Spirulina: The Superfood with 10 Spectacular Benefits

Imagine eating pond scum and being healthy at the same time??Bizarre, right??Anyone with a sane mind would not eat anything that looks like moss.

The irony of it all is that this scruff-like green alga that grows in lakes, rivers, and ponds is the most sought-after nutritional supplement.?Spirulina is a blue-green algae that has been praised for its many health benefits.

Spirulina is a great product that lives up to its hype.

Let’s jump right into What is Spirulina about?

Spirulina, a spiral-shaped multi-celled Cynaobacteria without a true nucleus, is a cyanobacterium that has no nucleus.?Spirulina is also known as blue-green alga and its main active component, phycocyanin, is what gives it that characteristic blue-green color.

Spirulina, like plants and algae, uses photosynthesis to create energy from sunlight. It can grow up to 100x larger than chlorella when grown in mild climates with plenty of sunlight.

What are the health benefits of Spirulina?

Spirulina is one of the best nutritional supplements in the world when it has been properly extracted and processed.?The UN has recommended that?Spirulina tablets ?be included in food to combat malnutrition.?1

Spirulina’s nutritional value is based on:

1. Superhero Protein: Spirulina is one of the best sources of protein. It contains the most bio-available proteins (65-71 percent by weight), and it’s between 85-95% digestible.?It’s a complete, or balanced, protein. This means it contains all eight essential amino acids, as well as the essential fatty acids EPA & DHA and gamma-linolenic (GLA). As you may know, proteins are essential for the health of muscles and bones.?Amino acids are essential to the body for many functions, including cell metabolism, detoxification, and tissue regeneration.?Spirulina is also essential for the proper functioning and health of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and hormone production.
2. Mineral and Vitamin Powerhouse: Spirulina contains a lot of minerals and vitamins, including iron, potassium, and chromium. It also has magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus.?All of these micronutrients play a vital role in the proper functioning of the human body.
3. Antioxidant Power: Spirulina contains a high amount of antioxidants that are rarely found in other natural sources.?The antioxidant component of spirulina is attributed primarily to the pigment phycocyanin. This pigment gives spirulina its color and helps it fight free radicals.?Researchers have also suggested that phycocyanin could help repair and rejuvenate damaged cells in your body.

Health Benefits of Spirulina

Spirulina contains chlorophyll, and because it’s loaded with nutrients it’s been recommended to be the best natural source for boosting your health.?Here are the top 10 benefits of spirulina:

1. Spirulina Helps Bolster Immunity

As mentioned above, spirulina is chock full of antioxidants -Phycocyanin and allophycocyanin along with anthocyanins. These antioxidants are traditionally believed to protect the body against free radical proliferation and damage. Clinical investigation on Spirulina indicated that the extract could influence the immune system by increasing the phagocytic activity of macrophages, stimulating the production of antibodies and cytokines, increasing the accumulation of Natural Killer cells into tissue, and activating and mobilizing the T and B cells. Thus, with these potent properties, researchers suggest that spirulina may protect the organs from damage, fortify one’s immune system and help ward off infections like colds, flu, and diseases such as cancer. A study indicated that spirulina had anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells meaning the cells did not multiply or spread. [2 , 3 ]

1. Spirulina Supports Eye Health

Spirulina is also rich in carotenoids, which is almost 10 times the amount present in carrots. It is also loaded with other essential eye-supporting nutrients like zeaxanthin and lutein. Both In vitro and In vivo studies have suggested that the polysaccharide extract from Spirulina?may benefit in the therapy of corneal inflammation and diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and poor vision. 4

1. Spirulina Boosts Cognitive Power

Spirulina is an excellent supplement for those looking to improve their memory and cognitive abilities. This cyanobacterium is a rich source of vitamin B1, and this vitamin is exceptionally important for metabolizing fats, protein, and sugar and boosting energy and brain function. Moreover, an In vivo study result indicated that spirulina may prevent the loss of memory possibly by lessening Aβ protein accumulation, reducing oxidative damage, and mainly increasing enzyme activity that destroys harmful substances inside your body. 5

1. Spirulina displays Cardio-protective Properties

Spirulina with its rich nutritional profile is believed to normalize blood flow and reduce plasma lipid concentrations, especially triglycerides and bad cholesterol. Several clinical studies have reported that spirulina’s bioactive constituents have the potential to reduce the levels of harmful lipids including cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, very low-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins in a dose dependant manner. Thus, this indicates that spirulina possesses cardioprotective properties and may prove valuable in reducing cardiovascular diseases. 6

1. Spirulina Promotes Healthy and Glowing Skin

One of the reasons that lead to accelerated aging and tissue degeneration is the production of the superoxide substance within the body.? Spirulina is also the best source of antioxidant-superoxide dismutase (SOD). This antioxidant is a biological entity that specifically targets the superoxide radical and protects the body from any subsequent tissue damage.? In fact, an In vivo test showed that spirulina positively affected the connective tissue cells that produce collagen and other fibers. The results indicate that spirulina might be valuable in improving aging spots, rashes, and other skin issues. 7

1. Spirulina Improves Intestinal Flora

Spirulina is also hailed as an efficient probiotic and is often recommended to optimize digestive functions and improve gut health. Clinical examination revealed that spirulina promoted the growth of 3 friendly lactobacilli and displayed potent antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacteria. 8

1. Spirulina Helps Eliminate Toxins and Protects Against Radiation

Spirulina’s active constituents are believed to bind to toxic heavy metals like mercury, lead, and aluminum within the blood and get them eliminated from the cellular systems of the body. Moreover, an In vivo examination indicated that spirulina also exerted a radioprotective effect on the cells owing to its high contents of beta-carotene, a singlet oxygen quencher, and vitamin E that protected the cell membrane from peroxidative damage. 9

1. Spirulina Augments Muscle Endurance

Spirulina’s power-packed nutrients potentially protect the muscle from exercise-induced oxidation and improve performance. A double-blind, crossover study on male subjects showed spirulina supplementation induced a significant increase in exercise performance and fat oxidation. The results also reported that spirulina helped the body utilize fat for energy and protected the muscle from getting damaged. 10

1. Spirulina Protects Against Allergies

Spirulina is said to possess antihistaminic properties, which may help reduce allergic reactions. It is believed that spirulina’s anti-inflammatory properties help relieve respiratory inflammation and protect the body against foreign invaders. Results of a randomized double-blinded crossover study showed spirulina supplementation inhibits allergic rhinitis symptoms. 11

1. Spirulina Induces Restful Sleep

Spirulina contains the highest amount of protein of any food in nature.?It contains L-tryptophan which is an amino acid that the body uses to make the hormone Melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles.?Melatonin is used by insomniacs to induce sleep.?This can cause sleep disorders by reducing the natural production of melatonin.?Spirulina, on the other hand, is thought to help your body produce natural melatonin, which can induce quality and restful sleep.

Where should you buy Spirulina from?

Spirulina has been proven to be one of the most effective nutrient supplements available. The market is full of different varieties of Spirulina.?The next important question is which variety and type of spirulina is the best.

You will also find that many brands are out to make a quick profit and sell contaminated spirulina (it’s pond scum, in the end). This could do you more harm than good.

Processing spirulina can be expensive, and certain varieties are not recommended for patients with auto-immune disorders, anticoagulation medications, or pregnant or nursing mothers.

Many companies sell spirulina in its purest form, while others mix it with other ingredients.?You should do thorough research before choosing Spirulina from obscure or cheap companies.

Biogetica offers SpiruLiva which is a combination?of pure organic Spirulina and Astaxanthin.?Our market research revealed that the majority of commercially available spirulina has Phycocyanin levels between 5 and 10%.?Biogetica has developed a Spirulina with over 20% Phycocyanin, and all necessary certificates, using enhanced natural processes over the years.?Our SpiruLiva contains Astaxanthin.?Astaxanthin, a reddish pigment derived from microalgae, is also an antioxidant superpower.?This reddish pigment is also sourced from microalgae. It is another antioxidant superpower.

Biogetica is proud to offer solutions that are derived from nature’s best resources and pledges to assist each individual in their journey from dis-ease to ease.?For more information, to purchase our ground-breaking SpiruLiva, or for any health advice, you can consult our Health Experts available 24/7 at www.biogetica.com ?now.