In contrast to most vegetable matter, spirulina does not have a cell wall made of cellulose, thereby making it easily digestible. Find out more about spirulina benefits and how to take spirulina. For this reason, spirulina is routinely used as an ingredient in most green superfood powders. Spirulina benefits, nutrition, dosage and side effects dr. Oct 05, 2018 spirulina is a type of bluegreen algae that is popular as a supplement. Spirulina is a microalgae that has been consumed for centuries due to its high nutritional value and supposed health benefits. Though it does taste like pond scum, spirulina has some great healthboosting qualities. Study from turkey evaluating the effectiveness and tolerability of spirulina for treating patients with allergic rhinitis, spirulina consumption significantly improved the symptoms and physical. In a study published in the journal of medicinal food in 2008 5, researchers found that chlorella reduced body fat percentage, fasting blood sugar levels, and serum total cholesterol. Nutritional and toxicological aspects of spirulina arthrospira. Pdf potential health benefits of spirulina platensis. The health benefits of spirulina diet and nutrition center.
Review for application and medicine effects of spirulina, microalgae. Once classified as the bluegreen algae, it does not. Spirulina is primarily constituted by a protein called cphycocyanin a protein that tends to bunch together and is named after the dark bluegreen of the algae. Pdf potential health benefits of spirulina platensis researchgate. Other spirulina health benefits include using this alga as a nutritional supplement seems to be predominantly beneficial for skin problems such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. Natural medical attributes and benefits of spirulina citeseerx.
A strong immune system is the basis for good health. Natural versus processed the health and fitness revolution has brought about new attitudes to diet and lifestyle. Some studies show that the algae spirulina can boost immunity, improve heart health, and fight allergies. It has the ability to modulate immune functions and exhibits antiinflammatory properties by inhibiting the release of histamine by mast cells. Powerful antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Eye health spirulina is high in vitamin a in the form of betacarotene. Dec 18, 2018 spirulina is a type of bluegreen algae that people can take as a dietary supplement. While you may have only seen it as an ingredient in your green superfood beverages, energy bars and natural supplements, the health benefits of spirulina are so profound that taken on a daily basis they could help restore and revitalize your health. Another health benefit of spirulina is that it stimulates beneficial flora like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria in the digestive tract to promote healthy digestion and. In some cases spirulina has been incorrectly marketed as a medicine giving people, particularly the ill, false hope in fact spirulina is a food supplement whose main benefit is the boosting of the immune system.
Spirulina s betacarotene converts into vitamin a and its carotenoids promotes cellular health. Pdf spirulina in human nutrition and health lasinrang. Bluegreen algae have a high protein, iron, and other mineral content which is absorbed when taken orally. Sep 26, 2019 10 scientificallyproven health benefits of spirulina. People consider spirulina a superfood due to its excellent nutritional content and health benefits. Jul 26, 2018 spirulina is a bluegreen algae superfood with many health benefits. Vitamin a helps protect the cornea which is important in having good vision. Today, popular lifestyle personalities endorse spirulina as a secret. Spirulina is incredibly nutritious, and has numerous health benefits. Most of the studies that have been conducted to date have been either on animals or in small human trials, so more research is needed before any health claims relating to spirulina can be confirmed. Not everyone can get their hands on the optimal hawaiian variety, but fortunately, spirulina thats standardly produced includes very significant health benefits for people who regularly consume it. In addition to having the highest concentration of protein of any known food, spirulina is also intensely rich in some of the vitamins that are most important to human health, and which have been most linked to long life.
The cyanobacterium arthrospira platensis is an outstanding sunlightdriven cell factory that has the ability to convert carbon dioxide into high added value metabolites singh et al. Bluegreen algae are being researched for their potential effects on the immune system. Spirulina is not really a nutritional supplement, but an incredibly dense and complete food made from commercially cultivated microalgae. The market of chlorella is in billions of dollars right now and is bound to increase in the years to come as more and more people become aware of its health benefits.
The first processing plant was established in sosa texcoco, mexico in 1969. Comparison of protein efficiency ratios, showing the benefit of supplementation. Spirulina health benefits what this superfood can do for you. Jan 07, 2019 the term superfood is a fairly new term referring to foods that offer maximum nutritional benefits for minimal calories. Both chlorella and spirulina have been studied for the benefits they provide to diabetic patients 2. Moreover spirulina has got no side effects and is nontoxic in nature. But the best way to find out for yourself is to try a bottle of spirulina tablets or powder and see what it can do for you.
In addition, this article describes recent developments in proteomics, bioactivity screening. Previous studies have demonstrated spirulinas role as a superfood that lowers cholesterol naturally. The nutritional aspects of spirulina jacques falquet let your food be your medicine. A study in the 2009 nutrition research and practice demonstrates that chlorellafed diabetic rats tend to have lower levels of fasting glucose than diabetic rats without chlorella 2 3. Feb 11, 2014 spirulina like any food or supplement when properly handled, processed, and used can be a useful supplement to your existing diet. Spirulina has a blend of nutrients that no single plant source can provide. Immune system the benefits of spirulina in building immunity and.
Spirulina is one of the worlds highest quality sources of protein and other nutrients. It was not practical to include full studies due to the massive amount of literature available. Spirulina is an organism that grows in both fresh and salt water. Spirulina also contains zeaxanthin, which is known to promote eye health. Chlorella is thought to help with metabolism and regulate hormones.
Pdf potential health benefits of spirulina microalgae. Apr, 2020 health benefits of spirulina supplements. May 26, 2016 its also fair to compare chlorella vs. Purported spirulina benefits also include weight loss, increased energy, and stimulation of the immune system. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
This study looked specifically at the effects of spirulina on oral. Functional properties and health benefits of bioactive. Spirulina is about sixty percent complete, highly digestible protein. Arthrospira platensis, previously referenced as spiru. Apr 08, 2017 9 impressive health benefits of chlorella written by kerriann jennings, ms, rd on april 8, 2017 if you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. No other food on earth can match the health benefits of spirulina except for its close relative, chlorella. Spirulinas concentrated nutrition makes it an ideal food supplement for people of all ages and lifestyles. Spirulina also has a variety of necessary vitamins and minerals, including b complex vitamins, betacarotene, vitamin e, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium and essential fatty acids, all of which may contribute to spirulina s possible health benefits.
Pdf the purpose of this paper is to first describe the species arthrospira platensis, previously referenced as spirulina platensis commonly. Currently, spirulina can be found in health food stores and is sold mainly as a. There has been some research into the benefits of spirulina and its positive effects on blood glucose levels. Hippocrates introduction spirulina cyanobacteria has been used as food for centuries by different populations and only rediscovered in recent years. Spirulina contains beneficial fatty acids such as dha and gla, as well as high antioxidant levels that can help protect the body against oxidative damage, says nathalie rhone, rd, a nutritionist. An internet search returns hundreds of suppliers from around the world promoting spirulina s supposed health benefits. Jun 28, 2012 since the first report on a hypocholesterolemic effect of bga in the early 1980s, several studies have shown potential health benefits of various bga species in the prevention of cvd.
Potential health benefits of spirulina microalgae article pdf available in nutrafoods 92 april 2010 with 3,228 reads how we measure reads. Spirulina or arthrospira is a bluegreen alga that became famous after it was successfully used by nasa as a dietary supplement for astronauts on space missions. Spirulina is a microscopic filamentous alga that is rich in proteins, vitamins, essential amino acids, minerals and essential fatty acids like ylinolenic acid gla. Jalaja kumari and others published potential health benefits of spirulina platensis find, read and cite all the research you need on. It includes polysaccharides that acts as natural humectants for dry skin and aids in storing moisture to improve elasticity. It is a form of algae that grows in fresh water all over the world in warmweather locations. By regularly, i strongly recommend that you taking spirulina daily for the following reasons. At 32 grams per 12 cup, spirulina is a great source of protein and contains 22 essential amino acids.
It is very dense in both calories and protein per gram compared to other foods and contains almost all of the amino. The concentration of protein and vitamins in spirulina has led many to classify it as the most nutrient dense food on the planet. Although spirulina has been around for millions of years, its widespread popularity as a food is very recent. Mar 28, 2018 fast forward to 1940, pierre dangeard noticed that flamingos were able to survive with a diet consisting mainly of spirulina and concluded that it had health benefits. Dont worry, you dont have to slurp anything slimy to reap the health benefits of spirulina. A few of these constituents such as polysaccharides rhamnose and glycogen and essential fat gla are absorbed easily by human cells and help in energy release. Spirulina has been promoted as the food of the future with exceptional constituents that contribute to high energy levels. The bacteria is basically pond scum, but its so good for you.
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