Endocrinologist debunks myths about the benefits and harms of popular dietary supplements
Spirulina has a dual nature - it is algae from the genus cyanobacteria. Much that is said about her is true, but there are also frank exaggerations.
The benefits of spirulina
For example, spirulina protein does contain most essential amino acids and in its accessibility to the human body, it even surpasses soy. For this, vegetarians love her. But, alas, it cannot completely replace the animal protein spirulina - the level of the most important amino acids is not the same.
Spirulina contains many and healthy unsaturated fats incl. Omega-3. But it also falls short of the main source of these substances.
As a supplement, it is good for compensation. vitamin A deficiency - it contains 25 times more of it than a carrot.
Spirulina contains a lot of iron and contains the whole complex of fat-soluble vitamins of group B, K, D and E.
It contains a large amount antioxidants, including those that penetrate the blood-brain barrier, protecting the delicate brain tissue from the harmful effects of oxidants.
There is a reason to appreciate spirulina.
It would seem, eat and rejoice.
But there is also a huge fly in the ointment.
What is the danger of dietary supplements with spirulina
The FDA (American Food and Drug Administration) refers to spirulina supplements as "Supposedly safe" due to the possible low quality of the cyanobacteria themselves.
The Chinese also echo them: a number of dietary supplements with spirulina on the market often contain other algae, producing toxins such as microcystin. It is a hepatotoxic (liver-hazardous) substance.
Initially, it leads to problems with the gastrointestinal tract: diarrhea, vomiting, etc. And with prolonged use of such dietary supplements, it can come to liver cancer.
That is, if spirulina is consumed, then necessarily a high degree of purification, so that toxic cousins do not mix with useful algae.
The question arises - where to get this? Here it remains to rely only on brands that cannot afford scandals with product quality.
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