is spirulina good for you

by Josie White DDS Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Spirulina is rich in a range of vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, like vitamins E, C, and B6. Research finds that spirulina also boosts the production of white blood cells and antibodies that fight viruses and bacteria in your body.Oct 6, 2020

Why you should be consuming spirulina on a daily basis?

Spirulina is a potent source of nutrients. It contains a powerful plant-based protein called phycocyanin. Research shows this may have antioxidant, pain-relief, anti-inflammatory, and...

What should I know before taking spirulina?

Mar 04, 2020 · Spirulina is typically sold as a powder or tablet and has more iron than raw spinach and more beta-carotene than carrots. Other health benefits of spirulina include: Rich source of non-animal protein. Good source of B-vitamins and …

How does spirulina affect your health?

Nov 01, 2006 · A. Spirulina — classified as a cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae — has been used for centuries as a food source in other countries. Spirulina is available in capsules, tablets, and powder and has been incorporated in certain foods and beverages such as energy bars, popcorn, and smoothies. An Internet search returns hundreds of suppliers from around the world …

What is spirulina, and should you try it?

Oct 30, 2021 · While spirulina is generally seen as safe, it mightn’t be a good idea for everyone. Because spirulina might affect your blood clotting time, it’s best avoided if you are taking blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder. Pregnant women should avoid spirulina, as there’s limited research concerning the safety of spirulina during pregnancy.

What are the dangers of spirulina?

But Spirulina may become contaminated with toxic metals, harmful bacteria and microcystins — toxins produced from some algae —if it is grown in unsafe conditions. Contaminated Spirulina can cause liver damage, nausea, vomiting, thirst, weakness, rapid heartbeat, shock and even death.

Is it good to take spirulina everyday?

Up to 8 grams of spirulina per day is safe, and many people add it to their shakes or smoothies because it comes in powder form.

Does spirulina cause weight gain?

Spirulina Calories and Nutrition It takes an extra 3,500 calories over and above your daily needs to gain a pound. A tablespoon of dried spirulina, which is how you're most likely to find it sold, contains only 20 calories, so it would take quite a bit of spirulina to cause weight gain.

Can spirulina cause liver damage?

Spirulina has been implicated in isolated case reports in causing clinically apparent liver injury, but the role of spirulina as opposed to other herbal components or contaminants has not been shown. Liver injury due to spirulina must be very rare if it occurs at all.

Who should not take spirulina?

You should avoid spirulina if you take blood thinners or have an autoimmune condition, bleeding disorder, allergies, or PKU. If you're unsure whether this supplement is right for you, consult your doctor.

Is spirulina hard on the kidneys?

These researchers, however, go on to suggest that it is not prudent to eat more than 50 g of spirulina daily. The reason they give is that the plant contains a high concentration of nucleic acids, substances related to DNA. When these are metabolized, they create uric acid, which could cause gout or kidney stones.

Does spirulina help with belly fat?

The currently literature supports the benefits of spirulina for reducing body fat, waist circumference, body mass index and appetite and shows that spirulina has significant benefits for improving blood lipids.

Is spirulina good for hair growth?

Spirulina is being widely used for promoting hair growth and to combat hair problems like thinning hair and baldness. Spirulina contains amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamin A and beta-carotene, all of which are great for hair.

What does spirulina do for your skin?

Spirulina's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling, acne and prevent further breakouts as well. It increases your skin's metabolism which enables faster healing and also prevents bacteria overgrowth. Apart from ingesting it, you can also use spirulina induced skincare products to combat acne issues.

Can spirulina cause hair loss?

It may help keep your blood sugar levels in check. Since high blood sugar can lead to the production of DHT, a hormone that leads to hair loss, eating more spirulina is a great way to keep your hair intact and healthy. In addition to helping prevent hair loss, this algae powerhouse may also promote hair growth.

Will spirulina make me poop?

And while it's difficult to consume sufficient dietary forms of magnesium to achieve a laxative effect, increasing your intake will certainly help. The best sources of magnesium include dark leafy green veggies like spinach and micro-algae superfoods like chlorella and spirulina.

How long does it take for spirulina to work?

It takes about 1-3 weeks for you to notice a change in energy levels. The results differ from person to person and obviously depend on your condition. Tip; drink plenty of water every day. Most people around normally ask, where can spirulina be found?

What are the benefits of spirulina?

Other health benefits of spirulina include: 1 Rich source of non-animal protein. 2 Good source of B-vitamins and iron to support metabolism and boost immunity. 3 Half a tablespoon fulfills your daily recommended intake of beta-carotene to preserve eye health and promote healthy skin.

Is spirulina a good food?

Policy. Spirulina is typically sold as a powder or tablet and has more iron than raw spinach and more beta-carotene than carrots. Other health benefits of spirulina include: Rich source of non-animal protein. Good source of B-vitamins and iron to support metabolism and boost immunity.

What is spirulina supplement?

Although there are a large number of blue-green algae species commonly referred to as "spirulina ," most spirulina supplements contain Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Spirulina maxima, and/or Spirulina platensis . As with all supplements, it is important to examine the "Supplement Facts" label on any product that you buy.

What is spirulina algae?

What to Look For. Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that contains a number of nutrients, including B vitamins, beta-carotene, and vitamin E. Spirulina also contains antioxidants, minerals, chlorophyll, and phycocyanobilin and is commonly used as a source of vegan protein.

Does spirulina help with cholesterol?

Spirulina holds some promise for lipid disorders such as high cholesterol or high triglycerides, according to a study published in the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism. For the study, healthy, older adults consumed spirulina or a placebo. After four months, spirulina was associated with significant reductions in cholesterol. 1

Does spirulina help with oral cancer?

Spirulina may offer some protection against oral cancer, according to one small study of tobacco chewers with precancerous oral lesions. For 12 months, study members took either a daily dose of spirulina or a placebo. By the study's end, the lesions cleared up in 20 of the 44 participants who had consumed spirulina (compared to three of the 43 participants who had been assigned to the placebo group). 6

Can spirulina cause headaches?

Although few adverse effects are associated with the use of spirulina, consuming spirulina may cause headaches, allergic reactions, muscle pain, sweating, and insomnia in some cases. People with allergies to seafood, seaweed, and other sea vegetables should avoid spirulina.

Who is Meredith Bull?

Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Meredith Bull, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Los Angeles, California.