Spirulina

Spirulina

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae, plant-like organisms found in large fresh water bodies and salt water. It contains high amounts of potent antioxidants known as phytochemicals, which help prevent cell damage. Aside from antioxidants, spirulina is also loaded with essential vitamins like B-complex, vitamin E and beta-carotene (also known as pro-vitamin A), and minerals like manganese, copper, zinc, selenium and iron. Spirulina is also rich in fatty acids like gamma linolenic acid. This nutrient powerhouse is sold dried as a health supplement in powder or tablet form.

Benefits of Spirulina

The nutritional profile of spirulina leads to a number of health benefits, including:

Improved Cholesterol Levels

It is known that many factors including elevated cholesterol levels are linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease and other fatal medical conditions. Studies show that spirulina can significantly improve cholesterol profile. For instance, in a study of 25 people with type 2 diabetes, researchers found that spirulina supplementation at a dose of 2 grams per day significantly reduced low density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and total cholesterol while increasing the levels of high density lipoprotein (good cholesterol).[1]

Potential Cancer Treatment

Spirulina has been particularly well studied due to its anti-cancer properties. In one study assessing the effects of spirulina on 87 people with cancerous lesions in the mouth, researchers observed that after using 1 gram per day of spirulina for 1 year, 45% of the patients had a complete regression of mouth lesions.[2]

Improved Blood Pressure

A 2007 study shows that a dose of 4.5 grams of spirulina per day for 6 weeks can reduce blood pressure of individuals with abnormal blood pressure levels.[3] The researchers observed that the treatment was able to improve blood pressure even though the participants did not change their dietary habits or lifestyle during the whole experimental period. This is effect is thought to be driven by an increased production of nitric oxide (NO), which helps widen blood vessels, thereby improving blood circulation and reducing pressure.

Relief from Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is characterized by inflammation in the nasal airways, which is triggered by allergens such as dust, animal hair, or pollen. There is evidence that spirulina can help alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In one study of 127 patients with allergic rhinitis, researchers found that 2 grams per day of spirulina significantly reduced unpleasant symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and eye itching compared to placebo.[4]

Strong Immune System

A 2011 study published in the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology found that spirulina supplementation may ameliorate anemia and age-related deterioration of the immune system in senior citizens with a history of anemia.[5] Over the 12-week study period, the participants had a steady increase in red blood cells and white blood cells, which are indicative of an improved immune function.

Improved Muscle Strength and Endurance

The antioxidant properties of spirulina can help athletes and physically active individuals prevent exercise-induced muscle damage. In two studies, spirulina supplementation was shown to significantly increase the time it took for study participants to become fatigued.[6-7] In another study, researchers found that spirulina supplementation in college athletes for 8 weeks increased muscle strength.[8]

Improved Blood Sugar Levels

In a study of 25 patients with type 2 diabetes, researchers observed that 2 grams of spirulina significantly reduced the blood sugar levels of the participants.[9] In addition, the researchers also found a 1% reduction in HbA1c, a marker for long-term blood sugar levels. This finding is highly significant because studies estimate that a 1% reduction in HbA1c can lower the risk of diabetes-related death by 21%.[10]

Prevention of Candida Infections

Candida species are the most common cause of mouth, gut and vaginal infections. Several studies suggest that spirulina possesses strong antimicrobial properties that can potentially kill candida species.[11-12]

Potential HIV/AIDS Treatment

Depletion of CD4 cells (T-helper white blood cells that fight infection) is the hallmark of AIDS. Interestingly, one study found that administration of 5 g of spirulina in HIV patients was able to stabilize the levels of CD4 cells, suggesting that the treatment may help slow the progression of AIDS.[13]

Improved Cognition

Studies suggest that spirulina can help boost cognitive ability and mental performance. In a study conducted on 549 students, researchers found that daily dose of 2 grams of spirulina for 60 days improved the academic performance of study participants by 10%.[14]

References:

1. Parikh P, Mani U, Iyer U. Role of Spirulina in the Control of Glycemia and Lipidemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of medicinal food. 2001; 4(4):193-199.
2. Mathew B, Sankaranarayanan R, Nair PP. Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with Spirulina fusiformis. Nutrition and cancer. 1995; 24(2):197-202.
3. Torres-Duran PV, Ferreira-Hermosillo A, Juarez-Oropeza MA. Antihyperlipemic and antihypertensive effects of Spirulina maxima in an open sample of mexican population: a preliminary report. Lipids in Health and Disease. 2007;6:33. doi:10.1186/1476-511X-6-33.
4. Cingi C, Conk-Dalay M, Cakli H, Bal C. The effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitis. European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. 2008; 265(10):1219-23.
5. Selmi C, Leung PS, Fischer L, et al. The effects of Spirulina on anemia and immune function in senior citizens. Cellular and Molecular Immunology. 2011;8(3):248-254. doi:10.1038/cmi.2010.76.
6. Kalafati M, Jamurtas AZ, Nikolaidis MG. Ergogenic and antioxidant effects of spirulina supplementation in humans. Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2010; 42(1):142-51.
7. Lu HK, Hsieh CC, Hsu JJ, Yang YK, Chou HN. Preventive effects of Spirulina platensis on skeletal muscle damage under exercise-induced oxidative stress. European journal of applied physiology. 2006; 98(2):220-6.
8. Available from http://journals.sfu.ca/ijmbs/index.php/ijmbs/article/viewArticle/51.
9. Parikh P, Mani U, Iyer U. Role of Spirulina in the Control of Glycemia and Lipidemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of medicinal food. 2001; 4(4):193-199.
10. Stratton IM, Adler AI, Neil HA. Association of glycaemia with macrovascular and microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 35): prospective observational study. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 2000; 321(7258):405-12.
11. El-Sheekh MM, Mahmoud YA, Abo-Shady AM, Hamza W. Efficacy of Rhodotorula glutinis and Spirulina platensis carotenoids in immunopotentiation of mice infected with Candida albicans SC5314 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 35. Folia microbiologica. 2010; 55(1):61-7.
12. Ozdemir G, Karabay NU, Dalay MC, Pazarbasi B. Antibacterial activity of volatile component and various extracts of Spirulina platensis. Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2004; 18(9):754-7.
13. Teas J, Irhimeh MR. Dietary algae and HIV/AIDS: proof of concept clinical data. Journal of applied phycology. 2012; 24(3):575-582.
14. Dia AT, Camara MD, Ndiaye P. [Contribution of supplementation by spirulina to the performance of school children in an introductory course in Dakar (Senegal)]. Sante publique (Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France). 2009; 21(3):297-302.