Spirulina is a comprehensive source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. In addition, spirulina powder has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. For those who are trying to improve their nutritional status as much as possible, adding spirulina is a good start.
Spirulina Contains the Following Ingredients:
Phytonutrients: Phytonutrients are a major component of
spirulina powder and have many health benefits.
Protein: Spirulina is 50-70% protein by dry weight. It contains a full range of essential (the body cannot make its own) and non-essential (the body can make) amino acids, which are required by the body to synthesize protein molecules.
Carbohydrates: 15-25 % of the dry weight of spirulina is carbohydrates.
Nucleic acids: 5% of the dry weight of spirulina powder is nucleic acids, which are required for the molecules to synthesize DNA and RNA.
Vitamins and Minerals:
Beta Carotene – A precursor to vitamin A, it is beneficial for the skin, eyes, and immune system.
Iron – Helps prevent anemia in people who may have iron deficiency anemia.
Vitamin K1 and K2 – These two vitamins promote blood clotting and help strengthen bones.
Calcium – Important for maintaining bone strength, heart and skeletal muscle function.
Magnesium – Participates in over 350 biochemical reactions and helps prevent heart palpitations and muscle cramps.
Zinc – Important for maintaining healthy skin, a strong immune system and a strong memory.
Potassium – An important electrolyte required for daily cell messaging and body function.
Vitamin B – Important for nerve, brain and heart health. Since vegetarians often suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency, daily supplementation with spirulina can provide up to 60% of the recommended daily intake (RDA) of vitamin B12.
Folic acid – Important for nerve health and can help prevent birth defects when taken by pregnant women.
Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) – An important fatty acid found in vegetables. Considered a healthy omega-6 oil, it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Health Benefits of Spirulina Powder
chlorella spirulina acts as a prebiotic, which helps the growth of other beneficial bacteria in the gut. It contains chlorophyll, which helps alkalize (improve pH) the body.
Allergy Relief
Seasonal allergies can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, ears and nose, and cause a lot of discomfort to sufferers. Many people take allergy medications such as loratadine (Claritin), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and sometimes steroid nasal sprays such as fluticasone (fluticasone propionate). For those who do not want to use medications, spirulina may be an alternative. Studies have shown that spirulina can help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis when compared to a placebo (sugar) pill. Spirulina does this by "calming down" cells that react to allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions, such as pollen). However, no known studies have compared spirulina to prescription medications.
Antioxidant Effects
The compounds in spirulina supplement, including chlorophyll, beta carotene, lutein, and phycocyanin, are powerful antioxidants that can eliminate oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Examples of oxidation include rusting of metals and browning of cut avocados or apples left on the kitchen counter. In the body, oxidation can damage tissues and arteries, while increasing the risk of cancer and vascular disease. Finding a way to shield the body from this process is crucial in preventing disease.
Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. When dietary changes and increased exercise aren't enough to lower cholesterol, most doctors prescribe statins such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), and lovastatin to help lower cholesterol levels. Many people avoid these medications altogether due to concerns about side effects, and sometimes consider a more natural approach, red yeast rice.
Spirulina is another weapon in the cholesterol-lowering arsenal. A 2008 study of a Mexican population showed that spirulina lowered cholesterol levels and blood pressure in the subjects.
A recent 2014 study showed that taking 1 gram of spirulina daily for 12 weeks lowered total cholesterol by 16%. It also lowered triglycerides and LDL cholesterol (the bad kind). A 2015 study confirmed spirulina's cholesterol-lowering effects.
Arthritis
The word “arthritis” is derived from the Greek word arthron, meaning “joint”, and the Latin word itis, meaning “inflammation”. Generally speaking, there are two main types of arthritis. The first is osteoarthritis (~95%), and the other is rheumatoid arthritis (~5%).
A 2006 study showed that spirulina has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve all joint-related pain. A more recent study in 2015 showed similar findings, showing that spirulina works by reducing blood levels of cyclooxygenase-2, an enzyme that drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen inhibit, without the side effects of the drugs.
Detoxification of the Body
Spirulina helps detoxify the body from heavy metal toxicity. According to a study in India, where arsenic levels are high in the water supply, spirulina’s health benefits can be used to detoxify arsenic, a substance that increases the risk of neurological diseases and diabetes.
Protects the Brain from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
As the population ages, neurodegenerative diseases are becoming more common. They affect not only the sufferer, but also the caregivers. A healthy diet, physical activity, and mind games like word searches and crossword puzzles can all be part of a comprehensive approach to strengthening brain health.
Spirulina may also help. A 2010 study in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease showed that, along with other supplements like curcumin, spirulina may also prevent the formation of amyloid plaques, which are thought to be a cause of Alzheimer's disease. But more research is needed.
Protects against radiation and chemotherapy
For patients undergoing cancer treatment, radiation and chemotherapy are common treatments for cancer. However, radiation and chemotherapy are not without serious side effects.
While radiation is intended to kill cancer cells, it can also damage nearby healthy cells. Similarly, as chemicals circulate in the bloodstream to destroy cancer cells, they can cause collateral damage to healthy cells.
Studies show that taking spirulina can help protect healthy cells from the side effects of radiation therapy. A 2001 study showed that spirulina could protect cells from the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, while a 2014 study using rodents showed that spirulina helped protect healthy cells from the toxic side effects of chemotherapy. If you are being treated for cancer, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Safety of Spirulina
The FDA considers spirulina a "generally recognized as safe (GRAS)" product, and most experts recommend a daily dose of no more than 50 grams/day, which is much lower than the 3-5 grams/day daily dose commonly taken as a supplement. There is no research evidence that spirulina has any toxicity when taken at normal doses, making it a very safe nutritional supplement.
