spirulina health benefits uk

There’s a growing amount of research 9 into the potential health benefits of spirulina:

1. It could help lower ‘bad’ cholesterol High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart disease – a major cause of death in the UK. ...
2. It might reduce high blood pressure too Likewise, spirulina could help lower blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes. ...
3. Potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Full Answer

How does spirulina affect your health?

When consumed in excess, these compounds can present health concerns:

• High intake of protein, chlorophyll and iron may cause gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, nausea or cramps.
• Excess phosphorus can adversely affect the kidneys.
• In high concentrations, manganese may contribute to neurotoxicity.

Who should not take spirulina?

Spirulina is generally safe to use but may cause allergy, headaches, insomnia, muscle pain, and sweating in some. Because of its possible effect on the immune system, spirulina should be avoided in people with autoimmune diseases or on immunosuppressive therapies. Pregnant and nursing people or those with phenylketonuria should also avoid ...

What does spirulina do for the body?

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.

How to take Spirulina for better effects?

Suggestions include (1):

• A dose of 1-8 g for cholesterol, may give you results.
• Develop your muscles, doses of 2-7.5 g per day have been successfully used
• For blood sugar control, very mild effects have been noticed with as little as 2 g per day
• Blood pressure reductions may be seen with doses of 3.5-4.5 g per day

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What happens when you take spirulina everyday?

For example, it can lower total cholesterol, “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while raising “good” HDL cholesterol. In a study in 25 people with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of spirulina per day significantly improved these markers ( 9 ).

What are the benefits of taking spirulina?

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.

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.

How much spirulina should I take daily for health benefits?

You can take spirulina tablets or use spirulina powder in your diet. In total, you should aim to have 5 grams of spirulina a day (most studies research the health benefits based on a 1-10 gram a day dose). You should avoid spirulina altogether if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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.

Can spirulina make you put on weight?

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.

Is spirulina hard on the liver?

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.

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.

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.

How long does it take for spirulina to start working?

about 1-3 weeksIt 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 is the best time to take spirulina?

When should I take spirulina? Generally, it doesn't matter how and when you take spirulina, the supplement will still be effective. However, some specialists recommend taking it at least four hours before going to bed.

Should I take spirulina on an empty stomach?

So, for a maximum bioavailability of the nutrients, it is best to consume on an empty stomach and wait 15 minutes to allow the body a good head start at absorbing these living liquid nutrients before having to deal with any fiber (solid food) which slows down absorption.

How many calories are in spirulina?

In addition, the same amount holds only 20 calories and 1.7 grams of digestible carbs. Gram for gram, spirulina may be the single most nutritious food on the planet.

What is spirulina algae?

Summary Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in both salt and fresh water. It may be one of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth. 2. Powerful Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Oxidative damage can harm your DNA and cells.

How much spirulina is in a tablespoon?

Gram for gram, spirulina may be the single most nutritious food on the planet. A tablespoon (7 grams) of spirulina provides a small amount of fat — around 1 gram — including both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in an approximately 1.5–1.0 ratio.

Is spirulina a cyanobacteria?

Spirulina is a type of cyanobacteria — often referred to as blue-green algae — that is incredibly healthy. It may improve your levels of blood lipids, suppress oxidation, reduce blood pressure and lower blood sugar.

Does spirulina cause cancer?

Oxidative damage can harm your DNA and cells. This damage can drive chronic inflammation, which contributes to cancer and other diseases ( 5 ). Spirulina is a fantastic source of antioxidants, which can protect against oxidative damage. Its main active component is called phycocyanin.

Is spirulina good for you?

Spirulina is among the world’s most popular supplements. It is loaded with various nutrients and antioxidants that may benefit your body and brain. Here are 10 evidence-based health benefits of spirulina. We include products we think are useful for our readers.

Does spirulina help with blood pressure?

Summary Spirulina may have anti-cancer properties and appears especially effective against a type of precancerous lesion of the mouth called OSMF. 6. May Reduce Blood Pressure. High blood pressure is a main driver of many serious diseases, including heart attacks, strokes and chronic kidney disease.

What is spirulina good for?

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.

What is the taste of spirulina?

Spirulina has a bitter taste, so people often mix it with yogurts, juices, and smoothies to improve its flavor. Spirulina is commonly available as a supplement at health food stores.

Does spirulina help with triglycerides?

These are fats in your blood that can contribute to the hardening of arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and pancreatitis . Spirulina increases nitric oxide production in your body as well, which helps your blood vessels relax.

Does spirulina cause cancer?

Chronic inflammation contributes to cancer and other diseases. Phycocyanin — the a plant pigment that gives spirulina its blue-green color — has been found to not only reduce inflammation in the body, but also block tumor growth and kill cancer cells.

Is spirulina a plant based protein?

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 brain-protective properties. This antioxidant and other nutrients in spirulina are linked with several health benefits:

Does spirulina help with cholesterol?

Heart Health. Research has found that the protein in spirulina can reduce the body’s absorption of cholesterol, lowering cholesterol levels. This helps keep your arteries clear, reducing strain on your heart that can lead to heart disease and stroke -causing blo od clots . Its protein also reduces triglyceride levels.

Can you take spirulina with diabetes?

Medication Interactions. Spirulina’s health benefits may interact with or counter certain medications' effects, including those used to treat diabetes, immunosuppressants, and blood thinners. B12 deficiency.

Who is Olianna Gourli?

Olianna Gourli is a qualified naturopath and nutritional therapist, with a background in science and research (BSc Hons., PhD.c., mBANT, rCNHC). She has great expertise in gastrointestinal issues, such as IBS, hormonal imbalances and women's health, stress and chronic fatigue. She sees clients in her clinics in London, Athens and through Skype.

Is spirulina safe to eat?

Spirulina is very safe, as long as non-contaminated products are used. Not only has it been used as a human food for centuries but also many hundreds of tonnes have been imported from Mexico into the USA and it has therefore been allowed to enter by the strict food and drug control in that country. The quantities of heavy metals present are very small because of the environmentally clean places in which it is grown and harvested.

What does spirulina do to your body?

Spirulina can help to prevent and treat a range of health conditions: Spirulina lowers the risk of heart disease Spirulina affects two of the biggest risk factors for heart disease - high cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. When our cholesterol becomes a problem, it's because our ‘bad' LDL cholesterol levels are too high.

How much spirulina should you have a day?

With such tiny amounts of spirulina bringing us so much nutrition, how much is enough?

Spirulina side effects

If spirulina isn't sourced from a reliable supplier, there is a risk of contamination. In rare cases, spirulina can cases severe side effects. This includes:

What is spirulina used for?

Spirulina is a food like no other. It’s one of most nutrient-dense foods in the world and can strengthen, nourish and support your body . Although it was used by the Aztecs thousands of years ago to boost their stamina it’s only been recently become popular as a supplement in the modern, western world.

Is spirulina good for you?

Spirulina is jam-packed with protein, good fats, vitamins and minerals including vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium and iron. It can give you a great energy boost, making it ideal first thing in the morning or just before a work out. It ’s also suitable for vegetarians and vegans too.

How much spirulina should I take daily?

A common question when first trying out this incredible ingredient is: how much spirulina should I take daily? Although there’s no standard spirulina dosage, most studies have found a beneficial effect when consuming 1–8 grams per day. For reference, one tablespoon of blue spirulina is about 7 grams.

What is a spirulina plant?

Spirulina is a type of blue-green microalgae that is able to grow in both fresh and salt water and is consumed by humans and other animals. There are two species of the spirulina plant, including Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima.

What is the difference between chlorella and spirulina?

Spirulina grows best in low-alkaline conditions — particularly, fresh water lakes, ponds and rivers. It also requires an abundance of sunshine and moderate temperatures. Chlorella, on the other hand, grows in fresh water typically occupied by other organisms, which makes it more challenging to harvest. 3.

How long do rabbits need spirulina?

A recent animal study published in The Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology took rabbits, fed them a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) containing 0.5 percent cholesterol for four weeks, and then fed them a HCD with 1 percent or 5 percent spirulina for an additional eight weeks.

What is the shape of a spirulina?

Shape. First of all, spirulina is a spiral-shaped, multi-celled plant with no true nucleus. It’s blue-green in hue and can grow up to 100 times the size of chlorella. Comparably, chlorella is a spherical-shaped single-celled microorganism with a nucleus and is solid green. 2. How It’s Grown.

Which is healthier, chlorella or spirulina?

Finally, although both are considered superfoods, spirulina and chlorella differ in their nutritional content. Arguably the healthier of the two, spirulina contains more essential amino acids, iron, protein, B vitamins, and vitamins C, D and E.

Where is spirulina grown?

Grown around the world from Mexico to Africa to even Hawaii, spirulina is renowned for its intense flavor and even more powerful nutrition profile.

Does spirulina help with cancer?

Whether or not spirulina can protect against cancer in humans is still very much untested however, it contains plenty of good antioxidants. A number of in vitro and animal studies have suggested that spirulina has the potential to boost immunity and increase the production of infection fighting proteins and antibodies. These actions may help the body ward off chronic illnesses like cancer and other infections.

Does spirulina help with weight loss?

Spirulina is a rich source of proteins and diets which are high in proteins and nutrients like spirulina can help stimulate weight loss and reduce body fat. Protein requires more energy in order to metabolize and helps maintain the body’s lean tissue which also contributes to the way fat is burned.

Does spirulina help with blood pressure?

As well as reducing your cholesterol levels, spirulina can also help keep blood pressure under control. According to research done in Japan, pigment found in spirulina called phycocyanin has antihypertensive properties. (7)

How does spirulina help with fatigue?

Spirulina is used to overcome physical and mental fatigue. This effect was tested in a group of men with work-related fatigue. After 1 week, those taking 3 g Spirulina per day had a small, but statistically significant increase in calories burned during exercise on a cross trainer machine, and showed improved performance in a math based mental fatigue test. Their subjective sense of physical and mental fatigue improved within 4 hours of taking the first supplement and was still present 8 weeks later.

Is spirulina a green algae?

Spirulina is a form of blue-green algae classed as cyanobacteria. Spirulina evolved over 3.5 billion years ago as the first successful life form on earth. Spirulina now flourishes in warm, alkaline lakes and is a popular health supplement with many nutritional and health benefits. A similar green algae, Chlorella, is more difficult to cultivate and loses much of its nutritional value during processing, so is now less widely used.

Does spirulina help with halitosis?

Spirulina are widely taken to improve bad breath (halitosis), aid digestion and to detox. Substances extracted from blue-green algae have effects in laboratory cells that suggest they may have beneficial effects against cancer, diabetes, coronary heart disease, degenerative disease, heavy metal toxicity and radiation poisoning. They may also have an immunosuppressant effect against abnormal cell proliferation which is still under investigation.

Is spirulina a bioavailable food?

As the basis for the development of life on earth, algae are one of the most bioavailable foods for the human body. Spirulina is an excellent source of over 100 easily assimilated nutrients including antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, gammalinolenic acid, iron and chlorophyll.

Does spirulina help with arsenic poisoning?

Spirulina has a chelating action that binds toxins in the digestive tract (eg heavy metals) and promote their removal from the body. Spirulina has been used to help treat chronic arsenic poisoning. A blue pigment, phycocyanin, found in Spirulina can also reduce kidney damage due to heavy metals such as mercury.

Why is spirulina digested easily?

3. Improving gut health. Spirulina can be digested easily because of its structure where the cells do not have tough, fibrous walls.

How much sodium is in spirulina?

73 mg of sodium. 0.7 mg of vitamin C. It also contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and vitamins B-6, A, and K. Taking spirulina, as part of a balanced diet, may help a person to stay well nourished. 2.

How long does it take for spirulina to lower cholesterol?

Researchers found that taking 1 g of spirulina every day reduced participant’s total cholesterol after 3 months. 6. Reducing blood pressure. As discussed above, spirulina may lower cholesterol, and there is also evidence that it could help control a person’s blood pressure.

Does spirulina help with cholesterol?

Studies suggest that spirulina supplements can reduce total cholesterol. Taking spirulina extract may help to lower cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is an unhealthful fat in a person’s blood that medical experts link to heart disease. A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis.

Is spirulina a superfood?

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that people can take as a dietary supplement. People consider spirulina a superfood due to its excellent nutritional content and health benefits. Spirulina has a high protein and vitamin content, which makes it an excellent dietary supplement for people on vegetarian or vegan diets.

Does spirulina help with heart disease?

High blood pressure and cholesterol levels are both linked to heart disease. As spirulina may reduce both of these risk factors, is it possible that it could help prevent heart disease?

Is spirulina poisonous to humans?

In certain parts of the world, people are at risk of poisoning from contaminated drinking water and other sources of pollutants. Early research#N#Trusted Source#N#suggests that spirulina may offer a way to treat those affected.