Chlorella and spirulina – weight loss with the help of two amazing algae

For some time now, algae, known and used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years, have been making a dizzy career worldwide. No wonder, as they contain almost all ingredients required by the body, especially valuable and easily absorbable vitamins and microelements, as well as high-quality protein. They are also rich in iron, omega 3 and omega 6 acids, chlorophyll, vitamin B and many trace elements.

The fascinating world of algae, or what do we know about marine algae?

Marine algae, widely known as algae, are found in almost all bodies of water – oceans, seas, ponds, lakes. It is a highly diverse ecosystem, both in terms of the size of individual specimens and the color and characteristics of species.

There are algae of microscopic size, but also those that measure a dozen meters. They can be green (green algae), red (red kelp), brown (brown algae). They can be unicellular or multicellular organisms. Most of them are self-feeding, and they in turn provide valuable food for underwater creatures.

Due to their exceptional nutritional value, they have long been a regular part of the diet of people in the Far East, and have been enjoying worldwide recognition for some time now. So much so, that just because of the abundance of microelements, proteins and vitamins, they are counted among the so-called superfoods. Currently the most known and valued algae are spirulina and chlorella.

Amazing properties of inconspicuous algae

The health-promoting nature of algae is primarily the result of the abundance of minerals present in them, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, phosphorus and fluorine.

They are therefore used in situations of deficiencies of these elements, for example iron deficiency in the case of anemia, or iodine deficiency in the case of thyroid problems. High usefulness of algae in this type of diseases is also due to the fact that microelements contained in marine algae are easily assimilable by the human body.

We can also find in them valuable vitamins C, E and K, pro-vitamin A and finally B vitamins. What is equally important, algae are characterized by a high content of complete protein and amino acids. They are a definite favorite among plants, because they have up to 65% protein, while, for example, valued for this reason, soybean, has only 34%. Seaweeds are also rich in fibre, which plays an important role in proper metabolism and promotes weight loss.

Sea algae support digestive processes and facilitate absorption of nutrients from other foods. In turn, the concentrated amount of antioxidants makes them a protection against free radicals, delaying the aging process. No wonder that algae are widely used not only in food industry, but also in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry.

Get to know also the valuable for health and slim figure algae from the brown algae family: Bladderwrack algae

Chlorella – properties and effects of this unique representative of the green algae

Chlorella is a freshwater alga with exceptional properties – it is estimated to contain about 70 healing substances, including large amounts of B group vitamins, chlorophyll, proteins, amino acids, minerals.

We can also find in it a rare gamma-linolenic acid, of great importance for the functioning of the body. Due to this valuable content, chlorella has a very wide range of effects and applications.

Chlorella belongs to the group of green algae and owes its intensive colour to the large amount of chlorophyll which is important for detoxification. This delicacy, which is particularly popular in Japan, also has antibacterial properties, which promotes better healing of wounds and regeneration of damaged tissues. The unique characteristics of this algae make it an excellent remedy for smokers and those weakened by illness.

Above all, because of its unique cell structure, chlorella effectively cleanses the body of such poisons as lead, mercury, arsenic, pesticides and other chemical compounds. Stimulates the immune system, supporting the body’s natural defenses.

Neutralizes free radicals, preventing cancerous processes and rejuvenating. It also lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improves physical and mental condition, regulates the digestive system, accelerates tissue regeneration, cell division and growth, improves the quality and condition of the skin, and even, thanks to the presence of vitamin B12, has a positive effect on intellectual performance.

Chlorella for weight loss. How helpful is it?

It is commonly believed that algae are extremely helpful in losing weight. Thanks to its extraordinary properties, chlorella effectively cleanses the body of toxins, and such a specific detox is an essential element of the whole process.

On the other hand, the presence of dietary fibre acts as an appetite suppressant, causing a feeling of satiety. Fibre, by forming a mucous membrane on intestinal tissues, limits the absorption of fats and sugars, thus lowering cholesterol levels and maintaining an even glucose level in the blood, which also has an impact on limiting appetite.

Chlorella also stimulates intestinal peristalsis and has a positive effect on metabolism. However, to be effective, slimming down must take time. Moreover, it must be accompanied by permanent changes in eating habits and lifestyle. We should not count on the fact that a few days of taking chlorella or spirulina will compensate for large amounts of processed food, white bread, sweets and fats or lack of physical activity. Algae supplementation should support our other weight loss efforts.

Famous spirulina – properties and effects

It is said that there is no other natural food product that is as rich in nutrients as spirulina. It is characterized by a high concentration of gamma-linolenic acid, an unprecedentedly high content of high-value protein, the proportion of which is almost three times higher than the protein content in meat. It has easily assimilable iron and valuable amino acids of the highest concentration.

Decisive for health-promoting effects of spirulina is the abundance of complete protein (even up to 75%) containing 12 endogenous and 8 exogenous amino acids. Thanks to that it is an ideal food for vegans and vegetarians and people limiting the consumption of meat.

Moreover, spirulina contains valuable lipids and a wealth of vitamins: C, E, K, PP, B vitamins, folic acid, flavonoids, beta-carotene, glucosamine and a number of other important compounds.

When it comes to the action of spirulina, first of all it participates in biosynthesis of substances which lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of intravascular clots, have anti-inflammatory effect, increase the activity of the immune system. Spirulina contains antioxidants, delays aging, has a positive effect on the appearance of skin, hair and nails. It regulates and speeds up metabolism, it is also helpful in treating various diseases and poisonings.

Spirulina for weight loss. Strong support in the process of losing weight

Similarly as in the case of chlorella, spirulina supplementation influences appetite reduction and favourable metabolism. High-quality protein causes a feeling of satiety and dietary fiber regulates the digestive processes. The properties supporting slimming are determined both by the presence of protein and fiber, as well as flavonoids and unsaturated fatty acids, supporting metabolism, cleansing the body and burning calories.

All these substances will certainly help you lose weight, but they cannot completely replace a healthy lifestyle. It is necessary to follow a balanced diet and practice regular physical activity. If we take care of our slimming diet, eat healthy meals and exercise regularly, spirulina and chlorella will certainly help to achieve the desired result.

Chlorella and spirulina – opinions

Overwhelmingly, the reviews of spirulina and chlorella are very favorable. Both algae are praised for their positive effects on health, for helping to get rid of various ailments, for improving immunity, for their positive effects on mood, for their good properties in improving skin and hair condition, and for their great slimming abilities.

Many people believe that both algae are among the best methods to quickly replenish deficiencies of important nutrients such as vitamins, proteins and minerals. Many chlorella and spirulina reviews also say that there is no better way to detoxify and restore the acid-base balance in the body.

Chlorella and spirulina – how to use the algae on a daily basis?

Prized as dietary supplements micro algae, namely spirulina and chlorella, can be used by basically everyone. They are available in various forms, both free-flowing as well as in tablets and capsules.

Chlorella and spirulina in tablets or powder is especially recommended for allergy sufferers, people suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases or cancer as well as athletes, overweight people, people with cardiovascular diseases and diabetics. Despite the lack of contraindications, the manufacturer’s instructions concerning the recommended daily dose should always be followed.

Chlorella and spirulina powder are also widely used in the kitchen. A teaspoon of the green powder can be added to vegetable or fruit drinks, smoothie, sauces, cocktails, yogurt, cheese, pesto, ice cream, pizza, casseroles, pasta and many other dishes.

The form in which the algae are ingested does not matter much, what is important is the quality of the product, which is always worth taking care of. The only thing to remember is that, due to their hydrophilic properties, algae should be drunk with plenty of liquid.

Chlorella and spirulina recipes

Here are some simple recipes with chlorella and spirulina which are good for your health and your slim figure:

Spring soup-cream with chlorella and green vegetables

Prepare: 1 medium courgette, 1 leek, 1 broccoli, about 300 g green green beans, 2 parsley, 1 litre of vegetable or meat broth, a bunch of parsley. Cut courgette and parsley into large cubes, broccoli into pieces, cut leek into thick slices. Pour the broth over all the vegetables and cook until soft. Add 2 tablespoons of chlorella, 2 cloves of garlic squeezed through a press, a big pinch of pepper, salt to taste, chopped parsley, a big pinch of oregano and basil. Blend. Serve with croutons or puffed peas.

Revitalizing and strengthening cocktail with spirulina and red and purple vegetables and fruits

We prepare: 2 large beets, 1 red pepper, a bunch of botanica (you can replace it with parsley), 1 cup of chokeberries or black currants, a handful of raspberries, 1 tablespoon of spirulina, half a teaspoon of ginger. Blend all the ingredients. If necessary, we supplement the cocktail with water.

Interesting pesto with chlorella

Ingredients needed to prepare pesto with chlorella are: a large bunch of fresh basil, about 100 g of pumpkin seeds, 4 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cloves of pressed garlic, 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, a pinch of chili pepper, 1 teaspoon of chlorella, lemon juice to taste. Blend pumpkin seeds for a while with basil and a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the remaining ingredients, blend again.

Detox salad with spirulina

For the salad-detox we need the following products: 3 handfuls of kale, 3 handfuls of torn lettuce leaves, 4 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 6 roughly sliced radishes, 1 striped pepper, 3 roughly sliced ground cucumbers, half a finely chopped onion, 1 sliced avocado, 2 handfuls of sunflower seeds, 1 tablespoon spirulina, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, salt, pepper cayenne, ginger.

Mix all the vegetables together, add sunflower seeds and a big pinch of ginger and spirulina, season with a dressing made from lemon juice, oil, honey, salt and cayenne pepper.

Health benefits of algae supplementation

Regular consumption of marine algae not only promotes weight loss, but also brings a number of health benefits, because algae support the process of cleansing the body and protect it from harmful effects of toxic substances. They provide valuable nutrients preventing many diseases, including cancer. They improve immunity to various types of allergies or infections.

If you are looking for a high quality dietary supplement with spirulina and chlorella in a convenient capsule form, pay attention to the Spirulin Plus preparation. It brilliantly cleanses from toxins, reduces appetite, helps to get rid of excess water from the body. Thanks to these properties, you enjoy better well-being and health, and unnecessary pounds will disappear from your body faster.

Sources:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29999416/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320067
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324027
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-chlorella