Spirulina (Arthrospira or Sirulina) is a blue-green micro-alga of the cyanobacteria family found in freshwater lakes near the equator (India, Chad, Mexico). It has existed on earth for more than three billion years and its use dates back to ancient times, with the Incas already using it as an ingredient in their diet.

Its big advantage is that it is harvested naturally, no pesticides are used to grow it and it is sun-dried, making it totally healthy and its ecological footprint very low.

This micro-algae is marketed as a food supplement and is part of what is known as "superfoods" because of its exceptionally high content of essential nutrients, vitamins, trace elements, minerals, essential fatty acids, proteins, fibers, enzymes, essential amino acids and antioxidants...

The multiple virtues of spirulina

Spirulina is rich in quality proteins. It is 55-70% protein and contains all 8 essential amino acids, which are usually only found in animal products, making it useful for weight loss or for people on a vegetarian diet.

• This also makes spirulina an ideal food for athletes and especially for vegetarian athletes, thanks to the important presence of iron.
  

• Very rich in vitamins, trace elements and minerals, spirulina is also a powerful antioxidant. It fights against the production of free radicals, strengthens the immune system, fights against old age, cancer, hypertension and boosts the tone.
  

• Natural dopant, this micro-algae rich in iron, vitamin B12 and beta-carotene, is an ally of athletes. It brings energy, improves the oxygenation of the muscles and intervenes in the integrity of the cells, essential to the good functioning of the immune system.
  

• Spirulina detoxifies the body, thus playing a purifying role, by quickly and effectively evacuating pollutants and lactic acid, this makes it an asset for athletes by increasing their energy level and providing a faster recovery after exercise.
  

• The presence of chlorophyll contributes to the production of red blood cells, purifies the blood and its richness in unsaturated fatty acids makes it a good source of omega 6.
  

Spirulina: an asset in weight loss?

It is utopian to believe that by taking a capsule or a "miracle" powder, weight loss will take care of itself, without any effort on your part.

If you want to slim down and lose weight, you must first of all reduce your quantities, eat a more balanced diet and move around on a daily basis.

However, spirulina, due to its many virtues, has a beneficial action on weight loss.

It has a moderating effect on appetite thanks to the complete, and therefore easily digestible, proteins it contains. These have a satiating effect, which helps control hunger.

The ideal is to consume spirulina 15 to 30 minutes before the meal, allowing the phenylalanine, an amino acid acting as an appetite suppressant, to be digested and therefore, to act optimally.

Spirulina also helps to stabilize blood sugar, thus reducing cravings for sugar !

The fact that this superfood is rich in vitamins (Beta-carotene, B12, E), trace elements (iron, zinc, copper) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium), enables the body to receive all the nutritional elements it needs for its functioning. And when your body has received everything it needs, it is less likely to ask for it.

Since spirulina brings energy to the body thanks to its many vitamins, it is an aid to the practice of a regular sport. It helps to burn more fat without the side effects of coffee or other energy drinks. This allows a constant energy throughout the day, good for weight loss. The more energy you have, the more inclined you are to move!

In conclusion, the simple fact of taking spirulina will not allow weight loss but thanks to the regulation of the energy balance that it allows and thanks to its hunger-suppressing action (proteins), it boosts the metabolism and provides the energy necessary to practice regular physical activity.

How is it consumed?

Spirulina can be found in organic stores in the form of dehydrated powder, filaments or tablets.

The cell walls of spirulina are very thin, which allows nutrients to be very quickly and completely absorbed. This is especially important for children and elderly people.

If you want to consume it as a dehydrated powder, be aware thatits taste is quite strong. Do not hesitate to dilute it in an organic apple juice rather than in a glass of water.

It is recommended to consume 2 to 5 grams of spirulina per day (10 grams for athletes).