Healthy Tips For Better Live

Spirulina is blue green algae that are one of the oldest species on earth. It thrives in natural alkaline lakes; it has been used for food, pharmaceutical, biochemicals, fertilizers, herbal products, ETC. Many cultures in human history used it as food such as Kanembu people of central Africa, and the Aztecs in Mexico. There are over 25,000 known species of Algae, living everywhere. Most algae live off sunlight through photosynthesis, but some live off organic matter like bacteria. They range in size from a single cell to giant kelp over 150 feet long. Larger algae like seaweeds are called macro-algae. Micro-algae can only be seen under a microscope. Micro-algae are blue green algae like spirulina, green algae like chlorella, Nori, red algae, like dunaliella and dulse.

Spirulina is a filamentous Algae, with cells stacked along a spiral shaped filament up to a millimeter in length, it looks like a coil or a spring. Today spirulina is called a super food because its nutrients are, more concentrated than almost any other food, plant, or herb. Its protein content of 65% is the highest of any natural food, far more than animal flesh (15% -25%), soybeans (35%), milk (5%), and nuts (20%). Spirulina is a complete protein because it contains all essential and non-essential amino acids. Spirulina is a vegetable source of protein meaning it is comprised of mostly functional protein, which means most of the protein will be used by the body. Unlike dead proteins in animal products ( structural protein), spirulina after digestion does not create Uric acid in the body which means it will help to build tissue faster because it has live protein ( functional). It has no hard cellulose in its cell walls, this also ensures its protein is easily digested and assimilated in the body, about 90%-95%.

Ten grams of Spirulina provide a remarkable 23000 IV of beta carotene or 46% of the US RDA of vitamin A, ten times higher than a carrot.

Spirulina is a rich source of B-12, higher than beef liver, steak, or poultry. It is the best source of vitamin B-12 for a vegan, and is actually bio-available, can be absorbed by the body. Spirulina absorbs and naturally chelates many trace minerals. Minerals in these organic forms are more easily assimilated by the body.

Spirulina is the richest iron food, 20 times higher than common iron rich foods because of its blue pigment and high chlorophyll content, the iron in spirulina is over twice as absorbable as iron found in vegetables and most meats. Many Iron supplements are not well absorbed, and cause constipation as a side effect. Study show iron in spirulina is 60% better absorbed than other iron supplements such as iron sulfate.

Although spirulina is not known as a calcium source, it is one of the most concentrated calcium foods, supplying more calcium gram for gram than milk, and it does not create mucus like milk. Spirulina is also rich in magnesium. Magnesium facilitates the absorption of calcium and helps to regulate blood pressure.

Spirulina contains essential fatty acids (EFA) and Vitamin E. It also contains EFA in the form of gamma linolenic acid (GIA) GLA is the precursor to the body is prostaglandins-master hormones that control many functions. The only other known sources of Dietary GLA are mother’s milk and oils and extracts of evening primrose black currant and borage seeds.  Spirulina also contains carotenoids (yellow and orange pigments), chlorophyll sometimes called green blood because it is similar to the hemoglobin molecule in human blood. Because of its chlorophyll, and high iron content spirulina is a good blood builder especially for Anemics.

Phycocyanin is a protein complex that gives spirulina its blue pigment. spirulina contains enzymes, which are catalysts for chemical change in the body. Enzymes are living substances that all food contains. This is the major difference between synthetic vitamins and plant based vitamins. Plant based vitamins contain enzymes, without enzymes your body could not assimilate the vitamin and mineral content of spirulina. Enzymes are a catalyst for your body to assimilate vitamins and minerals. Enzymes can only come from a living source, this is why man made vitamins are inferior.

The bible describes when the Israelites were starving in the wilderness, god provides Manna from heaven, a flake –like thing, lying on the ground. Many believe this manna was really a form of spirulina

In east Africa, millions of Flaming feed entirely on spirulina from the alkaline lakes. Many other animals depend on algae for their survival. Spirulina’s high vitamin and mineral content make it an excellent appetite suppressant. It is good to use when fasting or a restricted diet needed. Spirulina is a good source of energy when taken of a period of time. Spirulina is an alkaline food this is why it will help raise the ph of the body of an acidic person, when taken, in conjunction with an alkaline diet (fruits and veggies).

Protein Metabolism is nothing but a series of chemical reaction process responsible for the synthesis and breakdown of proteins and amino acids. Proteins are comprised of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen. These biochemical catalysts form the cellular structure. Protein is the only nutrient that contains nitrogen which plays the key role for the formation of different amino acids. Proteins are the organic compounds of amino acids which are the essential nutrients in building the muscle tissue and organs. Amino acids are very essential for building the cell structures .If the presences of amino acids are in excess state then it was converted into fat and later used for energy metabolism.

The amino groups are transformed from muscles to liver by the glucose –alanine cycle for the conversion of these amino acids into glucose. All amino acids are converted into glucose for the occurrence of catabolism in liver as it plays a major role in holding the essential amino acids. Due to the action of insulin the plasma amino acids are damaged by dietary carbohydrate.

The body exposes to prolonged starvation or illness due to the breakdown of proteins by the inadequate supply of energy .Brain tissues uses the preference of liver for utilizing the proteins in it. Liver cells and kidney cells are the only two organs to contain the gluconeogenesis pathway which are used for the conversion of amino acids into glucose.

The protein metabolism is carried in two path ways:

Protein catabolism: Protein catabolism is the process of breaking down the amino acid group into smaller units for the easy transfer of energy through blood to the cells. Protein catabolism is also referred to as digestion process of nutrients. During protein catabolism vitamin B6 is present in amino acids for transamination of nitrogen from one acid to another acid. In this process L-glutamate is formed by the transamination of amino acids and later this product is converted into ammonia by oxidative deamination. By this ammonia, urea synthesis is carried out and transmitted to the kidneys through blood and released out in the urination. Carbon dioxide, Adenasine triphosphate, urea, water and ammonia are the final products of protein catabolism.

Protein anabolism: Protein Anabolism is the process of grouping the smaller amino groups into larger protein molecule for building up the organs and muscle tissues.

Maple urine disease, albinism, histidinaemia, tyrosinaemia and alkaptonuria are the disease caused due to the disorders of protein metabolism.

Out of the many protein sources out there, whey protein is the ultimate. It comes from milk. During the process of turning milk into cheese, whey protein is separated out. Protein can be found in a variety of foods – mainly meats, such as fish, beef, and chicken.

Dairy products as well as eggs, cottage cheese, soy and vegetable protein also contain good amounts of protein. Nevertheless, none of these sources compares in quality or ease of use like whey protein. Whey protein has the highest value in providing branched-chain amino acids, which result in building and retaining muscle tissue.

What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this?

Whey protein (the highest quality and best form of protein) is incredible stuff. It provides the body with the necessary building blocks to produce amino acids that are used for building muscle tissue. Whoa! Nearly every bodybuilder knows the importance of protein supplementation. Studies have been conducted that compare whey protein to other sources. They have found that whey protein contains the perfect combination of overall amino acid makeup… and in just the right concentrations for optimal performance in the body. Both hormonal and cellular responses seem to be greatly enhanced with supplementation of whey protein, too! Not to mention the benefits whey protein has on the body’s immune system according to documented scientific research. Whey protein also plays a role as an antioxidant and helps support a health immune system. Most importantly, consistent whey protein intake coupled with exercise will result in consistent muscle building.

Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?

Whey protein is very, very important for bodybuilders, dieters, and shoot, just about everybody! Since athletes and bodybuilders work out often, protein levels become depleted. By being a direct precursor to building muscle and essential amino acids, such as glutamine (a muscle enhancer, endurance builder, and muscle deterioration reducer), the content from high quality whey protein not only can, but will help one’s muscles recover and grow faster by bring up the levels of protein. With dieting and those wishing to lose some extra fat, whey protein can be very useful because a good intake of protein balances blood sugar levels, while carbohydrates cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate. When the blood sugar levels stay balanced, one is not as prone to rampant eating and has more energy and greater fat loss. Whey protein allows a person to control his or her diet effectively. Most people who want to change their body for the better could benefit from whey protein supplementation; however, since protein is naturally found in many food items deficiency is usually not a problem.

How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?

Training athletes often consume 25 grams of whey protein per day. Bodybuilders who want serious gains (and are burning serious calories), generally consume 150 grams per day. Extremely high doses of whey protein is not recommended, as this will cause the body’s liver to be overloaded and you won’t get the same benefits as with a consistent lower amount taken three to five times per day.

Whey protein has long been considered the “Gold Standard” of protein for serious athletes who work hard to develop and sustain a lean, strong and well-defined physique. Research studies support this belief. Athletes need more protein in their diet, often as much as twice the recommended daily allowance. The protein they choose makes a difference and here are several reasons why whey protein is a preferred choice for athletes of all types.

- Whey protein is a naturally complete protein, meaning that it contains all of the essential amino acids required in the daily diet. It has the ideal combination of amino acids to help improve body composition and enhance athletic performance.

- Whey protein is a rich source of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), containing the highest known levels of any natural food source. BCAAs are important for athletes since unlike the other essential amino acids, they are metabolized directly into muscle tissue and are the first ones used during periods of exercise and resistance training. Whey protein provides the body with BCAAs to replenish depleted levels and start repairing and rebuilding lean muscle tissue.

- Whey protein is an excellent source of the essential amino acid, leucine. Leucine is important for athletes as it plays a key role in promoting muscle protein synthesis and muscle growth. Research has shown that individuals who exercise benefit from diets high in leucine and have more lean muscle tissue and less body fat compared to individuals whose diet contains lower levels of leucine. Whey protein isolate has approximately 50% more leucine than soy protein isolate.

- Whey protein is a soluble, easy to digest protein and is efficiently absorbed into the body. It is often referred to as a “fast” protein for its ability to quickly provide nourishment to muscles.

- Whey protein helps athletes maintain a healthy immune system by increasing the levels of glutathione in the body. Glutathione is an anti-oxidant required for a healthy immune system and exercise and resistance training may reduce glutathione levels. Whey protein helps keep athletes healthy and strong to perform their best.