Hey guys, after discussing probiotics and why they are effective, I've decided to divulge one of my not-so secret secrets upon this forum.
Spirulina, or a class of blue green algae, has been a great supplement which I've added to my Zinc, ACV and Vitamin B/D/K and I've began to notice great benefits.
It's a relatively cheap compound which you can easily find on amazon for $10-$20. Sometimes the tablets do taste like the inside of a fish tank (it's freaking algae), but nothing that is a deal breaker.
I'll first start by touching upon the things which you wouldn't normally be able to notice but are slightly tangible.
Inflammation Reduction and Heart Health
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19298191
Basically, this compound has been in numerous studies relating it to overall heart health and inflammation reduction. I can't really speak on these effects (I'm quite young to experience heart problems), but I'm sure some of the older forum members would like to get their hands on a non-prescription which prevents the onset of heart disease. It also seems to reduce Low Density Lipoprotein Levels in the blood (bad cholesterol, or LDL) while also slightly raising High Density Lipoproteins, or good cholesterol (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23754631).
While these effects are all fine and good, most of us want more tangible effects that will have an impact on daily life. Fret not, spirulina has those effects too.
Power Output and Muscle Endurance
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16944194
http://journals.sfu.ca/ijmbs/index.html/i...Article/51
As you can see, spirulina algae has a great, tangible effect on power output and a somewhat middling but effective impact on endurance training. Need to put another 20lbs(~9kg) on that squat bar? Want to finally hit 225lbs (100kg) on bench? Look no further than spirulina. The next effect is the most surprising...
Allergies and Nasal Congestion
If you're a habitual sneezer, this is where I strongly suggest taking this product.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18343939
Having a pubmed study say that is remarkable for an herbal/dietary supplement. Instead of masking the symptoms with allergy medicine and perhaps lowering your immune system, spirulina treats allergies naturally. Zyrtec and Claritin produced ADHD in me as a kid, so I never trusted those products and endured the allergies until I found this.
It truly was a lifesaver.
So in conclusion, Spirulina Blue-Green Algae is a must have for all forum members who are looking to improve overall health, reduce allergies and get stronger. In another study, it also reduced arsenic levels in the blood! (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16615668). So unlike other supps which "detox" you, this actually removes harmful chemicals from your body when paired with zinc.
Personally, after I started taking spirulina, I noticed a subtle yet noticeable effect on my skin; it was much more shiny and my complexion was slightly darker. This effect was especially noticeable in the winter. Also, the allergy aspect of spirulina saved my ass from sneezing fits in the spring.
After about a year of supplementation it's safe to say that this is a great product which comes for cheap, and every forum member should have it in their cabinet. I personally bought the NOW brand as I trust their products after trying a few.
Take about 1-3g per day (1-3 tabs) and try to stomach it. Sometimes it can be difficult, but it is well worth it.
Spirulina, or a class of blue green algae, has been a great supplement which I've added to my Zinc, ACV and Vitamin B/D/K and I've began to notice great benefits.
It's a relatively cheap compound which you can easily find on amazon for $10-$20. Sometimes the tablets do taste like the inside of a fish tank (it's freaking algae), but nothing that is a deal breaker.
I'll first start by touching upon the things which you wouldn't normally be able to notice but are slightly tangible.
Inflammation Reduction and Heart Health
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19298191
Quote:Quote:
There are several reports suggesting that Spirulina (Arthrospira) may have a beneficial effect in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases... In humans, Spirulina maxima intake decreases blood pressure and plasma lipid concentrations, especially triacylglycerols and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and indirectly modifies the total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol values.
Basically, this compound has been in numerous studies relating it to overall heart health and inflammation reduction. I can't really speak on these effects (I'm quite young to experience heart problems), but I'm sure some of the older forum members would like to get their hands on a non-prescription which prevents the onset of heart disease. It also seems to reduce Low Density Lipoprotein Levels in the blood (bad cholesterol, or LDL) while also slightly raising High Density Lipoproteins, or good cholesterol (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23754631).
While these effects are all fine and good, most of us want more tangible effects that will have an impact on daily life. Fret not, spirulina has those effects too.
Power Output and Muscle Endurance
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16944194
http://journals.sfu.ca/ijmbs/index.html/i...Article/51
Quote:Quote:
Spirulina for 8 weeks is effective in increasing the isometric muscle strength and isometric muscle endurance. Spirulina supplementation with training was found to be better than the spirulina only and training only in increasing muscle strength but no group was found to be better in increasing muscular endurance...
Quote:Quote:
These results suggest that ingestion of S. platensis showed preventive effect of the skeletal muscle damage and that probably led to postponement of the time of exhaustion during the all-out exercise.
As you can see, spirulina algae has a great, tangible effect on power output and a somewhat middling but effective impact on endurance training. Need to put another 20lbs(~9kg) on that squat bar? Want to finally hit 225lbs (100kg) on bench? Look no further than spirulina. The next effect is the most surprising...
Allergies and Nasal Congestion
If you're a habitual sneezer, this is where I strongly suggest taking this product.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18343939
Quote:Quote:
Spirulina consumption significantly improved the symptoms and physical findings compared with placebo (P < 0.001***) including nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion and itching. Spirulina is clinically effective on allergic rhinitis when compared with placebo. Further studies should be performed in order to clarify the mechanism of this effect.
Having a pubmed study say that is remarkable for an herbal/dietary supplement. Instead of masking the symptoms with allergy medicine and perhaps lowering your immune system, spirulina treats allergies naturally. Zyrtec and Claritin produced ADHD in me as a kid, so I never trusted those products and endured the allergies until I found this.
It truly was a lifesaver.
So in conclusion, Spirulina Blue-Green Algae is a must have for all forum members who are looking to improve overall health, reduce allergies and get stronger. In another study, it also reduced arsenic levels in the blood! (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16615668). So unlike other supps which "detox" you, this actually removes harmful chemicals from your body when paired with zinc.
Personally, after I started taking spirulina, I noticed a subtle yet noticeable effect on my skin; it was much more shiny and my complexion was slightly darker. This effect was especially noticeable in the winter. Also, the allergy aspect of spirulina saved my ass from sneezing fits in the spring.
After about a year of supplementation it's safe to say that this is a great product which comes for cheap, and every forum member should have it in their cabinet. I personally bought the NOW brand as I trust their products after trying a few.
Take about 1-3g per day (1-3 tabs) and try to stomach it. Sometimes it can be difficult, but it is well worth it.