Spirulina: beneficial properties and contraindications

What is spirulina and what is it for?

Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae found in alkaline lake waters around the globe. The plant is widely known due to its unique composition from a biochemical point of view. According to the video about spirulina, it not only appeared on Earth several hundred million years ago, but also has not undergone any changes during all this time.

The first mentions of this algae can be found in very ancient sources; for example, spirulina was eaten by the Aztec tribes. Currently, the plant is used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology, as well as in medicine and is held in high esteem.

Vitamins and minerals in spirulina

The peculiarity of blue-green algae is that it contains more than 100 valuable chemicals. In particular, it contains in large quantities:

• complete group of B vitamins;
• vitamins C and E;
• vitamins A and A1;
• vitamins H;
• nicotinic acid PP;
• minerals iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium;
• potassium and selenium;
• digestive enzymes;
• salts of organic origin;
• nucleotides;
• fatty acid.

Of the vitamins, seaweed lacks only vitamin D, but it can also be obtained from other products. The plant contains a lot of vitamin B12 - about 3 daily requirements in just 10 g of product.

What are the benefits of spirulina for the body?

Thanks to its unique composition, algae has a beneficial effect on almost all systems of the human body. Namely:

• spirulina strengthens the immune system and prevents colds;
• takes care of digestion and removes toxins from the intestines;
• cleanses the blood and strengthens blood vessels, protects the heart system from ailments;
• helps with liver function and reduces bad cholesterol;
• is the prevention of cancer;
• improves the functioning of the thyroid gland, spirulina is highly valued for hypothyroidism;
• has a beneficial effect on brain function and mental activity;
• has a calming effect on the nervous system and regulates sleep;
• improves the condition of the skin and hair, promotes cell rejuvenation;
• protects blood vessels from arthritis and arthrosis.

Spirulina is very useful for diabetes - it normalizes the functioning of all internal organs and maintains blood sugar levels within normal limits. Therefore, when using it, many complications can be avoided.

Beneficial properties of spirulina for women

The main benefit of spirulina for women lies precisely in the rejuvenating properties of the plant. Algae helps cope with dry or excessively oily skin, spirulina is useful for acne and acne. With regular use of algae, the condition of the hair significantly improves.

Also, representatives of the fair sex use algae for weight loss. Spirulina on an empty stomach or when added to various dishes helps speed up metabolism and fat burning, so extra pounds disappear very quickly when used.

Benefits of spirulina for men

The benefits of spirulina seaweed for the male body include a beneficial effect on the genitourinary system. The algae relieves the symptoms of prostatitis and prostate adenoma, has a beneficial effect on potency and enhances libido. When using algae-based preparations, hormonal levels improve and overall endurance increases.

Chemical composition of spirulina and beneficial properties

Spirulina is one of the most valuable algae; it is a real storehouse of all kinds of vitamins and other useful substances. Each of the elements that make up spirulina is responsible for certain processes and performs its own special functions. Confirmation of this can be seen in the table below.

In addition, cyanobacteria contains 10 times more vitamin A than carrots, so it can and should be consumed by people with impaired visual function. The seaweed is also rich in B vitamins. This combined composition provides:

• removal of “harmful” cholesterol and triglycerides from the body;
• normalization of metabolic processes;
• stimulation of hematopoiesis;
• regulation of the gastrointestinal tract;
• maintaining proper functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• effective fight against endocrine disorders;
• normalization and maintenance of the central nervous system.

As you can see, the properties of algae are not just useful - they are invaluable for the human body. But you should always remember about the presence of contraindications and restrictions. Alas, even this miraculous representative of aquatic flora has them.

Spirulina for children

Blue-green algae is absolutely safe for babies to eat. It saturates the child’s body with all useful substances, protects against anemia, prevents vision diseases and improves immunity. Consuming seaweed has a beneficial effect on the child’s mental development and increases the ability to concentrate.

The drug can be given to children both in powder and in tablets. The dietary supplement can be mixed with purees and juices, milk and honey. To begin with, only 0.5 g of spirulina per day is introduced into the child’s diet, gradually the portion can be increased to 2 g. You can even add healthy algae to food for infants.

Attention! Although the seaweed is considered safe, you should consult your pediatrician before using it for the first time to avoid accidental harm.

How to take spirulina?

The beneficial properties of algae have been included in dietary supplements, making them available to anyone. However, before purchasing the drug, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the rules of administration, beneficial properties and contraindications of spirulina tablets. The properties have already been discussed above, so all that remains is to study the rules of administration, contraindications and possible side effects.

Depending on the size of the tablets or capsules, you need to take them 1 to 3 times a day. The daily norm also depends on the purpose of taking the substance: to prevent iodine deficiency and strengthen the immune system, 1 gram per day is enough. And for the treatment of any disease, only a doctor can prescribe a dosage.

Most often, dietary supplements are available in classic forms: powders, tablets and capsules. It is most convenient to take capsules and tablets; they should be washed down with water or other liquid. The person chooses the time of administration, but it is advisable to take the drug either 30 minutes before a meal, or right during a meal. Spirulina powder must be dissolved in liquid; some people add it to food, such as cereals and soups. You can do this too, but it may change the smell and taste of the food. The main advantage of spirulina powder is the ability to divide the dietary supplement into any dosage.

Typically, the course of treatment with spirulina is one month, but it can be extended if prescribed by a doctor. You shouldn’t take the drug longer if you decide: one month is enough to replenish the level of all missing nutrients. Long-term use of the dietary supplement should not cause any negative consequences - studies on humans and animals confirm the absence of toxic effects. However, the effectiveness of the supplement will decrease over time and as the deficiency of the elements it contains is compensated.

Important! Before taking any dietary supplement, it is better to consult your doctor, especially if you have any medical conditions.

Contraindications and side effects

Most often, spirulina is taken by women, some even consider it a women's supplement, so the urgent question is whether this drug can be taken during pregnancy and after childbirth. Since the mother's body needs more vitamins and minerals during pregnancy and breastfeeding, spirulina is often not only safe, but also very useful for mothers and pregnant women. But you should be especially careful with dietary supplements during pregnancy: you should always consult your doctor before using them.

Taking spirulina can lead to negative consequences if a person has a personal intolerance to any of its elements. For example, doctors do not recommend taking spirulina to patients with phenylketonuria, since this algae contains the amino acid phenylalanine. Particular care should also be taken by people undergoing chemotherapy (the drug reduces its effectiveness due to the removal of certain chemical elements), as well as people with kidney stones or gall bladder (spirulina also removes stones from the body, and in some cases this may be contraindicated) .

Side effects of spirulina can include allergic reactions and digestive disorders. To get only the beneficial properties of spirulina for the body and avoid negative consequences, the main thing is to follow 3 rules:

• do not take the drug if contraindications are identified;
• follow the daily dosage;
• follow the instructions of the attending physician.

Can pregnant and lactating women drink spirulina?

During pregnancy, seaweed will be very useful - it contains a lot of folic acid, valuable for the fetus, and other necessary substances. The algae will contribute to the healthy development of the baby's cardiovascular and nervous system, and will also protect the woman from anemia and help maintain the beauty of her skin and hair until the very end of pregnancy.

Seaweed contains a lot of calcium, and this is also a very useful property, since many pregnant women begin to experience a lack of this element.

Spirulina will also be beneficial during breastfeeding, but women are advised to carefully monitor the baby's reaction. Too large doses of vitamins and minerals can also be harmful; it is necessary to control the daily dosage of the beneficial supplement.

Instructions for use of spirulina tablets

Medicinal algae spirulina is most often taken in tablet form. The dosage is indicated in the instructions and usually depends on the purpose of use. The drug can be washed down with water; it can be consumed both before meals and together with vegetable or fruit juices, salads, and soups.

Do you take spirulina before or after meals? It depends on the condition of the body. For example, for diarrhea, tablets should be taken with food, but when treating constipation, the drug is taken on an empty stomach and washed down with plenty of plain water.

As for the effect of spirulina on blood pressure, it is better to use it for hypotensive people. But with chronically high blood pressure, you should be careful when using algae - it can be harmful.

For prevention

Prophylactic dosage of spirulina depends on age and condition. Thus, adults need to take 3 g of the supplement per day, pregnant women are recommended to take only 2 g of the supplement, and the daily dosage for children is only 1-2 g.

For the treatment of various diseases

Treatment with spirulina requires increased dosages. For adult men and women, the daily norm will be about 5 g, for pregnant women - no more than 2 g, and children are allowed to take the same 1-2 g of medication per day.

Important! The total duration of treatment with a dietary supplement is usually no more than 1 month.

Spirulina in a man's diet

The close relationship between nutrition and health has been demonstrated in many studies, where the presence of bioactive molecules is described as influencing various metabolic pathways and systems in the body. Abnormal eating habits are a serious problem contributing to health problems including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and sexual dysfunction [1, 2].

In recent decades, researchers have demonstrated growing interest in natural sources of bioactive compounds, such as fruits, vegetables, fish, herbs, and seaweeds, as effective health promoters that may play an important and promising role in the prevention and treatment of diseases [2–4].

Seaweeds are a rich source of bioactive metabolites, representing a variety of structures not found in land plants [5]. Arthrospira platensis, better known as Spirulina platensis, is known for its healing and nutritional potential, which is often attributed to its complex chemical composition.

Spirulina in home cosmetology

Blue-green algae is widely known for its beneficial cosmetic properties. It is used to improve skin tone and strengthen hair, for general rejuvenation and to get rid of “orange peel”.

Spirulina face masks

Valuable vitamins and natural acids in the algae nourish the skin and regulate water balance. Spirulina helps against wrinkles; its properties promote rapid cell rejuvenation and fight inflammation. For example, to improve facial tone and tighten the skin, you can use the following mask:

• 5 spirulina tablets are poured with a small amount of warm water;
• the dissolved product is mixed until a homogeneous semi-liquid mass;
• Spread a thin layer of the mask over the skin and leave for half an hour.

If you carry out the procedure daily for a week, then after a few days significant improvements will become noticeable, the skin will smooth out, become more elastic, and acquire a healthy, even color.

Spirulina hair masks

The medicinal properties of spirulina also have a very positive effect on the condition of curls. With regular use of the product, you can stop hair loss and deal with split ends, give your curls a beautiful shine and additional volume.

The following simple mask is beneficial:

• several spirulina tablets are dissolved in a couple of large spoons of water;
• stir until the viscous mixture becomes homogeneous;
• Apply the mixture to the hair in an even layer and leave for a quarter of an hour.

Then you need to wash your hair with regular warm water. If you use spirulina for hair growth at least twice a week, then very soon your curls will become much fuller and more attractive.

Spirulina wrap

The benefits of spirulina for the skin are manifested not only in face masks - the healing algae helps to cope with cellulite and stretch marks. Wraps are used for the whole body, and they are done as follows:

• 4 large spoons of natural yogurt are mixed with 2 large spoons of honey;
• add 2 large spoons of powdered algae;
• mix the ingredients thoroughly to achieve complete homogeneity;
• the resulting mass is distributed over problem areas - the abdomen, buttocks and thighs.

After this, you need to wrap the treated areas in cling film, lie down on the sofa and cover yourself with a warm blanket to create a thermal effect. You need to keep the useful mixture on the body for half an hour, after which it is washed off with warm water.

It is recommended to do wraps twice a week, then the benefit from them will be maximum and they will not cause harm.

Medicinal properties of spirulina

Spirulina is a unique living organism that has many medicinal properties. We will analyze most of them - those that have scientific evidence.

Good for the heart

High blood pressure and high cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. Spirulina has proven to be effective in treating these conditions.

Researchers studied the effect of spirulina in patients with type 2 diabetes. After twelve weeks of use, there was a noticeable decrease in blood pressure ().

In mice, when given spirulina in a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet, a significant reduction in total blood cholesterol has been demonstrated ().

The use of spirulina has also been shown to lower cholesterol and LDL levels in women ().

Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol increase with age, which may be a cause of heart disease. Consumption of spirulina significantly reduces blood cholesterol and LDL levels in older adults ().

Related articles:

• Lecithin: beneficial properties and contraindications
• Spirulina - side effects and contraindications

Protects against diabetes

Spirulina lowers blood glucose levels.

A study conducted on people with type 2 diabetes found that taking 2 grams of seaweed daily for 2 months reduced blood glucose levels. Additionally, the supplement has a better chance of improving insulin sensitivity.

So, if you are struggling with insulin resistance, taking spirulina will help you through this journey more effectively.

Has an anti-inflammatory effect

Some active ingredients found in spirulina have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Algae suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF, suppress cyclooxygenase-2 expression, and reduce PGE2 production ().

It also reverses the age-related increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brains of older male rats ().

In one study of older women, a week of spirulina supplementation reduced blood levels of cytokines (IL-6) and their production. Which demonstrates the anti-inflammatory activity of spirulina ().

The use of spirulina also increases the activity of natural killer cells, which is measured by the ability to destroy tumors.

Acts as an antioxidant

The healing properties of spirulina are due to its action as an antioxidant. It protects the activity of cellular antioxidant enzymes that play a role in oxidative cell damage.

NADPH oxidase in large quantities causes vascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, various autoimmune conditions, allergies, preeclampsia, skin lesions and osteoarthritis.

Algae contain the antioxidant PCB, which has the ability to inhibit this enzyme. It leads to a significant reduction in the action of NADPH through antioxidant activity ().

Has anti-cancer properties

It was shown that when spirulina was administered to mice that were injected with liver tumor cells, their survival rate increased. In addition, the lymphocyte activity in these mice became significantly higher than normal, consistent with the effects of their immune system.

Daily use of this supplement maintains or accelerates normal cellular function to prevent cancer or inhibit cancer growth.

May reduce fatigue

After one week of taking spirulina, participants experienced an increase in exercise. Screening for feelings of physical and mental fatigue showed improvement within 4 hours of the first supplement ().

Protects the brain

Spirulina and its medicinal properties manifest themselves as a nootropic. It is neuroprotective against excitotoxicity, where neurons are damaged or killed when receptors are overactivated. Certain doses significantly reduce dopamine loss in response to toxins ().

It also slightly increases neuron density, indicating neurogenesis, or the formation of new neurons. It protects brain stem cells from inflammation ().

The healing properties of spirulina prevent the accumulation of proteins and toxins that appear in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Thus, spirulina may prevent inflammatory and toxic effects.

Reduces allergies

Allergic rhinitis can cause nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and other similar symptoms. Spirulina has been proven to have medicinal properties against allergy symptoms ().

Scientists have found that taking spirulina suppresses the secretion of inflammatory cytokines that contribute to allergies ().

Improves kidney function

Blood urea nitrogen levels and blood creatinine levels are indicators of kidney disease. The medicinal properties of spirulina can reduce these indicators. Thus, spirulina is an excellent prevention of kidney diseases - glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis and others.

Protects the liver

The vitamins and phenolic compounds found in spirulina may work together to aid the detoxification phases of the liver ().

In rats, supplementation reduced lipid oxidation, reduced oxidative stress, and normalized enzyme levels ().

People with fatty liver disease who took 4.5 grams daily for six months had improved liver function. And many indicators of liver health returned to normal ().

Removes arsenic

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic toxic load of arsenic is a worldwide problem. As the researchers pointed out, there is no specific treatment for arsenic poisoning. And so they evaluated the medicinal properties of alternative options such as blue-green algae (spirulina).

In humans, spirulina extract combined with zinc has been found to help treat symptoms of arsenic poisoning and reduce the amount of arsenic found in the body ().

Eliminates Candida fungus

According to the researchers, Candida species belong to the normal microbiota of the human oral mucosa, gastrointestinal tract and vagina. But in excess quantities they cause candidiasis. The healing properties of spirulina, namely the immunostimulating properties, help the body destroy Candida fungus cells.

Raises ferritin levels and treats anemia

Spirulina is a rich source of iron, as well as cofactors for its absorption. Thus, taking spirulina may be an effective treatment for iron deficiency anemia. Especially in women and children.

In addition to the uses listed above, spirulina has many beneficial properties for women.

Harm of spirulina and contraindications

The benefits of spirulina for the human body are not absolute - sometimes the algae can cause harm. It should not be used for any purpose when:

• chronic kidney diseases;
• hypertension;
• autoimmune diseases.

Spirulina also does not combine well with medications. You should not drink it at the same time as medications and home remedies that thin the blood, for example, ginger, garlic, turmeric.

We recommend reading: Turmeric: health benefits and harm, medicinal properties, applications

Side effects of spirulina usually occur when you overdose or take the supplement for too long. In particular, harm can result in dizziness, nausea, and sometimes even fainting. If the permitted norms are exceeded, an allergy to spirulina may occur, although normally it is almost impossible to encounter it.

Advice! To ensure that the dietary supplement spirulina does not cause harm, it must be consumed in strict accordance with the official instructions, and in case of serious illnesses, you must consult a doctor.

Which is better: spirulina, kelp or chlorella

Three edible beneficial algae are widely popular in home medicine and cosmetology. Therefore, the question often arises: which of them has the most valuable properties?

• Spirulina is beneficial for health mainly because it improves immunity due to its high antioxidant content. Algae also promotes rapid weight loss, and is also used to heal wounds and skin irritations.
• Chlorella is especially rich in chlorophyll, so its main beneficial property is the effective cleansing of toxins from the body.
• Due to its high iodine content, kelp is especially beneficial for the thyroid gland and digestive system. It has the most pleasant taste, so it is often used in cooking.

The properties of algae are similar in many ways; nevertheless, some valuable properties are highlighted in kelp, spirulina and chlorella more strongly than others. Therefore, it is impossible to name an objectively best plant; which algae will be more useful depends on the specific purposes of use.

What is spirulina

Spirulina is a spiral-shaped algae, which is how it gets its name. This algae grows in fresh water bodies and has truly unique properties. Its healing properties were appreciated hundreds of years ago and to this day it remains an indispensable remedy for numerous diseases. Spirulina consists of 70% vegetable protein - it is low in calories, contains no cholesterol and is balanced with all essential amino acids. It is also extremely rich in vitamins A, E, group B, as well as magnesium, calcium, chromium, iron and zinc. It’s hard to believe that one small plant contains such a huge amount of useful substances and microelements. Spirulina is also unique in that it contains phycocyanin - today it is the only substance that can stop the growth of cancer cells. It is noteworthy that phycocyanin was not found in other foods or plants.

Why should you take spirulina?

Considering how many useful things this algae contains, it is taken for a variety of ailments and diseases, as well as for preventive purposes. So, what is spirulina most often used for?

• Spirulina increases hemoglobin levels in the blood and, conversely, reduces sugar levels.
• Algae strengthens the immune system, helps reduce inflammation and effectively normalizes metabolism.
• Spirulina normalizes blood pressure, the functioning of the thyroid gland and the endocrine system as a whole.
• Removes a wide variety of toxins from the body.
• Effectively fights atherosclerosis, lowers blood cholesterol levels, and normalizes blood pressure.
• Indispensable in the treatment of bronchitis, tuberculosis and hepatitis, and also actively knits bones and tissues after operations.
• Relieves hangover.
• Normalizes sexual libido, increases potency and ensures sexual activity.
• Spirulina is used in the treatment of various diseases: gynecological, gastrointestinal, urological.

In fact, this is only a small part of why and in what cases spirulina is taken. However, from the above we can safely conclude that this algae can be consumed for almost all diseases, for prevention and during pregnancy.

How to choose the right spirulina

In pharmacies and specialty stores, algae is sold in three forms - tablets, powder or granules, which also contain crushed preparation.

1. When purchasing a dietary supplement, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer. The highest quality products are offered by Indian, American, Japanese and Russian companies.
2. The best and most environmentally friendly supplement comes from India.
3. But Chinese drugs often do not have acceptable quality and may contain harmful substances.

Before purchasing, you need to carefully examine the packaging of the drug; a certified product must have the inscription “organic”, indicating its natural origin.

Are there any risks?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate spirulina, but a 2014 study noted that spirulina is well tolerated by most people and does not cause any significant side effects. It is recommended that you check with your doctor before taking any new dietary supplement, including spirulina.

In powder form, people can:

1. add it to smoothies, which gives the drink a green color;
2. add powder to salads and soups;
3. add to juices;
4. take in tablet form.

Spirulina is available in health food stores and online stores.

Reviews from doctors

Alexandrov Dmitry Sergeevich, 44 years old, Moscow

I have been working as a primary care physician for 10 years and regularly recommend spirulina to my patients as an active supplement for gastrointestinal disorders. Of course, you cannot be cured with this algae, but during remissions it improves your overall health and prevents the next exacerbation.

Alekseeva Larisa Ivanovna, 55 years old, Yaroslavl

As a nutritionist with twenty years of experience, I can confirm the effectiveness and safety of spirulina. Algae in any dosage form has a gentle cleansing effect on the body and promotes weight loss, but does not cause any harm to health.