Spirulina is also known as the blue-green algae. In structure, spirulina doesn’t look like any plants because it doesn’t have roots, stems, or leaves. However, it contains high amount of chlorophyll that helps it convert sunlight to food energy. Like other plants, it also works by releasing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from the air. Spirulina is also capable of creating proteins and sugars like animals. It may be unclear whether this blue-green algae is an animal or plant, but for humans, this organism offers diverse health and nutritional benefits. Worldwide, spirulina is widely used as a dietary supplement and is available in the market in tablets, powders, pills, and flakes.
Spirulina is rich in proteins, essential amino and fatty acids, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains high amounts of the antioxidants beta carotene and zeaxanthin. They gather these nutritional contents from the sunlight and the water that they are usually growing from. However, there are more specific spirulina benefits like lowering cholesterol levels, repair of DNA, and many more.
Spirulina Benefits
- Spirulina greatly boosts the immune system. This function is attributed to its high polysaccharides, beta carotene, and phycocyanin content. Spirulina increases the action of bone marrow cells, T-cells, and macrophages. These special cells in the body acts as scavengers for parasites like bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Spirulina can prevent the replication of several types of virus causing mumps, herpes, flu, and measles.
- Spirulina can increase the number of red blood cells and may prevent anemia. This is mostly beneficial to women who are very prone to anemia because of menstruation and pregnancy.
- For athletes, spirulina powder is usually used to prepare energy drinks for increased energy levels and alleviate fatigue.
- Spirulina lowers the LDLs (Low Density Lipoproteins or the bad cholesterol) and increases the HDLs (High Density Lipoproteins or the good cholesterol) in the body. This benefit is gained after regular use of spirulina supplements.
- Spirulina can help relieve high blood pressure by improving the functions of the arteries in the heart.
- Spirulina supplements can help in controlling weight because of its cholesterol-lowering abilities.
- Spirulina can be a good food in times of sickness, malnourishment, and digestive disorders. The nutrients in spirulina can be easily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract.
- Spirulina helps the body to faster eliminate toxins like mercury.
- Spirulina promotes a health colon and regularity of bowel movement. Spirulina helps the colon or large intestine to fight off bacteria and yeast.
Spirulina Side Effects
Spirulina side effects are not harmful and are reversible. Common spirulina side effects are slight fever, dizziness, nausea, thirst, constipation, upset stomach, and skin itching.
