Spirulina is a type of edible blue-green algae that grows in diverse environments, including both fresh and salt waters. Spirulina may provide a variety of health benefits. Consult your doctor, however, before trying to prevent, treat or cure any condition with spirulina.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis refers to allergies or hay fever. Spirulina tablets may provide relief from allergic rhinitis. A study published in 2008 in the "European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology" found that spirulina tablets imrpoved this condition in a group of patients. Specifically, they experienced less sneezing, itching and stuffy nose.
Immune System
Spirulina tablets may help boost immune system function. A study published in 2010 in "Planta Medica" found that spirulina enhanced the activity of natural killer cells in a group of healthy people. Natural killer cells are a critical aspect of the immune system responsible for warding off tumors and viral infections. The participants were given 400 mg of spirulina for seven days.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells in the body. Anemia is common in older adults. A group of healthy adults over the age of 50 who took spirulina for 12 weeks showed improvements in anemia in a study published in the January 2011 issue of "Cellular & Molecular Immunology." The effects were stronger in women than in men.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, the most common type of the disease, is characterized by the inability to produce enough insulin or a lack of adequate response to insulin by cells. A study published in 2008 in "Nutrition Research & Practice" found that taking 8 g of spirulina for 12 weeks improved type 2 diabetes outcomes in a group of patients.
References
- "European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology"; The Effects of Spirulina on Allergic Rhinitis; Cemal Cingi et al.; 2008
- "Planta Medica"; Enhancement of Natural Killer Cell Activity in Healthy Subjects by Immulina®, a Spirulina Extract Enriched for Braun-Type Lipoproteins; Claus Henrik Nielsen et al.; 2010
- "Cellular & Molecular Immunology"; The Effects of Spirulina on Anemia and Immune Function in Senior Citizens; Carlo Selmi et al.; January 2011
- "Nutrition Research & Practice"; A Randomized Study to Establish the Effects of Spirulina in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients; Eun Hee Lee, et al.; 2008
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