Is Spirulina Really Good For You? 5 Health Benefits to Know

Spirulina is a naturally occurring algae found in both fresh and salt water and has long been called a superfood due to its high concentration of nutrients and antioxidants. The ancient Aztecs were among them, original user It is a type of spirulina, and today it is a common ingredient in smoothies, juices, etc. NASA also reuse itAs reported in the magazine Marine Drugs, it is grown in space to help astronauts stay healthy.

Spirulina is currently one of the most popular supplements on the market. However, as research into its effects continues, caution is advised. You need to know this before using spirulina.

Spirulina benefits

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae. considered One of the oldest living organisms on Earth.it is cyanobacteria Like plants, they use photosynthesis to produce energy. It is also called a superfood for humans because it is rich in natural nutrients, but how does it actually affect human health?

These are some of the known health benefits of spirulina.

Rich in nutrients and antioxidants

Spirulina contains a variety of nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy, including vitamins such as: Thiamine healthy metabolism and vitamin A Not only is it good for your eyes, it also contains minerals such as copper and iron. improve immunity.It also contains other nutrients such as: omega 6 and omega 3 Fatty acids and antioxidants that fight inflammation Phycocyanin Beta-carotene, which helps reduce the risk of certain diseases. Spirulina has a protein content of 60%. more protein more popular than many vegetables protein source Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1 tsp. dried spirulina Contains 20 calories and the following nutrients:

Spirulina also contains small amounts of magnesium, potassium, and manganese.

All of these vitamins and nutrients help meet your daily nutritional requirements.

Can support healthy cholesterol

spirulina found It lowers “bad” cholesterol and total cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing the good cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This prevents fats and cholesterol in your blood from clogging your arteries and putting strain on your heart.one small one study People who took 1 gram of spirulina daily saw lower cholesterol after just 3 months.

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels helps prevent heart disease. heart attack and strokeby Harvard Health.

May help the immune system

Spirulina contains vitamins and minerals that are important for immune health. moreover, research has discovered this thing increases white blood cell production Both antibodies are used by the body to fight disease. Importantly, Spirulina's effects on the immune system make it dangerous for people with autoimmune diseases such as lupus. WebMD.

Spirulina's anti-inflammatory properties may also help people with allergies from common sources such as dust, pollen, and pet hair. has been studied as. alternative treatment Although more research is needed regarding the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

may lower blood pressure

Spirulina increases the production of nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and dilate.multiple studies i got you Taking spirulina daily can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (the first and second numbers on a blood pressure reading).it also showed positive effect For people with hypertension.

Can support eye health

Spirulina also has benefits for eye health. It is rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A has been shown to have the following effects: Helps prevent vision loss According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it promotes eye health.

According to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, spirulina also contains: High concentration Zeaxantuin reduces the chance of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.Several animal research Although the eye health benefits of spirulina are supported, more research is needed to gain deeper insight into how spirulina may benefit humans.

Spirulina risks and disadvantages

When discussing superfoods, it's important to not just focus on the hype and ignore the potential risks. Here are some things to note about spirulina:

lack of research

Spirulina has been around for a long time, but scientists are still studying its effects on the human body. Many of the purported health benefits are based on animal studies or limited research.

For example, there is a theory that spirulina may help prevent cancer. It is rich in antioxidants, which are known to fight cancer-causing inflammation.Examples include: Phycocyanin, has been shown to reduce inflammation while preventing cancer cell proliferation. However, research continues to determine the exact correlation, if any, between spirulina and cancer.

Researchers are also studying spirulina and its potential for prevention and treatment. influenza, herpes and HIVbut again, further research is needed.

It's not regulated

There are many spirulina products on the market today, but be careful when purchasing.

Like all supplements, spirulina is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.Some spirulina products has been discovered It is important that they are free of contaminants, especially if they are harvested in wild areas rich in heavy metals. These pollutants are damage the liver With enough exposure.

Additionally, some products may contain more or less spirulina than stated on the label.

Side effects and safety precautions

Spirulina is largely considered safe in normal doses, with the Dietary Supplement Information Experts Committee giving Spirulina the following rating: Class A safety rating.However, some possibilities side effects sleep disorders, digestive problems, symptoms Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, etc. some people Reported allergic reaction.

Spirulina is not recommended for people taking certain medications, including those designed to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and immune system activity. Additionally, it is not recommended for people who:

• pregnant woman
• The kids
• People with autoimmune diseases
• Those who are about to undergo surgery or those who have just had surgery

Before using spirulina, be sure to check with your doctor about possible drug interactions and purchase from a trusted retailer to ensure its legality and safety.

How to take spirulina

One of the benefits of spirulina is its versatility. It is sold as a tablet, capsule, or powder supplement in most health food stores. It has a bitter taste, but you can mask it by mixing it with yogurt or smoothies.

Dosage may vary. Before taking spirulina, ask your doctor how often and in what amounts you should take it. Bringing it to your appointment allows your doctor to double-check the brand and make sure it's safe to use.

Spirulina is a useful addition to your health regimen, but research continues into its effects on the human body. Pay attention to the latest research and buy vetted products from reputable brands. Spirulina isn't ideal for everyone, but your doctor can help guide you in the right direction.