10 Health Benefits of SpirulinaWith the growing popularity of “superfoods” and all the benefits they have, you may have heard of spirulina. But what is it? Why is it considered a superfood? What are the benefits? Can it actually do all they say it can? I’ve listed 10 of the amazing benefits of spirulina algae… Yes, I said algae!
There’s no reason to hit the back button just because some of the spirulina benefits are because it is algae. Why should you still pay attention to spirulina?
The spirulina algae are also called blue-green algae because of its color. It has now been named as one of the most nutrient-dense foods available, so it is no wonder why NASA has been researching spirulina benefits so astronauts and those who may be staying for extended periods of time on other planets (in the future) will have an excellent source of nutrition. Spirulina doesn’t just have a bright future in outer space, however. Even the Aztecs consumed it.
But why? Let me tell you.
Excellent Source of NutrientsAs I mentioned, one of the spirulina benefits is that it contains so many nutrients, and in great quantities. Not only does it contain enzymes as well as amino acids like spirulina DHA, but you can also get 4 grams of high-quality and easily digested proteins. This is even better than eating eggs, which are already known as a great source of protein, and it’s also a great source of spirulina DHA.
In addition to spirulina DHA, this nutritious alga also contains B Vitamins, such as Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), and Niacin (B3). These vitamins are essential to great health. But those aren’t the only nutritional spirulina benefits. It is also a great source of copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, and potassium. It also contains at least trace amounts of many other vitamins and minerals your body needs to function well. One of these nutrients is omega-3 fatty acids and blue-green algae are chock full of spirulina DHA.
Prevent Common Respiratory AllergiesI bet you never thought that algae could help prevent allergies, even season ones. The rhinitis caused by allergies can lead to a runny nose, congestion, itchy and watery eyes, as well as sneezing. None of this is pleasant, but what can you do about it? The spirulina algae helps to prevent allergic rhinitis or minimize the symptoms if it’s already started. It’s been proven that just 2 grams of it can lessen the irritation and inflammation of nasal passages which reduces your allergy symptoms.
Reduce Blood PressureWhile it isn’t exactly known what spirulina benefits are at play to help reduce blood pressure, it is thought that it has an effect on the amount of nitric oxide in the blood. By increasing this, the blood vessels can dilate which reduces blood pressure. It works in much the same way as drinking a cola to get rid of a headache. While the blood vessels are more relaxed, blood can flow the way it is supposed to. By reducing blood pressure, you can lower your risk of heart attack or stroke, or even chronic kidney disease.
Reduce Blood SugarWhile studies are still ongoing to prove these effects in humans, it has been determined that blood glucose levels can be dropped significantly as one of the spirulina benefits. It may take as little as 2 grams of spirulina a day to lower your A1C by 1%. If that doesn’t sound significant, look at it this way. By lowering your A1C by just 1%, you lower your risk of diabetes-related death by over 20%
Increase Strength & EnduranceBeing packed with so many nutrients, this one might be easy to believe. One of the best spirulina benefits that athletes and other physically active people have noticed is that it gives them more strength while being able to stay active for longer periods of time. Muscle fatigue is one of the most common complaints from athletes, or even people who are on their feet all day at work. Spirulina algae can help to combat this.
Lower Bad Cholesterol & TriglyceridesIf your LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, levels are too high, or if there’s a family history if high cholesterol and you want to be prepared, spirulina algae may just be your best friend. Not only can these blue-green algae lower LDL levels, but it case raise levels of HDL, the “good” cholesterol. It doesn’t leave out triglycerides, either, as it can lower them as well. High cholesterol can lead to heart disease which is one of the most common causes of death in the US. It may take as little as 1 gram per day to see the benefits of spirulina DHA, or omega-3 fatty acids, that are so commonly prescribed by physicians.
Antioxidant PropertiesThere are many things that can cause oxidants in your body to wreak havoc on your cells as well as DNA. Even such things as excessive physical activity can cause more oxidants in your body, resulting in more damage. You can help to combat this by consuming foods that are rich in antioxidants. They can help get rid of the free radicals causing the damage and also reduce the inflammation caused by it. This may even result in reduced risks of cancer, joint damage, and other chronic ailments.
Combat AnemiaAnemia is not uncommon. In fact, many older people tend to see lower levels of hemoglobin in their red blood cells, known as anemia. However, there are many types of anemia. One of the greatest spirulina benefits is that it can help normalize levels of hemoglobin which can either prevent anemia or keep it from occurring as often. While more research is needed to prove exactly how these algae work to prevent anemia, if you are feeling tired and sluggish, a spirulina algae supplement may help.
Prevent or Slow CancerThere have been human trials on the effect that spirulina algae have on cancer. One study showed that oral cancer sores had all but vanished during a year-long course of treatment with spirulina. However, after stopping the treatment, many study subjects saw the mouth sores return. The way spirulina algae works to combat cancer is not known exactly, but the results seen in studies are proof enough for many that one spirulina benefit may actually lead to a cure for cancer at some point in the near future.
Reduce ADHD SymptomsSpirulina algae don’t only affect the body physically. In fact, it can help to even out moods for those with rapid mood swings, like those who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. Not only is mood stabilization one of the spirulina benefits, but it can also help to improve overall emotional health. Even anxiety is no match for spirulina DHA, or omega-3, that seems to impact mental and emotional health.
With no many spirulina benefits, and many not listed here, it’s easy to see why it is now considered a superfood. Add some spirulina algae powder to your morning protein shake, take a supplement tablet, or even cook your favorite meals with it. However you decide to incorporate it into your diet, you can check out even more about these amazing algae at NatureDay.com.
Keywords:
There’s no reason to hit the back button just because some of the spirulina benefits are because it is algae. Why should you still pay attention to spirulina?
The spirulina algae are also called blue-green algae because of its color. It has now been named as one of the most nutrient-dense foods available, so it is no wonder why NASA has been researching spirulina benefits so astronauts and those who may be staying for extended periods of time on other planets (in the future) will have an excellent source of nutrition. Spirulina doesn’t just have a bright future in outer space, however. Even the Aztecs consumed it.
But why? Let me tell you.
Excellent Source of NutrientsAs I mentioned, one of the spirulina benefits is that it contains so many nutrients, and in great quantities. Not only does it contain enzymes as well as amino acids like spirulina DHA, but you can also get 4 grams of high-quality and easily digested proteins. This is even better than eating eggs, which are already known as a great source of protein, and it’s also a great source of spirulina DHA.
In addition to spirulina DHA, this nutritious alga also contains B Vitamins, such as Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), and Niacin (B3). These vitamins are essential to great health. But those aren’t the only nutritional spirulina benefits. It is also a great source of copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, and potassium. It also contains at least trace amounts of many other vitamins and minerals your body needs to function well. One of these nutrients is omega-3 fatty acids and blue-green algae are chock full of spirulina DHA.
Prevent Common Respiratory AllergiesI bet you never thought that algae could help prevent allergies, even season ones. The rhinitis caused by allergies can lead to a runny nose, congestion, itchy and watery eyes, as well as sneezing. None of this is pleasant, but what can you do about it? The spirulina algae helps to prevent allergic rhinitis or minimize the symptoms if it’s already started. It’s been proven that just 2 grams of it can lessen the irritation and inflammation of nasal passages which reduces your allergy symptoms.
Reduce Blood PressureWhile it isn’t exactly known what spirulina benefits are at play to help reduce blood pressure, it is thought that it has an effect on the amount of nitric oxide in the blood. By increasing this, the blood vessels can dilate which reduces blood pressure. It works in much the same way as drinking a cola to get rid of a headache. While the blood vessels are more relaxed, blood can flow the way it is supposed to. By reducing blood pressure, you can lower your risk of heart attack or stroke, or even chronic kidney disease.
Reduce Blood SugarWhile studies are still ongoing to prove these effects in humans, it has been determined that blood glucose levels can be dropped significantly as one of the spirulina benefits. It may take as little as 2 grams of spirulina a day to lower your A1C by 1%. If that doesn’t sound significant, look at it this way. By lowering your A1C by just 1%, you lower your risk of diabetes-related death by over 20%
Increase Strength & EnduranceBeing packed with so many nutrients, this one might be easy to believe. One of the best spirulina benefits that athletes and other physically active people have noticed is that it gives them more strength while being able to stay active for longer periods of time. Muscle fatigue is one of the most common complaints from athletes, or even people who are on their feet all day at work. Spirulina algae can help to combat this.
Lower Bad Cholesterol & TriglyceridesIf your LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, levels are too high, or if there’s a family history if high cholesterol and you want to be prepared, spirulina algae may just be your best friend. Not only can these blue-green algae lower LDL levels, but it case raise levels of HDL, the “good” cholesterol. It doesn’t leave out triglycerides, either, as it can lower them as well. High cholesterol can lead to heart disease which is one of the most common causes of death in the US. It may take as little as 1 gram per day to see the benefits of spirulina DHA, or omega-3 fatty acids, that are so commonly prescribed by physicians.
Antioxidant PropertiesThere are many things that can cause oxidants in your body to wreak havoc on your cells as well as DNA. Even such things as excessive physical activity can cause more oxidants in your body, resulting in more damage. You can help to combat this by consuming foods that are rich in antioxidants. They can help get rid of the free radicals causing the damage and also reduce the inflammation caused by it. This may even result in reduced risks of cancer, joint damage, and other chronic ailments.
Combat AnemiaAnemia is not uncommon. In fact, many older people tend to see lower levels of hemoglobin in their red blood cells, known as anemia. However, there are many types of anemia. One of the greatest spirulina benefits is that it can help normalize levels of hemoglobin which can either prevent anemia or keep it from occurring as often. While more research is needed to prove exactly how these algae work to prevent anemia, if you are feeling tired and sluggish, a spirulina algae supplement may help.
Prevent or Slow CancerThere have been human trials on the effect that spirulina algae have on cancer. One study showed that oral cancer sores had all but vanished during a year-long course of treatment with spirulina. However, after stopping the treatment, many study subjects saw the mouth sores return. The way spirulina algae works to combat cancer is not known exactly, but the results seen in studies are proof enough for many that one spirulina benefit may actually lead to a cure for cancer at some point in the near future.
Reduce ADHD SymptomsSpirulina algae don’t only affect the body physically. In fact, it can help to even out moods for those with rapid mood swings, like those who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. Not only is mood stabilization one of the spirulina benefits, but it can also help to improve overall emotional health. Even anxiety is no match for spirulina DHA, or omega-3, that seems to impact mental and emotional health.
With no many spirulina benefits, and many not listed here, it’s easy to see why it is now considered a superfood. Add some spirulina algae powder to your morning protein shake, take a supplement tablet, or even cook your favorite meals with it. However you decide to incorporate it into your diet, you can check out even more about these amazing algae at NatureDay.com.
Keywords:
- Spirulina Benefits – 1.0%
- Spirulina Algae – 1.0%
- Spirulina DHA – 0.6%
