The spirulina is a food supplement made from cyanobacteria, bacteria capable of oxygenic photosynthesis. Traditionally, this cyanobacterium, also known as blue algae, although it has been shown not to be an algae, is consumed around the world for its nutritional and health-promoting properties. . Some of its properties are antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory. In this article from ProjetÉcolo, we invite you to discover everything you need to know about the spirulina, its properties and health benefits.
Definition of Spirulina
First of all, it is important to give a definition of spirulina. Spirulina is a dietary supplement generated from cyanobacteria, bacteria capable of oxygenic photosynthesis. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, were once thought to be algal protists, but thanks to scientific advancements, it has been discovered that they are actually bacteria. To learn more about the different types of bacteria, click here.
Spirulina is obtained from filamentous cyanobacteria of the genus Arthrospiramainly two species: A. platensis et A. maxima, which were originally included in the genus Spirulina, hence their original name. These species grow naturally in tropical lakes et subtropics at high pH and high concentration of carbonate and of bicarbonate. species A. platensis is found in Africa, Asia and South America, while the species A. maxima is restricted to Central America.
Spirulina can be grown in freshwater ponds open with the pH, temperature and radiation conditions necessary for optimal growth. Once it has reached the desired density, it is removed from the water through a process of filtration and drying.
Spirulina is considered a unique nutritional alternative because no other supplement or dietary supplement can provide the same nutrients.
Also discover everything about cyanobacteria in this article Cyanobacteria: Definition, characteristics and examples.
Properties of spirulina
THE properties of spirulina are :
- Nourishing
- Antioxidants
- Antibacterial
- antivirals
- Anti-inflammatories
- anti-tumor
- Antimutagens
- Antiallergic
- Antidiabetics
- Immunomodulatrices.
After having seen the definition of spirulina as well as how to obtain it, let us now see what are the benefits of spirulina.
benefits of spirulina
What is spirulina used for? Many are the health benefits of spirulina, especially thanks to a combination of components. These include in particular high quality proteinminerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium, essential fatty acids such as gamma-linoleic acid, as well as carotenoids and of vitamins C and E. It should be noted that the pseudo-vitamin B12 contained in supplements is not an adequate source of B12; it must be obtained from food. It also contains essential trace elements such as iron, iodine, selenium, zinc, copper, manganese and chromium, which can be enriched when culturing these cyanobacteria.
Although research on the benefits of spirulina is still sparse, here is a list of the various benefits that spirulina can provide:
- Spirulina prevents viral diseases : Although this research has not yet been proven, spirulina has antiviral effects thanks to spirulan calcium, a polysaccharide found in cyanobacteria. This component inhibits capsule viruses, such as herpes and influenza A, measles and other viruses. Spirulan calcium not only inhibits the absorption and penetration of viruses, but also their replication.
- Spirulina delays cell damage : the antioxidant properties of spirulina help reduce cell damage caused by free radicals.
- Spirulina helps reduce the likelihood of certain cancers : studies have shown that the consumption of spirulina reduces the incidence of liver cancer and causes the regression of precancerous lesions of the oral mucosa.
- Spirulina reduces symptoms associated with rhinitis : Spirulina has been shown to significantly improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, nasal congestion and itching.
- Spirulina regulates total cholesterol levels : this benefit of spirulina is attributed to the presence of a protein called phycocyanin C, which has antioxidant properties. It cannot be said that spirulina makes you lose weight, because weight loss requires multiple factors, but it improves lipid metabolism.
If these are the benefits of spirulina, how to take it then?
How to consume spirulina?
If we know what spirulina is used for, it will be quite legitimate to wonder how to consume it. So, be aware that spirulina is available on the market in different forms: liquid, tablets, capsules, powders or flakes. It can therefore be consumed directly or used in various recipes.
However, the appropriate dose of spirulina to treat different diseases has not yet been established. According to studies, the typical daily dose is between 1 and 5 grams/day. It is therefore important to follow the manufacturer’s dosage recommendations and, before consuming spirulina for therapeutic purposes, it is essential to consult a health professional to determine the most appropriate dose for each case.
How long can you consume spirulina?
In general, there is no specific duration for spirulina consumption, as it depends on each person’s individual goals and reasons for taking the supplement.
Spirulina contraindications
Although spirulina has been declared safe by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), it may have contraindications if it is taken with other medicines.
Who should not take spirulina?
For patients with phenylketonuria, the high phenylalanine content of spirulina can be harmful. For these reasons, it is extremely important to consult a medical specialist before taking spirulina.
Of course, as with any other dietary supplement, excessive consumption of spirulina can also lead to adverse effects. So remember to always follow the dosage recommended by the manufacturer and your doctor or specialist therapist.
Properties and benefits of spirulina
To the question of “What are the benefits of spirulina?“, we have defined the definition of spirulina and then highlighted its properties. Given the many benefits of spirulina, it would be interesting to consume it, without forgetting the dosage indicated by the manufacturer. At oneHOWTO, we offer you other articles on food:
If you want to read more articles like What are the benefits of spirulinawe recommend checking out the Healthy Eating category.
Bibliography
- Cingi, C., & Sayin, I. (2011). They evaluate the probable therapeutic properties of spirulina.