Spirulina algae, what is it, when and why it is recommended to take it and how much to take every day to enhance the benefits?Spirulina is an algae rich in properties and benefits that can be used to promote the well-being of the body, particularly in certain situations or periods of one's life.But what exactly happens to our body by taking the right amount of spirulina algae every day?Under the name of spirulina hides a blue-green freshwater microalgae considered to all intents and purposes a precious superfood.This is due to the fact that spirulina algae contains several active ingredients that are important for our health and for this reason it is increasingly recommended to take it cyclically, in the context of natural therapies or in the prevention phase.There are really many changes that we could notice on our body if we take spirulina constantly for a certain period and in the right doses.Here are the most important benefits that can be found:Spirulina is commonly found commercially in powder or supplement form.Depending on the use you want to make it is advisable to use one version rather than the other.If, for example, we intend to add it to our culinary preparations we can choose the powder, while, if we are looking for a more incisive and strong effect, it is certainly recommended to take higher doses through a supplement.There are also ready-made food products added with spirulina such as pasta, beer, wraps, energy bars and more.They can be found in organic stores or online.As for spirulina supplements, the dose recommended by the herbalist Beatrice Ciarletti is 3 grams per day.This would be the quantity needed to fully enjoy all the benefits of this alga.Of course, the situation can vary from case to case also according to the specific situations of the person who has to hire it.It is therefore always good to ask the opinion of an expert who can recommend a consumption of spirulina that varies between 1 gram and 5 grams (a dose that would be better not to exceed even if there are those who reach 10 grams).As for food consumption, you can undoubtedly add 1 or 2 teaspoons of powder to your diet every day, a dose corresponding to 1-3 grams of seaweed.A very simple means of taking spirulina is to choose supplements in tablets or capsules to take as needed for a limited period of time.We remind you, however, that these products do not replace a healthy and varied diet and that they can also cause side effects (particularly if you suffer from certain diseases) or interact with drug therapies that may be in progress.It is therefore better to avoid doing it yourself and always contact an expert first, before taking supplements.(READ: Spirulina: Best Supplements)Perhaps you have never thought about the fact that spirulina can be added in powder form to your favorite recipes, it is in fact a quite versatile ingredient in the kitchen.Among other things, it should not be underestimated that this seaweed will give your dishes a very characteristic and scenographic green color.Some simple recipes in which to use this healthy ingredient are, for example, gomasio with spirulina, fresh pasta with spirulina (and why not also gnocchi), taralli and, as regards desserts, you can prepare a tasty ice cream with spirulina.However, the most frequent use of this seaweed in the kitchen is to simply add it to smoothies and extracts to enhance their flavor and nutritional quality or to raw or cooked vegetables.(Read: Spirulina: 10 Recipes To Include It In Your Diet)In the absence of pathologies, and consumed in the right doses, spirulina does not involve particular side effects or contraindications.In the event of an overdose, however, vomiting, nausea, constipation or fever may occur.On the other hand, people with thyroid dysfunctions (particularly if you suffer from hyperthyroidism) or autoimmune diseases must pay some attention.In these cases it is more important than ever to evaluate the risks and benefits of taking this algae with your doctor.Furthermore, like everything, it is not recommended to abuse spirulina as being an alga it could accumulate pollution and heavy metals, as emerged from some analyzes: Spirulina and algae supplements: they contain too many heavy metalsOne thing you may not know about spirulina is why it gets its name.The name refers to the fact that this alga takes a spiral shape in nature.Another small curiosity is that spirulina is often given to astronauts on a mission precisely because of its richness in nutritional principles.About spirulina you may also be interested in:You will receive by email the news on sustainability, nutrition and natural well-being, green living and sustainable tourism from the most widely read online magazine in Italy on these issues.Take care of your green plants and reduce CO2 in the houseRecycling labels has saved 280,000 treesWhy you should let your dog try insect based foodBox recipes every week at your home!Take advantage of the discount