Do you feel bad when you are not able to buy your favorite dress because you look fat in it? Well, Of course, you do! No matter how much you accept the fact that being obese does not bother you, at the end of the day everybody wants to have a slim and trim body. Exercise and dieting are conventional methods to lose weight. But, you can also try some new ways to lose weight. Having supplements is a new and efficient way to reduce weight. One such natural supplement is- Spirulina. There are many ways to use spirulina for weight loss. It is generally consumed in capsule, tablet, or powdered form for weight loss. And how does it aid weight loss? Well, spirulina suppresses appetite, burns calories, contains proteins, and has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties; and all of these factors promote weight loss. So, without any further ado, let us understand what Spirulina is and how it is used for weight loss.
Why Use Spirulina for Weight Loss?
Spirulina is a single-cell, microscopic algae that is bluish-green in color. It is packed with nutrients, including essential fatty acids, protein, vitamins B, C, and E, and chlorophyll, which is why it is considered a “superfood.” Spirulina usually grows in warm places, but now people successfully cultivate it in labs around the world.
Spirulina is highly nutritious which is why the Intergovernmental Institution promoted it for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM) to fight malnutrition and starvation in the 70s. It is considered an excellent food for soldiers during wars and even NASA recommends it as a healthy food for astronauts on a space mission.
Spirulina aids weight loss because it is low in calories and high in antioxidants. There are other factors too that make it a superfood for weight loss. Let’s take a look at these factors one by one.
1. Spirulina Is Low in Calorie
If you want to lose weight, the first thing you need to do is reduce your daily consumption of calories. And to do that, you must avoid calorie-laden foods and opt for foods that are low in calories. Spirulina is a nutritious food that is low in calories too. You will be shocked to know that one tablespoon of spirulina contains only 20 calories. You can simply add spirulina to your smoothies or juices and cut back on your calories to lose weight.
2. Spirulina is Rich in Protein
Spirulina is a protein-laden food and helps in building muscle. A weight-loss diet should be low in carbs and high in protein. Spriluna contains about 60-70 % protein and is a powerhouse of all the essential amino acids. Eating a protein-rich diet helps you keep full for longer. And that’s because protein takes longer to digest than simple carbs. On top of that, protein foods aid in building lean muscle mass which increases muscle power and endurance and makes you look toned. And spirulina is rich in protein; hence it is evident that consuming it on a regular basis will help you get back in shape.
3. Spirulina is Packed with Nutrients
If you do not eat a nutritious diet, you will never be able to lose weight. Spirulina is highly nutritious as it contains vitamins C, B1, B6, B5, and minerals such as fiber, zinc, copper, manganese, and enzymes that promote weight loss. All of these nutrients help in metabolism, digestion, removing toxins, and preventing fat absorption. Eating a diet that lacks nutritional value will not keep you full for longer and increase your hunger cravings. Spirulina helps in increasing the concentration of nutrients in your body which reduces hunger cravings and makes you consume fewer calories.
4. Spirulina Curbs Appetite
Spirulina is packed with amino acid phenylalanine that stimulates the secretion of cholecystokinin that helps in curbing appetite. Spirulina works as an excellent appetite suppressant, and so you should consume spirulina to fight hunger cravings.
5. Spirulina Has Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Two major factors that contribute to weight gain are inflammation and toxic buildup in the body. Spirulina is packed with antioxidants that help in fighting free radicals and prevent the body from producing pro-inflammatory molecules. On the other hand, the anti-inflammatory properties of spirulina help in preventing inflammation and also lower down the stress levels in the body.
6. Spirulina Keeps the Blood Sugar in Control
High blood sugar can cause a wide range of health problems including obesity, diabetes, and PCOD. Spirulina helps in lowering blood sugar levels, and so if you consume spirulina on a regular basis, you can keep yourself away from diseases like diabetes and obesity.
7. Spirulina Lowers Blood Pressure
High blood pressure leads to stress and weight gain. Spirulina lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure and prevents obesity.
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