Spirulina; Health Benefits, Side Effects, Daily Intake, and Nutritional Profile

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As many of us are aware of the spirulina that it is the world’s most popular supplement for centuries. Spirulina is full of antioxidants and nutrients that may serve your body and brain. Most people take it without having enough knowledge about its side effects. Don’t worry! Have patience! We are here to solve your problem by giving this amazing article that helps you in your future and present too. In this article, we are giving everything that you fellows need to know i.e. spirulina side effects, health benefits, dosage, and many more, so stay connected with us. 

What is spirulina?

Spirulina is a blue-green algae and is believed to be one of the past living on Earth. Today, well-liked lifestyle personalities support Spirulina as a secret  powerful “superfood,” and a “miracle from the sea.” Spirulina has a high protein and vitamin fulfillment, which makes it an excellent dietary supplement for vegetarians pr vegan diet people. Spirulina has a sharp taste, so people often combine it with yogurts, juices, and smoothies to boost its flavor. Spirulina is usually available as a supplement at health food shops. 

Spirulina
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Spirulina’s Health Benefits 

The modern study supports various of the alleged benefits of consuming spirulina and proceeds to study its potential for managing health matters. Claimed spirulina benefits also incorporate weight loss, increased energy, and stimulation of the immune system. Following are the spirulina health benefits are; 

1. Rich in nutrients

Spirulina is an organism that grows in both fresh and saltwater. Just similar to plants, cyanobacteria can produce energy from sunlight via a process called photosynthesis. Taking spirulina is a wholesome way to complete protein and vitamins in people’s diets without any serious kinds of side effects.

2. Strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Oxidative loss can harm your DNA and cells. This loss can induce chronic inflammation, which may further develop a risk of cancer and other diseases. Spirulina is a fabulous fount of antioxidants, which can defend against oxidative damage. Phycocyanin is the chief vigorous union in spirulina. It has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics.

3. Anticancer properties

Researchers claimed that spirulina has anti-cancer properties. It seems especially powerful against a type of precancerous tumor of the mouth called OSMF. In fact, freshly completed research in Japan confirmed the beneficial outcomes of spirulina in cancer immunotherapy as it decreases the number of cancer cells in the body by stimulating a group of immune cells. It is one of the most essential health benefits of spirulina. 

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4. Reduces blood pressure

High blood pressure is a key to many severe conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, and chronic kidney disease. But 1gm is not effective to reduce blood pressure one should take 4.5gm to reduce the blood pressure as compared to normal blood pressure which might put your health at risk.

5. Effective against anemia

Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body’s tissues. It is of several types. Older women appeared to serve more rapidly from Spirulina supplements. Spirulina may mitigate anemia and immunosenescence in older subjects. 

6. Controls blood sugar

Spirulina confers insurance as a way to manage the signs of diabetes. A 2018 study found that spirulina supplementation remarkably decreases people’s fasting blood glucose volume. High fasting blood sugar is the usual issue for people with type 1 and 2 diabetes.

7. Boosts metabolism

Taking spirulina may help boost a body’s metabolism. A good metabolic rate may cause a person to feel as if they have higher strength. It may also increase the number of calories they lose each day, which may help in weight loss. These are the effective spirulina health benefits. 

Side Effects of Spirulina 

It should be observed that a few persons using spirulina have listed a small number of adverse spirulina side-effects including headaches, pains, nausea, allergic reactions, and insomnia. Although it is considered safe but could be harmful to certain health conditions. Some other spirulina side effects are listed below: 

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1. Risk of contamination

The algae may consider toxins if it gets larger in a body of water that’s contaminated with heavy minerals, bacteria, or injurious scraps called microcystins. In particular, microcystins are produced by blue-green algae as a support mechanism against predators. When utilized in large amounts, they’re poisonous to your liver.

2. Worsens autoimmune diseases

Spirulina boosts your immune system, it may exacerbate certain autoimmune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis in which your defense system assault your body. Spirulina strengthens your immune system by stimulating immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells, which strike observed warnings on a cellular level. 

3. Has an anticoagulant effect

Spirulina can thin your blood and increase the period, of course, it needs for blood to clot. Clotting aids inhibit extreme bleeding or bruising while you’re injured. For people using blood thinners or who have bleeding complications, spirulina may be risky because it could reduce your blood’s capacity to clot and causing more bruising and bleeding. 

4. Other side effects

People who have allergies to seafood and other sea vegetables should keep away from spirulina. If you have an autoimmune disorder, gout, kidney stones, phenylketonuria, or are pregnant, a thyroid condition, spirulina may not be suitable for you. You should verify with your health care provider before taking it. 

Spirulina Includes Risks

Although spirulina does not have any side effects as seen when you take any medication including spirulina it is essential to consult with your doctor first. 

How to include spirulina in your daily diet?

Spirulina is available in powder or tablet, capsules so people can also add it in smoothies for the daily intake. Most spirulina supplements hold Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Spirulina maxima, and/or Spirulina platensis.

Spirulina Dosage

In numerous studies examining the advantages of spirulina for high cholesterol, doses of 1-8 grams every day for four weeks has been used. One study administered a dose of 4.5 grams of spirulina daily for six weeks for hypertension .7 Another study of type 2 diabetes patients served a product containing 1 gram of spirulina two times regularly for two months.

Nutritional Profile of Spirulina 

Spirulina is known as a nutrient-dense diet as it is bound to full of vitamins, including vitamins A, C, E, and B vitamins, as well as an intact hold of metals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. Similarly, vitamin C and selenium are both antioxidants and aid protect our cells and tissues from damage. Spirulina is a great source of other nutrients including vitamins B-1(thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3(nicotinamide), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folic acid), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A, and vitamin E.

Conclusion 

Although spirulina commonly considered safe, but has particular probable side effects. Some supplements may be defile by toxins. This algae may aggravate some autoimmune conditions and thin your blood. Spirulina side effects are not noticeable so it is better to first ask your doctor to take it or not. Many studies also show spirulina health benefits as well and claimed it is not harmful.