Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that can be taken as a dietary supplement. Spirulina is considered a superfood because of its excellent nutritional content and health benefits. It contains a high protein and vitamin content, which makes it an amazing dietary supplement for people on vegetarian diets.

Studies have also found that spirulina has antioxidant and inflammation-fighting properties, as well as the ability to help regulate the immune system.

Health Benefits of Spirulina

Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of spirulina.

Prevents LDL Cholesterol from Getting Oxidized

There is a dangerous process in the body called “lipid peroxidation.” This is a situation where fatty structures are destroyed through oxidative stress. When LDL lipoproteins are oxidized in the blood, this increases the risk of heart disease. Some studies have shown that spirulina’s antioxidant powers are helpful in fighting the process of lipid peroxidation while also improving antioxidant enzyme levels in the blood.

This may help prevent LDL cholesterol from going through harmful oxidation to protect heart health.

Combats Toxicity

Spirulina contains absorptive effects that can be harmful to a person’s health because spirulina from polluted waters can be extremely contaminated. However, spirulina can be beneficial for a system which is already contaminated. Even for people who suffer from chronic arsenic poisoning, taking spirulina supplements regularly may help detoxify the body from these destructive pollutants.

Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Apart from blood pressure, it is important to keep your cholesterol levels low to ensure a healthy heart. Studies suggest that spirulina can be effective in reducing cholesterol levels. Spirulina may reduce LDL cholesterol while also preserving HDL cholesterol, making it a very effective supplement for maintaining balanced cholesterol levels.

Fight Allergies

Spirulina alleviates catarrh, headaches, itchy throat, watery eyes, and other allergy symptoms. During allergy season, taking spirulina supplements may help reduce allergy symptoms. Spirulina can prevent and treat allergic rhinitis since it functions as a natural antihistamine.

Treats ADHD Symptoms

The neurological effect of spirulina may help in the treatment of ADHD symptoms. It helps to improve attention, cognition, and impulse control in ADHD treatment in children.

Acts as an Anti-inflammatory Agent

Inflammation in the body is associated with heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease, among others. However, spirulina can help reduce inflammation in the body as it has a protective effect against inflammation-related diseases. The color of spirulina is derived from the presence of a pigment called phycocyanin. This pigment possesses anti-inflammatory effects.

Regulates Blood Pressure

To protect cardiovascular health, you need to control markers of heart disease, one of which is blood pressure. Consuming spirulina daily without any other changes in diet is enough to lower blood pressure levels over a period of time.

Fights Oxidative Stress

The phycocyanin in spirulina is not just a pigment; it is an antioxidant too. Oxidative stress also plays a role in a range of health conditions. Like inflammation, it also affects the aging process. When a person takes spirulina supplements, they are providing their body with potent antioxidants which can help to fight off oxidative stress. This can help reduce the amount of damage in the body, preventing diseases and possibly prolong lifespan.

Protects Brain Health

One of the benefits of spirulina is in helping you avoid over-the-counter antihistamines which may increase a person’s risk of developing dementia. Dementia is a health condition that has become rampant, and for which there is no magic treatment or cure. Spirulina can also protect brain health in other ways, reducing the risk of developing conditions such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

Reduces Triglycerides

Studies show how no changes were recorded in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol after the use of spirulina. However, there was a significant lowering effect on plasma triglyceride concentration. This is a clear indication that spirulina may help to reduce triglycerides, which is vital in improving cardiovascular health.

Cures Cancer, particularly the oral Type

There are studies which show that spirulina may be helpful in treating certain types of cancer, particularly cancers of the mouth. These studies show that spirulina supplementation may be helpful in countering pancreatic cancer.

Enhances Workouts

People who experience muscle fatigue during or after workouts may be suffering from the effects of oxidative stress caused by exercise. Luckily, antioxidant-rich foods can help to counteract this effect, reducing muscle fatigue and boosting endurance. So taking spirulina may help a person to exercise longer and harder than usual and may also increase muscle strength. Spirulina is also rich in protein, which is good for bodybuilding.

Treats Anemia

People who are are anemic may find spirulina beneficial. Studies show that spirulina supplementation may boost hemoglobin in blood cells while also strengthening the immune system.

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

It is no secret that spirulina possesses health benefits for cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglycerides, but not many know that it can also help a person maintain normal blood sugar levels. Spirulina is effective in regulating blood sugar levels, even more than conventional drugs like Metformin.

So for people who are diabetic or pre-diabetic, or you simply want to keep your blood sugar levels normal, spirulina supplement is worth a try.

Promotes Liver Health

Spirulina may also be able to provide a protective effect on liver health. It lowers the risk of people suffering from chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis or liver failure. Some studies show that spirulina acts as an antioxidant and is able to assist in destroying free radicals. The studies also found that spirulina chelated metals are capable of preventing liver damage.

Supports Weight Loss

As mentioned earlier, spirulina contains a significant amount of protein. According to some studies conducted on the effects of protein, it has been found that protein can increase metabolism while also promoting satiety. When a person feels full, they are less likely to be tempted to eat more than they should.

A faster metabolism is also a great way to promote weight loss since it means that the body is burning calories faster than is usual. Spirulina can help you to attain your weight loss goals faster than expected.

Protects the Skin from Free Radical Damage

The connection between free radicals and skin damage has been established. There are many sources of free radicals in our daily lives to which our skin is exposed. These include UV rays, pollutants in our environments, chemicals, and even byproducts of metabolism. Spirulina contains potent antioxidants that can help to counteract free radical damage in the skin. It can then reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, while also keeping the skin soft and radiant.

Produces GLA

While this is not a direct health benefit of using spirulina, it is of interest. Studies have shown the ability of spirulina to produce a compound called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) under various situations. According to these studies, GLA is beneficial in treating a wide range of conditions, including PMS, rheumatoid arthritis, and eczema.

Treats Candida Infections

Anyone who has ever suffered a candida infection will tell you how extremely stubborn and difficult it is to treat.
While many candida infections have mild effects, some constitute serious health concerns.  An imbalance in the body’s microflora can trigger the onset of leaky gut syndrome and even candidiasis. Luckily, spirulina can help alleviate the symptoms of candida infections.