Spirulina is a one-celled, blue-green algae that thrives in warm, alkaline fresh water. Its name comes from the Latin for "helix" or "spiral" because of its microscopic, swirling strands. Spirulina is rich in proteins, vitamin E, B complex vitamins, manganese, beta carotene, zinc, selenium, iron, copper and gamma linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid. There are many pros to using spirulina due to positive tests done on animals and in test tubes, but the cons are that no tests have been done on humans, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Please consult your doctor before taking spirulina.
Immune System
Spirulina may help to increase the production of antibodies, infection-fighting proteins called cytokines and other cells that improve the immune system and help to fight off infections and chronic illnesses such as cancer, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Positive test results have occurred with animals and in test tubes, but spirulina has not been tested on humans.
Rich in Nutrients
Spirulina is rich in proteins and nutrients, however, a person would need to eat a significant amount to see any positive effects. Meats, legumes, nuts and whole grains provide more efficient nutrition, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Allergies
Spirulina has been shown to stop histamines from being released in animal and test tube studies. Histamines help to contribute to allergy symptoms such as runny nose, hives, soft-tissue swelling and watery eyes.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Tests performed in test tubes showed that spirulina may help enhance the growth of lactobacillus acidophilus, which is a probiotic, or "good bacteria." When antibiotics are taken to kill unwanted organisms in the body, they may also kill this good bacteria. More tests are needed to see if this would have the same effect in people.
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