Benefits of Spirulina
Spirulina is an excellent source of protein, amino acids, vitamin B-12, nucleic acids, iron, and gamma-linolenic acid, also called GLA. This rare combination of nutrients has caused some people to call it a superfood.
Find, Compare, and Buy Spirulina in Seconds
Because of its nutritional value, spirulina has many health benefits. • One benefit of spirulina is that it has more complete protein, amino acids, vitamin B-12, and iron per ounce than many other foods, including soybeans and beef. This makes it a good supplement for both vegetarians and vegans, who often do not get enough of these nutrients in their diets.
• Spirulina can help in the digestive tract by promoting the growth of acidophilus, a bacteria needed to break down foods.
• Spirulina has been known to enhance the immune system in people with low immunity. In fact, it was used to help increase immune function for survivors of the Chernobyl tragedy, many of whom suffered from bone marrow loss. On the other hand, people with autoimmune or overactive immune system disorders like lupus should not take spirulina, because it may over stimulate the immune system.
• Promising test tube studies show that spirulina may fight against diseases like herpes, HIV, and influenza.
• Spirulina may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In a study of chewing tobacco users with precancerous lesions, people taking spirulina had significant improvement compared to the subjects taking a placebo.
• Like milk thistle, spirulina appears to protect the liver from damage done be cirrhosis and hepatitis.
• Spirulina is a good source of GLA, like evening primrose oil. Unlike evening primrose oil, it appears to have no effect on pregnant mammals, so it may be a safe substitute. More research on human beings needs to be done in this area, however.
• Because of its high concentration of protein, amino acids, and nutrients, it is a safe, effective sport and bodybuilding supplement.
Spirulina is a blue-green alga that grows in alkaline ponds in warm climates, conditions that cannot support the life of other algae. Because of this, it is impossible for other organisms to pollute spirulina, so it is a very hygienic food.
However, water-based life forms like spirulina can absorb heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and mercury, so be careful when choosing a spirulina supplement.
Because spirulina can survive in high temperatures, in water as hot as 140 degrees. Although it should be kept in a dry, cool place, spirulina can be exposed to extremely high temperatures without losing any of its nutrients. Spirulina supplements are available as spirulina powder, spirulina tablets, and as spirulina drinks.
Copyright 2004-2008 S&T US LLC
©2004-2008 Wise4Living | Contact | Advertising Info | Legal | Privacy | Directory
