How Does Spirulina Aid Weight Loss?

Many health and fitness enthusiasts swear by using spirulina for weight loss. Your goal is to shed those extra pounds. After all, the days of baggy clothes, dark jeans, and body shapers are over. In addition, a weight loss program may prevent certain obesity-related conditions, including diabetes, PCODⁱ  A hormonal condition where a woman’s ovaries produce immature or partially-immature eggs that eventually turn into cysts. , heart disease, and infertility, and overall wellness.

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 burning, regulates appetite, helps maintain body composition and BMI, 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, belonging to the algae family, 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).

Trivia

The term spirulina is a Latin word meaning “helix” or “spiral,” which refers to the physical shape of the organism when they swirl.

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 cholecystokininⁱ  A gut hormone produced in the small intestine that helps digest fat and protein and reduces appetite. 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 triglycerideⁱ  A common type of fat that is stored in the body and gives you energy between your meals. 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, PCODⁱ  A hormonal condition where a woman’s ovaries produce immature or partially-immature eggs that eventually turn into cysts. , 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 antihypertensiveⁱ  A class of drugs that lower blood pressure levels to the standard range, preventing stroke and other diseases. 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).

Petrena, a YouTuber, shared her experiences of consuming spirulina for over 15 years. She says, “Always when I take my spirulina I notice an energy boost and it’s one of those things that if I hit a wall in the afternoon, you know those times in the middle of the day where we kind of start to fade a little bit and you need to pick up, sometimes I just take an extra dose of spirulina or another smoothie with another scoop of it in there and it picks me up, right again, and it’s a nice clean energy that you don’t crash from using (i).”

These are the 8 reasons spirulina is considered one of the best weight loss supplements. However, there are many more benefits of spirulina that you can explore and know a great deal about this amazing nutritional supplement. 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.

Quick Tip

Additionally, you may sprinkle spirulina into hummus for a quick snack and use it in tiny amounts in place of green food coloring. Spirulina powder can also be added to matcha, lattes, and cocktails.

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 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

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon spirulina
• ½ cup orange
• ½ cup pomegranate
• ¼ cup carrot
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• A pinch of Himalayan pink salt

How To Prepare

1. Toss the fruits and carrot into a blender and give it a spin.
2. Strain the juice into a cup.
3. Add lime juice, spirulina, and a pinch of Himalayan pink salt.
4. Stir well before drinking.

2. Spirulina In Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon spirulina
• ½ cup celery
• ½ cup tomato
• ½ cup watermelon
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• A pinch of Himalayan pink salt

How To Prepare

1. Blend all the ingredients using a food processor.
2. Pour out the smoothie into a glass and add the spirulina, salt, and lime juice.
3. Stir well before drinking.

3. Spirulina In Salad

Ingredients

• 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

How To Prepare

1. To make the dressing, mix low-fat yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add the shredded chicken or tofu to the bowl.
3. Add the spirulina, spinach, asparagus, and tomatoes.
4. Toss and turn well. Add a bit of salt and pepper if needed.

4. Spirulina Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon spirulina powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Maple syrup and fresh fruits for toppings

How To Prepare

1. Whisk together the flour, spirulina powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Whisk the vanilla extract, milk, melted butter, and egg in another bowl.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold until combined.
4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter.
5. Pour a quarter of the batter in the skillet.
6. Let it sit for about 3 minutes till bubbles appear on its surface.
7. Turn over the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
8. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
9. Serve hot with fruits and maple syrup.

These vibrant green spirulina pancakes not only look appealing but also offer a nutritional boost due to spirulina’s rich nutrient profile. Enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast

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

Why This Works

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

1. Spirulina can help prevent the growth of Candida (14).
2. It can help in the treatment of chronic arsenic poisoning (15).
3. It may help reduce the risk of cancer (16).
4. Spirulina is also found to inhibit HIV-1 replication (17).
5. It increases stamina and energy (18).
6. It can help in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (19).
7. It improves bone health (20).
8. Spirulina can also help treat anemiaⁱ  A condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells which helps carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. (21).
9. It can prevent brain damage and improve memory (22).
10. It can alleviate symptoms of PMS (23).
11. Spirulina was found to be effective against radiation sickness (24).
12. It can help keep the skin healthy (25).

While spirulina is generally considered safe for most people, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and precautions.

Potential Risks Of Spirulina

People with seafood allergies may be more susceptible to allergic reactions to spirulina, as they share similar proteins. Symptoms can include skin rashes, itching, and difficulty breathing.

Spirulina may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and immunosuppressants. It can be contaminated with heavy metals or toxins if not sourced from reputable suppliers. So, it is essential to purchase spirulina from reliable brands that adhere to quality control standards.

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.

Infographic: 3 Easy Spirulina Recipes For Weight Loss

Spirulina has recently gained immense popularity in the gastronomic world, thanks to its plethora of benefits. From regulating blood sugar levels to reducing diabetes risk, it helps maintain our health in many ways. However, the one thing that spirulina has gathered extreme attention for is its weight loss benefits. Check out the infographic below and try these 3 easy spirulina recipes that will help you lose those extra calories.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Illustration: How Does Spirulina Aid Weight Loss?

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Madhu SharmaRD

Madhu Sharma is a member of the National Executive Committee of IDA. She has been associated for almost three decades with Pediatric Nutrition at PGI while serving in the Gastroenterology Department (20 years) and then the Advanced Pediatric Center (10 yrs) at PGIMER, Chandigarh.

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Charushila is an ISSA certified Fitness Nutritionist and a Physical Exercise Therapist. Over a span of 6 years, she has authored more than 400 articles on diet, lifestyle, exercises, healthy food, and fitness equipment. She strives to inform, educate, and motivate her readers via authentic, straightforward, and fact-checked information.

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