REDUCES CHOLESTEROL
Previous studies have demonstrated Spirulina’s role as a superfood that lowers cholesterol naturally. For example, a 2007 study found that 4.5 grams of Spirulina maxima per day for 6 weeks significantly lowered triglycerides from an average of 238 mg/dL to 164 mg/dL. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were also significantly reduced, while the “good” HDL cholesterol significantly increased. In this study, average blood pressure also significantly decreased. Other human studies have also demonstrated Spirulina’s ability to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, enhance the immune system, boost anti-oxidant defenses, kill viruses, and treat allergy-related nasal symptoms.
References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2907180/
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.6261/abstract;jsessionid=9DB608D1F9A04B7925D0BABDE69A98E9.f02t03
LOSE WEIGHT NATURALLY
Spirulina is also an appetite suppressant. It contains the amino acid phenylalanine that stimulates the secretion of cholecystokinin that helps to suppress appetite
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26813468
LOWERING YOUR A1C BLOOD SUGAR
High blood sugar can increase the risk of developing insulin resistance, obesity, PCOD, and diabetes. Spirulina helps to lower the blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes patients. Therefore, if you include spirulina in your diet you can prevent insulin spikes, and further protect yourself from diseases and prevent weight gain
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2788188/
STRENGTHENS MUSCLE AND INCREASES ENDURANCE
Exercise-induced oxidative damage is a major contributor to muscle fatigue.
Certain plant foods have antioxidant properties that can help athletes and physically active individuals minimize this damage.
Spirulina appears beneficial, as some studies have pointed to improved muscle strength and endurance.
In two studies, spirulina enhanced endurance, significantly increasing the time it took for people to become fatigued
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20010119
HELPS TO RELIEVE ALLERGIES
There is some evidence that spirulina could help improve the symptoms of allergies.
A 2013 study states that spirulina can relieve nasal inflammation and reduce histamine in the body. Compared to a placebo, it may reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including: runny nose…sneezing…nasal congestion…itching
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3845706/
FIGHTING ANEMIA
There are many different forms of anemia. The most common one is characterized by a reduction in hemoglobin or red blood cells in your blood.
Anemia is fairly common in older adults, leading to prolonged feelings of weakness and fatigue.
In a study in 40 older people with a history of anemia, Spirulina increased the hemoglobin content of red blood cells and improved immune function
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4012879/
SUPPORTS HEALTHY LIVER FUNCTION
Besides the support Spirulina lends the immune system, its potential for protecting the liver from harm is what makes spirulina such an exciting find for people with chronic liver disease. There is evidence that suggests spirulina may help protect against liver damage, cirrhosis and liver failure in those with chronic liver disease.
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5490612/
SUPPORTING EYE HEALTH
Spirulina contains around 10 times the beta carotene content than that of carrots. Beta carotene is converted into Vitamin A in the form of Retinol in the body. So its not actually vitamin A, but its “soon to be” vitamin A.Vitamin A helps protect the cornea, which is the outer surface of the eye. This is essential for having good vision. If it is not protected it can be easily damaged which could leave you with blurry vision, eye pain and eye redness.
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22313576
https://spirulinathegreat.com/spirulina-for-eye-health-improving-your-vision-naturally
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
Spirulina contains vitamin E, selenium and tyrosine, which are all known for their powerful anti-aging effects. The antioxidants present in tyrosine eliminate free radicals and slow down the aging of skin cells. Spirulina is also a wonderful source of chlorophyll, which has cleansing properties, and it also helps your skin retain moisture, which is a major key to maintaining the appearance of smoother, hydrated skin.
Spirulina brings about faster cell turnover, which helps your skin heal faster. Increasing your skin’s metabolism is a key to maintaining a consistent healthy glow, so you’re naturally shedding those dry skin cells that make your skin appear dry and dull.
Neuro-Inflammation
With rapid population aging, advanced age is a major risk factor leading to an increased prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease (HD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). The common characteristic of these diseases is progressive neuronal loss and impaired neuronal function, and one of their critical backstage manipulators is extracellular neurotoxic microenvironment linked to oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunctions. Taking Spirulina regularly may help to reduce such oxidative damage.
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20463965
R. Fischer and O. Maier, “Interrelation of oxidative stress and inflammation in neurodegenerative disease: role of TNF,” Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, vol. 2015, 18 pages, 2015.
REDUCE HEAVY METAL TOXICITY
Spirulina is known for its ability to be a potent detoxifier. Spirulina can be used in high doses because it is highly effective at binding toxins and purging them from the body.
References:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3824145/
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES
The benefits of Spirulina in arthritis are due to its nutrient and antioxidant-rich chemical composition.
Spirulina can provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and anti-fatigue properties to arthritis patients.
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4390336/
HEALTHY SKIN
Anti-Aging Benefits
Spirulina contains vitamin E, selenium and tyrosine, which are all known for their powerful anti-aging effects. The antioxidants present in tyrosine eliminate free radicals and slow down the aging of skin cells. Spirulina is also a wonderful source of chlorophyll, which has cleansing properties, and it also helps your skin retain moisture, which is a major key to maintaining the appearance of smoother, hydrated skin.
Tones Your Skin
If your skin has been looking tired and dull, spirulina taken both orally and applied topically can do wonders for your skin. With its high content of calcium, iron, phosphorous and vitamins A, B-12 and E, spirulina works over time to fight free radicals, purifying your system and thereby restoring your skin’s vitality.
Detoxifies Your Skin
Spirulina brings about faster cell turnover, which helps your skin heal faster. Increasing your skin’s metabolism is a key to maintaining a consistent healthy glow, so you’re naturally shedding those dry skin cells that make your skin appear sallow and dull.
References: http://jalgalbiomass.com/paper14vol3no4.pdf