Spirulina is one of the most popular and well-regarded dietary supplements to ever exist in the market.

For a good reason, it is highly saleable and sought-after. Historically, it was used as an endurance-booster. Today, however, spirulina’s selling point focused on its wholesome ability to promote overall health.

Here’s everything you should know about this nutrient-dense superfood.

 

What is Spirulina?

 

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. It is believed to be one of the oldest life forms on Earth, first appearing on Earth’s surface 3.5 billion years ago and first consumed by the Aztecs during the 16th century.

As it exclusively grows in the water environment, spirulina has an odd taste and smell. Many people find it savory like seaweed or fresh spinach, yet its intense earthiness can also make it taste like the ocean.

Spirulina boasts many nutritional values. It has high protein and vitamin content but beyond its nutritional value, spirulina is also used in complementary and alternative medicine to treat a number of health conditions.

 

Why is it hailed as a superfood?

 

Spirulina is among the most documented microalgae used as food. As it continues to flood the market in powder and supplement form, more and more people are starting to grow curious on why it is dubbed as a superfood. Here’s basically why.

 

1. Excellent nutritional profile

 

This tiny alga is extremely high in nutrients. In fact, a 7-gram powder contains:

• 20 calories
• 02 g of protein
• 67 g of carbohydrate
• 54 g of fat
• 8 milligrams (mg) of calcium
• 2 mg of iron
• 14 mg of magnesium
• 8 mg of phosphorus
• 95 mg of potassium
• 73 mg of sodium
• 7 mg of vitamin C

Plus, it has no notable side effects and can be used effectively up to 10 grams per day.

 

2. Management of diabetes

 

High blood glucose is associated with many health complications. One of which is diabetes, a disease that affects about 422 million people and is among the leading causes of mortality worldwide.

Though more research is needed, spirulina has shown promising potential in managing symptoms of diabetes.

In a 2017 animal study, researchers gave mice with type 1 diabetes spirulina extract orally. The study revealed that the mice showed lower blood sugars, higher insulin levels, and improved liver enzyme markers.

A 2013 Indian study also supported the benefits of spirulina in type 2 diabetes. 25 patients with type 2 diabetes were given 2 grams of spirulina each day for two months in which improved blood sugar and lipid profiles were noted over the period of the research.

 

3. Prevention of heart disease

 

High blood pressure and cholesterol levels are both markers of cardiovascular problems. Spirulina has been proven to reduce both of these risk factors.

Spirulina contains active compounds that lower levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides significantly. It can also reduce inflammation and protect the body against oxidative stress. This led to a rapidly growing interest in its supplement form as an alternative to conventional drugs for cardiovascular problems.

 

4. Supports gut health

 

We all know how our gut affects almost every function of our body. And if you are health-conscious, let me give you a reason why this wonder algae deserves a spot on your diet.

Spirulina has prebiotic properties. A 2017 study on older mice showed it helped preserve gut function during aging and may help maintain a healthy gastrointestinal microbial community.

As you may have guessed already, a healthy gut is a healthy immune system. This makes spirulina also an ultimate immune system boosting food.

More studies are needed but current literature supports spirulina’s superior benefits to both human and animal gut health.

 

 

Spirulina is indeed a healthful superfood worthy of its title. In light of its long history as a food, experts are considering it generally safe yet still not recommended as a replacement to prescription drugs in treating certain diseases.