Spirulina is a type of microscopic blue-green algae that flourishes in the warm alkaline water of hot climates. This algae is cultivated and dried, and sold in health-food stores in the form of pills, powders and flakes for a variety of health-promoting purposes. As with any nutritional supplement, consult with your health-care practitioner before taking spirulina.
Nutritional Benefits
Spirulina is nutrient-dense and contains the minerals zinc, copper, iron, selenium and manganese, as well as B-complex vitamins and vitamin E. It also contains gamma linolenic acid, or GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. This sea vegetable is a good source of protein, containing 65 percent protein and all of the essential amino acids. In addition, the "Nursing Herbal Remedies Handbook" states that spirulina is a concentrated source of chlorophyll and beta-carotene, two potent antioxidants that help to prevent free radical-induced damage to your cells and DNA.
Boost Immunity
Spirulina supports the immune system and enhances resistance to disease. Numerous studies done on animals and in test tubes have found that spirulina increases the production of infection-fighting antibodies and helps to ward off both infections and chronic illnesses such as cancer.
Treat Allergies
Histamine is the substance responsible for allergic symptoms in the body, and spirulina helps to prevent the release of histamines. As such, spirulina helps prevent and treat allergic symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, hives and nasal congestion. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns, however, that the research on the efficacy of spirulina for the treatment of allergies was conducted on animals and not humans.
Additional Benefits
Uses for spirulina include promoting detoxification, protecting the liver from damage, enhancing wound healing, promoting digestion and bowel health and lowering elevated cholesterol levels. It is also purported to help treat asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, premenstrual syndrome, obesity and oral cancers. "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database" states that spirulina increases energy and reduces symptoms of fatigue, stress, anxiety and depression. In addition, it may boost the metabolism and thereby help with weight loss. These uses, however, are based primarily on anecdotal reports and not on scientific evidence.
Considerations
The typical recommended dose of spirulina is 2 to 3 g, taken in divided amounts. Spirulina may inhibit the absorption of B-12 and cause side effects such as bloating, diarrhea, flatulence, edema and upset stomach. Like some fish, this sea vegetable may be contaminated with toxic heavy metals, so buy a trusted brand. Spirulina is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch, CNC; 2003
- "Nursing Herbal Medicine Handbook"; Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Spirulina
- "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database"; Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2011
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