Spirulina

Spirulina is now among the most frequently used health supplements. In recent years, there has been increased interest in consuming algae for health benefits. However, it is worth knowing that Spirulina is multicellular cyanobacteria. It is ready cultured and harvested. It grows in water and is an excellent source of nutrition.¹

Spirulina is commonly available as a health supplement, generally in a powdered form, and so is perhaps one of the most nutritious supplements. Spirulina has a protein content of above 70%, with an excellent amino acid profile. Spirulina is low in carbohydrates, and contains high-quality fats, minerals, and dietary fibre. More importantly, it is also rich in flavonoid and phenolic compounds.²

Health Benefits of Spirulina

Below are some of the well-known benefits of Spirulina:

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Spirulina is rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids and therefore has potent antioxidant activity. Additionally, Spirulina also appears to modulate immune responses and, therefore lower inflammation. It may also help reduce DNA damage. Spirulina may help protect from various chronic disorders and may have anti-aging effect.³
Lowers Bad Cholesterol

One gram of Spirulina per day may have potent cholesterol-lowering action. In one study, researchers demonstrated that 3 months of Spirulina intake might considerably reduce total levels of cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. However, it only mildly increases good cholesterol, that is, HDL cholesterol. Therefore, Spirulina may be regarded as suitable for cardiovascular health, liver health, and diabetes. The cholesterol-lowering effect of Spirulina may be due to omega-3 fatty acids or some enzymes. However, researchers are unsure about the mechanism of this action.³^,⁴
Anticancer Effect

Spirulina is known to have an anticancer effect, though its underlying mechanism is not known. There are some studies to show that it may even help prevent cancer in many cases. For example, in one study undertaken in India, tobacco chewers with leukoplakia (white patches in the mouth, a pre-cancer state) were given Spirulina for one year. The study found that leukoplakia disappeared in 57% of the cases.⁵
Good for Vascular Health and Reduces Blood Pressure

Although Spirulina does not have pronounced antihypertensive activity, it may mildly reduce blood pressure. Researchers believe that this effect is due to Nitric Oxide mediated vasodilation.⁶
Allergic Rhinitis

Spirulina appears quite good for controlling symptoms of allergic rhinitis, reducing sneezing, itching, and nasal discharge. However, researchers are not sure about how it works.⁷
Helps With Anaemia

A study in 40 older adults found that Spirulina could help hemoglobulin levels in people with anaemia. Such an effect may be due to some enzymes found in Spirulina, and it could also be due to its high content of amino acids, peptides, and minerals.⁸
Improves Exercise Performance

Spirulina is an excellent sport supplement rich in amino acids, peptides, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes. Therefore, it’s use may reduce fatigue, recovery time, and boost physical performance. These results are supported by clinical studies.⁹
Lowers Blood Glucose

Spirulina is an excellent supplement for those living with diabetes. It is rich in proteins, high-quality fats, antioxidants but low in carbohydrates. Studies in human subjects show that Spirulina can reduce blood sugar levels along with bad cholesterol levels. Some of its effects may be due to its content of phycocyanin.¹⁰^,¹¹

Side Effects of Spirulina

There are almost no known severe side effects of Spirulina. Moreover, it has been evaluated for safety by the US FDA and regulatory agencies in other nations and is generally recognised as safe (GRAS).²

Properties

Anaemia⁸
Anti-Aging³
Anti-Inflammatory³^,⁷
Antioxidant³
Blood Pressure – Reduction³^,⁴
Cancer Prevention⁵
Cardiovascular Support⁶
Cholesterol³^,⁴
Diabetes / Blood Sugar³^,⁴
Energiser⁹
Enhances Endurance⁹
Fatigue⁹
High/Good Levels of Fibre¹⁰^,¹¹
High/Good Levels of Flavonoids³
Liver Health⁴
Low in Carbohydrates³^,⁴
Physical Endurance⁹

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