Pages

Monday, February 27, 2012

Spirulina Health Benefit: Nutritional Supplement Dosage and Side Effects

Health enthusiasts have discovered that algae found in lakes and ponds are powerful food supplements; these contain several noteworthy beneficial substances that promise to enhance health. This article provides information about the ideal dosage, side effects and nutrition facts about spirulina and its health benefits including aiding in weight loss
Spirulina Supplements for
bad breath
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina or blue-green algae is a single celled microorganism that resembles a bacterium. Spirulina is loaded with chlorophyll, thus it turns the lakes and ponds where it grows a deep blue-green.
Spirulina Nutrition Facts
Spirulina is packed with plant pigment chlorophyll, which is known to exert several significant health benefits. Also, contains proteins, vitamin B12, folic acid and carotenoids.
Benefits of Spirulina: Spirulina Health Benefits
Spirulina has been used medicinally for thousands of years in china. This alga claims to proffer a range of noteworthy health benefits:
  1.  This microorganism is known to boost energy levels and dispel fatigue and weariness
  2.   The high chlorophyll content of the alga helps battle bad breath effectively; in fact most breath fresheners available in the market are composed of spirulina
  3. It is enhances the functioning of the liver considerably and is beneficial in the management of hepatitis.
  4.  Spirulina perks up immune mechanism and helps prevent cardio-vascular and heart disorders and cancers.
Spirulina and Weight Loss
There have been a few claims of spirulina helping weight loss and weight management; however, there is no conclusive proof. Spirulina, along with a balanced and healthy diet, a regular exercise routine and a consistent lifestyle pattern can help maintain an ideal body weight.
Spirulina Powder: Spirulina Dose
Spirulina is available in the form of powder, capsule, tincture and tablets. By and large, spirulina is recommended for those who complain of chronic and obstinate halitosis or offensive breath. Experts recommend: mix 1 teaspoon of spirulina powder in one glass of water. Use this as a gargle as well as a drink, daily. You could also take a tablet or capsule twice every day.
Spirulina can be contaminated
with mercury or lead
Spirulina Side Effects
No adverse effects have been reported after consuming recommended doses of spirulina. However, some people have complained of slight nausea and vomiting or diarrhea. In case this occurs, lower your dose or stop the supplementation for a few days. Also, always take the supplement after meals; it reduces the chances of a gastric upset and gastric distention. On the whole, spirulina is considered to be a very safe supplement.
Importantly, do not harvest your own spirulina from a pond or lake; these colonies of algae may be contaminated with sewage or industrial waste and could contain concentrated levels of lead, cadmium, mercury or other lethal toxins.