Spirulina is the name of a dietary supplement , which is obtained from cyanobacteria of the genus Arthrospira Platensis , which were originally included in the genus Spirulina platensis , which gave the nutritional supplement its name .
It is a group of microorganisms , which make up a type of blue- green algae. It grows in highly mineralized stagnant water and alkaline soils and is capable of photosynthesis.
It is a great blood detoxifier , thanks to its rich chlorophyll content . It has been recognized to combat anemia and malnutrition . Its high nutritional value has made it an essential food for any diet.
Its high nutrient content makes it one of the richest and highest nutritional quality for our health. Do you dare to discover this superfood?
What is spirulina?
It is a type of seaweed that serves as a nutritional supplement , it provides many benefits to our health such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and proteins, so we recommend adding it to almost all meals.
Important: At the United Nations World Food Conference in 1974, spirulina was defined as one of the best foods for the future of humanity.
In addition to being an incredible source of nutrients , it has immunostimulating compounds such as inulin (1) and phycocyanin (2) , which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties.
Spirulina Health Benefits
Spirulina has been used as food throughout human history, there are indications that it was already consumed in the Aztec culture , although its consumption increased from the 20th century.
Next we will see the multiple benefits that spirulina brings to our health.
1. Strengthens the immune system
Spirulina helps our immune system , increasing the production of antibodies and cytokines, developing greater protection against viruses or microbes, thus improving the immune state.
2. Reduces blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides
A study carried out by the vascular pathophysiology laboratory of the Neuromed Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS) in Pozzilli , helped to demonstrate the hypotensive action of spirulina. (3)
The researchers managed to isolate a peptide (molecule made up of amino acids) from this cyanobacterium , capable of dilating the arteries, which translates into its antihypertensive action.
Spirulina is one of the richest sources of group B vitamins , gamma linolenic acid and the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, which makes it a great natural ally to protect us from cholesterol.
3. Protects the health of the kidneys, eyes and liver
The detoxification mechanisms in our body are activated with spirulina, helping organs such as the kidneys and the liver in their purification and elimination of toxins.
Important: Spirulina acts as a powerful ally for the health of our eyes, thanks to its high concentration of beta-carotene . And it can also prevent the appearance of cataracts and improve vision in general.
4. Lowers glucose levels
The studies of Dr. Chamorro Cevallos , allow us to affirm that spirulina can be useful as an assistant in the treatment of diabetes , in the control of high cholesterol levels. (4)
Note: The results suggest that consuming spirulina brings benefits in the control of blood glucose levels and in the improvement of the lipid profile of people with type 2 diabetes.
5. Reduces cognitive decline
Spirulina helps protect the cognitive system , the functioning of the brain and the nervous system . Helps promote general well-being, balancing the nervous system and reducing mood swings and stress.
6. Combat respiratory allergies
Spirulina algae has a valuable contribution of amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides and active pigments, which transform them into a highly bioactive product at the body level.
These algae increase resistance to infections , and stimulate hematopoiesis (5) , contributing to the production of antibodies and cytokines. (6)
7. Contributes to weight loss
One of the most outstanding properties of this algae is its effectiveness in weight loss diets , since spirulina contains a significant dose of a substance called phenylalanine , an amino acid that reduces appetite .
In addition, it regulates blood sugar levels , stimulates intestinal transit, is an excellent cleanser and burns fat, and speeds up metabolism.
8. Fights anemia
Spirulina is an incredibly 10 times richer in iron than spinach.
Important: Iron is generally difficult for our intestine to absorb. Spirulina plays an important role here, due to the particular structure of its cell wall that greatly increases the assimilation of its nutrients.
Another advantage is that spirulina algae is a natural source of iron and our body easily recognizes and assimilates it without creating adverse reactions as can occur with other sources of iron.
9. Reduces inflammation
The anti-inflammatory effect of spirulina is due to the fact that it contains linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid , these are essential fatty acids that belong to the omega 6 family.
Gamma-linolenic acid is a precursor to prostaglandin , a hormone that prevents heart attacks, helps eliminate fluids, improves circulation, lowers cholesterol production, and regulates cell division.
10. Increases endurance and physical performance
Spirulina is composed of a wide variety of proteins , approximately 65%, digestion is less difficult, since they are much more digestible than meat proteins.
This makes spirulina associated with great sports performance, since it activates the recovery process from fatigue after training and also strengthens the system .
Note: Spirulina also helps to have more energy, vitality and resistance in training and helps to detoxify the body . Its high iron content makes it possible to combat anemia or iron deficits in the blood that cause fatigue and exhaustion.
11. Delays aging
Some of the advantages of applying this product frequently are: delaying aging , reducing the side effects of acne and, above all, preventing the early appearance of wrinkles.
Thanks to its high concentration of vitamin A, vitamin E, iron, calcium and phosphorus , your skin will become more toned every day, leaving it younger and healthier.
12. Prevents cancer
Spirulina ‘s antioxidant properties make it able to hunt down and destroy free radicals. These harmful molecules will not cause cell damage and in this sense, prevent cancer .
Important: The high level of γ-Linoleic Acid (GLA) reduces the expression of cancer cells while destroying them, it is also full of phytochemicals , which are known for their ability to stop the spread of cancer cells.
Spirulina properties
Among the many benefits and properties that spirulina has, its protein content stands out, which can be around 60% in dehydrated algae and a good contribution of fiber, complex hydrates and fats in a smaller proportion.
Its contribution of vitamins and minerals is also important, such as B complex vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium, iodine, carotenes and vitamins.
vitamins
Blue Spirulina is an extract from the algae Spirulina. This has a highly antioxidant function thanks to beta – carotene and all the B vitamins and the large amount of vitamin E.
minerals
Spirulina has a considerable amount of potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, manganese, selenium, iron, and phosphorus. Minerals necessary to lead a healthy life.
proteins
It has a proportion of proteins higher than that of other sources such as meat, benefiting the body with 65% of these.
Fatty acids
Spirulina contains essential fatty acids for the production of hormones and enzymes and for keeping blood vessels clean.
How to consume spirulina?
It is marketed in the form of capsules, tablets, granules or powder to mix in food or liquid drinks and in culinary preparations, its use has a high degree of acceptance.
Important: The usual dose is 3 to 5 grams per day , although in athletes it can be increased to 10 g/day depending on needs and season.
capsules
Spirulina in capsules is very practical for those who decide to always take the same dose.
Tip: If you want to reduce your appetite, we recommend taking the capsule half an hour before each meal.
It is very common that during the first days you suffer from a headache , in case this happens you should consume more water than normal.
Dust
We can take spirulina powder, mixed with water, juices or smoothies and also in the kitchen we can consume it with salads, noodles or in the form of capsules. However, it is advisable to first consult your intake with a specialist doctor.
Key Findings
- Spirulina algae is ideal for combating anemia and malnutrition\
thanks to its high iron content.- It has compounds such as inulin and phycocyanin , which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor properties.
- It is essential in any diet due to its richness in nutrients such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and niacin.
- Spirulina’s antioxidant properties make it very powerful against free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can cause cancer.
- It is advisable to consult a specialist doctor first , for proper consumption.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.