What’s spirulina?
Spirulina is an algae that grows naturally in mineral-rich waters. Sometimes bought as a dark-green powder and supposed to be used as a meals complement, it has to not date been topic to intensive analysis.
Uncover our full vary of well being profit guides. Eager to utilize spirulina? Attempt our scrumptious inexperienced breakfast smoothie.
Dietary profile of spirulina
1 tbsp (7g) dried spirulina:
- 20kcal / 85kj
- 4.0g protein
- 0.5g fats
- 1.5g carbohydrate
- 0.3g fibre
- 95mg potassium
- 2.0mg iron
- 1.0mg vitamin C
- 0.18g salt
What are high 5 well being advantages of spirulina?
1. Supply of antioxidants
A course of referred to as oxidation can result in ongoing irritation and harm to cells, which can over time result in power illness and doubtlessly most cancers. Spirulina is filled with antioxidant compounds, one in every of which, phycocyanin, is answerable for spirulina’s darkish blue-green color – it additionally helps dampen oxidation and inhibit irritation. Research counsel phycocyanin has potential advantages, together with anti-inflammatory properties, oxidative stress safety and neuroprotective qualities.
2. Could cut back hypertension
A examine inspecting the results of a day by day dose of 4.5g of spirulina for six weeks reported decreased systolic and diastolic blood stress.
3. Could assist in the administration of ldl cholesterol
Wealthy in compounds which have antioxidant properties, spirulina helps stop harm to fatty compounds like ldl cholesterol. It additionally seems to assist handle complete ldl cholesterol, reducing the so-called ‘unhealthy’ low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ldl cholesterol and elevating ‘good’ high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
4. Could have most cancers protecting properties
Animal research counsel supplementation with spirulina might have worth in defending towards most cancers. The mechanism by which it does this can be by activating immune cells referred to as pure killer cells, which assist our defence towards tumours. Extra human trials are wanted, however of these performed, outcomes look encouraging.
5. Could alleviate hay fever
Spirulina seems to scale back the irritation of nasal airways, which is a classical symptom of allergic rhinitis or hay-fever. In a single examine, it was seen to considerably enhance signs equivalent to sneezing, nasal congestion and itching.
Many of the research which have been performed up to now have been both on animals or small human trials, so extra analysis is required earlier than any well being claims referring to spirulina may be confirmed.
Is spirulina secure for everybody?
These with the situation referred to as phenylketonuria (PKU) ought to keep away from spirulina fully because it accommodates an amino acid referred to as phenylalanine, which these with this situation can’t metabolise. Anybody with an autoimmune situation equivalent to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or a number of sclerosis also needs to keep away from spirulina.
Others who ought to verify with their GP earlier than taking spirulina embody these taking prescription remedy, pregnant or breastfeeding girls, and anybody youthful than 18.
At all times be sure you purchase spirulina from a recognized supply and select a good model, as there was concern prior to now that it could be contaminated with toxins from micro organism, together with microcystins. Spirulina can also be recognized to soak up heavy metals from the water it’s grown in.
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Nicola Shubrook is a dietary therapist and works with each non-public shoppers and the company sector. She is an accredited member of the British Affiliation for Utilized Diet and Dietary Remedy (BANT) and the Complementary & Pure Healthcare Council (CNHC). Discover out extra at urbanwellness.co.uk.
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