.3 g. The main source of energy for the brain. In addition, they stimulate the absorption of fats by the body, keep tissues in good shape and prevent the growth of bacteria in the intestines.

4. Dietary fiber - 3.6 g... They are responsible for regulating the work of the digestive tract. Fiber improves intestinal peristalsis, promotes regular bowel movements.

5. Ash - 6.23 g. Contains potassium iodide, which is necessary for replenishing the lack of iodine in the body and maintaining the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.

6. Omega-3 - 0.82 g. It improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system, speeds up metabolic processes, increases the body's endurance, reduces appetite and helps fight depression.

7. Omega-6 - 1.254 g... Unsaturated fatty acid, which has a beneficial effect on the state of the central nervous system, cleanses the body, promotes cell regeneration, improves the condition of the skin, hair and nails.

Spirulina is also rich in vitamins, various macronutrients and minerals:

Scientific studies have shown that the full biochemical composition of spirulina has about 2,000 beneficial components. Their combination makes it possible to effectively use algae to solve medical and cosmetic problems.

In what form is it produced

Spirulina is a freshwater alga that requires a tropical climate to thrive. In nature, its population can be found in some regions of Africa and in the freshwater lakes of the Mexican highlands. However, they learned to cultivate it in conditions uncharacteristic for its existence.

There are several large aquatic farms in Russia where seaweed is grown on an industrial scale.

In online stores and pharmacies, spirulina can be purchased in the following forms:

Spirulina tablets are more popular according to consumer reviews. This dosage form is convenient to use, does not require calculating the consumption rate, special storage conditions and additional actions (for example, defrosting).

Act

Due to its unique composition, algae has a healing effect on all life support systems, namely:

• lowers the level of cholesterol and glucose in the blood, which reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus;
• relieves inflammation, increases the body's ability to resist the spread of cancer cells;
• is an effective antioxidant, blocks the action of NADPH oxidase, which contributes to the development of pathologies of the cardiovascular system, obesity, diabetes, allergic reactions, skin diseases and arthrosis;
• improves the functioning of the immune system;
• helps to reduce body mass index;
• increases the body's endurance, reduces muscle recovery after intense physical training;
• protects the brain during intoxication of the body, prevents the accumulation of proteins and toxins, which can slow down the development of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease in the elderly;
• has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the kidneys, regular use reduces the level of creatinine and urea nitrogen in the blood.

These are just a few of the benefits of spirulina tablets. A complete list of indications, effects on the body, dosage and methods of application are indicated in the instructions that should be attached to the drug.

Application

The freshwater algae spirulina promotes the absorption of nutrients from food. The course of taking the drug for the purpose of losing weight allows you to reduce the daily diet by almost a third without harm to the body and emotional problems associated with restrictions.

To lose weight, spirulina should be taken 30-60 minutes in advance. before meals 2-3 times a day. The recommended dosage is 0.5-1 g. When contained in a tablet of 500 mg. active substance, you need to take only 2 pcs. The dietary supplement should be taken with a sufficient amount of liquid (100-200 ml.).

To achieve the best result in losing weight, nutritionists recommend replacing one of the meals with 3-4 g of spirulina and 2 tbsp. water.

At the time of the course intake, you should reduce the consumption of animal protein, eat more vegetables and fruits. Try to eat fractionally, exclude alcoholic beverages, hot spices, fatty foods and sweets from the diet.

The maximum daily dose of dietary supplements for adults should not exceed 5 g, for children - 2.5 g. The drug is taken for prophylactic purposes (to lower blood sugar or normalize metabolic processes) in doses of 1 to 2 g, 2 times a day half an hour before meals.

Contraindications

Spirulina in pills, reviews of the action of which are mostly positive, has no absolute contraindications. Scientific studies have not revealed a negative effect of the drug on the human body. Its overdose is also doubtful, however, the presence of individual tolerance to one or several components of the complex composition of the algae cannot be ruled out.

However, there are a number of limitations to consider when taking the drug. Spirulina is not recommended:

• cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy;
• people suffering from bile or urolithiasis;
• pregnant and lactating women;
• in case of the presence of autoimmune diseases and phenylketonuria;
• children under 3 years old.

Spirulina can affect how some drugs work, making them stronger or smaller. Patients who regularly take one or more medicines, before using dietary supplements based on this algae, you should consult your doctor.

It is also not recommended to take it concurrently with drugs or folk remedies that thin the blood, for example, with ginger, garlic, and crucum.

Side effects

Despite the absence of negative consequences for the body, when taking the drug, you may encounter some side effects:

1. Slight rise in temperature. Spirulina speeds up metabolic processes, which are often accompanied by changes in body temperature.
2. Muscle and headaches, slight dizziness, nausea. May be caused by overdose.
3. Stool discoloration. It is due to the high content of chlorophyll, which provokes a change in the color of feces, giving it a greenish tint, as well as the release of toxins accumulated in the colon, which stain it black.
4. Flatulence. An indicator that there are malfunctions in the digestive system.
5. Excessive excitability. It is caused by an excess of heat energy synthesized as a result of protein processing by the body.
6. Itchy skin. Temporary reaction to the start of the body detoxification process or overdose.
7. Drowsiness. May be caused by activation of the immune system, exhaustion of the body, or an allergic reaction.

Most of the side effects listed above go away within a few days after starting the drug. However, if this did not happen, you should consult a doctor for advice.

Advantages and disadvantages

Spirulina in tablets, reviews of the action of which, in most cases, confirm their effectiveness, has proven itself well in the market for weight loss products. Like any drug, dietary supplements based on this freshwater algae have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• practically have no contraindications;
• replace several vitamin and mineral complexes at once.

Minuses:

• possible overdose while taking multivitamins;
• tablets with a low content of active substance have to be taken more often and in large quantities;
• drugs cannot be called budgetary, therefore, course reception is not available to everyone;
• buying pills over the Internet, you can face a fake;
• it is impossible to achieve a result in losing weight without observing a diet.

Despite the high cost, preparations containing spirulina are becoming more and more popular.

Rating

Spirulina in tablets, reviews of which prove their effectiveness, are produced in many factories in the countries of the Asian region, the USA, India, and even Russia. Choosing the best drug is not easy. Not all companies offer adequate value for money.

Rating of TOP-5 tablet preparations containing spirulina:

The quality of the dietary supplement largely depends on the area where the algae grows and the method of its processing. Some buyers believe that imported drugs are better than domestic ones.

However, it was in Russia that a unique technology for pressing tablets was developed, which preserves all the benefits of the unique freshwater algae. Therefore, Russian counterparts are not only no worse, and often even better, dietary supplements manufactured in other countries.

Spirulina tablets have worked well, and customer reviews confirm its effectiveness. The drug is not a drug and is commercially available.However, before buying dietary supplements, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Video on the topic: how to take spirulina powder for weight loss

How to take spirulina powder: