16 Spectacular health benefits of Spirulina

 Spirulina is a microalgae (cyanobacteria) that has been consumed for centuries due to its high nutritional value and supposed health benefits. Today, popular lifestyle personalities endorse Spirulina as a secret, potent "superfood," and a "miracle from the sea." Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is usually consumed either in powder form or as a supplement.

Spirulina is known as a nutrient-dense food as it is packed full of vitamins, including vitamins A, C, E and B vitamins, as well as a whole host of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium.

This algae is also an excellent vegan source of iron, providing 2mg per tablespoon (7g) which is about 23% of the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for men over 18 years and women over 50 years, and 13% of the NRV for women aged 19-49 years old.

Spirulina is also high in protein, with just 1 tbsp (7g) providing almost 4g of protein per serving.

If you are wondering if you should add spirulina to your diet, here are ways it can improve your health:

1. IT IS A POWERHOUSE OF NUTRIENTS

The concentration of protein and vitamins in Spirulina has led many to classify it as the “most nutrient dense food on the planet.” Compared to other foods gram for gram, it lives up to this reputation and is a great source of:

 Protein: It is considered a complete source of high-quality protein and is often compared to eggs for the amount of protein per gram. The protein in Spirulina is highly usable and has a net protein utilization rate of between 50-61%

Vitamin B1: Also called Thiamin, this vitamin is necessary for the digestion of fats and proteins. It is often taken for increased energy, eye health, brain function and for improving nerve functioning.

Iron: Spirulina is a favorite food for vegetarians and vegans because it is one of the best plant sources of iron. Even for those who consume meat, it has a highly absorbable form of iron that is gentle on the digestive system.

Calcium: Spirulina is also incredibly high in calcium with over 26 times the calcium in milk. Studies show it really is one of the most nutrient-dense foods there is, qualifying it for full-blown superfood status.

Spirulina is a great source of other nutrients including (according to Wikipedia): “It contains vitamins B-1(thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3(nicotinamide), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folic acid), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin E. It is also a source of potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium,  manganese, phosphorus,  selenium, sodium and zinc. Spirulina contains many pigments which may be beneficial and bioavailable”.

2. CONTAINS Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) & Omega-3s

Spirulina contains Gamma Linolenic Acid andOmega-3sSpirulina is 65% protein and amino acids including the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which has gotten a lot of attention for its anti-inflammatory properties, especially when taken with other quality Omega-3 supplements.

GLA is difficult to find in a food source and normally has to be created by the body. Spirulina is one of the few foods with a natural GLA content.

3. SUPPORT HEALTHY WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Although spirulina is full of nutrients, it only has 20 calories per tablespoon. It also contains an amino acid called l-phenylalanine, which has been linked to suppressing appetite.

4. IT BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

One way to boost your immune system naturally is to eat more fruits and vegetables. But adding spirulina can also help.

According to a 2000 UC Davis study, “adding spirulina to cultured immune system cells significantly increases the production of infection fighting cytokines.”

A more recent study published in “Cellular and Molecular Immunology” found that spirulina supplementation increased the hemoglobin content of red

blood cells and improved immune function in older adults.

5. IT DETOXES HEAVY METALS

Spirulina is such a powerful detoxifier that it’s sometimes used as a natural water filter, keeping out lead, mercury, and other seriously harmful toxins. The reason why it works so well is because it contains proteins and peptides that are particularly good at binding to the toxins and excreting them out of the body. That way, they aren’t being absorbed into your bloodstream and working their way into your system.

6. IT FIGHTS CANDIDA

Another benefit of spirulina is its antifungal properties.

Spirulina can help prevent candida build up, which leads to yeast infections. The cyanobacteria promotes the growth of healthy bacterial flora in the intestines, which in turn stops candida from growing. It turns out the little green giant can help balance vaginal bacteria. Just like how spirulina is a magnet for toxins like heavy metals, it also attracts candida cells and can flush them out of the body. And it isn’t just bringing balance down below; the same course of action can happen in your gut, too, to help bring balance there as well.

7. MAY LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE

That antioxidant effect works in favor for blood pressure, too, by helping increase blood flow. Spirulina increases the production of nitric oxide, a gas molecule that helps widen blood vessels. That way, blood flows more easily and the heart doesn’t have to work as hard.

Many people suffer from high blood pressure, which is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it doesn’t produce any symptoms.

High blood pressure can wreak havoc on your body, causing everything from heart disease to stroke to kidney failure. Luckily, spirulina can help combat against high blood pressure.

One small study showed that eating a small amount of spirulina every day (2 grams), improves blood pressure as well as endothelial function in overweight patients.

8. IT HAS ANTI-CANCER PROPERTIES

Over 70 peer-reviewed studies show that spirulina is a powerful cancer fighter — especially against oral cancer.

Two different studies found just 1 gram of spirulina per day reduced precancerous lesions by 45% and improved symptoms.

9. IT’S ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Like most superfoods, spirulina is high in antioxidants, especially phycocyanin.

Not only does phycocyanin give the blue-green algae its blue color, it’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Studies have shown this antioxidant scavenges and fight the free radicals that cause oxidative damage.

10. IT REDUCES BAD CHOLESTEROL

If you’re looking for a natural way to reduce your LDL cholesterol (aka the “bad” cholesterol), you may want to consider spirulina.

In a 2014 study published in the “Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture,” researchers gave 52 participants 1 gram of spirulina every day for 12 weeks. When they retested their lipid panel, the results showed triglycerides were lowered by, on average, by 16.3% and LDL by 10.1%.

A 2016 meta-analysis found similar results: adding spirulina to your diet can significantly reduce total cholesterol and lower your LDL while increasing your HDL.

11. IT BOOSTS YOUR ENERGY

The Aztec messenger runners of Mexico may have been on to something when they took spirulina on their marathons.

Although the evidence is limited, one study suggests spirulina may enhance endurance performance. Another study found that spirulina supplementation “induced a significant increase in exercise performance.”

12. HELPS FIGHT ALLERGIES

Sinuses or allergies got you down? You may want to reach for spirulina

instead of an over the counter drug!

Research shows that spirulina reduces inflammation in the nasal passageways (also known as allergic rhinitis).

One study in particular found that 2 grams of spirulina a day significantly reduced symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal discharge, congestion and itching.

13. MAY HELP BALANCE BLOOD SUGAR

Studies show that spirulina may be especially helpful in balancing blood sugar, and may even be as effective as diabetes medication in some instances. Other studies show that it not only lowers blood sugar but may also lower HbA1c, which is a long term marker of blood sugar levels.

14. RICH IN POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants are powerful substances that protect our cells from damage. Thanks to decades of research, many of us understand the importance of consuming enough antioxidants from natural sources, and spirulina is a great choice.

The antioxidant that makes spirulina unique is called phycocyanin, which is a potent anti-inflammatory.

15. SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH

A 2018 paper highlights the potential role that spirulina could play in treating mood disorders.

The theory is that spirulina is a source of tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that supports serotonin production. Serotonin plays an important role in mental health.

People with certain mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, may have reduced levels of serotonin. Taking tryptophan supplements to maintain healthful serotonin levels may play a role in supporting mental wellbeing.

16. PREVENTS ULCER

According to an animal study, Spirulina alleviates gastric ulcer´s caused by the prolonged use of aspirin. Doctors writing in The Independent Newspaper of Bangladesh also say it can help with stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal problems.

If you choose to use a Spirulina supplement, look for a product that contains a seal of approval from a third-party organization that provides quality testing. DXN Spirulina earned that approval.

Watch the video below to learn more about Spirulina.