Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae, which is among the world’s most popular dietary supplements. Many people consider it as a superfood due to its excellent nutritional content and health benefits.
Nutritional Value of Spirulina
Spirulina is high in protein and vitamins, thus making it a great dietary supplement for vegans and vegetarians. Studies suggest that spirulina also has antioxidant, inflammation-fighting properties and the ability to boost your immune system. Below are the five health benefits of spirulina and why you must consider having it:
1. It can help you lose weight
Creating a calorie deficit is the first step towards losing weight. Spirulina can help you lose weight as its low in calories but is power-packed with nutrients. People who ate spirulina for 3 months showed improvement in their BMI (body mass index), says a study.
2. Can help manage diabetes
A study conducted in 2018 found that spirulina significantly lowered fasting blood sugar levels. High fasting sugar is a common issue with people suffering from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
In a 2017 animal study mice with type 1 diabetes were given spirulina extract. The mice showed lowered blood sugar, higher insulin levels, and improved liver enzyme. The antioxidant effect of spirulina is also helpful in treating type 1 diabetes.
3. Lowering cholesterol
Cholesterol is the unhealthy fat that can increase the risk of heart diseases. Taking spirulina supplements can have a positive impact on the blood lipid levels. In a study, it was found that consuming spirulina decreased the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases the level of HDL (good) cholesterol.
4. Helps in lowering blood pressure
There is evidence that spirulina can help lower blood pressure. A small study conducted in 2016 found that eating spirulina for three months regularly can help control blood pressure in people who were overweight and had hypertension.
5. Improves guts health
Spirulina is easily digestible as its cells do not have tough fibrous walls. Studies show that spirulina can support gut health as people age. A study conducted in 2017 on mice suggests that spirulina can help preserve the healthy gut bacteria. Spirulina is not rich in fiber, thus it’s important to consume high-fiber foods along with it.
Spirulina Health Benefits
