Spirulina
Spirulina is a cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) that can be consumed by humans and other animals. There are two species, Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima. Arthrospira is cultivated worldwide; used as a dietary supplement as well as a whole food; and is also …
Full Answer
Is spirulina good or bad?
Now Foods Organic Spirulina Tablets, 500 9.9 9.4 10.0 2: Sunfood Superfoods Spirulina & Chlorella Super Algae Tablets, 4 oz 9.6 9.1 9.7 3: Healthy Origins Organic Spirulina Tablets, 500 …
How to take Spirulina for better effects?
Spirulina Tablets Supports healthy endocrine, immune, and nervous system function* Spirulina is a nutritious blue-green microalgae renowned for supporting healthy liver and kidney function.* Product Highlights Directions Ingredients Studies/Etc. • Supports healthy endocrine, immune, and nervous system function*
Is Spirulina a miracle cure-all?
Jul 07, 2021 · Spirulina is used by some people to help with allergies and asthma. Others believe it will help fight infections. Some people believe it will help with cancer. Spirulina is used by some people to help with diabetes or high cholesterol levels. Others may use it to help with mouth sores. It may also be used to help with weight loss.
Which spirulina is best?
May 28, 2021 · The answer to this question is simple – spirulina tablets are made of compressed spirulina powder. This means all of the upsides of the powder in the convenience of a tablet ! In other words, an easy-to-swallow pill without the discomfort of trying to ingest the powder by itself or in water or integrate it into what you eat.
What does spirulina tablets do for you?
Spirulina is a nutrient-dense blue-green algae used as a nutritional supplement. It is claimed to help reduce fatigue and boost energy, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, stimulate the immune system, fight viral infections, and aid in weight loss.15-Dec-2021
Is it good to take spirulina everyday?
Spirulina Is Extremely High in Many Nutrients Spirulina was consumed by the ancient Aztecs but became popular again when NASA proposed that it could be grown in space for use by astronauts (1). A standard daily dose of spirulina is 1–3 grams, but doses of up to 10 grams per day have been used effectively. you need.
When should I take spirulina tablets?
You can take spirulina whenever you like- with, before, or between meals; before or after working out; or whenever your energy is low. Because high –protein foods have been found to increase alertness - and spirulina is one of the richest whole food sources of protein.22-Jun-2018
How much spirulina should I take daily?
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.
Does spirulina help in weight gain?
It takes quite a lot of spirulina to cause weight gain. Any food, including spirulina, can make you fat if you eat too much of it. In the case of spirulina, however, you'd have to eat a very large amount of it for it to lead to weight gain.
Does spirulina make you 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.27-Jul-2017
Does spirulina really work?
Research finds that spirulina also boosts the production of white blood cells and antibodies that fight viruses and bacteria in your body. Laboratory studies show that spirulina can fight herpes, flu, and HIV — though much more research is needed to test these effects in humans.06-Oct-2020
Is spirulina good for weight loss?
Although caloric restriction and exercise are the mainstay treatments for obesity, spirulina has shown significant benefits in aiding weight loss.08-Mar-2020
What age can you take spirulina?
18Although spirulina has been used in children, researchers don't know the safe and effective dose for those under 18. Don't give spirulina to a child without talking to your doctor first.
Does spirulina thicken hair?
Promotes Hair Growth: External use of Spirulina can speed up hair growth. Besides consumption, this algae is used as an ingredient in shampoos and conditioning treatments. It also helps in hair re-growth.14-Feb-2017
Is spirulina good for skin?
Spirulina can boost the overall health and radiant appearance of your skin, as well as preventing acne build up and swelling. Rich in nutrients, vitamins and both fatty and amino acids, Spirulina decreases inflammation, tones the skin and encourages cell turnover to promote a more youthful-looking complexion[1].
Which spirulina is best?
Top 10 & Best Spirulina Brands in India in 2022 you should knowParry's Wellness Organic Spirulina Tablets. ... Himalayan Organics Spirulina. ... Carbamide Forte 100% Organic Spirulina Tablets. ... Sunova Organic Spirulina Capsules. ... Nutriwish Spirulina Powder. ... Urban Platter Pure Spirulina Powder. ... Grenera Spirulina Powder.More items...•08-Nov-2021
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.
Is spirulina good for you?
Health Benefits. Among proponents, spirulina has been used to support a number of health conditions, including fatigue , high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and viral infections. Purported spirulina benefits also include weight loss, increased energy, and stimulation of the immune system.
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.
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.
What is spirulina used for?
Spirulina - Science Behind the Food. Spirulina is used in Spirulina Wafers for Horses, Longevity for Dogs, and Spirulina Tablets for People.
What is spirulina microalgae?
Spirulina is a nutritious blue-green microalgae renowned for supporting healthy liver and kidney function.* . The most widely used word to describe spirulina is "superfood.".
Is spirulina a whole food?
Here's why – spirulina contains a higher percentage of protein than meat, the highest whole food source of vitamin B12, more iron than beef liver, 25 times more beta carotene than carrots, more chlorophyll than alfalfa or wheat grass, and three times more omega 6 than evening primrose oil. Take six or more tablets daily.
What is spirulina used for?
Spirulina is used by some people to help with allergies and asthma. Others believe it will help fight infections. Some people believe it will help with cancer. Spirulina is used by some people to help with diabetes or high cholesterol levels. Others may use it to help with mouth sores.
What drugs thin blood?
Take extra care if you are taking drugs to thin your blood. These are drugs like warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, and other anticoagulants. Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have: Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and pemphigus vulgaris.
What are the symptoms of a syringe?
When do I need to call the doctor? 1 Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away. 2 Signs of liver problems. These include upset stomach or throwing up, belly pain, feeling tired, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, not hungry. 3 Very bad throwing up 4 Very bad belly pain 5 Very bad loose stools
What are the benefits of spirulina?
The benefits that spirulina tablets provide are all due to its nutritional content, and the interaction between these different nutrients in your body. If some of these trace minerals nutrients are missing from the supplement, then you might be missing out: 1 Carotenoids 2 Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) 3 Vitamin B12 4 Minerals like iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc 5 Chorophyll 6 Phycocyanin 7 Zeaxanthin 8 Chlorophyll
What to do if you are lost beyond reason?
If you are lost beyond reason, talk to a health care professional. Registered Dieticians and Holistic Health Specialists are often very informed about supplements like spirulina, and may be able to recommend a type of tablet and indicate whether or not it could be beneficial to you.
Does spirulina contain metals?
Of course, spirulina tablets will not list whether it contains heavy metals or may have been exposed to radiation. However, by checking where the spirulina was produced and/or packaged, you can avoid products that may be contaminated.
Is spirulina a toxins?
They will make sure that the spirulina tablets are free of toxins, radiation, and harmful components like bromine. Read the fine print and check out the product’s website; if a third-party lab has verified it, it should be listed.
What is the oldest organism on Earth?
Spirulina is a blue-green algae, and is believed to be one of the oldest life forms on Earth. First used by the Aztecs as an endurance-booster, spirulina is considered a superfood — an all-in-one source of nutrients including protein levels comparable to eggs. The Aztecs also used spirulina to treat various diseases, ...
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:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Chemistry
Benefits
- Purported spirulina benefits also include weight loss, increased energy, and stimulation of the immune system.
Health
- To date, few human studies have explored spirulina's health benefits. However, preliminary studies suggest that spirulina holds promise for the following conditions:
Uses
- 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. Spirulina holds some promise in the treatment of allergic rh…
Medical uses
- 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 t…
Side effects
- 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.
Contraindications
- If you have a thyroid condition, an autoimmune disorder, gout, kidney stones, phenylketonuria (PKU), or are pregnant or nursing, spirulina may not be appropriate for you. You should check with your healthcare provider before taking it.
Toxicity
- There is not enough scientific data to provide a recommended dose of spirulina. Various doses of spirulina have been used in research.
Example
- For example, in a study examining the benefits of spirulina for high cholesterol, a dose of 1-10 grams daily for four weeks to six months has been used. To learn about its effects on hypertension, a dose of spirulina blue-green algae of 4.5 grams daily for six weeks was used. And in a study with type 2 diabetes patients, a product containing one gram twice daily for two mont…
Treatment
- The appropriate dose for you may depend on factors including your age, gender, and medical history. Speak to your healthcare provider to get personalized advice.
Availability
- Spirulina is often sold in powder form, but it's also available in capsules, tablets, and juices. The powder is sometimes added to smoothies.
Species
- 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.
Preparation
- As with all supplements, it is important to examine the Supplement Facts label on any product that you buy. This label will contain vital information including the amount of active ingredients per serving, and other added ingredients that might be in the product.
Results
- Lastly, the organization suggests that you look for a product that contains a seal of approval from a third party organization that provides quality testing. These organizations include U.S. Pharmacopeia, ConsumerLab.com, and NSF International. A seal of approval from one of these organizations does not guarantee the product's safety or effectiveness but it does provide assur…