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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Seven Best Meal Replacement Ideas For Weight Loss

In a world where there is an endless variety of yummy, unhealthy, and fatty foods, finding something healthy to eat to stay fit can be very challenging. For you, in daily life, there is so much temptation to resist. To stay healthy and in shape, you need to stop binging on the cookie in your pantry, quit getting a quick snack from the fast-food chain's drive-thru, and resisting the urge to have a tiny bite of the cake in your fridge. This temptation happens when you just can't make enough time to cook a healthy meal for yourself. But don't worry, we have the perfect solution for you! Your blender can save your time by providing you with some healthy smoothies and soups that will replace your unhealthy and fatty meals. Yes, you read that correctly. The best meal replacement shakes and soups contain all the nutrients and calories in a specific quantity needed by your body. There are many drinks, bars, and soups at stores considered as a substitute for a substantial meal taken two or three times per day. These drinks help you lose weight faster. How? When you replace your full meal with a glass of a shake, you intend to take in fewer calories but more nutrients, protein, minerals, and other critical healthful substances. Protein shakes also reduces the hunger cravings that result in unhealthy eating. Best Meal replacement drinks are easy to make, and due to fewer calories, balanced carbs, proteins, and fats, they stabilize your blood sugar levels. You may be eating your perfect meal on time but can yet be lacking calcium, potassium, iron, and vitamins. Hence, taking the protein bars and shakes will help you to meet the daily requirement of essential vitamins and minerals for your body. Most people ask if the replacements shakes or bars are healthy and safe to take in or not. As far as the product contains no harmful ingredient, it is safe to consume. There are several ways to lose weight through the best meal replacement products. Following are the seven best meal replacement ideas for achieving a healthy weight loss: 1. Protein Bars In the modern world, every other person is following some type of diet to lose weight. To aid the weight loss process, people supplement their regular meals with different low-calorie food items. For example, Protein bars have now become one of the most popular meal replacement choices. They are also known as nutritional bars and tend to contain a high amount of protein and healthy carbs. They carry five to ten grams of fat, fiber, and 25 to 30 grams of carbohydrates. Protein bars help to fulfill different purposes of a human body. Some people intend to replace meals by protein bars to switch a variety of nutrients in a meal. Moreover, you have to eat protein bars in moderation between the meals to reduce weight. Overindulging in protein bars may lead to constipation and will slow down your weight loss. When weight loss becomes your primary concern, you then know what products to take inside of your body. Protein can affect your metabolism and body weight. It reduces the level of ghrelin, also known as the hunger hormone in your body. Hence, choosing the right protein bar with optimal nutritional value and low sugar content will help you to lose weight. 2. Protein Shakes Replacing your meal with a healthy shake is the quickest and convenient way to lose weight. When you are using the best meal replacement shake, you should acknowledge the amount of protein, carbs, fiber, calories, and other essential, healthy supplements you're taking in. Protein shakes provide at least one-third of your daily intake to make you stay healthier. Not all shakes have healthy ingredients. Shakes that contain artificial flavors or preservatives are not the ones for your body if your goal is to lose weight. Protein shakes that contain more protein helps in better and faster weight loss. In favor of losing weight, protein shake must contain 15-25 grams of protein, 10-15 healthy fat, and 18 vitamins and minerals. Getting enough of these nutrients can boost up your metabolism and help in losing extra fat. 3. Low-Calorie Soups Meal replacements soups are high in protein and less in carbs/fats. Replacing your at least two meals with diet soups can reduce your overall calorie intake. Not all soups you see are for the same purpose. Some contain vegetable oil and sugar in high amounts. Healthy vegetable-based soup can help in reducing the calories gained during the meal. You can also add a source of protein to your soup, which by controlling your appetite, aids in weight loss. Sources of protein in your soup can be skinless chicken breast and beans that are low in fat. 4. Salads Not all salads help you to lose weight. Most of the salads do contain more fats and calories than others. Replacing your meal is a common way to lose weight by most of the dieters. A high-calorie meal, when a healthy salad replaces it, washes away all the unwanted calories from the body. Green leaves are the best friends of dieters. Using a diet-friendly salad can help you lose weight in no time. Beans can also be added to the salad as they are high in protein and fiber. Choose healthy fats for your salad, such as avocado, olives, almonds, pine nuts, and sunflower seeds are few sources of fat for your salad. 5. Oats Who isn't familiar with oats? Oats contain several nutritional benefits. For people on a diet, oatmeal is the favorite breakfast to have. The oatmeal diet is usually for the winter season. They provide enough fiber to the human body to lose weight. Replacing your meal with oatmeal can be beneficial to your health as just one-half cup of oats contains two grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, and guess what? Zero grams of sugar. They are also a great source of calcium and iron and are low in calories and fat. It makes you feel full longer than other foods as it helps to boost your metabolism. 6. Smoothies Smoothies are a great way to lose weight when you are in a rush. Meal replacement smoothies are a healthier alternative that contains 200-300 calories and helps reduce calorie intake. Not just any smoothies, but you should select the one that is rich in protein for meal replacement. Two smoothies a day can be enough for you to get several protein and nutrients needed by the body. Make sure the smoothie you are taking in is lower in calories. Smoothies that focus on fruits, vegetables, and protein with healthy fats are essential and a great source of losing weight. 7. Granola Bars When it's about diet and meal replacement, people immediately switch to eating breakfast bars and granola bars instead of taking proper meals. There are several other bars apart from protein bars, such as granola bars. You can eat granola bars or any other healthier breakfast bars in the morning. Your breakfast bars should contain at least 5 grams of protein and 35% of calories. Some healthy bars to consider are Clif bars, Odwalla bars, Luna bars, and crunchy Granola bars. Conclusion The best Meal replacement products, when taken in moderation, can help you reduce weight in no time. On the other hand, you should remember that not all shakes, drinks, bars, or salads are healthy for you. You should be very careful and selective of what you eat since a high amount of sugar and carbs can slow down your weight loss. Read Also: 5 Best Stimulant-Free Fat Burners Only the Best Membrane Protein from Calixar Why is Fitness Important for Weight Loss? Best Weight Loss Program to Lose 20 Pounds

What Should I Do After A Chiropractic Appointment?

Kudos for deciding to seek consultation with governor's family chiropractic to improve your musculoskeletal health! Following a chiropractic visit, it's crucial to assist your body's recovery to maximize the therapeutic effects. However, while the chiropractor's experience and treatment plans are essential, what you do following the session can also impact your general health and treatment outcome. A typical chiropractic session consists of many steps intended to evaluate and treat your musculoskeletal health. What to anticipate at a regular chiropractic appointment is as follows: Preliminary Advice The chiropractor will start by reviewing your health history, present symptoms, and any particular worries you might have. Using this information, they can better comprehend your illness and devise an effective treatment strategy. Visual Inspection The chiropractor will do a thorough physical examination that may involve measuring your range of motion, examining your posture, and running neurological and orthopedic evaluations. Furthermore, they could palpate or examine the spine and surrounding structures to find any tension, soreness, or misalignment. Diagnosis In some circumstances, the chiropractor may ask for diagnostic testing to learn more about your issue, including MRI scans, X-rays, or laboratory tests. They could identify any structural underlying problems or diseases that can affect your therapy with these tests. Formulation Of A Treatment Plan The chiropractor will create an individualized treatment plan catered to your particular requirements based on the results of the diagnostic tests and examination findings. This strategy could incorporate different chiropractic methods, treatments, exercises, and lifestyle advice. Chiropractic Procedures Chiropractic adjustments or spine manipulations are among the primary therapies they offer. These adjustments include the chiropractor applying controlled force to certain areas in the spine or various regions of the body to resolve misalignment, enhance joint mobility, and relieve pain. Additional Options The chiropractor may combine additional therapy with adjustments, depending on your situation. These might include ultrasound therapy, spinal decompression, soft tissue therapies (like myofascial release or massage), electrical stimulation, cold laser therapy, or even ordering a standing desk for work. In addition, these treatments intend to lessen inflammation, encourage healing, and enhance general musculoskeletal function. Self-Care Guidelines And Education Chiropractic professionals frequently offer instruction on good posture, body mechanics, ergonomics, and exercises to go along with your care. They could also recommend diet, stress reduction, and lifestyle changes to improve your general well-being. Follow-Up Consultations The chiropractor may advise several follow-up visits, depending on the severity of your ailment, to check on how you are faring and make any required modifications to your therapy regimen. These consultations allow continued evaluation, therapy, and support. Following some instructions after a chiropractic visit is crucial to optimize the advantages and aid your body's recovery process. Here is a list of measures you need to take: Observe Post-Appointment Guidelines You should pay close attention to your chiropractor's advice and adhere to their suggestions. This process might involve changing your regular schedule or performing workouts and stretches at home. Concentrate On Staying Hydrated A chiropractic adjustment may cause modifications and modifications in the body, which may affect the flow of bodily fluids and general health. Staying hydrated stimulates healthy blood circulation, encourages the supply of necessary nutrients to the tissues, and aids in toxins and waste products removed from the body. Consume plenty of water to keep hydrated and aid your body's recuperation processes. Healthy circulation, lubricated joints, and general wellness strictly depend on proper hydration. Rest And Let Your Body Recuperate After the visit, let yourself have time to relax and heal. Don't do any demanding workouts or activities that might put stress on the parts of your body that have undergone treatment. It's best to let your body acclimate to the adjustments made. Use Heat Or Ice Therapy You can treat any soreness or inflammation using cold or heat therapy, particularly if your chiropractor recommends it. To soothe sore muscles and promote blood flow, place an ice pack wrapped in a small towel on the affected region for 15-20 minutes at a time. You may also use a heating pad set on a low setting. Maintain Proper Posture Keep tabs on your balance all through the day and strive to maintain it. Try to avoid slumping or sitting for long periods without getting up. To maintain proper posture, use ergonomic aids like a lumbar cushion or chair that you can adjust. Refrain From Straining Or Heavy Lifting Following your chiropractic visit, avoid doing activities that stress your spine too much, such as heavy lifting. Allow your body to adjust, and try not to reverse any gains achieved during the adjustment. Furthermore, you could use the proper body mechanics when lifting things to reduce the stress on your back. Lift employing the power of your legs while bending your knees and maintaining a straight back. Use your core muscles for stability, and refrain from twisting when lifting. Discuss Any Concerns After your treatment, notify your chiropractor if you encounter any strange or alarming symptoms. They can answer your questions, give you more direction, or modify your treatment plan. Follow-Up Consultations Attend any suggested follow-up visits to track your development and guarantee continuous improvement. Chiropractic adjustments regularly can assist in preserving spinal health and avert future problems. You may maximize the advantages of chiropractic therapy, preserve the results attained, and advance long-term spinal health by attending follow-up sessions and, according to your chiropractor's suggestion for continued care. Keep in mind that chiropractic therapy is a collaboration between you and your chiropractor; thus, the best results will come from active involvement in your treatment plan and honest communication with your chiropractor. Consistently Living Healthy Cultivate a healthy lifestyle to complement your chiropractic therapy. This process includes regular exercise, a nutritious diet, adequate rest, and controlling stress. Maintaining a healthy routine can promote overall well-being and help chiropractic treatments work more effectively. The Bottom Line Taking cautious measures in your post-care regimen is crucial for enhancing the therapeutic effects of chiropractic adjustment and fostering optimum musculoskeletal health. You may continue to benefit from chiropractic care and take advantage of better spine health for years to come by adopting these post-appointment techniques into your everyday routine. Read Also: American Healthcare And Its Woes How To Care For The Elderly: Tips For The Caregivers

Smoking and Other Negative Lifestyle Habits You Need to Kick to the Curb This Year

The COVID-19 pandemic has made us more cognizant of our mortality. Many people are starting to become more aware of the importance of healthy living. Smoking are responsible for up to 90% of all lung cancer diagnoses, as well as many other types of cancer. One of the most important steps towards a healthier lifestyle is identifying and breaking self-destructive habits. You almost certainly have at least one bad habit that is threatening your health and well-being. Your quality of life and life expectancy will drastically improve if you take the correct action. Here are some highly unhealthy habits that you should avoid at all costs. Smoking Tobacco Cigarettes are probably the least healthy mainstream habit in the United States. They are responsible for more preventable deaths than anything else. Although the prevalence of smoking has dropped drastically since the 1970s, 480,000 people still die of cigarette use every year. Cigarettes are responsible for up to 90% of all lung cancer diagnoses, as well as many other types of cancer. In addition to causing premature deaths, cigarettes also hurt your quality of life in numerous ways. They cause vision problems, depression, anxiety, impaired lung function, and many other serious issues. If you are a regular smoker, your number one priority should be to quit. This is the single biggest change in your life that will benefit your health. You can try using tobacco free dip to move away from cigarettes. Consuming Food Late In The Evening You might be tempted to have late-night snacks. There might be a number of reasons for this. Perhaps you didn’t get enough protein with your dinner. You might have eaten dinner too early in the evening, which leaves you feeling hungry an hour or two before bedtime. You might simply feel like snacking to alleviate anxiety. Regardless of the reason, eating snacks late at night creates multiple health risks. It is a precursor to weight gain because your body can’t process the food as efficiently as late at night. Late-night snacks also tend to disrupt your sleep patterns. You might have trouble falling asleep at all and struggle to reach deep REM sleep when you finally doze off. Eating Too Much Meat Hot dogs, hamburgers, and ham sandwiches are major staples in the western diet. Meat isn’t just tasty. It also is a rich source of protein. Unfortunately, many people consume meat excessively. You may develop a number of health problems if you eat too much of it, especially red meat. What health risks can it create? Regular consumption of processed and red meat increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and multiple types of cancer. A research team from the Harvard School of Public Health found that eating one serving of processed red meat every day increased the risk of death from cardiovascular disease or cancer by 20%. You don’t need to become a vegan. However, you should minimize your consumption of meat and reserve red meat for special occasions. Using Your Smartphone Too Often (Especially In The Evening) Smartphones are the newest addition that is taking over our lives. Unfortunately, they are so widely accepted that most people refuse to acknowledge the toll that they are taking on our health. Excessive smartphone use can be debilitating in a number of ways, such as: People that use smartphones regularly are more likely to suffer from back and neck problems. Every time that you look down to use your mobile device, you are putting around 60 pounds of pressure on your spine. You have a higher risk of developing vision problems. The light from your smartphone screen can cause long-term damage to your retina. Your eyes might also start to suffer from nearsightedness since you aren’t spending enough time looking out long distances. Your mobile devices might also disrupt your sleep patterns. If you are using them late at night, then you might be throwing off your circadian rhythms. You will have a harder time falling asleep and get less restorative REM sleep as well. You can’t be in denial about the problems that your smartphone is causing. You need to use it in moderation to prevent back, neck, and sleep problems. Read Also: Good Reasons to Stop Drinking in your 40’s

Spirulina: The Complete Plant Based Protein Source | Health Benefits