Spirulina: natural supplement against the herpes virus?
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One of the oldest life forms on Earth, spirulina is a blue-green micro-algae that produced oxygen in our atmosphere billions of years ago so that other life forms could appear. Spirulina has become incredibly popular in recent years as a new superfood and with good reason. This micro-algae contains so many nutrients that you can almost live on it. Almost.
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Hundreds of studies have confirmed the superfood status of spirulina. The algae contains a whopping 60-70% complete protein, meaning that all 8 essential amino acids and 10 non-essentials are present, all of which promote your health. That's more protein than beef, chicken or soybeans. In addition, spirulina contains a higher concentration of nutrients than any other food source, whether animal or vegetable.
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Some of the other valuable constituents include: gamma linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, vitamin B12, iron, nucleic acids RNA and DNA, chlorophyll and phycocyanin, which are only found in blue-green algae prevents and counteracts various cancers.
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Some of the other valuable ingredients include: gamma linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, vitamin B12, iron, nucleic acids RNA and DNA, chlorophyll and phycocyanin, which are only found in blue-green algae prevents and counteracts various cancers.
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11 minMain dishpeanut oil, tofu stir-fry cubes finely seasoned, stir fry sauce sweet and sour, thick noodles, carrot julienne, beetroot julienne, yellow bell pepper, watercress,rainbow salad with tofu
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45 minMain dishRed cabbage, mild olive oil, quinoa plus, forest outing, lemon, sesame oil, soy sauce less salt, Bio Today tahini white in pot, tap water,grilled red cabbage with quinoa salad
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30 minDessertBrie, Roquefort, port salut, gruyere, Camembert, walnut, garlic, thyme, honey, grape, baguette, Red onion, red grape, raisins, Red wine, Red wine vinegar, Brown sugar,generous cheese plate with onion marmalade
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30 minDessertFull Milk, whipped cream, macaroon, custard powder, vanilla sugar, sugar, protein, amaretto, almond liqueur, basic recipe cooking pears,macaroon pastry with casserole
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Spirulina is easy to digest, protects the immune system, aids in the absorption of minerals and reduces cholesterol. The product is originally extracted from warm alkaline lakes in Africa and Central and South America, where spirulina has been used by indigenous people for centuries for its strong health benefits.
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Spirulina is easy to digest, protects the immune system, aids in the absorption of minerals and reduces cholesterol. The product is originally extracted from warm alkaline lakes in Africa and Central and South America where spirulina has been used by indigenous people for centuries for its strong health benefits.
Why take a spirulina supplement?
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From recent studies, it is becoming increasingly clear that health is mainly linked to micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, etc.) and not so much depends on macronutrients (high or low carbohydrates, fat, etc.). Eating foods bursting with micronutrients is thus very important to maintain a healthy weight, prevent or cure chronic and degenerative diseases and maximize longevity. Spirulina is perhaps the most nutritious source of these micronutrients known today and has been used for many years for its medicinal properties.
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From recent studies, it is becoming increasingly clear that health is mainly linked to micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, etc.) and not so much depends on macronutrients (high or low carbohydrates, fat, etc.). Eating foods bursting with micronutrients is thus very important to maintain a healthy weight, prevent or cure chronic and degenerative diseases and maximize longevity. Spirulina is perhaps the most nutritious source of these micronutrients currently known and has been used for many years for its medicinal properties.
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People who add spirulina to their (healthy) diet as a superfood often notice an increase in energy and an improvement in general health. Spirulina provides nutrients necessary to cleanse and heal the body and protect against various cancers and viruses such as influenza, herpes, mumps, measles and HIV.
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5 minDrink without alcoholbananas, cool fresh apple-pear raspberry juice, Soy drink vanilla,soy fruit shake
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20 minMain dishsauerkraut, sticking potato, liquid baking product, half-to-half minced, Spice meatballs, pineapple, olive oil, liquid baking product,gratin sauerkraut dish with minced meat
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40 minMain dishlemongrass, fresh ginger, Red peppers, onions, tomato cubes, fresh cod fillet, coriander, oil, ground turmeric (koenjit), coconut milk, salt,fish in creamy coconut sauce
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15 minSide dishsweet potato, soft goat cheese, egg, spring / forest onion,stuffed sweet potato with egg
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It is well known that fish is healthy for us because of its omega fatty acids. But how do fish actually get these fatty acids? The fatty acids can be produced because fish consume blue-green algae such as spirulina. Fats such as omega-3 fight against cardiovascular disease, reduce arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes and depression and can lower LDL cholesterol, the 'bad' cholesterol.
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The high content of vitamin B12 also makes spirulina excellent for the development of healthy nervous tissue and the metabolism of every cell in the body. This also means that spirulina can help repair nerve damage (as is the case with diseases such as fibromyalgia, for example). Spirulina is also known for its high content of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A, an essential nutrient required for healthy immunity, teeth, bone, mucous membranes, skin and eyes.
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Spirulina also contains all other B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin E, calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc. It has several antioxidants, phytonutrients and carotenoids. It protects the brain and detoxifies the liver and kidneys. It balances the pH in your body to combat chronic inflammation, the root of many diseases. It balances the immune system and calms an overactive immune system, which is important because an overactive (or inflamed) immune system is responsible for autoimmune diseases. These are again caused by poor nutrition and poor digestion, and here too spirulina has a positive effect.
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20 minMain dishTasty vine tomato, (olive oil, fresh basil, onion, garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano, zucchini spaghetti, pumpkin spaghetti, mini buffalo mozzarella,lukewarm pumpkin and zucchini spaghetti
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15 minSide dishtraditional olive oil, curry powder, wheat flour, coconut milk, sambal oelek, chicken broth tablet, water, fresh mango,curry sauce with mango
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30 minMain dishtraditional olive oil, lean ground beef, frozen Mexican wok vegetables, salsa sauce mild, taco shell, grated young cheese, creme fraiche,Mexican vegetable in tacos
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95 minMain dishmaize chicken, lemon, coarse sea salt, pepper, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, thyme, zucchini, tomatoes (small to), black olives without pit,provençal chicken with zucchini and tomatoes
Spirulina against the herpes virus
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The herpes virus, Herpes Simplex, is a virus responsible for cold sores and genital herpes. There are two types of this virus: type 1 (HSV-1) is usually responsible for cold sores (also called cold sores), while type 2 (HSV-2) is responsible for nearly 90% of genital herpes cases (the the other 10% is caused by HSV-1).
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In some people (especially children), an initial HSV-1 infection may cause the following symptoms: fever; painful swelling and open sores on the gums and inner cheeks; or a sore, sore throat. When these herpes symptoms occur, they usually start 2-12 days after exposure to someone with HSV-1.
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Symptoms of a first episode of genital herpes usually appear within 2 to 10 days of exposure to the virus and last an average of 2 to 3 weeks. Early symptoms may include itching or burning; pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area; vaginal discharge; or a feeling of pressure in the abdominal area. Sores appear at the site of infection within a few days. These can also occur on the cervix in women or on the urinary tract in men.
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These little red bumps can then develop into painful blisters or open wounds. Over a period of a few days, a crust forms on the wounds and they then heal without scarring. Other symptoms that can accompany a first episode of genital herpes are fever, headache, muscle pain, painful or difficult urination, vaginal discharge, and swollen glands in the groin area.
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After the initial infection of the skin or mucous membranes, the virus spreads to the sensory nerves at the end of the spinal cord. In most people the virus becomes inactive there. In other cases, however, it can be reactivated. When the virus is reactivated, it spreads along the nerves to the skin where it multiplies on the surface at or near the site of the original sores, causing new sores to erupt. However, this reactivation is not always accompanied by new ulcers.
Tackling the herpes virus with spirulina
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Several studies have recently been conducted in which the results have shown that a spirulina extract can effectively prevent infection with the herpes virus type 1 (HSV-1) as well as type 2 (HSV-2) Spirulina has extremely strong antiviral properties. However, the strongest antiviral activity was found against HSV-2, which means that spirulina is probably the most effective in preventing genital herpes. However, it can also help prevent and possibly even cure a cold sore. (1)
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25 minSmall dishflour, frozen puff pastry, egg, milk, walnut, mature cheese, paprika, dried Provençal herbs,puff pastry-sticks
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20 minSide dishEggs, lettuce, parsley, olive oil (extra virgin), tarragon vinegar, salt and freshly ground pepper,lettuce with egg dressing
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15 minSmall dishbaking flour, peanut oil, flat leaf parsley,ar'nabit mi'li
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15 minAppetizerScottish salmon fillet, butter or margarine, fresh dill, creme fraiche, dry white wine, arugula lettuce melange, pan tostado,baked salmon with white-wine sauce
Other Health Benefits of Spirulina
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Due to its superfood status, spirulina has many more benefits. The high number of antioxidants provides better protection of the immune system, fights free radicals, slows down the aging process, reduces appetite and promotes weight loss, supports the health of cardiovascular systems in the body, improves digestion and gastrointestinal health, creates a healthy gut flora in the digestive tract and helps the body produce more red and white blood cells that kill bacteria and viruses.
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Believe it or not, that's not all.
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The antimicrobial effect of spirulina prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria and yeasts. The chlorophyll in the microalgae acts as a cleaning agent for the blood and supplies it with sufficient oxygen. Polysaccharides improve bone marrow and spleen functionality.
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Spirulina is also good for the skin: it reduces age spots, eczema, acne and rashes. It is good for the eyes and prevents glaucoma, cataracts and poor vision. Studies have shown that spirulina reduces allergies and improves respiratory function - as well as sports performance -. By taking a spirulina supplement between meals you can also reduce the rise in blood sugar due to the high protein content. Obviously, this can be a very positive feature of this supplement for people with diabetes.
Taking a Spirulina supplement?
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Spirulina is named according to the spiral shape it creates when the algae grows. The plant grows best in warm, freshwater lakes, but is also found in salt water and natural springs. Spirulina gives precisely this dark green color to the water. It is harvested and processed into a thick paste, then dried and then packaged in powder or flakes or processed into tablets or capsules.
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Spirulina is easily digestible and does not have the same hard cell wall as other algae. The taste takes some getting used to. It is therefore best to choose powder and add it to porridge or smoothies, or take it in pill form during breakfast.
Other things you should know
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Did you know that spirulina offers protection against harmful radiation? It protects the organs and helps to detoxify the radiation from the body. Spirulina, for example, was used to treat the children of Chernobyl.
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Spirulina has no side effects; it is very safe. It does contain iodine, which some people may be allergic to. Be careful with the dose. Build this up step by step and don't take too much in the beginning, otherwise the detox symptoms may be nasty.
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Part of the spirulina is harvested in the wild and tested for safety and purity, while the other part is grown to control contaminants in the environment. Before purchasing a supplement, do a little research on the brand you want to buy or ask an experienced health food store employee. They can often give you good advice.
Finally ...
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Spirulina is relatively cheap, easy to find and very durable. It's a great addition to your diet and who knows, it might help get rid of your herpes virus too!
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25 minMain dishbalsamic vinegar, garlic, steak, Spaghetti, traditional olive oil, fresh green olive tapenade, arugula, Parmigiano Reggiano,spaghetti with steak and arugula
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15 minAppetizerfennel bulb, arugula, red pointed pepper, black agnus carpaccio (a 100 grams), capers,black angus carpaccio with fennel
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35 minMain dishsweet potatoes, salad onion, garlic, cooking dairy, grated cheese for vegetable gratin, almond shavings, peanut oil, breaded schnitzels, Broccoli,crispy schnitzel with sweet potato gratin and broccoli
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30 minMain disholive oil, onion, tomato, risotto rice, laurel leaf, thyme, saffron, turmeric, fish stock of 1 tablet, mixed seafood, mixed whitefish fillet, mussel, lemon,fish paella from the oven