What Is Spirulina And What Are The Benefits?
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that can be found in ponds and lakes. Spirulina is a popular supplement all around the world. It’s packed with minerals and antioxidants that could help your body and mind. It’s high in B vitamins, beta-carotene, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese, as well as minor levels of magnesium, potassium, and manganese.
It is grown in specially constructed freshwater pools in tropical climates such as Mexico, China, and India, but it’s been around since the dawn of time, converting CO2 into oxygen.
Spirulina has been shown in studies to help lower ‘bad’ cholesterol and high blood pressure. Spirulina is available in tablet, capsule, and powder form, which can be added to shakes and smoothies for a nutritious boost.
Spirulina Is Extremely High in Many Nutrients
The nutrients in this small alga are plentiful. A single tablespoon (7 grammes) of dried spirulina powder contains:
4 grammes of protein.
11 percent of the RDA for vitamin B1 (thiamine).
15 percent of the RDA for vitamin B2 (riboflavin).
4 percent of the RDA for vitamin B3 (niacin).
Copper accounts for 21% of the RDA.
11% of the RDA for iron.
It also has enough levels of magnesium, potassium, and
manganese, as well as trace amounts of nearly every other nutrient you require.
It May Aid In The Reduction Of Bad Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a major cause of death and a risk factor for heart disease around the world. Spirulina, on the other hand, has shown some promise in lowering LDL, or bad cholesterol levels.
Spirulina helps to lower blood glucose levels, which is another risk factor for heart disease. Researchers believe that spirulina could be used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease in humans.
In addition, the Chinese scientists found in a 2018 meta-analysis of evidence that spirulina supplements had a “favourable effect” on improving LDL cholesterol and
triglyceride levels (a type of fat in the blood).
Spirulina Can Lower LDL and Triglyceride Levels – May Help in Type Two Diabetes
Volunteers who took spirulina for three months observed significant improvements in their blood pressure, body weight, and BMI, compared to those who took a placebo. If the patient’s triglyceride levels were also high, it looked to be more effective. A 2016 study of 40 overweight persons with high blood pressure found similar benefits.
Spirulina may help persons with type 2 diabetes lower their blood pressure. People with type 2 diabetes who ingested blue-green algae every day for 12 weeks had lower blood pressure, according to a 2008 study published in Nutrition Research and Practice. In another study, 8 grammes of spirulina per day lowered oxidative damage indicators in 37 persons with type 2 diabetes. It also raised blood levels of antioxidant enzymes. (Source)
It has powerful Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Your DNA and cells can be harmed by oxidative damage. Spirulina is known to be high in antioxidants, which protect our cells from free radical damage. Chronic inflammation, which contributes to cancer and other disorders, might be triggered by this damage. Spirulina is high in antioxidants, which protect the body from oxidative damage. Phycocyanin is the principal active ingredient. Spirulina’s unusual blue-green colour is due to this antioxidant component. Phycocyanin has a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action by fighting free radicals and inhibiting the synthesis of inflammatory signalling molecules.
May Have Anti-Cancer Properties
According to some data. The effects of spirulina on oral cancer, or cancer of the mouth, have been extensively researched. One study looked at 87 Indians who had precancerous lesions in their mouths called oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Those who took 1 gram of spirulina per day for a year saw their lesions disappear 45% of the time, compared to only 7% in the control group. Almost half of those who stopped taking spirulina got lesions again the following year. (Source)
May Be Effective Against Anaemia
Anaemia is a disorder in which the amount of haemoglobin or red blood cells in your blood is reduced. Anaemia, which causes extended symptoms of weakness and exhaustion, is rather prevalent in older persons. Spirulina supplements boosted the haemoglobin content of red blood cells and improved immunological function in 40 older persons with a history of anaemia in research. (source)
Spirulina Has Been Shown To Increase Muscle Strength And Endurance
How Can You Take Spirulina?
- It can be consumed whole or as a supplement in the form of a pill, capsule, powder, or flake.
- You can mix it with a protein smoothie, water, or orange juice and add a little bit of pure honey if you have sweet tooth. Just make sure that you clean your teeth because it may give you a tint of dark teeth.
- Sprinkle a little amount of spirulina powder over the top of your homemade soup once it’s been poured into bowls to offer a boost of nutrition and elevate your meal appearance.
- Just before serving, sprinkle a little over the top of cooked pasta meals to improve the nutritional value and create a gorgeous garnish.
- Spirulina can be added to eggs to make them even more healthy. Make scrambled eggs or an omelette with it, or sprinkle poached eggs with it.
- Spirulina is a terrific method to increase the nutritional value of your morning smoothies. Simply combine half a teaspoon with your regular concoction and blend well.
- Add half a spoonful of spirulina and a squeeze of lemon juice, and add to your apple cider vinegar drink to boost your metabolism and kick start your weight loss.
- Spirulina can also be added to cooked sauces such as homemade pasta sauce or gravy. Add the powder last and mix well, or whisk it into the gravy right before serving.
Conclusion
Spirulina, sometimes known as blue-green algae is a kind of cyanobacteria that is extremely healthful. It has the potential to improve blood lipid levels, decrease oxidation, lower blood pressure, and lower blood sugar. While additional research is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn, spirulina may be one of the few superfoods that are truly deserving of a try.