Where is spirulina from

A single tablespoon 7 grams of dried spirulina powder contains 2 :. Gram for gram, spirulina may be the single most nutritious food on the planet. A tablespoon 7 grams of spirulina provides a small amount of fat — around 1 gram — including both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in an approximately 1.

The quality of the protein in spirulina is considered excellent — comparable to eggs. It gives all the essential amino acids that you need. It is often claimed that spirulina contains vitamin B12, but this is false.

It has pseudovitamin B12, which has not been shown to be effective in humans 3 , 4. This damage can drive chronic inflammation, which contributes to cancer and other diseases 5. Its main active component is called phycocyanin. This antioxidant substance also gives spirulina its unique blue-green color. Phycocyanin can fight free radicals and inhibit production of inflammatory signaling molecules, providing impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects 6 , 7 , 8.

As it turns out, spirulina positively impacts many of these factors. In a study in 25 people with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of spirulina per day significantly improved these markers 9. Another study in people with high cholesterol determined that 1 gram of spirulina per day lowered triglycerides by Several other studies have found favorable effects — though with higher doses of 4. This is known as lipid peroxidation, a key driver of many serious diseases 13 , Interestingly, the antioxidants in spirulina appear to be particularly effective at reducing lipid peroxidation in both humans and animals 16 , In a study in 37 people with type 2 diabetes, 8 grams of spirulina per day significantly reduced markers of oxidative damage.

It also increased levels of antioxidant enzymes in the blood Some evidence suggests that spirulina has anti-cancer properties. Research in animals indicates that it can reduce cancer occurrence and tumor size 19 , One study examined 87 people from India with precancerous lesions — called oral submucous fibrosis OSMF — in the mouth.

When these people stopped taking spirulina, almost half of them redeveloped lesions in the following year. High blood pressure is a main driver of many serious diseases, including heart attacks, strokes and chronic kidney disease. While 1 gram of spirulina is ineffective, a dose of 4.

This reduction is thought to be driven by an increased production of nitric oxide , a signaling molecule that helps your blood vessels relax and dilate Spirulina is a popular alternative treatment for symptoms of allergic rhinitis, and there is evidence that it can be effective In one study in people with allergic rhinitis, 2 grams per day dramatically reduced symptoms like nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion and itching The most common one is characterized by a reduction in hemoglobin or red blood cells in your blood.

Anemia is fairly common in older adults, leading to prolonged feelings of weakness and fatigue In a study in 40 older people with a history of anemia, spirulina supplements increased the hemoglobin content of red blood cells and improved immune function Keep in mind that this is just one study.

More research is needed before any recommendations can be made. Certain plant foods have antioxidant properties that can help athletes and physically active individuals minimize this damage. In two studies, spirulina enhanced endurance, significantly increasing the time it took for people to become fatigued 28 , The clear glass allows the system to be powered by sunlight with tubes positioned vertical towards the sun. They also refrain from heating except to keep employees from freezing.

Instead, a local type of algae is used in the winter. This species, which is yet to be licensed, requires lower temperatures than Mexico-descendent spirulina. During days of low sunshine, productivity is simply lower as well. At the end of the process, algae are dried and processed into the green powder we all know — and maybe also love. Let us know if you have already included spirulina into your diet or if you are planning on doing so, in the comments below!

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