A super and natural food like this can help kill cancerous cells, reduces cholesterol and heart diseases, and boosts longevity.
However, this superfood proves to be one of the products that offer a surplus of health benefits including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes risk and even helping with Parkinson’s disease.
Spirulina, blue-green algae, may not be the word known by many but when one looks at its vast array of health benefits, it should be.
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Phycocyanin is the pigment that gives spirulina its unusual color and has been found to help reduce inflammation in the body.
This process is thought to help block cancer tumor growth and kill cancer cells.
Todays research supports many of the proved benefits of adding spirulina to your diet and continues to study its potential for treating health concerns and its ability to boost longevity.
Spirulina is the main source of nutrients and contains a powerful plant-based protein known as phycocyanin.
Study shows this may have antioxidant, pain-relief, anti-inflammatory and brain-protective properties.
It also contains magnesium which is a mineral that supports normal daily functions such as healthy muscles and heart health.
Studies have also found that the protein in spirulina can lower cholesterol thereby reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and lessen the formation of blood clots.
In a research paper published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the supplementation of spirulina in improving lifespan was investigated.
The study noted:
Spirulina is a blue-green alga consumed by humans and other animals because of its nutritional values and pharmacological properties.
Apart from high protein contents, it also contains high levels of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as carotenoids, β-carotene, phycocyanin, and phycocyanobilin, indicating its possible pharmaco-therapeutic utility.
In the present study using DJ-1βΔ93 flies, a Parkinson’s disease model in Drosophila, we have demonstrated the therapeutic effect of spirulina and its active component C-phycocyanin (C-PC) in the improvement of lifespan and locomotor behaviour.
The study found that spirulina’s antioxidant boosting properties can be used as a nutritional supplement for improving the lifespan and locomotor behaviour in Parkinson’s disease.
In another study, spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations on body weight and blood pressure was analysed.
The study found that spirulina supplementation significantly lowered people’s fasting blood glucose levels.
High fasting blood sugar is a common problem in people with diabetes type 1 and 2, suggesting that spirulina supplements may help people control diabetes.
Triglycerides are harmful fats in a person’s blood which can lead to the hardening of arteries, heightening one’s chances of pancreatitis, diabetes, and heart disease.
The plant-based protein phycocyanin found in spirulina reduces triglyceride levels.
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Spirulina also increases nitric oxide levels in the body, allowing blood vessels to relax.
This in turn has been shown to reduce blood pressure, consequently lowering your risk of a heart attack.
While speaking to EatThis,NotThat, Dr. Sydney Greene said:
For vegans, I recommend adding 2 tablespoons of spirulina to a smoothie or sprinkling it on top of a fruit salad for breakfast.
You can also add 2 tablespoons to oatmeal made with coconut milk if you don’t mind the funky blue color. Adding cinnamon to the coconut milk will cut any bitter taste.
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