Spirulina is a popular natural weight loss supplement with weight loss-boosting properties. In addition, the UN has branded this biomass as “”Best Food for the Future”” for several reasons, including weight loss (1), (2). This low-calorie, high-protein food reduces blood sugar and blood pressure levels, boosts fat mobilization, regulates appetite, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Discover how spirulina can help you lose weight, where to purchase it, and the right dosage. Scroll down.
How Spirulina Aids Weight Loss
Spirulina is low in calories and high in protein. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, suppresses appetite, boosts fat mobilization, and lowers blood sugar and blood pressure. All of these factors aid weight loss. Spirulina is a biomass of floating microalgae found mostly in the water reservoirs of Africa, India, Mexico, and America (3). It is highly nutritious, a reason it was promoted by the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM) to fight starvation and malnutrition (2). The NASA recommends spirulina as food for astronauts on a space mission (4). It is also consumed by soldiers during wars that last long. Here is how spirulina benefits weight loss.
1. Low In Calories
One tablespoon (7 g) of spirulina contains only 20 Calories (5). Consuming low-calorie foods is critical if you want to lose weight. It will help create a negative energy balance. You can add spirulina to your morning smoothie or juice without having to worry about consuming too many calories.
2. High In Protein
When it comes to weight loss, a low-carb and high-protein diet works for most dieters. Spirulina contains about 60-70% protein and contains all the essential amino acids (5). Proteins take longer to digest than simple carbs. Hence, spirulina can keep you full for longer (6). Also, proteins help build lean muscle mass, thereby making you look toned and increasing your muscle power and endurance and preventing post-exercise muscle damage (7).
3. Is Highly Nutritious
Spirulina is rich in vitamins C, B1, B6, B5 and E, minerals, such as copper, zinc, and manganese, useful enzymes, and dietary fiber that makes it a perfect weight loss supplement (5). These minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and dietary fibers help in digestion and metabolism, eliminate toxins, and prevent fat absorption.
4. Has Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Spirulina has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (8). The antioxidants help to nullify the harmful oxygen radicals and prevent the body from producing pro-inflammatory molecules. This prevents the body from being in a state of stress and curbs inflammation. Toxic build-up and inflammation are two leading factors of weight gain, which spirulina can prevent.
5. Suppresses Appetite
Spirulina is also an appetite suppressant. It contains the amino acid phenylalanine that stimulates the secretion of cholecystokinin that helps to suppress appetite (9).
6. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Many scientific studies conducted to find the benefits of spirulina have confirmed that spirulina possesses lipid-lowering properties. It helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels in the blood. Consuming spirulina can boost fat mobilization, which is what is critical for weight loss (10), (11).
7. Lowers Blood Sugar
High blood sugar can increase the risk of developing insulin resistance, obesity, PCOD, and diabetes. Spirulina helps lower the blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Including spirulina in your diet can help in regulating insulin spikes, protecting you from diseases and preventing weight gain (12).
8. Lowers Blood Pressure
Spirulina also helps to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, making it a potent antihypertensive agent. High blood pressure and stress lead to weight gain. Spirulina supplementation can lower the concentration of fats in the blood, thus preventing weight gain (13). These are the 8 reasons spirulina is considered one of the best weight loss supplements. Now, let’s find out how you can consume spirulina and take a look at the spirulina dosage for weight loss in the powder and tablet forms.
Spirulina Powder
Stir a tablespoon of spirulina powder into your juice or smoothie. Stir a tablespoon of spirulina powder into a glass of water. Add a tablespoon of spirulina powder to your salad, soups, homemade salsa sauce, curries, and stir-fried veggies. Add ½- 1 tablespoon spirulina to your cakes, pastries, and homemade energy bars.
Spirulina Tablets
If you want to take spirulina tablets, it is safe to take a 500 mg tablet 3-4 times a day. But make sure you talk to your doctor before using spirulina for weight loss. The dose may vary with the problem. Further studies are required before a therapeutic recommendation is established. But is consuming spirulina is safe? The FDA has approved spirulina as safe for consumption. However, it is best to consult a doctor because you may be allergic to spirulina, do much better by consuming any other natural weight loss supplement, or not even need to consume spirulina. Also, avoid consuming spirulina if you are allergic to seafood or have hypothyroidism. Though it is safe for consumption, you may feel feverish or fatigue after you consume spirulina. Here is a list of things you should consider before buying spirulina for weight loss.
Things To Consider Before Buying Spirulina
You may buy spirulina online or at any pharmacy nearby. Check the label for the expiry date, buy from a known brand, and ensure it is organic. You may not take an instant liking to the taste of spirulina in one go. Here are a few recipes that will help you consume spirulina powder without feeling uneasy. Check them out.
Spirulina Weight Loss Recipes
1. Spirulina In Veggie And Fruit Juice
1 tablespoon spirulina ½ cup orange ½ cup pomegranate ¼ cup carrot 2 tablespoons lime juice A pinch of Himalayan pink salt
2. Spirulina In Smoothie
1 tablespoon spirulina ½ cup celery ½ cup tomato ½ cup watermelon 2 tablespoons lime juice A pinch of Himalayan pink salt
3. Spirulina In Salad
1 tablespoon spirulina ½ cup grilled and shredded chicken breast / grilled tofu 1 cup blanched baby spinach ¼ cup blanched and chopped asparagus ¼ cup chopped tomatoes 3 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 tablespoons low-fat yogurt Salt and pepper to taste
You may consume the recommended amount of spirulina daily and not lose an inch if you do not watch what you eat. Here is a sample diet chart to help you figure out what you should eat to lose weight.
Sample Diet Plan For Weight Loss
This sample diet chart clearly shows that you need to include a substantial amount of lean protein (fish, chicken, mushroom, lentils, tofu, soy, etc.), complex carbs (fruits and veggies), healthy fats (nuts and olive oil), and dietary fiber (fenugreek seeds, fruits, veggies, and lentil), metabolism boosting agents (green tea or peppermint tea), and weight loss supplements (spirulina) in your diet to shed fat. There are other health benefits of consuming spirulina. Here’s a brief.
Other Health Benefits Of Spirulina
Keep the following points in mind when you start consuming spirulina for weight loss.
Useful Tips For Weight Loss
Workout regularly. You can train in a gym or exercise at home. Do a mix of cardio, strength training, and weights to get a slim and toned body. Avoid stress. Start counting backward, starting from 5 (5,4,3,2,1) to stop yourself from getting anxious and worried. Try to eat home-cooked food to avoid piling on hidden calories present in sauces, marinades, salad dressings, etc. Get 7-8 hours of sleep every day to help your body repair and rejuvenate the wear and tear in the muscles and nullify the harmful toxins. Drink water when you feel hungry at an odd time. Your brain gives you the wrong notion of being hungry when you are just thirsty. Walk to and from office, take the stairs, stand and work for a few minutes. This will help you use up the calories. Say no to foods that are high in calories, sodium, and sugar, such as aerated drinks, packaged fruit and vegetable juices, fried chicken, burger, pizza, fries, etc. Reward yourself every once in two weeks for adhering to a healthy diet chart. Allow yourself to eat 500 calories extra that day. Join a group where you can learn more about how to lose weight. Talk to people who have lost weight or are serious about losing weight to keep yourself motivated.
How much spirulina should I take daily to lose weight? If you want to take spirulina tablets, it is safe to take a 500 mg tablet, 3-4 times a day. However, the dosage may vary depending on the problem. More studies are required to establish a proper dosage for weight loss. Hence, consult your doctor and dietitian. Does spirulina suppress appetite? Yes, spirulina suppresses appetite. . Does spirulina give you energy? Yes, spirulina is a high-protein and nutrient-dense supplement. It gives you energy. Can I take spirulina on an empty stomach? It is best to take spirulina with or after breakfast Does spirulina boost metabolism? There is no direct evidence that spirulina boosts metabolism. But on the whole, consuming spirulina aids weight loss by increasing satiety, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, and preventing inflammation and toxic build-up. How long should you take spirulina? Talk to your dietitian or a licensed doctor to know how long should you consume spirulina for weight loss.
