Spirulina algae: "super" or a placebo? Bashny.Net

Alga spirulina not long ago won the title of powerful nutritional supplements that enhance stamina, increase immunity and help to control weight. The algae are sold in the form of pills which the manufacturers recommend taking for 15-20 minutes before exercise and then immediately after promising almost superhuman strength under these conditions.

But it always looks suspicious when the product description says that he is capable of doing everything from strengthening the immune system and ending with weight loss, and is suitable to all without exception.

We tried to figure out what in the description of useful properties algae is true and what is just another publicity stunt.



In fact, the first attempts to create algae "super" was conducted half a century ago. After the Second world war, several American institutions saw the seaweed the new miracle product capable of without any financial cost to feed a hungry crowd. Researchers also drew a high content of protein, vitamins and minerals.



But the cultivation of algae was not as cheap and easy as suggested by the researchers. Therefore, they have not appeared on the market as a food product, able to solve the problem of world hunger. But, thanks to a variety of nutrients and a large amount of protein, they have successfully occupied a niche effective sports supplements. But is it actually effective? Let's start with protein.



30 tablets of spirulina contain 4.6 grams of protein – as much as is contained in half a glass of milk. One almond nut will contain 25% more protein. The question arises: is it worth it? Isn't it better for the same amount of money that you spend on the purchase of this superfood, buying milk, getting more than 30 times the protein.



If the money factor, you are not confused, we look to vitamin B12, which in large quantities contained in spirulina. In fact, he gets in algae using bacteria, decomposing remains and animal faeces, which dumped as fertilizer in lakes and ponds where the algae grow. But even if you don't care where you get vitamin B12, there is no scientific evidence that excessive consumption has a positive effect on performance.



And the main claim to supplements from algae: can they like this to give a measurable increase in energy? Portion of 30 tablets contains about 20 calories. As it is not ridiculous, is the amount of energy you spend, after running about 90 seconds.



Finally, products with a high content of vitamins and minerals typically also have high concentrations of heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury. Although, of course, to confirm this needs to be further study.published

 

P. S. And remember, only by changing their consumption — together we change the world! ©

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Source: dnpmag.com/2015/12/09/vodorosl-spirulina-superfud-ili-placebo/