Spirulina is among the world’s hottest supplements.It is loaded with various nutrients and antioxidants which will benefit your body and brain.Here are 10 evidence-based health benefits of spirulina.
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1. Spirulina Is Extremely High in Many Nutrients
Spirulina is an organism that grows in both fresh and saltwater.It is a kind of cyanobacteria, which may be a family of single-celled microbes that are often mentioned as cyanobacteria .
Just like plants, cyanobacteria can produce energy from sunlight via a process called photosynthesis.
Spirulina was consumed by the traditional Aztecs but became popular again when NASA proposed that it might be grown in space to be used by astronauts.
A standard daily dose of spirulina is 1–3 grams, but doses of up to 10 grams per day are used effectively.
This tiny alga is full of nutrients. one tablespoon (7 grams) of dried spirulina powder contains
Protein: 4 grams.
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine): 11% of the RDA
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 15% of the RDA
- Vitamin B3 (niacin): 4% of the RDA
- Copper: 21% of the RDA
- Iron: 11% of the RDA
It also contains decent amounts of magnesium, potassium and manganese and little amounts of just about every other nutrient that you simply need.
In addition, an equivalent amount holds only 20 calories and 1.7 grams of digestible carbs.
Gram for gram, spirulina could also be the only most nutritious food on the earth .
A tablespoon (7 grams) of spirulina provides a little amount of fat — around 1 gram — including both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in an approximately 1.5–1.0 ratio.
The quality of the protein in spirulina is taken into account excellent — like eggs. It gives all the essential amino acids that you simply need.
It is often claimed that spirulina contains vitamin B12 , but this is often false. it’s pseudovitamin B12, which has not been shown to be effective in humans.
Spirulina may be a sort of cyanobacteria that grows in both salt and water . it’s going to be one among the foremost nutrient-dense foods on earth.
2. Powerful Antioxidant and anti inflammatory Properties
Oxidative damage can harm your DNA and cells.
This damage can drive chronic inflammation, which contributes to cancer and other diseases Spirulina may be a fantastic source of antioxidants, which may protect against oxidative damage.Its main active component is named phycocyanin. This antioxidant substance also gives spirulina its unique blue-green color.
Phycocyanin can fight free radicals and inhibit production of inflammatory signaling molecules, providing impressive antioxidant and anti inflammatory effects (6
Phycocyanin is the main active compound in spirulina. it’s powerful antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties.
3. Can Lower “Bad” LDL and Triglyceride Levels
Heart disease is the world’s leading explanation for death.Many risk factors are linked to an increased risk of heart condition .
As it seems , spirulina positively impacts many of those factors. For instance , it can lower total cholesterol, “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while raising “good” HDL cholesterol .
In a study in 25 people with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of spirulina per day significantly improved these markers .Another study in people with high cholesterol determined that 1 gram of spirulina per day lowered triglycerides by 16.3% and “bad” LDL by 10.1% (10
Studies indicate that spirulina can lower triglycerides and “bad” LDL cholesterol and should simultaneously raise “good” HDL cholesterol .
4. Protects “Bad” LDL cholesterol From Oxidation
Fatty structures in your body are vulnerable to oxidative damage.
This is referred to as lipid peroxidation, a key driver of many serious diseases.For example, one among the key steps within the development of heart condition is the oxidation of “bad” LDL cholesterol.
Interestingly, the antioxidants in spirulina appear to be particularly effective at reducing lipid peroxidation in both humans and animals.In a study in 37 people with type 2 diabetes, 8 grams of spirulina per day significantly reduced markers of oxidative damage. It also increases levels of antioxidant enzymes within the blood.Fatty structures in your body can become oxidized, driving the progression of many diseases. The antioxidants in spirulina can help prevent this.
5. May Have Anti-Cancer Properties
Some evidence suggests that spirulina has anti-cancer properties.
Research in animals indicates that it can reduce cancer occurrence and tumor size.Spirulina’s effects on carcinoma — or cancer of the mouth — are particularly well studied.
One study examined 87 people from India with precancerous lesions — called oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) — within the mouth.
Among those that took 1 gram of spirulina per day for one year, 45% saw their lesions disappear — compared to only 7% within the control group When these people stopped taking spirulina, almost half of them redeveloped lesions within the following year.
In another study of 40 individuals with OSMF lesions, 1 gram of spirulina per day led to greater improvement in OSMF symptoms than the drug Pentoxyfilline.
Spirulina may have anti-cancer properties and appears especially effective against a kind of precancerous lesion of the mouth called OSMF.
6. May Reduce vital sign
High vital signs may be a main driver of many serious diseases, including heart attacks, strokes and chronic renal disorder .
While 1 gram of spirulina is ineffective, a dose of 4.5 grams per day has been shown to scale back vital signs in individuals with normal levels.This reduction is assumed to be driven by an increased production of gas , a signaling molecule that helps your blood vessels relax and dilate.
A higher dose of spirulina may cause lower vital sign levels, a serious risk factor for several diseases.
7. Improves Symptoms of rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is characterized by inflammation in your nasal passageways.
It is triggered by environmental allergens, like pollen, animal hair or maybe wheat dust.
Spirulina may be a popular alternative treatment for symptoms of rhinitis , and there’s evidence that it is often effective.In one study in 127 people with rhinitis , 2 grams per day dramatically reduced symptoms like nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion and itching.
Spirulina supplements are very effective against rhinitis , reducing various symptoms.
8. could also be Effective Against Anemia
There are many various sorts of anemia.
The most common one is characterized by a discount in hemoglobin or red blood cells in your blood.
Anemia is fairly common in older adults, resulting in prolonged feelings of weakness and fatigue In a study in 40 older people with a history of anemia, spirulina supplements increased the hemoglobin content of red blood cells and improved immune function.Keep in mind that this is often only one study. More research is required before any recommendations are often made.
One study suggests that spirulina can reduce anemia in older adults, though more research is required .
9. May Improve Muscle Strength and Endurance
Exercise-induced oxidative damage may be a major contributor to muscle fatigue.
Certain plant foods have antioxidant properties which will help athletes and physically active individuals minimize this damage.
Spirulina appears beneficial, as some studies pointed to improved muscle strength and endurance.
In two studies, spirulina enhanced endurance, significantly increasing the time it took for people to become fatigued .Spirulina may provide multiple exercise benefits, including enhanced endurance and increased muscle strength.
10. May Aid blood glucose Control
Animal studies link spirulina to significantly lower blood glucose levels.
In some cases, it outperformed popular diabetes drugs, including Metformin.There is also some evidence that spirulina is often effective in humans.
In a two-month study in 25 people with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of spirulina per day led to a powerful reduction in blood glucose levels .HbA1c, a marker for long-term blood glucose levels, decreased from 9% to eight , which is substantial.
Studies estimate that a tenth reduction during this marker can lower the danger of diabetes-related death by 21%.However, this study was small and short in duration. More studies are necessary.
Some evidence suggests that spirulina may benefit people with type 2 diabetes, significantly reducing fasting blood glucose levels.
