How to Use Spirulina for Weight Loss?
02-11-2017 | Posted By: Chhavi | 11171 View(s)
Do you feel bad when you are not able to buy your favourite 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 colour. 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 which makes 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 which are low in calories. Spirulina is a nutritious food that is low in calorie 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 fibre, 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 which lacks in 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 the 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.
So, these are the seven benefits of spirulina for weight loss. Now, let us explore how to consume it to shed a few pounds.
How To Use Spirulina for Weight Loss?
You can take spirulina in both powder and tablet form.
1. Spirulina Powder
A simple way to use this weight-loss food is to add one tablespoon of spirulina powder to a glass of water. Stir thoroughly and drink it. Follow this process twice a day after meals.
Alternatively, you can also add a tablespoon of spirulina powder to your soups, curries, stir-fried veggies, salad, juice and smoothie.
You can also add one-half to one tablespoon spirulina powder to your pastries, cakes and homemade energy bars.
2. Spirulina Tablets
You can also take spirulina tablets if you do not want to ingest the powder. It is safe to take 500 mg tablet three to four times a day. However, do consult your Doctor before taking the tablets.
3. Spirulina Veggie Juice
You Will Need
• One tablespoon spirulina
• One-half cup orange
• One-half cup pomegranate
• ¼ cup carrot
• Two tablespoons of lime juice
• Pinch of Himalayan Pink salt
How to Prepare
Put orange, pomegranate and carrot into a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the juice into a cup and add spirulina, salt and lime juice to it. Stir well and drink. This is one of the simplest techniques to use spirulina for weight loss.
4. Spirulina Smoothie
You Will Need
• One tablespoon spirulina
• One-half cup celery
• One-half cup tomato
• One-half cup watermelon
• Two tablespoons lime juice
• A pinch of Himalayan pink salt
How to Prepare
Place celery, tomato and watermelon into the blender. Now, pour the smoothie into a glass and add salt, spirulina and lime juice. Stir thoroughly before drinking.
5. Spirulina Salad
You Will Need
• One tablespoon spirulina
• One-half cup grilled and shredded chicken breast/ grilled tofu
• One cup baby spinach
• ¼ cup blanched and chopped asparagus
• ¼ cup chopped potatoes
• Three tablespoons lime juice
• One tablespoon olive oil
• Three tablespoons low-fat yoghurt
• Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare
Combine yoghurt, olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper in a bowl. Now, add the shredded tofu or chicken to the bowl. Toss well and then add spirulina, tomatoes, spinach and asparagus to the bowl. Stir well and add a bit of salt and pepper if needed. Your delicious salad is easy! This is one of the best and easiest ways to use spirulina for weight loss.
What are The Things to Remember before Using Spirulina For Weight Loss?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved spirulina which means that it is safe for consumption. But, you should always consult a Doctor before eating spirulina. That is because you may be allergic to spirulina or your doctor may tell you that you don’t need it at all. Also, avoid consuming spirulina if you have hypothyroidism or are allergic to seafood.
Also, there are some things to keep in mind before buying spirulina. Always check the label for the expiry date and buy the organic one from a reputed brand. You may not like the taste of spirulina initially, but with the time you will get used to it.
It is really simple to use spirulina for shedding pounds. So, add this magical food to your diet and get the figure of your dreams. Also, hit the gym and eat a healthy, balanced diet to promote weight loss.
