In the 1960s, NASA astronauts were kept alive by indulging in its nutritious goodness.
“A marvel and triumph of space-age technology?” you wonder.
Nope. Because 400 years ago, the Aztecs were harvesting it off of lakes. It’s a superfood that acts as a kind of superweapon against cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Spirulina’s health benefits have been known since the existence of ancient Aztec civilization. Modern day health experts admit that spirulina is one of the most nutritious food sources on the planet.
Spirulina is one of the best sources of protein (60%), leaving behind even red meat (with total 27%). It is loaded with a number of crucial vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, vitamin K, iodine, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, potassium and zinc.
It is one of the best sources of GLA (Gamma linolenic acid) crucial for cardiovascular health and joints.
So what exactly is spirulina?
Spirulina is a fresh water organism, and even though it is closely related to other sea vegetables such as kelp, chlorella, kombu, and arame it is not an algae.
It is actually a unique type of bacteria – called cyanobacteria.
Spirulina’s effects on type 2 diabetes
The study conducted by Indian researchers from MS University of Baroda revealed that spirulina supplements effectively improved blood sugar and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetes patients.
Twenty-five study participants were randomly instructed to consume 2 grams of spirulina daily for a two-month period of time.
The results of the study revealed a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels and lowered glycosylated hemoglobin levels (Hba1c) in study participants who consumed spirulina, compared to the ones that didn’t in the placebo group.
Heart disease and spirulina
A study conducted by Mexican researchers showed that 4.5 grams of spirulina consumed daily significantly dropped total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and improved “good” HDL cholesterol production in study participants.
Also, their blood pressure levels were reduced almost instantly after consuming this wonder plant!
Another, animal study revealed that spirulina was able to prevent rats fed with a high-fructose diet from developing high blood pressure and vasoconstriction.
Interestingly, rats that were not supplemented with spirulina were not able to avoid high blood pressure and other vascular-related conditions when fed with the unhealthy high-fructose diet.
Numerous other human studies have shown that spirulina has the ability to significantly lower the risks of Alzheimer’s, arthritis, stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular disease.
If that wasn’t enough, the list of spirulina’s health benefits is by far not finished…
It is correlated with decreases in the occurrence of cancer, glaucoma, erectile dysfunction, obesity, pulmonary fibrosis, neurodegenerative disorders (such as Parkinson’s), kidney failure, liver inflammation, anemia, and even HIV-related immune disorders.
Spirulina supplements are easily found in health food stores and most drug stores across the globe.
However, as powerful as it is, spirulina might not be enough to lower stubborn blood pressure levels.
incredible food supplement
I have high blood pressure and have just been diagnosed with diabetes. I will try this and let you know the result
Thank you for the info. I appreciate useful info in health like this that doesn’t come with a price tag. I will definitely pass it on to friends and family.
tess
Extremely powerful. I sometime put spirulina powder in my shake and wow what a rush.
If it is a bacteria, maybe it acts somewhat like other probiotics?
Love it. We have spirulina and chlorella both. Must fill up more capsules! Wow, didn’t realize all those benefits. Thank you for a great article.
Really a good supplement
To Jenny: actually, Spirulina does act a lot like probiotics.
Researchers discovered that spirulina is so powerful to fight dangerous organisms and improve immune
system that they even consider to try to replace antibiotics with it.
It kills pathogens without destroying beneficial intestinal flora.
I also feel amazing boost of health and power after I consume spirulina.
Thanks for sharing,I will definitely load up on this power food!
Where do you buy Spirulina? I would like to try it.
check this info
check this info
To Thiya:
You can buy Spirulina in most of the health-food stores, just ask for it ! or you can order it online (amazon.com sells it for sure)
interesting..!!