Sarah JamesDue to its rich nutrient profile and potent antioxidant qualities, the algae spirulina is linked to numerous health advantages. Spirulina is one of the most well-liked supplements in the world. Its abundance of different nutrients and antioxidants may benefit your body and brain.
Spirulina health advantages supported by research.
1. Boasts potent Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant effects.
Your cells may suffer oxidative damage, leading to persistent inflammation and causing cancer and other disorders. Antioxidants found in spirulina are excellent for preventing oxidative damage.
Phycocyanin, an antioxidant and the primary active ingredient in spirulina, gives the food its distinctive blue-green hue.
Phycocyanin has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can combat free radicals and prevent the development of chemicals that cause inflammation.
2. Nutritional Abundant
Spirulina may flourish in both fresh and saline water. It belongs to the cyanobacteria class of single-celled microorganisms, also known as blue-green algae.
Cyanobacteria can harness the energy of sunlight through a process known as photosynthesis, much like plants can. The ancient Aztecs ingested spirulina, but it only recently gained popularity after NASA suggested that astronauts could grow it in space.
Spirulina is typically consumed in quantities of 1-3 grams (g) per day; however, up to 10 g per day has been used successfully. This microscopic alga is nutrient-rich. Approximately 7 g of dry spirulina powder is contained in one tablespoon (tbsp).
4 g of protein
14% of the daily value of thiamin (DV)
20% of the DV of riboflavin
6% of the DV of niacin
47% of the DV of copper.
11% of the DV of iron.
Additionally, it includes respectable levels of manganese, magnesium, and potassium.
The exact quantity also only has 20 calories and less than 2 grams of carbs.
Approximately 1 g of fat per tbsp. (7 g) it is also provided, with an estimated 1.5:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids.
Additionally, spirulina’s high-quality protein contains all the essential amino acids your body requires.
3. Spirulina Decreases Levels of triglycerides and cholesterol
The leading cause of death worldwide is heart disease. Several risk factors elevate heart disease risk.
It turns out that several of these characteristics are positively impacted by spirulina. For instance, it can raise HDL while decreasing triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and total cholesterol.
According to one review, Spirulina was able to dramatically enhance these markers in persons with metabolic syndrome and related illnesses.
Another study conducted in 2014 on adults with high cholesterol found that consuming 1 g of spirulina daily reduced triglycerides by 16.3% and LDL cholesterol.
4. Prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol
Your body’s fatty structures are vulnerable to oxidative harm. Lipid peroxidation, a major cause of numerous severe diseases, is what this is.
For instance, the oxidation of LDL cholesterol is one of the crucial stages in the onset of heart disease. It’s interesting to note that various studies have discovered that spirulina’s antioxidants may be beneficial at lowering lipid peroxidation.
One small study found that spirulina supplementation could lessen the muscle damage, inflammation, and lipid peroxidation brought on by exercise in 17 rugby players.
5. Possibility of anti-cancer effects in Oral Cancer
The effects of spirulina on oral cancer, also known as cancer of the mouth, have been extensively researched.
According to several studies, Spirulina supplementation is effective in treating oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), a form of the precancerous lesion in the mouth.
One gram of spirulina per day improved OSMF symptoms more than the blood flow-improving drug pentoxifylline in a 2013 trial of 40 people with OSMF lesions.
6. Reduces allergic rhinitis symptoms
Inflamed nasal passages are a hallmark of allergic rhinitis. Environmental allergens, such as pollen, animal hair, or even wheat dust, might cause it to flare up.
There is evidence that the popular alternative medicine of spirulina can successfully treat allergic rhinitis symptoms.
For instance, one study discovered that spirulina was superior to the antihistamine cetirizine used to treat allergies, reduce inflammation, and relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms.
7. Increase muscular endurance and strength
The leading cause of muscular weariness after exercise is oxidative damage. Athletes and physically active persons can minimize this damage thanks to the antioxidant qualities of some plant meals.
Spirulina seems advantageous because specific research have shown that it increases muscular strength and endurance.
8. Spirulina Helps Lower Cholesterol Levels and also Type2 Diabetes
Nitric oxide production and blood pressure, a significant risk factor for many chronic illnesses, may be increased by spirulina. According to some research, spirulina may help type 2 diabetics by drastically lowering fasting blood sugar levels. Still, additional research is required.
Conclusion:
- It is a form of cyanobacteria frequently called blue-green algae and nutrient-dense.
- It may lower fasting blood sugar levels, limit oxidation, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Spirulina may be one of the few superfoods deserving of the moniker, though additional research is required before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
- This supplement is commonly available in stores and online if you wish to try it.