Why spirulina is good for you

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Spirulina is typically sold as a powder or tablet and has more iron than raw spinach and more beta-carotene than carrots. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of spirulina powder into smoothies or blend it in with hummus, guacamole or pesto.

However, it has not been tested in people. In one clinical trial that involved humans, another type of blue-green algae called chlorella did not boost the immune response to flu vaccine. Because it is a rich source of protein and other nutrients, spirulina has been used as a nutritional supplement. However, although spirulina contains a certain level of protein, you would need to take very large quantities to see any effect.

Other sources of protein, such as nuts, legumes, whole grains, and meat, provide protein in smaller servings. Animal and test tube studies suggest that spirulina may protect against allergic reactions by stopping the release of histamines, substances that contribute to allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, hives, and soft-tissue swelling. But whether these preliminary studies will help people with allergies is not known. Although antibiotics destroy unwanted organisms in the body, they may also kill "good" bacteria called probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus.

This can cause diarrhea. In test tubes, spirulina has boosted the growth of L. More research is needed to determine whether spirulina will have the same effect in people. Test tube studies suggest that spirulina has activity against herpes, influenza, and HIV.

In one placebo-controlled study, taking spirulina seemed to reduce a precancerous lesion known as leukoplasia in people who chewed tobacco. Lesions were more likely to go away in the spirulina group than in the placebo group.

More research in this area is needed. Preliminary evidence suggests that spirulina may help protect against liver damage and cirrhosis liver failure in people with chronic hepatitis. Without more research, however, it is impossible to say whether spirulina offers any real benefit. Spirulina contains a high concentration of zeaxantuin, an important nutrient linked to eye health.

As such, spirulina may help reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Spirulina is a microscopic algae that flourishes in warm climates and warm alkaline water.

First, the good news on The Big Three: "They all have very high concentrations of nutrients and vitamins, including protein , iron, potassium, zinc, calcium, and B vitamins.

Also, according to Dr. Group, 60 percent of algae is made up of protein. Soy has a comparable amount, but a major reason a growing number of food manufacturers are favoring algae is that all those added nutrients come with the protein.

It's like buying a pair of leggings, and finding out at checkout that you get a sports bra and tank for free.

Spirulina, AFA, and chlorella also serve as a magnet for toxins in the body—and they do an excellent job of flushing them out.

Clearly algae is full of health benefits. Spirulina is trending for a reason—it really can do a lot of good for the body. The benefits of spirulina include:.

But not not all spirulina on the marketplace is worth shelling out for. Group offers up a big buyer's beware Discover our full range of health benefit guides.

Keen to make use of spirulina? Try our delicious green breakfast smoothie. A process called oxidation can lead to ongoing inflammation and damage to cells, which may over time lead to chronic disease and potentially cancer. Studies suggest phycocyanin has potential benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties , oxidative stress protection and neuroprotective qualities.

A study examining the effects of a daily dose of 4. Rich in compounds that have antioxidant properties , spirulina helps prevent damage to fatty compounds like cholesterol. Animal studies suggest supplementation with spirulina may have value in protecting against cancer. The mechanism by which it does this may be by activating immune cells called natural killer cells , which help our defence against tumours.

More human trials are needed, but of those conducted, results look encouraging. Spirulina appears to reduce the inflammation of nasal airways, which is a classical symptom of allergic rhinitis or hay-fever. In one study, it was seen to significantly improve symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion and itching.

Most of the studies that have been conducted to date have been either on animals or small human trials, so more research is needed before any health claims relating to spirulina can be confirmed.