The article introduces you to Spirulina, and lists various Spirulina health benefits to educate you about this highly dense nutritional supplement.
Before the existence of humans on this planet, there existed numerous types of living beings in the form of microorganisms and plants.
One of such oldest or micro-algae is Spirulina, which has existed on your planet for millions of years. This alga is known to be the food source of numerous organisms. Spirulina is also responsible for the oxygen that we breathe, which means that it is essential for both humans and other organisms.
When it comes to its consumption, humans can consume this alga as it has numerous properties that could help us in having a healthy life. One fascinating thing about Spirulina is that it is made out of only a single cell, which is why it is also considered as bacteria. Despite having only one cell, Spirulina health benefits are numerous in number and extremely beneficial for the human body.
Even since Spirulina was rediscovered in the last couple of years, researchers and nutrition experts have termed it as a “superfood”. There are over 1500 peer-reviewed scientific articles evaluating its health benefits.
In this article, we present you with some of the Spirulina health benefits that will help you in understanding more about it.
Spirulina Nutrition Facts
Spirulina is a naturally occurring algae and contains high amount of nutrients. It is advisable to consume only one or two grams every day, but the consumption can be increased if a doctor advises. It all depends on the user and their physical attributes that how much they can consume.
An average human consumes about seven grams of dried Spirulina powder. Out of seven grams of Spirulina, four grams are only proteins which make it one of the most protein-rich foods. Apart from that, it includes 4% vitamin B3, 11% vitamin B1 and iron, 15% vitamin B2, and 21% copper. In addition to that, it also contains a small amount of magnesium, manganese, and potassium.
Some people may say that contains vitamin B12, but it is not at all true. Even though it comes with pseudo-vitamin B12, but that is entirely ineffective on humans. While consuming any food, some of the people pay special attention to the fats included.
One of the best things about this alga is that it only has twenty calories per seven grams which are highly digestible.
8 Spirulina Health Benefits
Here they are:
#1 Detoxifies Heavy Metals
Water is the primary source for humans to stay hydrated. However, the water we consume contains trace levels of heavy metals that could damage the body.
One of the most significant problems that humans suffer due to heavy metals in the water is the arsenic poisoning. The arsenic poisoning could result in the growth of cancer, lung diseases, diabetes, and heart diseases. Even after knowing these health issues caused by arsenic poisoning, still, people cannot do anything about it.
However, Spirulina protein not only helps in providing nutrition, but it is also known to detoxify the heavy metal present in the body. Regular dosage of Spirulina could decrease the heavy metals present in the body and should be consumed in places like India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh where heavy metals are known to be present in the water.
#2 Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Spirulina contains a component known as phycocyanin due to which the Spirulina has unique green and blue color. Not only this component provides the Spirulina this color but offers some anti-inflammatory properties as well. The consumption of Spirulina capsules could help in reducing the inflammatory molecules making it one of the best natural anti-inflammatory substances.
Apart from that, it also comes with some antioxidants. A high number of oxidants present in the body could damage the cells causing numerous diseases. As Spirulina contains some of the antioxidant properties, its consumption could decrease the number of oxidants in the body.
#3 Help to Control Blood Sugar
Diabetes is a killer lifestyle disease. Around 1 in 4 people have diabetes, which is the major cause of kidney failure, heart attacks, and blindness. The consumption of Spirulina is known to decrease HbA1c, which is the cause of high blood sugar levels. Consuming Spirulina could decrease HbA1c levels by 1% and it could reduce the chances of diabetes borne deaths by over 20%.
#4 Helps in Weight Loss
Without a doubt, obesity is a major problem in today’s generation. Almost one-third of the population is obese which increases the chances of cardiovascular diseases. In order to reduce obesity, people take certain measures such as extreme dieting, but they often fail to achieve results.
People try to convert their fat into muscle which is why they need a high amount of protein. The Spirulina weight loss capsules can help people in providing the necessary proteins which could help them in losing weight. In addition to that, it is also known to reduce hunger.
#5 Decreases Cholesterol Levels
One of the biggest reasons for heart diseases is high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is present in most of the junk foods, which is considered unhealthy. The increase in the cholesterol in the body creates a wall in the blood arteries which decreases the blood flow to the heart.
It can not only weaken the heart functioning but can also result in sudden death. The nutrients in spirulina are known to help in controlling the cholesterol levels and decrease the chances of heart diseases due to the same.
#6 Can Prevent Cancer
Annually, more than 8 million people die due to cancer which makes it one of the deadliest diseases present on our planet. Though cancer is completely curable when diagnosed at the right time, but the treatment is too expensive which is why more than 25% people diagnosed with cancer in the low-income countries die due to this disease.
People who have cancer who took Spirulina reported that they witnessed reduce in tumor size and the reports showed a decrease in cancer cells. Moreover, cancer patients who stopped using Spirulina witnessed an increase in the cancer cells.
#7 Spirulina Reduces Malnutrition
In our world, 700+ million people die of malnutrition, which makes them vulnerable to numerous diseases. As Spirulina has tons of nutrients and proteins, it provides the consumer with lots of nutrition which helps in reducing malnutrition.
#8 Decreases Sinus Symptoms
People suffering from sinus are allergic to numerous things like pollen, mold, animal hair, and other things. As Spirulina is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce the sinus issues. All those who were suffering from sinus and consumed Spirulina noted that the supplement had reduced the effects of sinus including nasal discharge, congestion, itching, and sneezing.
What is Spirulina Good For?
The above mentioned were some of the Spirulina health benefits. We mentioned the nutritional values and how it can help in improving the health of human. However, people still wonder that what Spirulina is good for. When it comes to its uses, then the primary use of this alga is for a protein-rich diet. Most of the people who are looking to reduce weight or want to build muscles consume Spirulina.
Another good use of this bacterium is the treatment of allergies. Regular consumption of Spirulina could reduce the symptoms of rhinitis like congestion, and sneeze. Moreover, it can also improve the brain and nervous system function. As it has various nutrients, it keeps the brain healthy and fit even for people in advanced age of their lives. It is also good for the people who are suffering from depression.
In addition, Spirulina is beneficial for people having ulcers. Amino acid and cysteine are known to provide relief from ulcers. Spirulina is rich in amino acids, protein, and cysteine which are an excellent treatment for gastric ulcers.
Spirulina Side Effects
Previously, you read about Spirulina health benefits, let’s focus on its side effects now.
Every good thing comes with some negative factors, and that includes Spirulina as well. The major side-effect that most of the people suffer is a mild fever. The reason behind this is that it increases the metabolism of the person and the body might take a while to get used to it, resulting in slight fever.
Moreover, you can expect a slight skin irritation as well. As this alga detoxifies the skin, it could lead to minor skin irritation, but that will only last until the skin is cleansing.
After taking Spirulina for a week, you may notice extended sleepiness. The reason for this is the same as above that your body is not used to taking this and might show such signs. You do not have to worry as they are completely normal and could happen to anybody.
However, if the signs do not go away with the time, then it is a matter of concern. In that case, you need to stop consuming Spirulina immediately and consult your doctor to reduce the side-effects.
Endnote
Spirulina is one of the oldest algae present on our planet. The Spirulina health benefits are numerous, and we have mentioned most of them to help you know more about it. It all depends on you that whether you want to consume Spirulina powder or Spirulina capsules. Both of them will show the same effects, and the only difference between them is their way of consumption.
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