Don’t you wish to go back to the time when you weighed 10 pounds less? Are you bored of wearing loose clothes, dark jeans, and body shapers to hide your figure flaws? The fact is, these clothes cannot protect you from obesity-related diseases such as PCOD, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and infertility. But losing weight can. So, if you are serious about getting back in shape, do more than just eating healthy and exercising. Having supplements can speed up the process and one such natural weight loss supplement is Spirulina. This blue-green alga is branded “Best Food for the Future” by the UN for many reasons, weight loss being one of them. Read on to find out how spirulina aids weight loss, where to buy it, dosage, and much more.

How Spirulina Aids Weight Loss?

Spirulina and weight loss – the magical connection. Before we delve in further let me first give you a brief introduction to Spirulina. Spirulina is a floating microalga found mostly in the water reservoirs of Africa, India, Mexico, and America. Spirulina is highly nutritious, a reason why it was promoted by the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM) to fight starvation and malnutrition in the 70s. Even the NASA recommends spirulina as food for astronauts on a space mission. It is also consumed by soldiers during wars that last long. And here is how spirulina benefits weight loss.

1. Low Calorie

One tablespoon (7 g) spirulina contains only 20 calories. Consuming low-calorie food is critical if you want to lose weight. It will help create a negative energy balance. Therefore you can add it to your morning smoothies or juice without having to worry about consuming too many calories (1).

2. High Protein

When it comes to weight loss, a low carb and high protein diet work for most dieters. Spirulina contains about 60-70% protein and comprises all the essential amino acids. Proteins take longer to digest than simple carbs. Spirulina can keep you full for longer. Also, proteins help build lean muscle mass thereby making you look toned and increasing your muscle power and endurance (2) (3).

3. Highly Nutritious

Spirulina is rich in vitamins C, B1, B6, B5 and E and minerals such as copper, zinc, manganese, useful enzymes and dietary fiber that makes it a perfect weight loss supplement. These minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and dietary fibers help in digestion, metabolism, removing toxins, and preventing fat absorption (4).

4. Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Spirulina has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Antioxidants help eliminate harmful oxygen free radicals and prevent the body from producing pro-inflammatory molecules. This prevents the body from being stressed and avoids inflammation. Toxicity accumulation and inflammation are the two main factors of weight gain, and spirulina can clearly protect you from (5).






5. Suppress appetite






Spirulina is also an appetite suppressant. It contains the amino acid phenylalanine that stimulates the secretion of cholecystokinin, which helps to suppress appetite (6) (7).






6. Hypolipidemic properties






Many scientific studies have confirmed that Spirulina has a lipid-lowering effect. It helps lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood and increases good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. Therefore, eating spirulina will promote the mobilization of fat, which is the key to weight loss (8) (9).






7. Lower blood sugar


Hyperglycemia increases the risk of insulin resistance, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, and diabetes. Spirulina helps reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, if your diet contains spirulina, you can prevent insulin peaks and further protect yourself from disease and weight gain (10).






8. Lower blood pressure


Spirulina also helps reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, making it an effective antihypertensive agent. Hypertension and stress can lead to weight gain, and supplementation with spirulina can prevent you from becoming obese, especially in your abdomen (11).






So, this is why spirulina is considered the best weight loss supplement for 8 reasons. Now let's see how you eat spirulina.






How to eat Spirulina to lose weight


How to eat spirulina weight loss needle


Photo: Shutterstock










Let's take a look at the doses of spirulina powder and tablets used for weight loss.






Spirulina powder


You can mix a tablespoon of spirulina powder into a juice or smoothie.


You can mix a tablespoon of spirulina powder into a glass of water.


You can add a tablespoon of spirulina powder to salads, soups, homemade sauces, curries and fried vegetables.


You can add 1 tablespoon of spirulina to cakes, pastries and homemade energy bars.


Spirulina tablets


If you want to take spirulina tablets, it is safe to take 500 mg of spirulina tablets 3-4 times a day.


Now, one of the most important questions is, is it safe to eat spirulina? This is a fair answer.



Is it safe to eat spirulina?


Is it safe to eat spirulina powder?



Spirulina is approved by the FDA for safe consumption. However, I recommend that you consult your doctor before starting to use spirulina. This is because you may be allergic to spirulina, or you may do better by eating any other natural weight loss supplement, or you may not even need spirulina. Also, if you are allergic to seafood or have hypothyroidism, avoid eating spirulina. Although it is safe to consume, you may feel a fever or fatigue after you consume spirulina. Again, it depends on the individual.