Spirulina is a superfood that is highly beneficial. It is high in nutrients, which have powerful effects on the body and brain.
Some consider this freshwater microalga to be a complete food, with a high protein content, all essential amino acids, antioxidants, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc, vitamins of group B, vitamins A, C, D, and vitamin E.
Because of its energizing properties, spirulina algae is used as food in cases of asthenia (abnormal physical weakness or lack of energy), fatigue, and convalescence (time spent recovering from an illness or medical treatment).
In this article, we will go over 15 scientifically proven spirulina benefits.
1- Spirulina contains a lot of nutrients.
Spirulina is a type of seaweed that can grow in both fresh and salt water.
It is a type of bacterium known as cyanobacterium, which is also the name given to blue-green algae.
Cyanobacteria, like plants, can generate energy from sunlight through the process of photosynthesis.
Spirulina was consumed by the Aztecs in the past, but it gained popularity after NASA proposed cultivating it and giving it to astronauts.
Spirulina’s standard daily dose is 1-3 grams, but higher doses of up to 10 grams have been shown to be very effective.
It has an incredible nutritional value.
A single teaspoon (7 g) of spirulina powder contains the following:
Four grams of protein
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): 11% of the daily recommended dose
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 15% of the daily recommended dose
Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 4% of the daily recommended dose
Copper: 21% of the daily recommended dose
Iron: 11% of the daily recommended dose
It also has moderate amounts of magnesium, potassium, and manganese, as well as traces of almost all of the nutrients we require.
All of this while only consuming 20 calories and 1.7 grams of digestible carbohydrates.
Gram for gram, this means that spirulina is the most nutritious food on the planet.
A tablespoon of spirulina contains a small amount of fat (about 1 gram), with a 1.5:1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3.
In comparison to eggs, the protein quality in spirulina is considered excellent. It contains all of the necessary amino acids.
2. Spirulina contains antioxidants with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Oxidative stress can harm DNA and cells.
This damage can then lead to chronic inflammation, which contributes to cancer and other diseases.
Spirulina is an excellent source of antioxidants, which can protect against oxidative stress.
Phycocyanine is the most active compound. This antioxidant substance gives spirulina its distinctive green-blue color.
Phycocyanins have extraordinary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as they can fight free radicals and inhibit the production of inflammatory signal molecules.
3. Spirulina has the ability to lower LDL and triglyceride levels.
The leading cause of death is heart disease.
It is well understood that certain factors, known as risk factors, are linked to the risks of heart disease and heart attack.
Many of these risk factors have been shown to benefit from spirulina.
It can, for example, lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels by increasing HDL id levels, the known “good” cholesterol.
2 grams of spirulina per day significantly improved these markers in a study of 25 people with type 2 diabetes.
Another study on people with high cholesterol found that consuming 1 gram of spirulina per day reduced triglycerides and LDL.
Several other studies have found similar results but at higher doses of 4.5-8 grams per day.
4. Spirulina protects against LDL cholesterol oxidation.
The body’s fat structures are vulnerable to oxidative stress.
This is known as lipid peroxidation, and it is one of the causes of many diseases, including some that are fatal.
The oxidation of LDL cholesterol proteins in the blood, for example, is a critical step in the development of heart disease.
The antioxidants present in spirulina seem to be particularly effective in reducing lipid peroxidation. This has been tried several times, in studies done both on humans and on animals.
In a study of 37 people with diabetes type 2.8 grams of spirulina a day, significantly reduced oxidative stress markers. The levels of antioxidant enzymes in the blood also increased.
5. Spirulina may have anti-cancer properties, especially oral anti-cancer
Some evidence suggests that spirulina may have anti-cancer properties.
For example, some tests done on animals have shown that they can reduce cancer risks and the size of tumors.
Spirulina has proven to be effective above all against mouth cancer.
One study observed the effects of spirulina on 87 Indian people with precancerous lesions called OSMF in the mouth.
After using 1 gram per day for 1 year, 45% of the spirulina group showed a reduction in lesions in the mouth, unlike only 7% of the control group.
When these people stopped taking spirulina, the lesions reappeared in the next year in almost half of the participants.
In another study of 40 people with OSMF precancerous lesions, 1 gram of spirulina per day resulted in more improvements in symptoms than the Pentoxifylline medicine.
6. Studies show that spirulina can reduce blood pressure
High blood pressure is an important factor in many diseases.
This includes heart attack, stroke and chronic kidney disease.
While 1 gram of spirulina is ineffective, a dose of 4.5 grams per day has been shown to reduce blood pressure in individuals with normal levels.
This has been possible thanks to an increase in the production of nitric oxide, a signal molecule that helps blood vessels relax and dilate.
7. Spirulina improves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is characterized by inflammation of the nasal ducts.
It is induced by allergens present in the environment such as pollen, animal hair, or dust.
Spirulina is a very popular treatment for rhinitis and would seem to be effective.
In a study of 127 people with allergic rhinitis, 2 grams per day of spirulina drastically reduced symptoms such as nasal congestion, mucus and pruritus.
8. Spirulina can be very effective in cases of anemia
There are different forms of anemia.
The most common is characterized by a reduction in hemoglobin or red blood cells in the blood.
Anemia is common during old age and is one of the causes of feelings of weakness and fatigue.
In a study of 40 elderly people with a history of anemia, spirulina increased the hemoglobin content of red blood cells. The immune system has also seen benefits.
In any case, it is a single study and it is necessary that further research is done before drawing definitive conclusions.
9. Spirulina could improve muscle strength and endurance
Oxidative damage due to exercise is one of the causes of muscle fatigue.
Some plant foods have antioxidant properties that help athletes and athletes to reduce this damage.
Spirulina is very beneficial in these cases, some studies have shown improvements in strength and muscular endurance.
In two studies, spirulina has been shown to strengthen resistance, prolonging the duration of resistance before feeling tired.
Another study conducted on college students found that spirulina supplementation increased muscle strength but had no effect on resistance.
10. Spirulina can help keep blood sugars under control
Animal studies have shown that spirulina can significantly reduce blood sugar levels.
In some cases, it has even exceeded the potency of diabetes medicines, including Metformin.
There is some evidence that it can also be effective in men.
In a study of 25 patients with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of spirulina resulted in a marked reduction in blood sugar levels.
HbA1c, a marker of long-term sugar levels, decreased from 9% to 8%. Studies estimate that a 1% reduction in this marker can reduce the risk of death by diabetes by 21%.
11. Strengthens the immune system.
The presence of magnesium and iron improves the immune system’s response to the attack of pathogens. The phycocyanin (the substance that gives the alga its blue-green color) increases the production of antibodies. Vitamin C strengthens the body’s defenses.
12. Help to control diabetes
According to some theories, even if not validated by scientific studies, spirulina could offer a valid aid in the treatment of diabetes. In the opinion of some scholars, spirulina can reduce blood sugar levels. In a study conducted on 25 patients with type 2 diabetes, the administration of 2 grams of spirulina led to a significant reduction in blood sugar levels.
The HbA1c marker – noted by the Indian scientists, authors of the study – had decreased from 9% to 8%. However, the experimentation would have required further work to obtain scientifically acceptable results. It is important to remember that spirulina supplements are not medicines and can not replace a therapy prescribed by a doctor.
13. Stimulates the bacterial flora
The purifying and detoxifying abilities of the principles contained in the spirulina algae are good for the digestive system, preventing infections. Spirulina also stimulates intestinal bacterial flora and can also be a help in case of colitis.
14. It helps athletes
The multivitamin, antioxidant, and protein action of spirulina-based supplements is suitable for those who play sports: the algae would seem to be useful for athletes who need to improve their strength and muscle tone.
15. It has slimming properties
Phenylalanine (an amino acid that participates in the formation of proteins) contained in the spirulina alga helps to induce a sense of safety by allowing to regulate the amount of food to be taken when following a weight-loss diet.
Matt M. Eccles is the founder of Vitality and Happiness Blog. He is a philosopher, psychology enthusiast, wellness and digestion expert, author, and world traveler who is passionate about helping others reach and experience optimum health, true happiness, and increased vitality. The purpose of this website is to motivate and inspire people to handle life’s challenges. Uplift and encourage you to succeed in life and be happy and healthy, increase life quality, and become the best version of yourself.