What is spirulina? Spirulina is a term referring to a type of organism that appears as blue or green. Spirulina is algae or cyanobacteria that can be found in both freshwater and saltwater. Is cyanobacteria a type of bacteria that may cause infection? The answer is no. Cyanobacteria is a water plant or called algae that can produce its food through photosynthesis and this is very similar to any other plant. So plants are also considered organisms? Yes, they are as organisms is a general term referring to all living things on earth. Spirulina is so popular as this alga is commercialized into many things such as health supplements and cooking ingredients.
Spirulina is more commonly known as health supplements that reflect how far the industry has been able to utilize these nutrients rich algae into easily consumable products. Spirulina is rich with nutrients and antioxidants that are proven beneficial to the human body. This wonderful alga contains:
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- Thiamine
- Protein
- Copper
- Iron
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- A good amount of calories
- Fat
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Omega-6 fatty acids
- Vitamin B12
- Antioxidants
Spirulina alone is good enough to provide the human body with the required nutrients especially the micronutrients. Most of us nowadays have adequate amounts of macronutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and fats. However, we are lacking important micronutrients in our diet. Spirulina has shown in animal studies to control blood sugar levels better than certain anti-diabetic medications like metformin. However, we required more studies to support this fact. If enough data is available, then spirulina can help many diabetic patients. Some studies also showed that this wonderful alga can increase hemoglobin levels in human blood and manage a condition known as anemia.
Anemia is a medical condition characterized by low hemoglobin or red blood cells. There are many causes of anemia such as chronic diseases, low iron levels, hemolysis, bleeding, pregnancy, bone marrow failure, and others. Iron deficiency anemia is one of the common forms of anemia. Low iron can be caused by a lack of iron in the diet, the inability of the body to absorb iron from food, or excessive elimination of iron from the body. Some individuals with anemia have no symptoms and others may have the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Pallor
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Faint
Careful medical evaluation plays a vital role in the overall management of iron deficiency anemia. The ability to detect the exact cause that results in low iron in the human body will help in choosing the right treatment, hence, increases the patient’s chance to recover. Spirulina may help but for now, it is not the main treatment of anemia. You must get a physician’s advice before consuming any medications, supplements, or herbs to cure your condition. Self-diagnosing and self-treating may cause more harm to your body.
Studies have also shown that spirulina is good in reducing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and itchiness improves upon consumption of spirulina. Limited data also has shown that this alga may help in reducing and controlling blood pressure among patients with hypertension. However, spirulina is not considered as a treatment as the study and data to support this fact is limited. Animal studies have demonstrated that this cyanobacteria are effective in reducing tumour size. Limited human studies have also shown that spirulina is effective in reducing the size of tumour in the mouth. More studies can support the idea that spirulina has anti-cancer properties. Spirulina is also said to be effective in reducing bad cholesterol and preventing diseases like a heart attack.
In conclusion, spirulina is a wonderful natural solution to human problems. If not as a cure, we can consume it to help maintain good body health.
