Hidden benefits of Spirulina | Spirulina benefits - fitROSKY

Spirulina is a type of cynobacteria (blue-green algae) and believed to be oldest life forms on Earth, consumed by the ancient Aztecs (A Mesoamerican culture that flourished in central Mexico in the post-classic period from 1300 to 1521). it is nutrient rich dietary supplement and it takes very less space and water to grow. 

Dried spirulina contains estimated 5% water, 24% carbohydrates, 8% fat and about 60% protein. 

NASA and  European Space Agency proposed spirulina as on of primary foods to be cultivated during long-term space missions.

Spirulina has bitter taste, so most of the people consumed it with juice, smoothies, yogurt and so on to improve its flavor. 

Nutritional facts of spirulina

Per 100 gram of spirulina:

Calories	290
Carbs	23.9 g
Protein	57.47 g
Fat	7.72 g
Sugar	3.9 g
Fiber	3.6 g
Vitamin C	12% DV
Vitamin K	24% DV
Vitamin E	33% DV
Thiamine	207% DV
Riboflavin	306% DV
Niacin	85% DV
Calcium	120 mg
Iron	28.5 mg
Magnesium	195 mg
Manganese	1.9 mg
Phosphorus	118 mg
Sodium	1058 mg
Zinc	2 mg
Potassium	1363 mg

Benefits of Spirulina

1. Rich source of nutrients 

Spirulina is considered as superfood because it contains almost every needed nutrients. it is super rich in protein, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium. 

The standard dose of spirulina is 1-3 grams but does up to 10 grams a day have been used effectively. 

2. Support heart health 

Spirulina helps to decrease bad cholesterol and triglyceride and raise the good cholesterol as well. 

A study of 2001 has been shown that consumption of spirulina supplementation for two months by type 2 diabetic person reported lowering of fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose levels and significant reduction in triglyceride and bad cholesterol was also observed. 

Another study of 2014 has shown that Spirulina supplementation at a dose of 1 g daily has powerful hypolipidaemic effects. 

Related article: Foods that lower cholesterol level

 

3. May maintain blood pressure 

High blood pressure is one of the foremost cause of stroke, heart attack and some chronic disease. while spirulina may help you by lowering or controlling your blood pressure. 

A study of 2016 show that consumption of 2g spirulina supplement for 3 months improves BMI and weight but also results in improvements in blood pressure and endothelial function. 

Another recent study observed that consumption of spirulina significantly decreased the high blood pressure in hypertensive patients. 

Related article: Little changes in lifestyle which may prevents Hypertension or High blood pressure

>> Symptoms which may be signal of Hypertension (High blood pressure)

>> Food that help lower the High blood pressure

 

4. Relieve symptoms of allergies 

It is also believed that spirulina help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. 

A study of 2008 on "The effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitis" has found that Spirulina consumption significantly improved the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. however there are more studies needed to clarify the mechanism of this effect.