Spirulina is helpful for heart, allergies, gut, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, weight loss, immune system, anti-cancer, eyes, brain, skin, hair, and muscles.
1. Heart Health
Spirulina helps reduce amounts of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides in a significant way. Researchers determined that Spirulina had a “favorable effect” on several markers of heart health.
Another study suggests that blue-green algae, such as Spirulina, is an effective natural alternative to improve the blood’s lipid profile. Further, it stops oxidative and inflammation and prevents cardiovascular diseases.
Also, spirulina’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties directly link with cardiovascular benefits.
2. Reduces Allergies
Spirulina supplementation also protects against allergic reactions. It helps reduce histamines from releasing that cause allergic reactions.
A study showed that people suffering from allergic rhinitis who consumed two grams of Spirulina daily saw a notable improvement in symptoms, including discharge of nasal fluid, coughing, congestion, and itching.
3. Gut Health
Though it’s not a vast amount of research, the effects of Spirulina on gut health are encouraging.
A study conducted in 2017 on older mice showed that it helps keep gut function in check during aging and assists in maintaining the “healthy digestive microbiome.”
“Spirulina is a prebiotic food source which means that the healthy bacteria that live in your gut feed off that,” says Gans. But, research has shown promising results.
4. Lower Blood Pressure
This antioxidant effect work to improve blood pressure by assisting in increasing the flow of blood. Also, spirulina enhances its production of Nitric oxide, a gas-like molecule that helps to expand blood vessels. It means that blood flows more efficiently, and the heart does not have to work as hard.
5. Cholesterol Management
A registered dietitian and certified personal trainer in Philadelphia, Jamie Hickey, asserts that spirulina helps prevents heart disease by lowering bad LDL cholesterol and raising good HDL cholesterol.
People who drank spirulina for three months with high cholesterol saw improvements in their triglyceride, LDL, and total cholesterol levels, as reported in the Journal of Food Science and Technology.
In addition to one gram of spirulina per day for 12 weeks, participants saw their triglycerides decrease by 16% and their LDL by 10%.
6. Diabetes Control
Spirulina is beneficial in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, too. A study conducted in 2018 revealed that spirulina supplementation significantly reduced blood glucose levels for people with fasting blood sugars.
It’s beneficial to control blood sugar levels and diabetes management,” says Young, who suggests adding it to the foods you enjoy every day, including Acai bowls and coffee drinks. While these early results are positive, Gans says they must be kept in view.
“I would never advise to add spirulina or take off any medication you’re taking,” she says. “But should you suspect that it’s looking like you’re developing an insulin resistance issue, this is one option from the many available tools in your toolbox?”
7. Weight Loss
Numerous extreme diets and supplements promise tremendous weight loss. However, they may not be effective or may cause adverse consequences. Consuming a low amount of calories is vital to losing weight.
Consuming foods that are rich in nutrients but low in calories is essential. Spirulina is a superfood full of nutrients yet has lower calories.
The relationship between spirulina and weight loss has been among the main reasons for this superfood’s rising popularity.
8. Boosts Immune System
Do you know that the scent of houseplants can make you feel better about breathing? It’s not just plants that can do this; this colorful alga has it too. Further, spirulina has a chemical called phycocyanin, an antioxidant that combats anything that might cause harm to your cell.
Assume you or others around you are sick or seem to be sick. In that case, it’s a good idea to incorporate a little spirulina into your diet to provide your immune cells with extra protection.
9. Anti-Cancer Properties
The antioxidants present in spirulina can provide anti-inflammatory benefits to the body. Also, chronic inflammation is a significant cause of cancer and other illnesses.
Scientists have discovered that the blue-green pigment in spirulina is a natural anti-inflammatory. Further, it inhibits tumor growth and kills malignant cells in the body. The protein has been examined for its use in the treatment of cancer.
10. Maintain Eye and Oral Health
Zeaxanthin-rich foods prevent cataracts and aging-related vision loss. Its antibacterial properties can aid in maintaining the health of your mouth. Also, a study showed that spirulina-enhanced mouthwash decrease plaque on the teeth and increases the risk of developing gingivitis among people who took part.
Among tobacco smokers, another study found that it lowers the risk of acquiring oral cancer.
11. Boosts Brain Health
Spirulina reduces inflammation of the brain. It is beneficial to cure Parkinson’s disease due to inflammation and swelling in the brain. Further, blue-green algae also help to prevent memory loss by reducing the amount of oxidative stress that occurs in the brain.
Spirulina is also known to boost neuronal density by developing new neurons. This process is known as neurogenesis. According to some sources, it also assists in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
12. Delays Skin Aging
Spirulina is a source of tyrosine, and Vitamin E, also known as tocopherol selenium, which is well-known for its anti-aging properties. Also, tyrosine helps slow the aging of skin cells. The antioxidants in it neutralize free radicals responsible for skin aging.
Make a paste by mixing Spirulina and water, then apply it to your face. Rinse it off after around 20 minutes. Prevent wrinkles and other symptoms of aging by using this product daily. Further, this mask may also assist with lightening your skin and combatting the appearance of skin pigmentation.
13. Boosts Hair Growth
External application of spirulina increases hair growth. Apart from consumption, these algae utilize as an ingredient in hair shampoos and conditioning treatments. Also, spirulina’s proteins can reduce hair fall and loss.
These are the advantages of spirulina. We have discussed some nutrients present within the algal. Further, there are many additional nutrients that you should be aware of.
14. Increase Endurance And Strength Of Muscles.
Oxidative damage is a significant factor in muscle fatigue, typically due to exercise that is too strenuous. Spirulina provides beneficial effects in reducing fatigue in muscles.
Two studies have shown Spirulina to help with endurance, fatigue reduction, and muscle strength enhancement.