Spirulina: The Complete Plant Based Protein Source | Health Benefits

18 May 2021

Spirulina is one of the oldest life forms on earth known for the longest as an endurance booster.

It is in fact among the most popular health supplements in today’s time considering it is one of the first plant-based foods in the human diet. Surprising right?

But what actually makes this ingredient a star among the ‘complete protein’ plant-based food sources? And does it even stand up to the fame it receives?

Well, here’s our effort to give you evidence around spirulina’s health benefits and the status it holds.

Spirulina: The Nutrient-Dense Food

Spirulina happens to be a superfood high in many nutrients.

Let’s have a look at its origin?

A type of cyanobacteria, originally from the family of single-celled microbes known as the blue-green algae. This is an organism that grows both in fresh and saltwater

What makes it plant-based is its ability to produce energy from sunlight through photosynthesis.

Lesser-Known Fact:

Spirulina gained massive popularity when NASA used it as a dietary supplement for astronauts on space missions. Really cool right?

It has to be its ability to regulate immune functions and its anti-inflammatory properties which take place by the release of histamine by mast cells.

What about the ideal dosage?

One can opt for a standard dose of 1-3g of this green superfood but this can go up to 10g per day. Here’s a look at the nutrient profile of 10g of dried spirulina powder:

Protein: 5.7 g

Vitamin B1 (thiamine): 22% of the RDA

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 33% of the RDA

Vitamin B3 (niacin): 9% of the RDA

Copper: 68% of the RDA

Iron: 15-16% of the RDA

Calories: 29

Carbs: 2.0g

Moreover, this superfood actually includes almost some amount of every other nutrient that you need along with an optimal amount of magnesium, potassium, and manganese.

Here’s a suggestion! If you are looking to skip eggs, spirulina could be a great replacement for a comparable amount of protein considering it also has all essential amino acids required by the body.

Spirulina: The Powerful Antioxidant With Anti-Inflammatory Properties

As we mentioned earlier, it is because of the anti-inflammatory properties that even NASA considered it as a superfood for astronauts.

Here’s what you need to know!

Chronic inflammation happens as oxidative damage harms our DNA and cells, resulting in diseases sometimes as lethal as cancer.

The presence of antioxidants in spirulina help protect against this oxidative damage.

Interesting fact:

The antioxidant substance ‘phycocyanin’ happens to be the main component and gives spirulina the unique blue-green color.

Health Impact Of Spirulina:

A lot of people are using this superfood that can improve heart health further reducing risks of heart diseases.

For those of you who aren’t aware of its powerful health benefits, studies on spirulina have shown that it lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels. It also increases “good” HDL cholesterol impacting heart health in a positive way.

Let us provide scientific evidence to build your trust-

Although most studies have shown favorable results mainly with a dosage of 4.5-8g per day yet,

A study was conducted on 25 people who were suffering from type 2 diabetes. It was later discovered that only 2g of spirulina per day, significantly showed a reduction in the blood sugar levels.

There was another study on people with high cholesterol which determined that 1 g of spirulina per day resulted in lowered triglycerides by 16.3%. Furthermore, there was a reduction in the “bad” LDL by 10.1%.

In addition, research has shown that spirulina may have anti-cancer properties and is especially effective against a type of precancerous lesion of the mouth called OSMF.

Spirulina May Improve Muscle Strength & Endurance:

Often experience muscle fatigue when exercising? The reason is exercise-induced oxidative damage.

People into fitness and athletics consume plant-based foods with antioxidants to minimize this damage.

Few studies emerged showing spirulina as food for significantly reducing the fatigue time and improving muscle strength and endurance.

Can Spirulina Reduce Blood Pressure?

Heart attack, strokes, and chronic kidney disease are some of the serious diseases driven by high blood pressure. An optimal amount of spirulina for e.g. 4.5g-8g per day has shown to reduce blood pressure in individuals with normal levels.

What might be the possible reason behind this reduction in blood pressure?

Spirulina leads to an increase in the production of nitric oxide (that is otherwise massively produced by plant-based sources like beetroot which are rich in nitrates that convert to nitric oxide) leading to a lowered blood pressure.

Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule that aids blood vessels to relax and dilate, positively affecting blood levels.

The Final Verdict:

Spirulina’s title as a superfood that is ‘nutrient-dense stands true along with the crazy health benefits it has to offer.

As mentioned above, spirulina suppresses oxidation while reducing blood pressure and lowering blood sugar. It also improves blood lipids and may have anti-cancer properties.

One can simply consume spirulina in tablets and powder form. There are supplements widely available and used for their amazing health benefits.

If you want the goodness of spirulina along with other green vitamins then you can check out bGreen’s super greens and fruits that help you bridge the daily gap in your nutrition.

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Nail Kit Essentials: A Guide To Perfect Home Manicures

Nail kits have revolutionized the self-care practice of manicures, offering salon-style results at home. With innovations allowing for easier polish applications, professional designs, and long-lasting wear, a manicure from home is simply what most women want. Moreover, a nail kit helps you master the art of nail care at home and offers both satisfaction and therapeutic benefits. Whether you're saving money or unsure about going to the salon, DIY manicures provide a more affordable and therapeutic alternative. However, having a nail kit is about more than just beautifying your nails. It also helps you find a quick fix against chipping, warping, glops, bubbles, or smudging. So, let us explore the items you must include in your nail kit for the best manicure experiences at home. What To Include In A Nail Kit? When preparing your nail kit, you must include some extremely important items. These items can be divided into two parts— Items to enhance nail health. Items to beautify nails. Read Also: The Profound Impact Of Well-Groomed Nails On Confidence Natural Nail Care Kit Given below are your essentials to maintain healthy nails: Cuticle Oil Cuticle oil is a natural remedy that can stimulate nail growth. It helps protect the nail and cuticle from trauma and improves the nail's health and appearance. Moreover, this oil protects the polish from damage, ensuring a lasting shine. Also, cuticle oil keeps skin moisturized, promoting strong and healthy nails. This item is rich in coconut oil and Vitamin E Jojoba Seed, which hydrates the skin around nail beds, reduces hangnails and prevents dryness. Applying once or twice daily and massaging into cuticles can result in immediate results. Therefore, regular use promotes healthy nail growth, prevents splitting or peeling, and keeps nails looking their best. Nail Filer Filing nails gives them a customized shape and strengthens and prevents chipping. Therefore, a nail filer is one of the most important items in your nail kit. For optimal results, file nails at least once a week. Filing is crucial for nail polish preparation as it prolongs the life of the polish or gel nails. Moreover, to file nails properly, trim the tip and adjust the length, move the file in one direction, file the sides straight toward the tip, and create a curve around the side. Moreover, nails grow faster in summer than in winter. Therefore, filing them regularly is essential to enjoy long-lasting gel nails. Nail And Hand Lotion One of the main causes of brittleness and breaking in nails is moisture loss. Using hand lotion encourages healthy nail development and reduces moisture loss. Exposure to drying elements like dishwashing, sun, or paperwork increases the need for frequent moisturizers. Therefore, rubbing lotions or creams prevents drying and peeling, stimulating blood circulation in the matrix. Moreover, topical lotions treat nails from weakness, cracking, discoloration, and crookedness. They help strengthen nails, protecting them from color changes, increasing thickness, and stimulating growth. You can use non-sticky creams to soften hands, hydrate them, and protect them from environmental damage. Polishing & Coating Kit Once you’re done packing your kit with the health-boosting items, let us come to the beautifying kit for nails. Here are some of the most important items you must add: Press-On Nails The nail industry constantly evolves and plays a crucial role in our beauty lives. Maintaining nails can be challenging due to costs and time constraints. Therefore, these DIY nail options, such as press-on nails, help you find the perfect solution to replace professional nail salon services. Press-on nails are easy to apply, durable, and resistant to chipping or loss of shine. They can be cleaned with alcohol, filed down, and glued back on if needed. These strong plastic nails can last long and be used for showering, but they should be kept dry for extended periods to prevent flimsiness. Gel Polishes In recent years, the nail polish industry has expanded, with gel nail polish emerging as a new alternative to traditional acrylics and acrylics. Gel polish requires curing under a UV or LED lamp, unlike regular polish, which is dried naturally. Moreover, its quick-drying, durable formula prevents chipping and smudging, and the gel color remains bright and shiny. Gel manicures can last up to one month, with the only long-term side effect being nail growth. However, gel nail removal is more complex and time-consuming than regular lacquer, but the convenience of a single manicure is worth the effort. As a new product, there's confusion about its benefits, removal process, and differences between regular and gel polishes. Minimalist French Manicure Minimalist nails are elegant and clean, suitable for any occasion. They can be in subtle colors like white, black, grey, or muted tones. The art features thin lines, small dots, and geometric shapes, making natural nails part of the overall look. The French manicure is a classic minimalist nail design with a natural base coat and white tip, presenting a modern and fresh look. Moreover, a micro French manicure is a subtle design with a thin line at the tips, showcasing the natural nail. Both designs are trendy and elegant, making them perfect for any occasion due to their simplicity and elegance. Base & Top Coats When selecting a nail kit, the colorful polishes, and fun nail tips are undoubtedly thrilling, but they're not the only considerations. Moreover, a high-quality base and top coat are essential for achieving a salon-grade manicure at home. Also, a base coat or primer for gel or acrylic nail systems safeguards your natural nails and provides superior adhesion for a durable manicure. These coats safeguard your manicure and deliver a polished finish. Tools For Innovation Achieving a clean and polished manicure can be difficult, especially when securing a comfortable grip on the brush. Fortunately, many nail beautifying brands offer universal accessories to make maneuvering those pesky, slim polish brushes a breeze. Therefore, with these tools, anyone can achieve a striking, salon-grade manicure from their home. Nail Care Is Self Care A variety of nail products in a kit allows for various possibilities and styles. Seek manicure kits in multiple hues and textures, such as glittering metallics and traditional cremes. For those who prefer more creative options, consider kits with nail art tools like dotting or striping tape. This kit provides everything for a gel or French manicure at your fingertips, making it cost-efficient over time. Therefore, before starting the manicure, wash your hands thoroughly and use a tissue to wipe each nail with nail polish remover. Moreover, you can use cotton balls. However, they contain lint and leave a residue. If you don't want extra cleaning, use a lint-free facial cotton pad instead. This kit provides everything you need for a gel manicure at home. Read Also: Polish Your Creativity: A Colorful Journey into Self-Care With Nail Polish Amazing Beauty Tips For Women Of All Ages How Long Do Gel Nails Last?

Neurofeedback Therapy Is Shaping The Future Remotely

Neurofeedback Therapy: Reimagining Mental Health Remotely

A pioneering approach has emerged in the quest for enhanced mental well-being, bringing fresh hope to those grappling with mental health challenges. This innovative avenue, known as Neurofeedback Therapy, is rapidly reshaping the landscape of mental healthcare. Through the integration of technology and neuroscience, this therapy is paving the way for a future where mental well-being can be nurtured remotely. Navigating The Neurofeedback Therapy Process: Remote Connectivity: This remote neurofeedback therapy revolves around an intriguing process that hinges on the connection between technology and the human brain. In this therapeutic journey, individuals are seamlessly linked to specialized equipment capable of capturing their brainwave activity. Skilled professionals then meticulously analyse this real-time data, allowing for a deep understanding of individual brain patterns. Observing these patterns remotely will enable individuals to engage in brain exercises to regulate their brain waves toward healthier patterns. This iterative process of self-regulation is at the core of this therapy's transformative potential. Unveiling The Benefits Of The Therapy: The benefits of this healing procedure are manifold, offering a glimpse into a future where mental health support can be accessed from a distance. Anxiety, a prevalent mental health concern, finds a potential remedy remotely. Individuals grappling with anxious feelings can embark on a journey of self-regulation as they learn to modulate brainwave patterns associated with anxiety, fostering resilience in the face of stressors. This also holds promise in managing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This common neurodevelopmental disorder often disrupts focus and impulse control. However, with the guidance of professionals, individuals, particularly children, can remotely engage in brain exercises that contribute to improved concentration and impulse management. The impact of this therapy extends to the realm of sleep disorders as well. Insomnia, a prevalent concern in today's fast-paced world, can be addressed through targeted brainwave training. Individuals may find relief from sleepless nights by remotely engaging in exercises that encourage the brain to enter states conducive to restful sleep. Furthermore, this therapy's potential for remote assistance shines brightly for those on the autism spectrum. It can facilitate the development of emotional regulation and communication skills, enriching social interactions and fostering a sense of connection. Embracing The Future: The Therapy's Promise: As technology continues its rapid evolution, the prospects for this therapy become even more promising. The fusion of technology, neuroscience, and remote accessibility could lead to an era where individuals can actively participate in their mental well-being journeys from the comfort of their own spaces. The potential for remote therapy applications, accessible through digital platforms, could democratize mental health support, making it available to a broader range of individuals regardless of geographical constraints. Summing It Up: A Future Redefined: The emergence of remote neurofeedback therapy underscores the evolution of mental health support. Individuals can embark on a transformative journey toward enhanced mental well-being through the synergy of technology and neuroscience. The process, rooted in remote connectivity, offers a means to self-regulate brainwave patterns and attain a more balanced mental state. With benefits spanning anxiety management, ADHD support, sleep disorder alleviation, and autism assistance, the therapy paves the way for a future where mental well-being can be nurtured remotely. As technology paves the way, a new era dawns, redefining the possibilities of mental health enhancement and accessibility. Read Also: 10 healthy Habits to improve your health How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health Living Healthily | Six Crucial Lifestyle Tips for College Freshmen

The Benefits of Drug Testing in the Workplace using Drug Test Cups

Included in an organization’s objective is to deliver consistent, high-quality products or services to its clients. This is difficult to achieve if employees are not working at their best. Fortunately, workplace drug testing can help make sure that employees are functioning at peak performance levels. Make use of the drug test cups that can provide you with maximum exposure. Here are the other benefits of workplace drug testing using drug test cups: 1. Drug test cups are user-friendly: Drug testing can be a very tedious process that could rob an organization’s valuable work hours. However, using drug test cups can eliminate this problem. Drug test cups are user-friendly because they are: Easy to use: You could choose from a wide range of variants for drug test cups. Each has a distinct feature that makes it easier to use. Such features include a larger cup opening, a slanted top for female use, and a mess-proof design. Instructions are also provided on the packaging to make the procedure more hassle-free. Fast-acting: Aside from being easy to use and understand, drug test cups also provide accurate results within minutes. This is a great advantage considering that drug test procedures done in laboratories could take 24 to 72 hours to yield results. If you are interested in availing drug test cups, then you can find some from Confirm BioSciences at https://www.confirmbiosciences.com/products/urine-drug-test-cups/. 2. Drug test cups are more convenient: You may be hesitant about conducting drug tests when you know that your time and money could be allotted for more economical purposes. Using drug test cups guarantees convenience for everyone in an organization because they can help you save on two things: Time: Having your employees undergo drug tests can take up a lot of time. The use of drug test cups can help eliminate this problem. Instantly, the employers can conduct drug tests on site with the need of only one sample and one test to take. Thus, the time for extra visits to a drug-testing laboratory can instead be allotted to more productive uses. Money: In the field of business, time is considered money. Administering drug tests in the workplace using drug test cups can lessen expenses. On average, drug test cups are priced at 7 USD per piece, which is far less than testing in a clinic which costs around 30 USD per lab test. 3. Drug test cups maintain safety in the workplace: Drug testing not only detects the presence of drug substances, but it also helps ensure the safety of the person tested and everyone else in the workplace. A pre-employment background check is essential in keeping an organization secure, and workplace drug tests is an essential part of that. Even regular employees who have been with a company for decades must still undergo drug testing. Drug tests can maintain safety in the following ways: Establishing trust: Certain occupations require employees to collaborate and work together as a team. Through the efficient use of drug test cups, everyone in the workplace can feel more comfortable when they know that they are working with people who won’t bring them harm. This will establish a professional environment that promotes peace of mind and camaraderie. Eliminating legal and financial liabilities: By establishing a safe workplace, employers can avoid legal and financial liabilities. If everyone undergoes drug testing, those suffering from drug addiction and abuse can be identified and can later be offered the help they need. This works on two levels since it prevents the concerned employee from further spiraling into addiction, while also protecting the rest of the employees from potential harm. 4. Drug test cups ensure the safety of employers: Drug testing in the workplace ensures the safety of both the employees and their employers. The state and performance of a company can be significantly affected by the condition of its top executives, which is why their health and well-being should always be a priority. There are several ways in which an employer can guarantee their own protection and make good use of drug tests in the workplace: The practice of pre-employment drug testing: Although pre-employment drug testing can require additional costs to the never-ending expenses of an organization, they actually serve more good than harm to the employers by meticulously screening the employees. Highly-problematic workers could disrupt the productivity of an organization faster than a bullet could leave a gun. The enhancement of company status: Maintaining a good reputation is a must in the field of business. Aside from the protection against various workplace hazards, drug testing is a great factor in keeping an organization’s name in high regard. Trust and confidence can then be acquired not only from the employees but also from potential clients. Indeed, drug testing provides various benefits to employers, employees, and clients of an organization. Through the use of drug test cups, this procedure can be accomplished quicker and more efficiently, without spending too much. Most importantly, it can help detect drug abuse and possibly save lives. Read Also: Not On The Straight And Narrow: 4 Telltale Signs Of Drug Use In Teens Cannabis Can Help In The Fight Against Drug Addiction What Are The Penalties For Drug Possession In Arizona?

Spirulina: The Complete Plant Based Protein Source | Health Benefits