Is Spirulina Actually Good For You? 5 Well being Advantages to Know

Spirulina, a pure algae present in each recent and saltwater, has lengthy been referred to as a superfood due to its excessive focus of vitamins and antioxidants. Whereas the traditional Aztecs have been among the many original users of spirulina, right now it is a frequent ingredient in smoothies, juices and extra. NASA has even discovered a approach to repurpose it, rising it in house to assist astronauts keep wholesome, as reported within the journal Marine Medication. 

Now, spirulina is likely one of the hottest dietary supplements in the marketplace. Nonetheless, you must nonetheless use warning, as analysis on its results continues. Earlier than you utilize spirulina, that is what you might want to know.

Advantages of spirulina

Spirulina is a kind of blue-green algae, considered certainly one of Earth’s oldest life types. It’s a cyanobacteria that makes use of photosynthesis to create vitality, just like a plant. Due to its pure dietary content material, it has been referred to as a superfood for people, however how does it truly have an effect on human well being? 

These are a number of the recognized well being advantages of spirulina.

It is stuffed with vitamins and antioxidants

Spirulina has many alternative vitamins that the physique wants to remain wholesome, together with nutritional vitamins reminiscent of thiamin for wholesome metabolism and vitamin A for imaginative and prescient, in addition to minerals reminiscent of copper and iron that assist improve immunity. There are additionally different vitamins, like omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that combat irritation, and antioxidants like phycocyanin and beta carotene that assist cut back the chance of sure ailments. With 60% protein content material, spirulina gives more protein than many greens and is a well-liked protein source for vegans and vegetarians.

In response to the US Division of Agriculture, one teaspoon of dried spirulina comprises 20 energy and the next vitamins:

Spirulina additionally comprises magnesium, potassium and manganese in small quantities. 

All of those nutritional vitamins and vitamins might help you meet your daily nutrition requirements.  

It might probably assist wholesome ldl cholesterol

Spirulina has been found to decrease “unhealthy” and complete ldl cholesterol and triglycerides, whereas growing the great ldl cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This prevents the fats and ldl cholesterol in your blood from clogging your arteries, which, in flip, can put pressure in your coronary heart. One small study discovered that those that took 1 gram of spirulina day by day had decrease ldl cholesterol after simply three months.

Sustaining wholesome levels of cholesterol helps prevent heart disease, in addition to heart attack and stroke, per Harvard Well being. 

It may assist your immune system

Spirulina comprises nutritional vitamins and minerals which are essential for immune well being. Moreover, research has found that it increases production of white blood cells and antibodies, each of which the physique makes use of to combat sickness. Importantly, spirulina’s results on the immune system make it dangerous for these with autoimmune ailments like lupus, per WebMD.

Spirulina’s anti-inflammatory properties may additionally profit folks with allergies from frequent culprits together with mud, pollen and pet hair. It has been explored as an alternative treatment for allergic rhinitis signs, though extra analysis is required. 

It could decrease blood stress

Spirulina can enhance the manufacturing of nitric oxide, which relaxes the blood vessels and helps them dilate. A number of research have found {that a} day by day dose of spirulina might help cut back each systolic and diastolic blood pressure (the primary and second numbers on a blood stress studying). It has additionally proven positive effects for many who have hypertension. 

It might probably assist eye well being

Spirulina can profit eye well being as nicely. It’s wealthy in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the physique converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A has been proven to help prevent vision loss and promote better eye health, per the American Academy of Ophthalmology. 

In response to the Icahn College of Drugs at Mt. Sinai, spirulina additionally comprises a high concentration of zeaxantuin, which might cut back the probability of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Some animal research has supported spirulina’s eye well being advantages, however extra analysis is required for higher insights into the way it may benefit people.

Dangers and disadvantages of spirulina

When discussing any superfood, it is crucial to not focus solely on the hype and ignore potential dangers. Here is what to bear in mind with spirulina.

Lack of analysis

Spirulina has been round for a very long time, however scientists are nonetheless studying extra about its results on the human physique. A lot of its purported well being advantages are based mostly on animal analysis or restricted research.

For instance, one concept is that spirulina may assist forestall most cancers. It is wealthy in antioxidants which are recognized to combat irritation, which might trigger most cancers. For instance, it comprises phycocyanin, which has been discovered to cut back irritation whereas stopping the expansion of most cancers cells. Nonetheless, research proceed to look at the precise correlation, if any, between spirulina and most cancers. 

Researchers are additionally finding out spirulina and the doable prevention and remedy of the flu, herpes and HIV, however once more, extra research must be achieved. 

It isn’t regulated

Many spirulina merchandise exist in the marketplace right now, however train warning when buying. 

As with all dietary supplements, spirulina isn’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Some spirulina merchandise have been found to include contaminants, particularly in the event that they have been harvested in wild areas rife with heavy metals. These contaminants can damage your liver with sufficient publicity. 

Moreover, some merchandise might include kind of spirulina than what’s listed on the label.

Negative effects and security precautions

Spirulina is basically thought of protected at common doses, and the Dietary Dietary supplements Info Skilled Committee offers it a Class A safety rating. Nonetheless, some potential side effects embody issue sleeping, digestion issues, and symptoms together with nausea, vomiting, complications and dizziness. Some folks have reported allergic reactions. 

Spirulina isn’t advisable for folks on sure medicines, reminiscent of these designed to decrease blood stress, ldl cholesterol or immune system exercise. Moreover, it’s not advisable for the next teams of individuals:

• Pregnant ladies
• Kids
• These with autoimmune ailments
• Those that are about to have or have simply had surgical procedure

Earlier than utilizing spirulina, at all times verify along with your physician about any doable drug interactions, and purchase it from a good retailer to make sure its legitimacy and security. 

How you can take spirulina

One of many perks of spirulina is its versatility. Bought at most well being meals shops, it’s obtainable as a pill, capsule or powder complement. It has a bitter taste, however mixing it into yogurt or a smoothie can disguise that.  

Dosages might range. Earlier than you are taking spirulina, ask your physician how typically you must use it and the way a lot you must take. You can too deliver it to your appointment so your physician can double-check the model and ensure that it’s protected so that you can use.  

Spirulina generally is a helpful addition to your health regimen, however analysis is continuous to find out the way it impacts the human physique. Take note of the latest research and purchase vetted merchandise from respected manufacturers. Spirulina isn’t ultimate for everybody, however your physician might help steer you in the proper path.