Super Healthy Thanks to Spirulina

Spirulina is often referred to as a super food. What exactly is Spirulina? Is spirulina really nutritious and has health benefits that have been clinically tested? Before deciding to consume spirulina, consider the following information and facts. Spirulina is a species of cyanobacteria, a bluish-green pigmented algae plant that can be consumed by humans. Spirulina grows in tropical and subtropical waters which have a high salt content. However, there are also several other species that grow in freshwater lakes. If processed, spirulina can be made or mixed into food supplements, cosmetics, milk, fruit juices, powdered drinks, and even food for astronauts when in space. There is an assumption that food or drinks containing spirulina will become more nutritious. Ads say, spirulina can overcome various diseases. The protein content that is said to be higher than meat can also fulfill your daily nutrition and keep your body healthy. So what exactly does spirulina have?

What are Spirulina Content?

In one tablespoon of spirulina or as much as 7 grams of dried spirulina powder contains the following nutrients: 4 grams of protein Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) as much as 11 percent of the recommended dietary allowances / RDA Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) as much as 15 percent of the RDA Vitamin B3 (Niacin) as much as 4 percent of the RDA Copper is 21 percent of the RDA Iron is 21 percent of the RDA This dose also contains 20 calories, 1.7 grams of carbohydrates, and a number of magnesium, potassium, and other nutrients.

Can Spirulina Cure Disease?

You may have heard that spirulina can overcome various conditions, such as stress, malnutrition, excessive body weight, allergies, fatigue, diabetes, precancerous sores in the mouth, boost the immune system and memory, reduce cholesterol, prevent heart disease, smooth digestion, and so on . Then, is that statement true? Are there other proven health facts for spirulina? From a medical perspective, the condition is considered to have a positive impact as a result of the use of spirulina, which is treating precancerous sores in the mouth. Even though its status is still "possibly effective". Other benefits of spirulina that have gone through several clinical trials and proven, include:

• Is a source of antioxidants that can protect the body from free radicals and has an anti-inflammatory effect on DNA and body cells that have oxidative damage. Spirulina is also able to reduce the symptoms of inflammation that occurs in the nasal airways, namely in the condition of rhinitis.
• Based on a study that gives 1 gram of spirulina per day to a group of people with high cholesterol, spirulina is proven to reduce bad cholesterol while increasing levels of good cholesterol in the blood. Spirulina keeps LDL cholesterol from being oxidized in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of cholesterol buildup in blood vessels. But according to research in South Korea, cholesterol-lowering effects and LDL are said to not occur in obese people.
• Consuming 4.5 grams of spirulina per day can reduce blood pressure due to increased production of nitric oxide which makes blood vessels dilate and relax.
• Helps increase endurance and muscle strength.

For other conditions, insufficient evidence was found and further research was needed.

Then what should be watched out for?

Spirulina is known to have several species that can produce toxins. This is why you should be aware of spirulina that has not been tested for safety and has not been free of harmful substances, such as microcystins that can damage the liver, toxic metals, and other bacteria that can harm the body, especially children. Some spirulina contaminated by toxic substances above can cause digestive disorders, nausea, vomiting, heart beating very fast, fatigue, excessive thirst, and the long-term effects are liver damage and even death. However, there is also spirulina that grows under strict supervision so that it is free from contamination. Until now, there has been no research that shows that spirulina is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. As a precaution, this group is not recommended to consume spirulina. Spirulina has not been fully proven effective in dealing with various disease conditions. However, if you look at the protein and vitamin content, spirulina seems safe to consume. But make sure, do not let you buy spirulina products that have not been registered with BPOM RI, because these products may be classified as spirulina that is contaminated with toxins. Although it is said to be good for health, this supplement cannot be consumed by sufferers of certain conditions such as phenylketonuria and impaired liver function. You are also advised to consult with your doctor before taking any type of supplement on the market. Because it is possible that these supplements, including spirulina, do not suit your body condition or health.