I feel like people know so little about this amazing seaweed. It’s probably hard to be found because not many healthy food stores have it available.
My local healthy food store doesn’t have it so I need to order it raw and fresh through another supplier.
This seaweed is loaded with many nutrients and has a powerful effect on your body and brain.
But, we are going to talk about the benefits and effects in a minute.
First, I need to show you how spirulina looks like and what it is.
The spirulina looks like that. It’s a seaweed plant that can be consumed by both animals and humans. It’s a blue-green algae and there are 2 species available:
- Arthrospira Platensis
- Arthrospira Maxima
This short introduction of the spirulina gave you the first glimpse of what will be the main topic here.
Let’s see the benefits that will make you search for spirulina in your local healthy food store.
Spirulina is High in Many Nutrients
Spirulina is a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria. Just like the plants, it can produce energy out of sunlight. It uses the photosynthesis to do that.
The Aztecs consumed this bacterium back in the days. It was brought on the surface again right after NASA revealed it could be grown in space and used by the astronauts.
A standard daily dose of spirulina is 1-3 grams, but doses up to 10 grams a day were used effectively.
1 tbsp. of dried spirulina powder contains:
- Proteins (4 grams)
- Vitamin B1 (11% of the RDA)
- Vitamin B2 (15% of the RDA)
- Vitamin B3 (4% of the RDA)
- Copper (21% of the RDA)
- Iron (11% of the RDA)
- It also contains magnesium, potassium and manganese.
Powerful Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Spirulina is a fantastic source of antioxidants. It can protect you against oxidative damage.
The main active component in the spirulina is Phycocyanin. It’s the substance that gives the color, as well.
This component does a great job fighting against the free radicals and the inflammatory molecules. It provides very impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Spirulina Lowers LDL and Triglyceride Levels
The beneficial effects of the spirulina continue to your cholesterol. The LDL cholesterol, a.k.a. the bad cholesterol, can do damage in your body. Consuming spirulina will lower it and increase the HDL cholesterol.
A study confirms this effect by conducting a research that involves 25 people with type-2 diabetes. Only 2 grams of spirulina a day improved the markers.
Another study says that the 1-gram of spirulina lowers triglycerides level by 16.3% and LDL by 10.1%.
Spirulina Protects LDL Cholesterol from Oxidizing
The antioxidants in spirulina are very effective at reducing lipid peroxidation. Many human and animal studies have confirmed this effect. Like this study right here.
Another study involved 37 individuals with type-2 diabetes. 8 grams of spirulina a day reduced the markers of oxidative damage. It also increased antioxidant enzymes in the blood of the individuals.
Spirulina and its Anti-Cancer Properties
Evidence suggests that spirulina is packed with anti-cancer properties. It reacts effectively against oral cancer. This study shows that it can reduce the tumor size and occurrence of the cancer.
A research conducted on 87 people from India showed amazing results. All people used 1 gram of spirulina per day for 1 year. About 45% of the spirulina group saw a complete regression of the lesions in 1 month.
Impressive, huh?
These are the top 5 benefits of spirulina. Other benefits include:
- Spirulina reduces blood pressure.
- Spirulina Helps Improving Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
- Spirulina May be effective Against anemia
- Spirulina Might improve Muscle Strength and Endurance
- Spirulina May Help Controlling Blood Sugar
Spirulina and its powerful features could make your life healthier. It’s incredibly good and recognized as a superfood by many people and cultures.
Don’t forget to share this with your friends. They should know about how powerful spirulina is.
Source: My Science Academy