Adult Health

13 Spirulina Health Benefits You Need to Know About

Written by andy

A bit of algae goes a long way! The spirulina health benefits list is mighty long!

When you go swimming in the ocean, do you ever think about eating the seaweed or algae floating around? Unless you’re from Asia, probably not! But did you know that these ocean plants offer A LOT of amazing spirulina health benefits?

Spirulina is a form of microalgae that is found in oceans, lakes, and ponds in subtropical climates. It is commonly harvested in Mexico and Africa, as well as Japan. It has been turned into a “superfood” supplement that will change your life.

Here’s why:

  1. It’s loaded in protein — For plant-based proteins, it doesn’t get much better than spirulina. Low in fat and high in amino acids, you’ll find that it’s an amazing source of protein for any dieter.
  2. It’s rich in B-vitamins — Spirulina contains A LOT of Vitamin B12, one of the most important vitamins for a healthy metabolism. Consuming for Vitamin B12 will help to speed up metabolic function, making weight loss just that little bit easier!
  3. It’s high in iron — Iron is needed by your body in order to produce red blood cells, which transport oxygen and nutrients around your body. Spirulina is an excellent vegetarian source of iron!
  4. It contains GLA –– Gamma linolenic acid is an important fatty acid for the human body, as it helps to reduce inflammation (similar to Omega-3s). GLA has amazing anti-inflammatory properties that make it a useful remedy for a wide range of health conditions.
  5. It has Omega-3s — Omega-3 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents, and they help to improve brain, heart, liver, and overall body function.
  6. It’s loaded with chlorophyll — Chlorophyll is one of the most effective detoxing agents around! You’ll find that consuming more chlorophyll will help to remove toxins and heavy metals from your blood, reducing the free radical damage in your body.

READ MORE: 20 Health Benefits of Algae

  1. It contains folate –– Folate, also known a folic acid, is a B vitamin that plays a central role in the health of pregnant and nursing mothers. Spirulina is rich in folate, making it a powerful supplement for women.
  2. It’s rich in antioxidants — Spirulina was tested to determine its “ORAC” capacity (a marker to evaluate antioxidant content), and it was found to contain more than 4 times the amount of antioxidants of blueberries.
  3. It’s antiallergenic — If you are suffering from hay fever or summer allergies, why not take a spoonful of spirulina? The supplement has been rated “potentially effective” as an anti-allergen.
  4. It’s rich in calcium — When you consume spirulina, you get a lot of the calcium your body needs to have healthy bones and teeth. The calcium in this supplement is easily absorbed and put to good use.
  5. It’s loaded with phosphorus — Yet another amazing mineral that plays a role in oral health! Phosphorus will provide your teeth with the minerals they need to be healthy and strong, as well as protect them against infections.
  6. It is an effective heavy metal remover — If there are heavy metals present in your body, spirulina will bind with the metals. This stops them from being absorbed into your bloodstream and sends them out the waste disposal exit.
  7. It is a potent fat burner — Spirulina isn’t marketed as a weight loss supplement, but it is known to improve fat burning during exercise. If you want to increase the amount of fat cells you burn during your workouts, it’s a good idea to take a spoonful of spirulina before exercising.
Resources: http://www.livescience.com/48853-spirulina-supplement-facts.htmlhttp://wellnessmama.com/4738/spirulina-herb-profile/

About the author

andy

Some people get lucky and are born with fit, toned bodies. Andy Peloquin is not one of those people... Fitness has come hard for him, and he's had to work for it. His trials have led him to becoming a martial artist, an NFPT-certified fitness trainer, and a man passionate about exercise, diet and healthy living. He loves to exercise--he does so six days a week--and loves to share his passion for fitness and health with others.