24 Jun

New Super Food To Fight COVID-19

New Super Food To Fight COVID-19: Thumbs Up To Spirulina Ground Nut Chikki
Watch Full News about it in India Today News channel…
https://youtu.be/uJ1MRTg1F1s
For a viral disease like COVID-19, where no pharmacological strategies for prevention or treatment are presently available and where the exact time of the ending of the alarming situation is unknown, nutritional strategies for enhancing immunity is some-thing to be explored.

In addition to treating malnutrition and weight reduction in obese healthy subjects, in this review we have highlighted the potential preventive and therapeutic application of few vitamins, trace elements, several Nutraceuticals and probiotics.

In the current global context with limited movements, it is difficult to obtain a balanced and varied diet. Therefore, achieving recommended amounts of calories and micro nutrient will be a challenge and elective micro nutrient supplementation may be beneficial especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly.

Several research studies recommended that Spirulina can be a potential and ideal candidate for conjugative or alternate therapy against disease treatments due to possible synergetic effect of many bioactive compounds present in the whole cell.

It has been demonstrated that the use of Spirulina and its extracts may significantly reduce cancer and viral diseases. Though, more research is needed to determine the usefulness of Spirulina against COVID 19 like killer diseases.

Scientists across the world and primarily in India, China, Japan, USA are studying this extraordinary superfood to unlock its full potential.

However, it is pretty clear from published research and in vivo clinical studies that Spirulina is safe natural superfood to be consumed for ideal health and wellness.

The multifunctional role of Spirulina components makes it an ideal natural remedy with massive prophylactic and therapeutic properties.

“Let your food be your medicine”. Hippocrates

https://youtu.be/p_DDang6mco

spirulina covid research paper(PDF)
Algae A Potential Source to Prevent and Cure the Novel Coronavirus A review R SUNDERARAJ 2154(1) (PDF)

30 Sep

BEAUTY AND COSMETICS

BEAUTY AND COSMETICS

Skin Benefits of Spirulina:

Being loaded with proteins, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, Spirulina has a lot to offer in terms of skincare. It is beneficial for your skin in the following ways:

Skin Toner: Spirulina has a high content of vitamin A, vitamin B-12, vitamin E, calcium, iron and phosphorus, all of which are vital for your skin’s health. Free radicals make your skin look tired, limp and flabby. Taking Spirulina supplements on a regular basis works wonders for your skin, making it look toned, youthful and vital. It also treats flabby skin by eliminating the body’s metabolic waste products and strengthening the body as a whole.

Treatment of Dark Circles:Spirulina is effective in treating dark circles and dry eye symptoms. Its detoxifying effects give your eyes new energy and power, removing dark shadows and dryness.

Anti-ageing Benefits: Spirulina contains tyrosine, vitamin E or tocopherol, and selenium, all of which are known for their anti-ageing effects. Tyrosine slows down the ageing of skin cells. The antioxidants present in it eliminate free radicals which are responsible for skin ageing. Try this facial mask to prevent premature ageing of skin and fight acne. Make a paste by mixing some Spirulina with water and apply it on your face. Keep on for 20 minutes and wash off. This will make your skin amazingly soft and smooth as well as prevent signs of ageing like wrinkles.

Detoxifies Skin: Spirulina facilitates faster cell turnover that helps skin heal faster. It wards off free radicals and eliminates toxins from the skin to increase skin metabolism. It also prevents candida overgrowth that can cause acne breakouts.

Healthy Nails: Regular use of Spirulina treats fingernail ridges and other nail problems. Spirulina contains 70% high-value protein which is required by the body. Consuming it for about 4 weeks can cure nail problems and warts.

[Read:Benefits Of Potato Juice]

Hair Benefits of Spirulina: Spirulina is being widely used for promoting hair growth and to combat hair problems like thinning hair and baldness. Spirulina contains amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamin A and beta-carotene, all of which are great for hair. Some of its hair benefits are as follows:

Promotes Hair Growth: External use of Spirulina can speed up hair growth. Besides consumption, this algae is used as an ingredient in shampoos and conditioning treatments. It also helps in hair re-growth.

Treatment of Hair Loss: Alopecia is an autoimmune disease characterized by hair loss at an alarming rate. It is not just confined to the scalp alone but also leads to hair loss across the body and face. This can result in bald spots, even in women, and even complete baldness. Spirulina acts as an alternative medicine to deter further loss of hair and facilitate hair renewal.

Treatment of Dandruff:Spirulina acts as an antioxidant compound and taking it for 4 weeks makes your hair completely dandruff-free, glossy and stronger.

30 Sep

RECIPES

RECIPES And for the adventurous, here are some simple Spirulina recipes:

Spirulina Green Juice

1 English cucumber
2 medium sized apples (I like Fuji apples best, but any variety will do)
1 small lemon or lime
1 teaspoon Spirulina powder
Juice the produce in a juicer (such as the Omega 4000) and then add 1 teaspoon of Spirulina powder to your juicer. I prefer to blend the Spirulina with the juice in a blender, but you can mix it well if you don’t have one. Makes 16 ounces of juice, double the recipe for 32 ounces.

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Spirulina Mango Pudding

3 cups ripe mango, chopped
zest from 1 lemon
1 teaspoon Spirulina powder
Blend all ingredients in a powerful blender (such as the Vitamix Blender) until smooth. If not sweet enough, you can add your sweetener of choice such as dates, honey, or stevia powder to taste.
Spirulina Honey
3 tablespoons raw honey
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon Spirulina powder
Mix all ingredients together and use as you would regular honey by drizzling it on fruit, putting it in your tea, cereal . . .(etc.).

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Spirulina Seasoning Salt

4 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon Spirulina powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
Sprinkle this seasoning salt over air popped popcorn, kale chips, steamed veggies, baked potato . . .(etc.)
Simple Spirulina Salad Dressing
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Spirulina powder
Juice and zest of ½ lemon
Sprinkle of garlic powder and cayenne pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together and pour over your favorite salad. Some people make the dressing without the lemon juice and zest, so you can experiment with what you like best.

Tasty & Easy to make “Green Rice” with Spirulina- http://www.instructables.com/id/Tasty-Easy-to-make-Green-Rice-with-Spirulina/

30 Sep

SPIRULINA FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS.

There is a lot of steps that you can take to help reduce the effect of the disease, like eat a cleaner diet, do some sport, drink a lot of water and find the right superfood/supplement that can help. Like our favorite blue-green algae: spirulina! Spirulina is a natural & affordable way to help you control your blood sugar level.

This Superfood is consumed worldwide and is recognized to regulate glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol.

Did you know that the findings of several scientific articles indicate that the administration of 10 grams of spirulina per day for at least 90 days tend to bring different parameters significantly towards normal levels (blood glucose, plasma insulin, serum C-peptide, and activities of the glucose metabolizing enzymes hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase).

Diabetes (Type 2) is one of the most prevalent diseases in many developed countries and is of great concern globally. “Diet plays a central key role in maintaining the blood glucose levels in diabetic patients to prevent complications arising. As spirulina has been associated with cholesterol regulatory, antioxidant and immune modulatory properties, it seems to be helpful to diabetic patients as a functional food.

nutrition_balance Spirulina helps in maintaining the nutritional balance in such chronic conditions. Considering the critical lipid profile in Diabetic patients, spirulina has been reported to have blood lipid lowering effects which have a positive impact on both healthy subjects as well as heart patients. Since dyslipidemia, oxidative and inflammatory stress are considered to be the contributing factors for diabetes, spirulina has great promise as a functional food for management of type 2 diabetes.”

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Journal of Medicinal Food

Role of Spirulina in the Control of Glycemia and Lipidemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Panam Parikh, Uliyar Mani, Uma Iyer. Journal of Medicinal Food. December 2001

Published in Volume: 4 Issue 4: July 7, 2004

Panam Parikh, MSc

Department of Foods and Nutrition, M S University of Baroda, Vadodara-390002, Gujarat, India

Uliyar Mani, PhD,

Uma Iyer, PhD

Spirulina, with its high concentration of functional nutrients, is emerging as an important therapeutic food. This study aimed to evaluate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic role of Spirulina. Twenty-five subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly assigned to receive Spirulina (study group) or to form the control group. At baseline, the control and study groups were matched for various variables. The efficacy of Spirulina supplementation (2 g/day for 2 months) was determined using the preintervention and postintervention blood glucose levels, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and lipid profiles of the diabetic subjects. Two-month supplementation with Spirulina resulted in an appreciable lowering of fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose levels. A significant reduction in the HbA1c level was also observed, indicating improved long-term glucose regulation. With regard to lipids, triglyceride levels were significantly lowered. Total cholesterol (TC) and its fraction, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), exhibited a fall coupled with a marginal increase in the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). As a result, a significant reduction in the atherogenic indices, TC:HDL-C and LDL-C: HDL-C, was observed. The level of apolipoprotein B registered a significant fall together with a significant increment in the level of apolipoprotein A1. Therefore, a significant and favorable increase in the ratio of A1:B was also noted. These findings suggest the beneficial effect of Spirulina supplementation in controlling blood glucose levels and in improving the lipid profile of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

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Alterations in beta-islets of Langerhans in alloxan-induced diabetic rats by marine Spirulina platensis

December 2009, Vol. 24, No. 6 , Pages 1253-1256 (doi:10.3109/14756360902827240)

Muthuraman, R. Senthilkumar, K. Srikumar

Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry, India

Address for Correspondence: K. Srikumar, PhD, FABMS, Reader, Dept. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry-605014, India. Tel: +91-413-2654422. E-mail: frenzram@gmail.com

Marine Spirulina platensis may potentially influence the metabolic process in animal cells, and the effect of marine Spirulina platensis in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats was therefore investigated. Normal and diabetic rats (albino Wistar strain) were orally administered marine Spirulina platensis for 30 days and their blood levels of glucose and insulin and body weight changes were determined. Pancreatic histopathology was also noted. Treatment with marine Spirulina platensis caused significant alterations in the content of these indicators and therefore in the antidiabetic capacity of the treated animals compared to control rats.

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Spirulina protects against Rosiglitazone induced osteoporosis in insulin resistance rats

References and further reading may be available for this article. To view references and further reading you must purchase this article.

Sumeet Guptaa, H.J. Hrishikeshvanb and Prabodh K. Sehajpalc, Corresponding Author Contact Information, E-mail The Corresponding Author

a Department of Pharmacology, M. M. College of Pharmacy, M. M. University, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India

b Department of Pharmacology, Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy, Kormangala, Bangalore, India

c Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar-143005, Punjab, India

Received 8 June 2009;

revised 30 September 2009;

accepted 5 October 2009.

Available online 5 November 2009.

Abstract

Aim

The study was undertaken to assess the protective effect of Spirulina fusiformis extract against Rosiglitazone induced osteoporosis and pharmacodynamic effects of Rosiglitazone with Spirulina in treating hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia of insulin resistance rat.

Method

For this aim, 30 Wistar albino rats were equally divided into five groups as control (C), diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetes mellitus + Rosiglitazone (DM + R), diabetes mellitus + Spirulina (DM + S), and diabetes mellitus + Rosiglitazone + Spirulina (DM + R + S). Serum glucose, triglyceride, HDL, LDL and insulin concentrations were estimated by routine standard methods in blood samples collected on 21th day. Integrity of the bone surface was examined by scanning electronic microscopy, and bone strength was measured by micro-hardness test on 45th day.

Results

A significant decrease in total bone mineral density was observed in group DM + R rats (p < 0.05). The number and depth of resorptive pits on surface of the bone in Rosiglitazone treated rats improved clearly with Spirulina administration. The intactness and integrity of the bone surface as well as the bone strength improved due to the high content of calcium and phosphorous in Spirulina. Besides, chromium and gamma-linoleic acid in Spirulina helped to decrease the fasting serum glucose, HDL, LDL and triglycerides levels in insulin resistance rats.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that combination therapy of Rosiglitazone with Spirulina reduced the risk of osteoporosis in insulin resistance rats. Additionally, Spirulina complemented the antihyperglycemic and antilipidemic activity of Rosiglitazone.

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Spirulina maxima prevents fatty liver formation in CD-1 male and female mice with experimental diabetes.

Rodríguez-Hernández A, Blé-Castillo JL, Juárez-Oropeza MA, Díaz-Zagoya JC.

Source

Laboratorio de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital General de Zona No. 1, Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social, UNAM, Ciudad Universitaria, DF.

Abstract

The dietary administration of 5% Spirulina maxima (SM) during four weeks to diabetic mice, starting one week after a single dose of alloxan, 250 mg/Kg body weight, prevented fatty liver production in male and female animals. The main action of SM was on triacylglycerol levels in serum and liver. There was also a moderate hypoglycemia in male mice. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances also decreased in serum and liver after SM administration. There was also a decrease in the percentage of HDL in diabetic mice that was reverted by the SM administration. The sum of LDL + VLDL percentages was also partially normalized in diabetic animals by the SM administration. An additional observation was the lower incidence of adherences between the liver and the intestine loops in the diabetic mice treated with SM compared with diabetic mice without SM. Male and female mice showed differences to diabetes susceptibility and response to SM, the female being more resistant to diabetes induction by alloxan and more responsive to the beneficial effects of SM. It is worth future work of SM on humans looking for better quality of life and longer survival of diabetic patients.

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Nutritional and Therapeutic Potential of Spirulina

Authors: Khan, Z.1; Bhadouria, P.1; Bisen, P. S.1

Source: Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Volume 6, Number 5, October 2005 , pp. 373-379(7)

Abstract:

Spirulina, a filamentous cyanobacterium, possesses diverse biological activities and nutritional significance due to high concentration of natural nutrients, having bio-modulatory and immuno-modulatory functions. Different Spirulina preparations influence immune system viz. increase phagocytic activity of macrophages, stimulating the production of antibodies and cytokines, increase accumulation of NK cells into tissue and activation and mobilization of T and B cells. Spirulina have also shown to perform regulatory role on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism by exhibiting glucose and lipid profile correcting activity in experimental animals and in diabetic patients. Preparations have been found to be active against several enveloped viruses including herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, influenza virus and HIV. They are capable to inhibit carcinogenesis due to anti-oxidant properties that protect tissues and also reduce toxicity of liver, kidney and testes.

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A randomized study to establish the effects of spirulina in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Eun Hee Lee,1 Ji-Eun Park,1 Young-Ju Choi,2 Kap-Bum Huh,2 and Wha-Young Kimcorresponding author1

1Department of Nutritional Science and Food Management, Ewha Womans University, 11-1 Daehyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-750, Korea.

221C Diabetics and Vascular Research Center, 40-19 Nogosan-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul 121-806, Korea.

corresponding authorCorresponding author.

Corresponding Author: Wha-Young Kim, Tel. 82-2-3277-3093, Fax. 82-2-3277-2862, Email: wykim@ewha.ac.kr

Received September 25, 2008; Revised October 23, 2008; Accepted November 10, 2008.

Abstract

Spirulina is a microscopic and filamentous cyanobacterium that contains essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidative components. The purpose of this study was to examine effects of spirulina intervention in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes. The subjects were 37 type 2 diabetic patients who visited a diabetic clinic in Seoul and randomly assigned into spirulina (8 g/day) or control group. During the intervention period of 12 weeks, subjects were asked to keep usual diet and prohibited to take any functional foods or dietary supplements. Spirulina supplementation for 12 weeks did not affect anthropometric parameters, however, lowered plasma triglycerides level significantly (p<0.05). Spirulina supplementation also resulted in a significant reduction in plasma malondialdehyde level (p<0.05) and an increase in plasma adiponectin level (p<0.1). The lipid lowering effect of spirulina supplementation was different according to serum lipid levels of the subjects before entering the intervention. The subjects with higher initial triglyceride level showed higher reduction in plasma triglyceride and blood pressure. The subjects with higher initial total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol level showed higher reduction in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, IL-6, and blood pressure. It seems that spirulina supplementation is more effective in subjects with dyslipidemia. This study provides the evidence for beneficial effects of spirulina supplementation on blood lipid profiles, inflammatory variables, and antioxidant capacity in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that spirulina is a promising agent as a functional food for diabetes management.

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http://www.thebioscan.in/Journals_PDF/5334-%20D.%20%20JALAJA%20KUMARI.pdf

http://www.idb.hr/diabetologia/06no2-1.pdf

30 Sep

Spirulina Benefits

Spirulina is a simple one-celled microscopic blue-green algae with the scientific name Arthrospira platensis. Under a microscope, spirulina appears as long, thin, blue-green spiral threads. The odor and taste of spirulina is similar to seaweed.

Spirulina can be found in many freshwater environments, including ponds, lakes, and rivers. It thrives best under pesticide-free conditions with plenty of sunlight and moderate temperature levels, but it is also highly adaptable, surviving even in extreme conditions. More than 25,000 species of algae live everywhere – in water, in soils, on rocks, on plants. They range in size from a single cell to giant kelp over 150 feet long. Macroalgae are large like seaweeds. Microalgae are microscopic. Ocean microalgae, called phytoplankton, are the base of the ocean food web. Spirulina is often deemed the most nutritionally complete of all food supplements, containing a rich supply of many important nutrients, including protein, complex carbohydrates, iron, and vitamins A, K, and B complex. It also has a high supply of carotenoids such as beta carotene and yellow xanthophylls which have antioxidant properties. It is also rich in chlorophyll, fatty and nucleic acids, and lipids. Thus, spirulina has countless uses as a supplement for maintaining good health and for preventing diseases.

Spirulina is the richest beta carotene food, with a full spectrum of ten mixed carotenoids. About half are orange carotenes: alpha, beta and gamma and half are yellow xanthophylls. They work synergistically at different sites in our body to enhance antioxidant protection. Twenty years of research proves eating beta carotene rich fruits and vegetables gives us real anti-cancer protection. Synthetic beta carotene has not always shown these benefits. Research in Israel showed natural beta carotene from algae was far more effective. Natural is better assimilated and contains the key 9-cis isomer, lacking in synthetic. As suspected, natural carotenoids in algae and vegetables have the most antioxidant and anti-cancer power.

Spirulina is an ideal anti-aging food; concentrated nutrient value, easily digested and loaded with antioxidants. Beta carotene is good for healthy eyes and vision. Spirulina beta carotene is ten times more concentrated than carrots.

Iron is essential to build a strong system, yet is the most common mineral deficiency. Spirulina is rich in iron, magnesium and trace minerals, and is easier to absorb than iron supplements.

Spirulina is the highest source of B-12, essential for healthy nerves and tissue, especially for vegetarians. Having said that, there does seem to be lots of evidence that the Vit B12 is in a slightly different form than that which can easily be absorbed by Humans, so it is debatable how much good this B12 will do you. It seems to be only the B12 there is this absorption issue with though, and the rest of the nutrients do seem to be bio-actively available to the body.

Healthy Dieting with Spirulina

About 60% of spirulina’s dry weight is protein, which is essential for growth and cell regeneration. It is a good replacement for fatty and cholesterol-rich meat and dairy products in one’s diet. Every 10 grams of spirulina can supply up to 70% of the minimum daily requirements for iron, and about three to four times of minimum daily requirements for vitamins A (in the form of beta carotene), B complex, D,and K. By itself, it does not contain vitamin C, but it helps maintain this vitamin’s potency.

Spirulina is rich in gamma-linolenic acid or GLA, a compound found in breast milk that helps develop healthier babies. Moreover, with its high digestibility, spirulina has been proven to fight malnutrition in impoverished communities by helping the body absorb nutrients when it has lost its ability to absorb normal forms of food.

Another health benefit of spirulina is that it stimulates beneficial flora like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria in your digestive tract to promote healthy digestion and proper bowel function. It acts as a natural cleanser by eliminating mercury and other deadly toxins commonly ingested by the body.

Spirulina also increases stamina and immunity levels in athletes, and its high protein content helps build muscle mass. At the same time, it can curb hunger that may develop during the most demanding training routines. Thus, it indirectly acts as an effective way to maintain an athlete’s ideal body weight.

The Disease Fighter

As well as beta carotene, Spirulina contains other nutrients such as iron, manganese, zinc, copper, selenium, and chromium. These nutrients help fight free radicals, cell-damaging molecules absorbed by the body through pollution, poor diet, injury, or stress. By removing free radicals, the nutrients help the immune system fight cancer and cellular degeneration. In some findings, spirulina has helped reduce oral cancer tumors in laboratory rats, and may thus provide a big medical breakthrough in cancer treatment.

Spirulina’s ability to reduce the bad cholesterol LDL in the body helps prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases, such as hardening of the arteries and strokes. It also helps lower blood pressure. While not clinically proven, spirulina may also protect against allergic reactions and liver infection.

Research confirms Spirulina promotes digestion and bowel function. It suppresses bad bacteria like e-coli and Candida yeast and stimulates beneficial flora like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. Healthy flora is the foundation of good health and it increases absorption of nutrients from the foods we eat, and helps protect against infection. Spirulina builds healthy lactobacillus, aiding assimilation and elimination and relieving constipation.

Removing Toxins

In 1994, a Russian Patent was awarded for spirulina as a medical food to reduce allergic reactions from radiation sickness. 270 Children of Chernobyl consuming 5 grams a day for 45 days (donated by Earthrise Farms), lowered radionucleides by 50%, and normalized allergic sensitivities. Today we are subject to an onslaught of toxic chemicals in our air, water, food and drugs. Our bodies need to continually eliminate these accumulated toxins. Spirulina has a completely unique combination of phytonutrients – including chlorophyll, phycocyanin and polysaccharides, that can help cleanse our bodies.

How to Take Spirulina

Spirulina is now commercially available in tablet or powder form. Some health tonics contain spirulina as part of their ingredients. A simple daily regimen for spirulina involves taking a 500 mg tablet four to six times daily.

Sources for these forms of spirulina are normally laboratory-grown. Harvesting spirulina from more natural settings has posed a challenge because of possible contamination from toxic substances that cannot be removed from the product. Hopefully, more eco-friendly and safer ways to cultivate the algae can eventually be developed and perfected