Spirulina is a blue-green algae that lives in both fresh and sea water. As a wealth of research indicates, spirulina is a food of superb nutritional value. Not only does it provide a rich source of many nutrients, it also has been found to have therapeutic and preventative effects on certain diseases. However, seek the advice of physician before trying to prevent, treat or cure any medical condition with spirulina.
Tumor Reduction
Natural killer cells are an important part of the immune system. They help prevent the formation of tumors and protect the body from viruses. Spirulina, typically consumed as a dried powder in tablets, leads to increased activity of natural killer cells in humans, according to the researchers in a study published in April 2009 in "Cancer Science." The researchers found that mice that were fed spirulina had successful antitumor therapy outcomes. Specifically, tumor reductions were found in their spleens. The researchers concluded that in mice, spirulina has the potential to assist the immune system in reducing tumors of the spleen by stimulating natural killer cell activity. Considering the combined evidence, spirulina may have potential in reducing tumors of the spleen in humans.
Complete Nutrition
Spirulina is the most nutritionally complete food known to modern science. It provides a rich source of vitamins, including the B vitamins, minerals and γ-linolenic acid, a fatty acid that supports the immune system. It also contains the super antioxidants such as β-carotene and vitamin E among other compounds, according an article published in October 2008 in "Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology." Thus spirulina is an antioxidant that can protect the cells of the body from free radical damage. Free radicals are natural byproducts of cellular metabolism. They are destructive because their unstable nature causes them to bind to cells, leading to damage or apoptosis, which is cell death. Further, the nutritional composition of spirulina lends it to helping the body ward off viral and bacterial infections. It also helps support the growth of intestinal flora, which are microorganisms that line the intestines and aid functions like digestion, processing vitamins absorbed from foods and preventing colorectal cancers.
Detoxification
Spirulina also supports detoxification in several regards, according to an article published in 2008 in the "Journal of Basic and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences." First, in cancer patients, spirulina reduces cytotoxicity in relation to chemotherapy treatment. This means that it can protect healthy cells from chemotherapy damage, since chemotherapy cancer treatment destroys healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Spirulina provides detoxification support to the kidneys as well. One of the roles of the kidneys is to filter harmful substances from the bloodstream. Spirulina assists with the removal of heavy metal buildup in the kidneys. Spirulina also protects the body from radiation, or energetic waves or particles that can travel through the body and potentially cause cellular damage.
References
- Wiley Online: "Cancer Science": Enhancement of Antitumor Natural Killer Cell Activation by Orally Administered Spirulina Extract in Mice
- Ingenta Connect: "Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology": Spirulina in Health Care Management
- CSA Illumina:"Journal of Basic and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences":Health Properties of Spirulina spp.
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