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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Walmart Pharmacy Hours: What Time Does Walmart Pharmacy Close And Open?

“What time does Walmart pharmacy close and open?” Is this something that you have been searching for? If your answer is a YES, then you have reached the right place. There are a number of places that offer medicines. While some of these stores are solely related to healthcare and pharmaceuticals, there are many companies and organizations that provide healthcare services as an addition to the customers. One of these companies is Walmart. While we all know that Walmart is a multinational convenient store, there are a number of things that the outlets provide to the customers. These include gasoline, as well as pharmaceutical services. If you have been searching for the Walmart Pharmacy Hours, you will find this article to be of help. Keep reading this blog till the end to learn more about the same… Operating Hours: What Time Does Walmart Pharmacy Close And Open? Image Source: images.axios.com Imagine that you are feeling very sick and want to rush to your nearest Walmart pharmacy to get the medicines. However, the moment you drive up to the nearest Walmart pharmacy, you realize that the outlet is closed! BAAMMM!! What a bad experience, isn't it? Well, if that is something that you want to avoid, the best thing to do is have prior information about the Walmart pharmacy timings. That is the reason why you need to know what the operating hours of Walmart pharmacy are. Here is a chart that will let you have a quick glance of the same: DAYOPENING HOURSCLOSING HOURSMonday09:00 a.m.07:00 p.m.Tuesday09:00 a.m.07:00 p.m.Wednesday09:00 a.m.07:00 p.m.Thursday09:00 a.m.07:00 p.m.Friday09:00 a.m.07:00 p.m.Saturday09:00 a.m.06:00 p.m.Sunday10:00 a.m.06:00 p.m. While this is the general store hours of most of the Walmart pharmacies, you need to understand that not all the outlets have the same timing. It is best to know the timings of the particular outlet that you are planning to visit before going there in person. Keep reading this article till the end to learn more about the hours of Walmart pharmacy… Opening Hours: What Time Does Walmart Pharmacy Open? Image Source: citimuzik.com Walmart pharmacy has always been very religious about their operating hours. If you have been searching for the answer to “what time does Walmart Pharmacy open,” you will find this part of the article to be of help. On all days of the week, during weekdays, the Walmart Pharmacy opens at 09:00 a.m. in the morning. This means that from Monday to Friday, you will be able to visit the Walmart Pharmacy from as early as 09:00 a.m. in the morning. However, this changes a little during the weekends. Like many other stores, the operating hours of Walmart Pharmacy during the weekends are less. On Saturdays, the opening hours of the Walmart Pharmacy are from 09:00 a.m. in the morning. However, the starting hours during Sundays are from 10:00 a.m. in the morning. Closing Hours: What Time Does Walmart Pharmacy Close? Image Source: cdn.businessyab.com In case you want to know what time does Walmart Pharmacy close, you have come to the right place. On all days of the week, during weekdays, the Walmart Pharmacy closes at 07:00 p.m. at night. This means that from Monday to Friday, you will be able to visit the Walmart pharmacy stores till as late as 07:00 p.m. at night. Like many other stores, the closing hours of Walmart pharmacies change a little during the weekends. Walmart pharmacies close at 06:00 p.m. during the weekends. That means that you need to make sure to get there early if you are planning to visit the pharmacy. Wrapping It Up! In case you wanted to know the answer to what time does Walmart pharmacy close and open, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your queries and doubts in the comment box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you! Read Also: Is Health Care A Good Career Path? How to choose the right online pharmacy? Top 7 Reasons the Medical Field Will Always Be In Demand

4 Essential Ways Of How To Make Your Feet Stronger

The human feet are a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art that enables you to stand for long hours, walk for long distances, hop, skip and jump and follow the activities that your heart wants to follow. Just like a sound foundation ensures that a building stands upright forever; having strong feet ensure a longer, happier, and healthier life. However, we often tend to take our feet for granted. Even the best of athletes focus upon building muscles legs, arms, calves, abs, and the rest of the body; but hardly anyone pays attention to the feet. We seem to forget the fact that our feet are involved in almost every activity we do. They provide us the support and balance in almost all our bodily movements. Lack of strength in our feet is therefore bound to compromise our ability to do any physical activity; be it walking, running, jump, high-intensity sporting event, or even standing! The Science Behind the Structure of the Feet Before we embark upon knowing the ways about how to ensure that your feet stronger, it is important to understand the three most important aspects that dictate how strong or weak your feet are. These are - 1.The Soles Most of us who wear shoes all day long have very soft and tender feet soles. You would have noticed that those who spend time barefooted, have thicker soles. This makes them stronger and firmer and they are able to withstand superficial injuries as well as normal wear and tear quite easily. 2. The Joints, Muscles, And Tendrils Of The Feet The human foot is a very complex structure. It is made of 33 joints, 26 bones, and almost 100 ligaments! They all are designed to function in a manner that the foot can take the weight of the entire body and spread it evenly to maintain balance in all types of movement. Strong feet not only help an efficient movement but also help in improving the posture. They also help in avoiding spinal injuries by efficiently maintaining our balance, thus cushioning the effect of any jerks. 3. Arches in the Feet The arches in our feet help in an efficient rolling action, which maintains the balance during movement. Sometimes the arches are not well developed, giving rise to a situation commonly known as flat feet. When someone is flat-footed, it is difficult to maintain good rolling action which in turn leads to a lower range of action consequently lowering strength as well as speed. How to Make Your Feet Stronger Most of us are blessed with well-shaped feet that can take the rigors of our daily life and all the activities we undertake, but often we tend to neglect our feet and suffer the consequences by way of loss of strength as well as suffer from early aging symptoms. It is but natural that if the feet are weak, a person's mobility will be restricted and he will do fewer activities. This would have an adverse effect on overall health. On the other hand, if a person is active, some of the drawbacks of being flat-footed can be overcome. Here are some of the ways of how to make your feet stronger - Exercises By consciously spending some time doing the following specific exercises is the best way to make your feet stronger – Caterpillar Type Movement – (Benefit- Strengthens the arches) Lie down on your back, draw your knees and place the feet flat on the floor about 8 inches away from each other. Then lift the arches of both the feet and simultaneously pull your toes backward toward the heels. Keep this position for a few seconds and bring back the arches and toe to their original position. Then do the reverse- arches up and heels toward the toes. Repeat this set three to five times. Windshield Wiper Movement – (Benefit- Strengthens the entire foot and improves ankle stability) In continuation with the caterpillar type movement exercise listed above, lift the toes, keeping the feet flexed while only the heels are touching the floor. Then slowly roll your feet to the ground and lift the heels keeping only your toes are on the ground. Repeat 8-10 times. Wing and Sickle Movement - (Benefit - Strengthens the ankles and promotes correct posture) Continue lying down as above and roll your feet inward along the inner edge in line with the toe, then roll outwards in line with a small finger. Do this 3-5 times. The Round Knot Movement - (Benefit - Stretches the ligaments and aids foot alignment) Sit upright on the floor and extend your legs in front. Bend the left knee towards yourself and interlace the fingertips of the right hand with the left toes. Inch them forward and backward giving the foot a stretch. Repeat 6-8 times. Then do the same with the other foot. Toughening up Your Feet There are many other ways of how to make your feet stronger. Stand More Often – Our daily life is mostly based on sitting. Be it office or home, we spend the day sitting. Consciously standing more often would help strengthen and stretch the muscles of the feet. Jogging/Walking on the Sand – If you have access to a sandy beach, try walking or running gently on the sand. This would increase the flexibility and strength in your feet and exercise the arch. Read also: Why Jumping on Trampolines is More Beneficial than Running or Jogging? Walking Barefoot– Crazy as it may appear, walking on smooth rocks can do wonders for your feet' strength. Walking barefoot on grass is equally effective as it toughens up the feet soles and makes the feet stronger. Using Shoes With Insoles Insoles were traditionally used for making short people appear taller. These days however they are scientifically designed for multiple functions and assist in skiing, biking, golf, etc. Using best insoles for flat feet ensures not only physical comfort but also improves efficiency and performance in all your multifarious activities. Even those who suffer from other ailments like Morton’s Neuroma and plantar fasciitis can benefit by using the best insoles for flat feet and carry out all activities normally. Go On, Focus On Your Feet! If you want to enhance your control, balance, and power, it is important to start focusing on strengthening your feet. It will also make you agile with better control of movement. Following these simple tips in your daily routine can put you on the way to balanced, more powerful, and stronger feet in a matter of a few days! Read also: Get up and Workout! Things to Consider

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

Spirulina: The Complete Plant Based Protein Source | Health Benefits