Spirulina has been part of a healthy diet since the ancient times - from central Africa, to the Aztec settlements of Mexico.
Now, NASA are considering it as part of their plans to start growing plants in space.
So, with these two facts in mind, it's easy to see why this superfood has grabbed the attention of nutritionists and the general public, alike.
Spirulina is a type of bacteria that grows in water, and it's often called blue green algae. It might not seem like an obvious choice of ingredient, but it's packed full of nutrients and a range of health benefits.
Spirulina can be bought as a tablet or powder. One level teaspoon (3.3 grams) of spirulina powder contains:
- 2 grams of high-quality protein, containing all nine essential amino acids
- Essential fatty acids
- B vitamins
- Vitamin C
- Iron
- Potassium
- Copper
- Magnesium
All of this - from such small amounts of spirulina - make this nutrient dense food one of the best things you can eat health-wise. So does that mean we should all be considering spirulina supplementation?
What does spirulina do to your body?
Spirulina can help to prevent and treat a range of health conditions:
Spirulina lowers the risk of heart disease
Spirulina affects two of the biggest risk factors for heart disease - high cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels.
When our cholesterol becomes a problem, it's because our ‘bad' LDL cholesterol levels are too high. One study found that LDL cholesterol levels could drop by 10%, thanks to just 1 gram of spirulina a day!
The same study found that triglyceride levels dropped by 16% after the same daily consumption of the algae.
Spirulina reduces oxidative stress - reducing the risk of diseases like cancer
Oxidative stress affects our healthy cells as unstable molecules in our body called ‘free radicals' start to harm them. Studies have linked oxidative damage to diseases like cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and strokes.
Recently though, studies have suggested that spirulina has a positive effect on preventing this from occurring.
Spirulina has anti-inflammatory properties
The same compound that gives spirulina its distinctive colour can help us fight inflammation.
Phycocyanin is an antioxidant that inhibits those free radicals within our bodies. By preventing the production of molecules that cause inflammation, spirulina acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.
one study has found spirulina to have a significant effect on the symptoms of its participants.
Spirulina can help you to burn fat (which could help you lose weight)
There's a lot of information out there about spirulina as a weight loss supplement. And this is all down to it being a great source of protein.
The high protein content of spirulina helps in two ways - it stimulates fat burning, and curbs your appetite.
The high protein content of spirulina increases ‘thermogenesis' in the body, promoting a greater need for lipids (fats) to be burnt as energy. What's more, this high protein content helps to keep your hunger at bay throughout the rest of the day. That means you're much less likely to go on a lunchtime snack-binge.
How much spirulina should you have a day?
With such tiny amounts of spirulina bringing us so much nutrition, how much is enough?
You can take spirulina tablets or use spirulina powder in your diet. In total, you should aim to have 5 grams of spirulina a day (most studies research the health benefits based on a 1-10 gram a day dose). You should avoid spirulina altogether if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. There is a risk that spirulina can become contaminated, causing severe side effects.
Spirulina side effects
If spirulina isn't sourced from a reliable supplier, there is a risk of contamination.
In rare cases, spirulina can cases severe side effects. This includes:
Feeling unwell? See a doctor online now
If bought from a trustworthy brand - like a big high street wellbeing retailer - you shouldn't worry about these side effects, though. Try some spirulina tablets or powder for a couple of months and see how you feel!
