10 Health Benefits That Make Spirulina A Legitimate Superfood

Spirulina is a type of cyanobacteria, often referred to as blue-green algae. It is a spiral-shaped microalgae that is found in freshwater lakes. It is one of the most popular dietary supplements and extremely dense in vital nutrients. Since the nutritional content of spirulina is very high, it comes with immense health benefits for people who consume it. In the market, it is available in the form of powder or tablets for human consumption.

Spirulina is usually described as a blue-green algae, but it’s technically a cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria get their name from the bluish pigment phycocyanin, which they use to capture light for photosynthesis. Because of this, spirulina also contains chlorophyll.

Spirulina grows in both fresh and salt water and can be consumed by both humans and animals.

This green superfood is available as a powder (you can find it in both our Super Green mix and Skinny Protein mix), as flakes or as tablets.

Although spirulina is gaining popularity in the health food world, the algae originated 3.5 billion years ago — it’s one of the oldest known fossils! Spirulina was also a primary source of protein for the Aztecs. They would harvest the spirulina from Lake Texcoco and sold the “Tecuitlatl” in cake form. Although there’s no concrete evidence, legend has it Aztec messenger runners took spirulina on their marathons.

* Excellent source of nutrition

Spirulina may be considered the single most nutritious food on the planet owing to its high amount of protein i.e. 55%-70% (more than lean meats like beef or chicken and even soybean). It also consists of all the nine essential amino acids that are indispensable to the well-being of the human

* Improves digestion

Spirulina supplements prove beneficial for people with gut problems and enables them to maintain good digestive health.

* Regulates blood pressure

The consumption of spirulina on a daily basis has proven effective against high blood pressure, which may otherwise become the seat of major diseases. Spirulina spikes the production of nitric oxide in the body which can effectively regulate the blood pressure.

* Lowers cholesterol

Studies have proven that spirulina can lower blood cholesterol and thus safeguard the individual against various ailments. The antioxidants in spirulina can lower total cholesterol by reducing the “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and raising the “good” HDL cholesterol.

* Effective against diabetes

Some amount of spirulina per day can significantly lower the blood sugar level. This is indicative of the lowered risk of diabetes among individuals. Thus people with type 2 diabetes may benefit from the consumption of spirulina.

* May improve heart health

Cardiovascular diseases are prompted by high blood pressure or an imbalance in blood cholesterol. Their oxidative effect can lower the chances of a stroke and other heart-related diseases. A certified amount of spirulina intake can prevent the possibility of

* Boosts metabolism and energy

Strenuous workout can often lead to muscle fatigue. In such cases, spirulina supplements can prove useful in enhancing muscle strength and increasing the endurance power of the body. It induces an energetic feeling within the individual.

* Anti-carcinogenic properties

Spirulina is believed to have anticancer properties and is especially effective against a type of precancerous lesions of the mouth called OSMF. Some studies go to the extent of claiming that regular consumption of spirulina can alter the damage done by an unhealthy diet.

* Effective against certain allergens

Often individuals are affected by environmental allergies from pollen, dust particles, etc. Spirulina is effective in counteracting such allergens. It can manage the symptoms of allergy and possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

* Powerful antioxidant

It is an excellent source of antioxidants, thus protecting the body against too much oxidative damage. Phycocyanin is the main active component in spirulina. This antioxidant substance renders the typical bluish-green colour to the microalgae.