In todays modern world filled with quick, fast and processed food options, who doesnt want to eat the most nutrient-dense foods available? Spirulina is a blue-green algae and is believed to be one of the oldest life forms on the planet. Indeed, it was used by the Aztecs to boost endurance. These days its a popular dietary supplement due to its impressive nutritional profile. And theres good reason. Lets take a look at some of the reported benefits of spirulina and why you need it.
This sea alga, is known as cyanobacteria. These are single-celled microorganisms that also produce energy from the sun via photosynthesis. Despite being tiny, this alga is jam-packed with nutrients.
There are also decent amounts of magnesium, potassium, and manganese, as well as small amounts of just about every other nutrient that you need in spirulina. For more tips on supplements, visit Wellness Nova.
This alga represents an important staple diet in humans and has been used as a source of protein and vitamin supplement in humans without any significant side-effects. Apart from the high (up to 70%) content of protein, it also contains vitamins, especially B12 and provitamin A (-carotenes), and minerals, especially iron. It is also rich in phenolic acids, tocopherols and -linolenic acid. Spirulina lacks cellulose cell walls and therefore it can be easily digested. Spirulina contains a powerful plant-based protein called phycocyanin. Research shows that this powerhouse contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, pain-relieving, and brain-protecting properties.
Phycocyanin, the pigment that gives spirulina its blue-green pigment has been shown to block tumor growth, kill cancer cells and reduce inflammation in the body. Not surprisingly, this is being researched as a potential treatment for cancer. Many antioxidants in spirulina also have anti-inflammatory effects on the body.
The protein in spirulina has been shown to reduce the bodys absorption of cholesterol, consequently lowering overall levels of cholesterol. This helps to keep your arteries clear, thus reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks due to lower chances of developing blood clots.
Triglycerides are harmful fats in your blood that can lead to the hardening of arteries, heightening your chances of pancreatitis, diabetes, and heart disease. The plant-based protein phycocyanin found in spirulina reduces triglyceride levels.
Spirulina also increases nitric oxide levels in the body, allowing blood vessels to relax. This in turn has been shown to reduce blood pressure, consequently lowering your risk of a heart attack.
According to Medical News Today, spirulina shows promise as a way to manage the symptoms of diabetes. But more research is needed before doctors can recommend it.
A2018 review studyfound that spirulina supplementation significantly lowered peoples fasting blood glucose levels. High fasting blood sugar is a common problem in people with diabetes type 1 and 2. This suggests that spirulina supplements may help people control diabetes.
These results suggest that spirulina shows promise as a food to supporttype 2 diabetesmanagement.
A2017 animal studysupports the idea that spirulina may help manage diabetes. In this study, the researchers gave mice withtype 1 diabetesspirulina extract orally. As a result, the mice showed:
The researchers note that the antioxidant effect of spirulina may be helpful in treating type 1 diabetes.
This super food contains a plethora of minerals, nutrients, and vitamins, essential for maintaining a strong immune system, such as vitamins E, C, and B6. Research has shown that spirulina also increases the number of white blood cells and antibodies that fight viruses and diseases inside the body.
Its often erroneously claimed that spirulina is a plant-based source of vitamin B12. However, this does not appear to be true. It actually contains pseudovitamin B12, which has not been shown to be effective in humans. This means that people on plant-based diets, where a vitamin B12 deficiency is common, should make sure to supplement from another source.
Taking spirulina may help boost a persons metabolism. A higher metabolic rate may make a person feel as if they have more energy. It may also increase the number of calories they burn each day, which may aid weight loss.
Spirulina is a tiny blue-green alga jam-packed with health-inducing properties. It can suppress oxidation, reduce blood pressure, and lower blood sugar levels, all while providing a plant-based protein that is comparable to eggs. While more research is needed to determine its effects on humans, it is definitely worthy of its superfood status.
Would you like to read read more on superfoods? What are they and can they increase your longevity?
Link:
What Is Spirulina and What Are Its Benefits? - Longevity LIVE - Longevity LIVE
Recommendation and review posted by G. Smith
