10 Health Benefits of Spirulina – The Protein-Rich Superfood

At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the globe leaving behind a trail of destruction, we look towards foods and supplements that could strengthen our immune system. While many foods are capable of boosting the immune system, superfoods are the ones that truly deserve a try. And among the superfoods, spirulina is considered to be one of the very best. The supplements made from spirulina are gaining widespread acceptance as a solution to prevent and treat many illnesses. 

As many are turning towards natural remedies to cure various ailments, superfoods have caught the world’s attention. So what is spirulina? What makes it a superfood? Read the article to find out what spirulina is and what makes it so unique. 

What is Spirulina? What Makes it a Superfood?

Spirulina is a blue-green algae that grows in both fresh and saltwater. It has become extremely popular in recent years for the myriad health benefits associated with consuming it. This has even garnered it the title of a superfood. And it truly deserves all the accolades and the title. 

Learn more about spirulina here.

The reason why it is called a superfood is because of its dense nutrient composition. Spirulina is rich in several vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in antioxidants and is one of the best complete protein sources.

Now that you know what spirulina is and why it is considered a superfood let’s look at the 10 incredible health benefits.

The 10 Best Health Benefits of Spirulina

Many studies have proven the incredible effectiveness of spirulina in treating and maintaining several diseases. Consumption of this superfood regularly can help your skin, strengthen your muscles, lower the risk of cancer, and lower blood pressure.

Spirulina powder benefits your health by providing a wide array of vitamins and nutrients. It is widely found in the form of powders or capsules. Take a look at the 10 best health benefits of this amazing food.

1. Rich in Antioxidants

Our DNA and cells are constantly under stress from oxidative damage. This can result in inflammation and several diseases, including cancer. Antioxidants are known to protect our body from oxidative damage. Spirulina is rich in antioxidants and hence beneficial in reversing this damage. 

2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

While inflammations can be good at times as they defend our body from infections and injuries, they can also be harmful. Chronic inflammation could lead to many diseases. Anti-inflammatory foods can reverse the effects by lowering the inflammation. 

3. Lowers Bad Cholesterol

Due to our modern-day lifestyle, cases of bad cholesterol are on the rise. The food we eat and the sedentary lifestyle have contributed to the explosive increase in people afflicted with high cholesterol and its diseases. High cholesterol levels can even lead to heart diseases. Several studies have suggested that spirulina can significantly lower cholesterol levels; it increases the good cholesterol level while decreasing the bad cholesterol.

4. Lowers the Risk of Cancer

Studies have suggested that spirulina may have anti-cancer properties. Not only does it reduce the risk of cancer, but it is also known to reduce tumour size. It is especially known to be very effective in treating oral cancer.

 5. Lowers Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a common health condition that many people face today. If not controlled, it could lead to many health issues, including heart diseases. Not only does spirulina lower cholesterol levels, but it also lowers blood pressure. It is known to help your blood vessels relax.

6. Helps in Allergy

Studies state that spirulina can reduce nasal inflammation and provide relief from symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is a condition where the person who is allergic to pollen or dust experiences a swollen nose. Spirulina can help deal with this allergy.

7. Treats Anemia

Anaemia is a condition in which there is a reduction in red blood cells or haemoglobin in your blood. This condition could result in a range of symptoms such as weakness, nausea, and fatigue. Spirulina supplements can increase the haemoglobin content of red blood cells. 

8. Improves Muscle Strength

Many products out there claim to improve muscle strength; some of them can even be harmful to your health. Spirulina can increase endurance levels, thereby significantly increasing the amount of time it takes an individual to get tired while exercising. It also promotes muscle strength due to its high antioxidant content.

9. Lowers Blood Sugar

Lowering blood sugar levels is crucial for people with diabetes. Spirulina is known to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels. Animal studies have shown it to be more effective than some diabetic medicines.    

10. Helps in weight loss

Many extreme diets and supplements claim miraculous weight loss, but these may either be ineffective or could lead to side effects. Consuming low amounts of calories is essential for losing weight, but this could also lead to the consumption of fewer nutrients. Hence, it is essential to eat food that is high in nutrients and low in calories; spirulina is a food that is rich in nutrients with low calories. The relation between spirulina and weight loss is one of the reasons behind the rapid popularity of this superfood. There are other superfoods that can help you with weight loss.

Now that you know the many benefits of taking spirulina, let’s take a look at how to consume this superfood and where to buy it from. 

How to Use Spirulina and Where to Buy it

Are you not sure how to consume this superfood or how to add it into your daily diet? The thought of eating algae might sound repulsive, but spirulina supplements are widely available in powdered form and also as capsules. It is versatile in the ways of consumption.

You can consume the powder by:

1. Adding it to your smoothies

2. Sprinkling spirulina powder on salads or in soups

3. Consuming it along with other ingredients

4. Adding it to fruit or vegetable juices

When you buy a spirulina supplement, ensure that it is from a trusted brand and the ingredients are as little as possible and natural. Nurturic Spirulina Capsules are made using the extract from blue-green algae called spirulina, which is considered a superfood. Nurturic Spirulina Capsules help reduce cell damage, lower inflammation, regulate blood pressure, remove bad cholesterol, boost metabolism, control allergies, promote muscle endurance and improve mental health.

The Bottom Line

Spirulina is one of the best natural remedies for a wide range of ailments. It is considered to be one of the best superfoods. The rich density of nutrients and its effectiveness in boosting health makes it worthy of being called a superfood. This superfood is widely available in different forms. Try this amazing superfood to improve your health and to prevent and treat various illnesses.

FAQ’s

 1. Why is spirulina so good for you?

Spirulina is highly dense in nutrients. It is rich in vitamins such as vitamin A, C, E, and B. It is also rich in several minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. It is due to this reason that it is known as a superfood. 

2. Is it safe to take spirulina every day?

Spirulina is rich in many nutrients and vitamins. It contains high amounts of protein and is also called a superfood. Taking a recommended dosage every day is very beneficial for your health.

3. Is spirulina safe for kidneys?

It is generally considered to be safe, but if you face any issues related to kidney stones or gout, you must limit the intake.

4. Is spirulina a good protein source?

Spirulina has a 60-70% protein content and is an excellent source of protein for vegans and vegetarians. It has more protein than most vegetables. It is also a complete protein consisting of all essential amino acids.

5. Is spirulina a complete protein?

Spirulina is one of the best sources of protein for vegetarians and vegans. It is also one of the few non-animal related complete protein sources.

6. Does spirulina detox the body?

Spirulina is known to boost liver function, which is necessary to cleanse the body of toxins. It also purifies the blood by removing toxins due to its high chlorophyll content. 

7. Does spirulina thicken hair?

Spirulina is often found in many shampoos and other hair treatment products. The reason is its ability to help in hair growth, re-growth, and effectiveness in thickening hair.

8. Is spirulina good for arthritis?

There is no conclusive evidence suggesting its effectiveness in treating arthritis. Some studies suggest that it can worsen the condition, while others state that it can be beneficial for patients with arthritis.

9. Is spirulina good for the skin?

Spirulina has anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties due to the rich antioxidants content. It prevents wrinkles and other signs of ageing, thus improving the quality of the skin.

10. Is spirulina good for hair?

Spirulina is often among the most important ingredients in many hair products. It can boost hair growth and also improve the thickness of your hair.