Is blue spirulina good for you? What are the benefits of blue spirulina? When we first hear about spirulina, we don’t realize how beneficial it is. Because no one can imagine that this blue algae could help them get rid of various diseases. But recent scientific studies proved that spirulina is loaded with multiple healthy nutrients, and these nutrients are famous for improving overall health.
In this article, we go over all the things which you have to know about spirulina and its benefits.
What is blue spirulina?
The blue spirulina is basically a blue-green algae that is derived from cyanobacteria, and is found in lakes, ponds, and alkaline water. According to experts, it is the oldest life form on the earth. Spirulina is considered a superfood because it contains so many all-natural health nutrients.
The taste of blue spirulina is bitter but is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. As you know, the color of Spirulina is blue. It is because of a particular compound called phycocyanin. This antioxidant provides bluish colors and fights against free radicals. People can add spirulina to their daily diet easily.
Blue spirulina nutrition:
Spirulina is the most famous supplement that is used in various countries. Because it is loaded with a number of healthy nutrients
A tablespoon of spirulina contains the following nutrients
Protein: 4 grams
Copper: 21 percent of RDA
Vitamin B2: 15 percent of RDA
Iron: 11 percent of RDA
Vitamin B: 11 percent of RDA
Magnesium: 5 percent of RDA
Vitamin B3: 4 percent of RDA
Health benefits of blue spirulina:
The blue Spirulina is safe, healthy, and easy to use. It is dense with beneficial nutrients and compounds that help to beat different diseases, such as:
Gut health:
Spirulina doesn’t contain any tough fibrous walls. Therefore, it can be metabolized and digested easily.
A study in 2017 showed that spirulina is very effective for gut health. Spirulina preserves healthy gut bacteria, which helps with digestion.
Prevents heart diseases:
Heart diseases are directly related to blood pressure and the body’s cholesterol levels. Spirulina reduces both, and it helps prevent heart disease.
Research in 2013 suggests that these blue-green algae have a role in preventing heart diseases. These algae have cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, all of which have a good role in heart issues.
Still, further research is required on a human being, though studies on animals proved its beneficial effects.
Controls cholesterol level:
Spirulina lowers the cholesterol level. Cholesterol is not good for health as it causes heart disease. According to a study conducted in 2016, spirulina imposes positive effects on lipids. Spirulina lowers the LDL cholesterol, which is not suitable for health.
Additionally, it increases the level of HDL cholesterol, which is good for health. According to research in 2013, taking 1g of spirulina reduced the cholesterol level after 3 months.
Boosts the metabolic rate:
Spirulina boosts the metabolism of a person. The high metabolism of a person makes a person energetic, and it cuts the fat and aids in weight loss.
According to a study in 2014, taking 6g of spirulina is beneficial for metabolism, and it causes the loss of weight. It is seen that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Treats allergies:
Allergic rhinitis means allergic reaction to pollen, dust, pets, and nose may swell. Spirulina is considered to treat this condition. According to research, spirulina has a positive effect on an allergic reaction.
According to research in 2019, spirulina helps lower nasal inflammation and relieves allergic rhinitis symptoms.
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itching
- Nasal congestion
Boosts the mood:
According to research in 2018, spirulina is effective in treating mood disorders. Spirulina contains an amino acid known as tryptophan, and tryptophan causes the production of the serotonin hormone. Serotonin is necessary for the maintenance of mental health.
People who are suffering from depression and anxiety have decreased levels of serotonin. Thus, spirulina is beneficial for mental health. However, more research is required in determining the exact effects of spirulina on mental health.
Act as antitoxin:
Drinking contaminated and polluted water poses a grave threat to worldwide health. According to studies, spirulina may protect against this.
According to numerous studies, spirulina has antitoxic properties and is helpful against arsenic, fluoride, iron, lead, mercury, etc. Spirulina can also be used in pollutant poisoning.
Effective against cancer:
According to some studies, spirulina is an anti-cancer agent, because it decreases the chances of cancer and tumor size.
Spirulina is considered beneficial for oral cancer. A study was carried out on 87 people from India who were having precancerous lesions known as oral submucous fibrosis.
Among those who took 1gram spirulina per day for almost one year, about 45% of these people showed the disappearance of their lesions. While on the other hand, among those who didn’t take spirulina, only 7 percent had their lesion disappeared. After they stopped using spirulina, they developed these lesions again.
Lowers the risk of hypertension:
High blood sugar is a leading cause of many diseases like heart attacks, strokes, and chronic renal diseases. The recommended dose to reduce blood pressure is 4.5 grams daily.
Spirulina causes the production of nitric oxide. This causes vasodilation and reduces blood pressure.
Anemia:
Anemia has various types. A common type of anemia is due to decreased RBC count or reduced hemoglobin level. Anemia is mostly seen in adults, and this causes weakness and lethargy in them. According to research, it increased the RBC count and hemoglobin level in a 40-year anemic patient.
Reduces muscle fatigue:
Muscle fatigue is mainly due to exercise-induced oxidative damage. Different plants food contain antioxidants properties, thus making an athlete physically active and alert.
Spirulina is considered to increase muscle strength. Research showed that spirulina is beneficial in relieving muscle fatigue.
Controls blood sugar:
Blood sugar is a disease that is caused by the non-proper functioning of the insulin in the body. Spirulina is effective for controlling the blood sugar level in the body, and it is effective for both animals and humans. An animal study proved that spirulina aids in lowering blood sugar levels.
Additionally, a scientific study was performed on a group of 25 diabetic people, where they were given 2 grams of spirulina for 2 weeks. The results showed that spirulina lowers their blood sugar level. This study showed that spirulina decreases the hbc1a marker, which causes long-term diabetes, decreases the risk by 8 to 9 percent, and reduces the death rate.
Weight loss:
Spirulina is great for those who desire to make efforts to lose extra weight. Nutritionists suggest consuming spirulina daily for weight loss with a low-calorie diet.
In addition, during the weight loss process, it provides you with healthy nutrients, which helps you avoid any nutrients deficiency and fatigue.
Study results showed that spirulina is effective for weight loss and also controls your weight.
Prevents eye diseases:
Eye problems are common nowadays because of air pollution and nutrients deficiency. Spirulina has the power to prevent eye diseases like cataracts and vision loss. This is because spirulina has zeaxanthin, which is a plant pigment that is good for eye health.
According to study results, the people who take spirulina daily have no eye diseases.
So, if you have weak eyesight or other eye problem, start taking spirulina daily, you will see improvement.
Improves oral health:
Spirulina is famous for its oral benefits. A study proved that spirulina mouth wash had reduced dental plaque and gingivitis. It works this way because spirulina has antibacterial properties that promote oral health. Another study reported that the use of spirulina can prevent oral cancer in people.
How to use spirulina?
Spirulina is available in two forms, powder form and tablet form. You use them in different ways, such as:
Spirulina powder:
- You can add spirulina powder to smoothies. It will. Also, change the color of your drink
- Add spirulina powder into any salad.
- Sprinkle spirulina powder in soup with ginger and considers leaves.
- You take to mix it into hot water morning drink for weight loss
- You can consume it with the energy balls.
Spirulina powder is easily available in the market and online stores. You can even make spirulina powder at home with dried spirulina leaves.
Spirulina tablets:
You can consume spirulina tablets and capsules with water or milk.
Recommended daily dosage of spirulina:
There is not any recommended dosage of spirulina. In different studies, the scientists use different doses anywhere from 1.8, up to 3 grams. That’s why there is no specific dosage recommended.
According to a few studies, the dosage of spirulina differs for different age groups. It’s just because of their need for nutrients and their health condition.
Your nutrition is nutritionist or doctor will recommend the amount that is good for you according to your health and disease type.
Therefore, before taking spirulina, contact your doctor or any other health expert to avoid any side effects of spirulina.
Possible side effects:
Generally, spirulina is considered safe, but I have a few side effects too. Especially people experience side effects which are already going through some severe diseases.
Here are some possible side effects of blue spirulina:
- The major drawback of spirulina is the possibility of the algae becoming toxic due to contamination.
- Worsens phenylketonuria.
- Possibly promotes the autoimmune diseases.
- Prolonged use of it could cause metal toxicity, especially if it is impure.
- Can affect renal disorder.
- Can trigger edema.
- Possible nausea and digestive problems.
- Unknown effects on breastfeeding or pregnant people.
Conclusion on blue spirulina benefits:
Spirulina is an amazing supplement because of its healthy nutrients. These nutrients are powerful, and aid in health improvement. It is effective for various health conditions, like preventing heart diseases, controlling blood sugar levels, maintaining blood pressure, etc. It also aids in reducing the symptoms of allergic reactions.
Additionally, spirulina is popular for its weight loss benefits. Besides all of these benefits, spirulina has a few side effects. For example, nausea, renal disorder, promoting immune diseases, triggering edema, causing digestive disorder, etc.
The recommended dose is 1.8 to 3 grams. If you want to improve your overall health, start consuming spirulina daily, and it will help you prevent different diseases.
Other related articles:
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- 10 Health Benefits Of Mangoes
- 10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Noni Juice
- 9 Proven Health Benefits Of Chia
- 10 Foods That Boost The Immune System
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