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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What Services Do Residential Treatment Centers Offer?

Residential treatment centers for youth can be a boon to an afflicted teen and their entire family. Still, before choosing any rehabilitation or treatment option, it’s wise to understand what those options entail. We’ll give you a thorough breakdown of what residential treatment centers do, how they operate, and why they’re so effective at treating various conditions, from anxiety and stress to drug abuse. What Is A Residential Treatment Center? A residential treatment center is a resource used by millions of Americans to help them cope with a variety of concerns. These can vary from the mild, such as higher stress levels, to the extreme, such as disorders, cognitive issues, or substance abuse. The goal of a residential treatment center is to create a healthy environment for the patient that allows them to focus on their own recovery, often blending a retreat-style getaway with therapy and personalized care. What Services Do Residential Treatment Centers Provide? Residential treatment centers offer a variety of services, including: Therapy Therapeutic treatment is at the heart of every residential treatment center. With licensed mental health experts and experts in various conditions that may affect a patient, residential treatment centers offer a combination of individual and group therapy approaches depending on the issues that the patient presents. Approaches differ by treatment center, but the goal is to help the individual recognize the validity of their feelings, express those feelings in a safe space, and, over time, learn to cope with their emotions, impulses, or addictions. Treatment options vary greatly, some proving more effective at treating specific types of disorders, conditions, or predispositions: Talk therapy – Often used with teens, talk therapy is a common approach wherein an individual can talk with a licensed mental health professional about anything and everything, walking through life experiences to process them effectively. Group therapy – Individuals in a treatment center often participate in group therapy, which allows treatment center members to share their experiences, their struggles, and their growth. Knowing they’re not alone greatly benefits many who are struggling, and having someone with the same difficulties cheering them on creates an environment of positivity. Alternative therapy treatments – From specialized treatments such as psychodynamic therapy to dialectical behavioral therapy, different schools of thought in therapeutic treatments can lead to different outcomes. Depending on the patient’s condition, a specialized type of therapy may be necessary or helpful. Activity-based treatment – Research suggests that structured physical activity is beneficial in residential treatment centers. Some level of activity fosters overall wellness and may contribute to a better sense of well-being. These may include art therapy, yoga therapy, acupuncture, or massages. Animal-assisted therapy – Lastly, animal-assisted therapy uses animals like dogs and horses, for which the center patients may care. These approaches reduce anxiety and can instill responsibility. Animal-assisted therapy is particularly helpful for patients with mental health disorders. Retreat-Style Care One of the underlying principles of a treatment center is the retreat style. In essence, it’s supposed to be a relaxing and calming environment that lets troubled individuals take their minds off the stressors of everyday life for a little while. In doing so, they can concentrate on the therapy provided, develop a sense of personal wellness, and, if applicable, dissociate themselves from harmful stimuli that could exacerbate their condition. Such reasoning is particularly relevant for patients who are struggling with substance abuse. By living in a drug-free environment for a while, patients can learn to cope, recognize the way that substances affect their bodies, and restore their condition to a dependency-free state. The goal of ‘retreating’ is to return to everyday life feeling rejuvenated, strengthened, and capable. From the distance of a retreat, individuals can focus on their own mental health needs without unhelpful outside input and identify circumstances or relationships that are contributing to their success. The increased focus on interpersonal issues in a private space allows the therapeutic method to be truly effective and long-lasting. A Strong Support Network Throughout the process, treatment centers provide a powerful network of providers that can help individuals with their needs. Often, people experiencing mental health concerns, cognitive development issues, or addictive/compulsive behavior feel incredibly isolated from their community, friends, and family. A great benefit of residential treatment centers is that patients have constant support from medical professionals who offer both physical and mental health checks throughout the process. A strong support network places patients in a position to receive the best care they can during their stay, allowing them to return to their everyday life with a better toolkit for coping with their emotions, denying their compulsions, and reframing their thought patterns. This support network also manifests through discipline; residential treatment center patients often stick to a tight schedule of brief yet intensive therapy. No illegal drugs or harmful behavior are allowed, giving residents the best start to kick unhealthy habits and start the recovery process through treatment. Continued Support Recovery doesn’t happen overnight; many patients need continued support as they transition back into regular living. Even after patients leave the residential treatment center, they often have the opportunity to keep in touch with their therapist and report their progress. Doing so helps transition the teaching at the center to the real world since, in many cases, mental health issues and the temptation of substance abuse don’t just vanish at the retreat. It takes continued effort on the part of the individual to ward off those negative emotions or harmful tendencies, which is much easier with the ongoing support of a therapist. The Bottom Line From intensive, specialized therapeutic treatment to a strong support network of care providers, residential treatment offers a range of helpful services that give residents the best chance at recovery. It’s the best of both worlds. People benefit from residential treatment centers by stepping away from their ordinary lives to focus clearly on recovery. The healing process can be complex and laborious, but a residential treatment center can significantly improve an individual’s quality of life through evidence-based therapy to help them experience long-term success. Read Also: B.Sc. Agriculture- An emerging career option in India Finding Your Dream Career: 5 Useful Tips for you to Research about a Company Before You Apply Tips to Explain with Your Web Designer for Starting the Job

4 Facts you should Consider in Organic European Formula

There are many positive reasons to transition to European baby formula. For example, unique nutritional opportunities such as goat milk, a trusted system in place to control heavy metal contamination, a close look at how and where nutrients are being extracted, and a mindful approach on their global impact. Let’s examine these reasons a bit closer: Goat Milk: European formulas offer goat milk as an alternative for babies who present a cow milk protein intolerance/allergy. When a cow milk protein allergy presents itself and a mother’s milk is not an option, goat’s milk makes for an excellent alternative. Oftentimes, a soy-based or plant-based formula will have to be prescribed. However, many of these plant-based prescription formulas lack essential nutrients. Goat milk formulas in European brands are available as a stage 1 formula, making the formula available from birth onward. In contrast, the goat milk found in America is only acceptable for toddlers plus. Goat formula contains natural vitamins and minerals and does not have the unfavorable properties of soy milk formula: such as phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens have been linked with the interference of hormonal balance. The A2 protein within goat milk allows it to be easier to digest, as the absence of the A1 protein, which is the protein typically found in cow’s milk, is responsible for intolerances and allergies. Goat milk is naturally A2 milk, making it more favorable for a baby with a sensitive belly. Heavy Metals: All product manufacturers must include in the label both naturally occurring minerals as well as added minerals and their quantities to ensure that even naturally occurring compounds are taken into account and kept within the safety margins. The European Union and the UK have strong regulations that outlaw, and heavily regulate the use and exposure of heavy metals. European legislation sets a maximum “allowed” in foodstuffs also. EU regulations cover the following heavy metals: cadmium, lead, mercury, inorganic arsenic, and inorganic tin. Contamination, sometimes found in heavy machinery, generally may imply a risk to human health and has a negative impact on the quality of food. Thankfully the EU has preventative measures in place to negate the chances of this contamination, which isn’t the case in other places. Artificial Nutrients: Another characteristic to consider is where the DHA/ARA are coming from. The common process of manufacturing and processing the DHA/ARA in the USA is by using hexane to extract it. Hexane is a petroleum-based solvent, which could cause this oil to end up in the formula and wreak negative effects on the nervous system. If a formula uses hexane extraction in Europe, there are strict regulations to ensure no remnants of hexane remain. Unfortunately, these same standards are not implemented in other places. DHA and ARA are good fats, or the naturally produced “omegas” found in breast milk. Some formulas use DHA and ARA that are artificially manufactured. The concern is that artificial extractions are not gathered from safe natural places, and they are generated in a lab. These extractions are not safe for human consumption. Studies have concluded that artificial DHA/ARA may be responsible for gastrointestinal issues. Palm Oil: There is no internal health concern from ingesting palm oil, however, many manufacturers are moving away from using palm oil. The use of palm oil has contributed to the exploitation of the Amazon. The extraction of palm oil leads to heavy deforestation in the amazonian rainforest; for this reason, it is more Eco-Friendly to not use palm oil. Kendal formulas and Loulouka formulas do not use palm oil. By not using palm oil, companies come together to promote ethical environmental practices globally. Holle uses palm oil in some of their products, but they ensure it is ethically sourced from sustainable farms in Colombia. Kendal and Loulouka for example, use coconut oils as their substitute. Conclusion: Whether your concern is for a higher quality product for a sensitive baby or simply a formula with less “pharmaceutical gunk,” the rise in popularity for European formulas is due to the excellent results. European formula seems to be a growing demand. It is worth investigating how these alternate options to USA-based formulas compare: how they differ and how to access safely. Hopefully, these many positive reasons to transition to a European baby formula have started your process of considering the change. Read Also: Ecig Outlet Products That You Can Buy Today What is the Ideal CBD Dosage for You? How To Make Your Own Cannabis Topicals

How Talcum Powder & Ovarian Cancer Is Related?

The latest report by the American Cancer Society states that ovarian cancer accounts for 2.5% of cancer cases in women. The risk of ovarian cancer is dependent upon a number of factors, spanning from genetics, age, lifestyle to environmental factors. But, certain studies such as the American Cancer Society have discovered a strong link between talcum powder & escalating cases of ovarian cancer worldwide. As per studies, 11.5 in every 100,000 people in the United States of America developed ovarian cancer, from 2010 to 2014. What Is Ovarian Cancer? Ovarian cancer is the rarest form of cancer that affects women’s reproductive mechanisms. This cancer type commences in the ovaries or in the fallopian tubes, connecting the ovaries to the womb. Ovarian cancer is graded by doctors in terms of stages 1 to 4, which is further determined by tumor size or if cancer has spread outside the ovary. Finally, the doctor will examine to identify the ovarian cancer type. This depends upon how the cancer cells respond to chemotherapy treatment-how fast they are growing. The type 1 ovarian cancer grows slowly but doesn't respond to the chemotherapy sessions, whereas the type 2 ovarian cancer develop quickly with chemotherapy. How Talcum Powder Is Responsible for Ovarian Cancer? Talcum powder is a common household baby care product widely used. Generally, talc is simply a mineral composed of silicon, magnesium, and oxygen. Owing to the talc ability to absorb moisture, it can also be applied to sensitive body areas. Now, now is the million-dollar question, can talcum powder contribute to ovarian cancer? What A Recent Study Published in the journal Epidemiology Says:- To quote the study published in the medical journal Epidemiology, talcum powder can significantly increase the risk of ovarian cancer to 33%, especially when used daily. However, further research work is needed to prove the relation between baby powder and ovarian cancer. In the meantime, the American Cancer Society did a thorough study investigating the alleged statements against the use of talcum powder. The bottom line of this study suggested limiting the use of cosmetic products that are rich in talc. Although the overall risk of developing ovarian cancer is low, it is a deadly gynecological cancer. So, it is vital to recognize the symptoms of ovarian cancer for early detection & diagnosis:- Common Signs and Symptoms Lower Abdominal Pain or Pressure Weight Gain or Weight Loss Abnormal Periods Gas, Nausea, or Vomiting Talcum Powder Lawsuits In the last couple of years, talcum powder cancer lawsuits are being filled by women diagnosed with ovarian cancer worldwide. Top names of the industry such as Johnson and Johnson are already facing thousands of talcum powder lawsuits and this is expected to increase with each passing year. Final Takeaway As with any form of cancer, it is crucial to take the precautions. Avoid the daily use of talcum powder, until we come across a convincing study revealing the clear-cut relation. In addition, it is essential to understand that everyone’s experience of cancer is distinct. Anyone with concerns relating to ovarian cancer symptoms, it is a no-brainer to speak to the doctor right away. Read Also: Early Symptoms And Signs Of Breast Cancer Can Breast Augmentation Cause Cancer? How To Sleep Better When You Have Cancer

Spirulina: The Complete Plant Based Protein Source | Health Benefits