Why Is Spirulina Good For You?

Spirulina is an algae sold in the form of dried powder, tablets and capsules. While spirulina is used in alternative medicine to treat a number of conditions, there is no medical evidence that it actually works. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, spirulina doesn't seem to interact with any prescription drugs. However, you should talk to your doctor before taking spirulina if you're taking drugs to suppress the immune system, like cyclosporine (Neoral) or leflunomide (Arava).

Immune Support

One of the main purported benefits of spirulina is that it enhances the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies. As the body gets stronger, it might be able to fight serious medical issues, like infections or even cancer. The University of Maryland website points out that there's no research to support this theory. However, test tube studies show promise in using spirulina to treat influenza and herpes. This doesn't mean the results will be the same when applied to real-life experience in humans. Until clinical trials are conducted to prove this, spirulina cannot be considered an effective treatment for any conditions that affect the immune system.

High Nutritional Content

Spirulina contains a number of nutrients, some of which are difficult to find in the vegetable world. Spirulina is high in iron, B12 and magnesium. It also contains traces of other minerals, as well as most B vitamins. According to Herb Wisdom, spirulina is also a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), the same nutrient found in breast milk. GLA can improve the immune system and is a good source of nutrients.

Improves Digestive Health

Spirulina might help enhance the presence of probiotics in the intestinal tract, especially after they have been affected by a round of antibiotics. The algae might also protect against liver damage, although not much research exists to corroborate this theory. Spirulina is also marketed as an aid to improve food absorption and assimilation in the stomach and intestines.

Can Help Detoxify the Body

In 1993, scientists from the Research Institute of Radiation Medicine in Minsk, Belarus, studied the effect of spirulina on children who had been exposed to radiation during the Chernobyl accident. Children were treated with 5g of spirulina a day. After 20 days, the level of radioactivity present in their urine was reduced by 50 percent. This might support the belief that spirulina is a powerful detoxifying algae. Proponents believe spirulina can be used to clean the body of everything from heavy metals to drugs.