Spirulina in treating several diseases

 Spirulina in treating several diseases

Overview

Spirulina is a tiny, filamentous cyanobacterium named for its spiral or helical filaments.

Blue-green Spirulina blooms in salty lakes and oceans. It contains protein, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and antioxidants that protect cells.

NASA astronauts took spirulina. Spirulina increases white blood cell and antibody synthesis to combat viruses and germs, according to research. 

Important spirulina facts:

Antioxidants: Spirulina's blue color comes from phycocyanin, its major active component.

Phycocyanin fights oxidative stress and inflammation with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities.

Heart Health: Spirulina may cut total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides and raise HDL. These parameters aid heart health.

Spirulina contains pseudovitamin B12, which is ineffective in humans. Discuss your health goals with a doctor before adding spirulina to your diet.

Nutrient-rich:

Spirulina is rich in B vitamins, beta-carotene, copper, and iron. Small levels of magnesium, potassium, and manganese are present.

• One tablespoon (7 grams) of dried spirulina powder contains:
• Protein: 4 g
• B1 (thiamin): 14% DV
• Vitamin B2-riboflavin: 20% DV
• B3: 6% DV Niacin
• Copper: 47% DV
• Iron: 11% DV
• A mere 20 calories.
• Less than 2 grams of carbs
• Fat: About 1 gram, containing omega-6 and omega-3s.

The health benefits of spirulina?

• It boosts antibody and other cell synthesis to combat infection and chronic diseases.
• It may aid brain and nervous system development.
• It reduces mast cell histamine and inflammation.
• Increased nitric oxide generation by spirulina may lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
• Lowers LDL and raises HDL.
• Spirulina may reduce seasonal allergy symptoms such as runny noses, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
• Type 2 diabetics may benefit from Spirulina's fasting blood sugar reduction.

Who shouldn't take Spirulina?

Spirulina has several health benefits; however, some people should avoid it.

• Patients with autoimmune diseases:
• Those pregnant or breastfeeding:
• Immunocompromised People:
• Persons with Diabetes:
• Blood disorder sufferers:
• Seafood-allergic people:
• Iodine-intolerant people:
• Consider with a healthcare expert before adding any supplements to your routine.

How to eat spirulina

The video explains the benefit of Spirulina

Some inventive and practical ways to consume this superfood:

In a smoothie: Blend spirulina powder into your favorite smoothie. It tastes pleasant and nutritious when mixed with bananas, berries, and spinach.

Sprinkling spirulina on an acai bowl enhances it. A strong green color will make your bowl more appealing and healthful.

Mix spirulina into homemade green juice. Add cucumber, celery, and lemon for a cleansing, invigorating drink.

Spice up your morning coffee with a little spirulina. The unique flavor and health boost are added.

Spirulina protein balls or energy bites: Make them yourself. For a healthy snack, mix it with oats, dates, almonds, and honey.

' Experts advise ingesting no more than 8 grams of spirulina each day, or two teaspoons. Enjoy the advantages of Spirulina while trying these delectable recipes! '

Dosage

Spirulina dosage varies, however, here are some broad guidelines:

Wellness: Take 1 to 3 grams of Spirulina daily (2 to 6 pills) for overall health. Start with a low dose and gradually increase as your body adjusts.

Energy & Athletic Performance: Take 3 to 5 grams of spirulina daily (6 to 10 pills) to boost energy and performance.

Remember that spirulina is usually powdered, and most research recommends 1 to 8.4 grams per day. A tablespoon of spirulina powder provides 7 grams, therefore, many individuals take a teaspoon every day.

Some top pure spirulina powders:

• Powder Nutrex Hawaiian Spirulina
• Terrasoul Spirulina Powder
• Spirulina Powder Supplements
• Purified Organic Spirulina Powder
• BN Labs Spirulina Powder
• Spirulina is also found as green powders, which mix its benefits with additional nutrients. Choose a green powder with a complete ingredient list and no "proprietary blends.

Consult a healthcare professional before adding spirulina to your regular regimen, since individual needs may differ.

Are there hazards or interactions?

Spirulina has several health benefits, but it's important to know the hazards and interactions.

Medications Interact:

Immunosuppressants: Spirulina may interact with or counteract immunosuppressants.

Be careful with Spirulina if you take blood thinners. Your blood may thin more.

Diabetes medications: Spirulina may alter blood sugar.

Immune Disorders:

It may aggravate autoimmune diseases.

Bleeding Disorders:

Spirulina may thin the blood; thus, anyone with bleeding issues should avoid it.

Allergic or PKU:

Avoid spirulina if you have allergies or PKU.

Before starting any supplement habit, see a healthcare expert for specific guidance. 

What Spirulina side effects are common?

Although spirulina is generally safe, side effects and hazards should be evaluated. Some key points:

• Risk of contamination:
• Wild-harvested spirulina may be toxic. It can damage your liver if it grows in dirty water with heavy metals, bacteria, or microcystins.
• Blue-green algae produce microcystins to fight predators. High doses can damage the liver.
• Spirulina produced in controlled conditions where scientists have removed microcystins and limited their development reduces this risk.
• Immune Disorders:
• Spirulina boosts natural killer (NK) cells, which destroy targeted cells.
• This action may inhibit tumor growth, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation, but it also worsens autoimmune illnesses like lupus, MS, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Minor Side Effects:

• Most people have no side effects, although minor ones may include:
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Most people tolerate them well.

How does chlorella enhance health?

Chlorella, a nutrient-dense freshwater algae, may provide health benefits. Let's examine its remarkable qualities:

1. Nutritional Powerhouse: Chlorella is packed with nutrients.

Protein: 50–60% protein provides all nine essential amino acids.

Vitamin B12: Some chlorella types include vitamin B12.

Iron and Vitamin C: Chlorella provides 6 to 40% of daily iron needs and vitamin C, which improves iron absorption.

These small green cells contain several antioxidants.

Other vitamins and minerals: chlorella contains magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, calcium, folic acid, and B vitamins.

Omega-3s: 3 grams of chlorella provide 100 mg.

**Fiber**: Chlorella is a beneficial source of fiber in high doses, unlike most supplements.

2. Detoxification: Chlorella has been explored for detoxification. It appears to eliminate heavy metals and other toxins from the body in animals. Some heavy metals, like iron and copper, are needed in tiny amounts but poisonous at high levels.

3. Heart health and inflammation: chlorella may:

Promote cardiovascular health

Reduce inflammation

Increase immunity

Promote weight loss

Enhance cognition

Provide necessary nutrition

Provide complete protein.

**High chlorophyll content** alkalizes the body.

Further research is needed; however, some studies suggest chlorella may protect against chronic diseases, including cancer.

Before adding chlorella to your diet, consult a healthcare expert, as individual responses may differ.

Conclusion

Spirulina benefits for allergic rhinitis are supported by research, although larger trials are needed.

Spirulina is now GRAS by the FDA. Spirulina is simple to grow but thrives primarily in alkaline lakes with high pH and huge outdoor ponds under regulated conditions.