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Superfoods
Spirulina refers to blue-green algae that are often called a superfood because it is packed with nutrients. As a supplement, spirulina has been proven to deliver various health benefits, including improved gut health and blood sugar control. Adding spirulina to your diet has never been so easy with Ensō Supergreens.
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a type of blue green algae that is also known as arthrospira platensis, spirulina fusiformis, or spirulina platensis. The health benefits of spirulina have been celebrated for centuries. Scientists believe that the ancient Aztecs in Mexico consumed spirulina for its many health benefits, including boosting endurance during marathon runs. The Aztecs also relied on this superfood to treat various diseases.
This ancient civilization was not the only one believing in spirulina supplementation. More recently, NASA used this alga as a food supplement for its astronauts on selected space missions. Space scientists believe that spirulina can support a healthy immune system and also shows potential health benefits as an anti-inflammatory. Being used in space really catapulted spirulina to fame.
This alga is considered one of the oldest plants on earth that are still surviving. It is commonly found in oceans and in salty lakes. Its health benefits have not only convinced nutritionists. Even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently listed spirulina as a food source that is "generally recognized as safe".
The body of research on spirulina consumption continues to grow. However, at this stage, more research is needed to fully prove the algae's benefits.
What Does Spirulina Do?
When we think of spirulina, few people picture water-based algae. Most of us think of a dark blue or green powder. This powder is effectively a dried version of the biomass of Arthrospira platensis.
Several studies and early clinical trials have shown that spirulina may improve a wide range of symptoms of diseases. Scientists also believe it may have anti-allergic, anti-viral, and anti-cancer properties.
The powers of spirulina are based on its chemical makeup. This alga is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. All these nutrients support various body processes, such as protecting cells from damage. They also help us fight or prevent disease.
Almost 70% of the spirulina algae is protein. On top of that, this plant contains B complex vitamins, including the coveted B12. It's also a source of provitamin A and vitamin E, and minerals in spirulina include zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and selenium.
Spirulina increases the production of infection-fighting antibodies and supports cells that can ward off chronic diseases and cancer. Early studies have found that spirulina supplementation may limit allergic reactions because the algae stop the release of histamines. While these initial results are promising, more research is still needed.
What are Spirulina Supplements Used For?
Spirulina products can be used to support your immune health and improve your diet in general. However, you can also take these dietary supplements to target specific conditions.
Scientists recently proved spirulina's health benefits for treating allergic rhinitis. In one study, the group taking spirulina was far better protected against an allergic reaction than those taking a placebo. Several other studies confirmed their findings. Some studies suggest that products like spirulina powder can modulate our immune system to activate or deactivate certain parts.
Taking spirulina may protect you from developing cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in developed countries like the U.S. Studies have shown that spirulina supplementation lowered blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels in patients. Early evidence suggests that these benefits also apply to diabetes patients.
Researchers believe that spirulina may even help fight cancer because the algae combine antioxidant capacity with the ability to modulate our immune system. As more research helps to clarify the benefits of spirulina, we are likely to find other uses.
Just think about the ancient Aztecs treating diseases and increasing their endurance on long-distance runs. Superfoods like spirulina are only just revealing all their potential health benefits.
Is Spirulina Good for You?
With so much promising research highlighting the health benefits of this algae, the answer is yes. Spirulina is suitable for most of us.
Few supplements are powerful enough to combine a complete set of amino acids and strong anti-inflammatory effects with the ability to control blood glucose levels and the potential to ward off heart disease by controlling blood pressure. Results from test-tube studies are more than promising, and with more research being conducted on humans, the evidence of spirulina benefits is mounting up.
What are the Benefits of Spirulina?
Adding microalgae spirulina to your diet includes anti-inflammatory properties, potential anti-cancer properties, and a boost to the immune system. Here is a list of some of the leading benefits, according to current research:
- Spirulina may increase the production of immune-boosting cells, such as red blood cells and infection-fighting proteins.
- It may protect against allergy symptoms, including watery eyes and a runny nose associated with allergic rhinitis.
- Spirulina boosts the production of so-called good bacteria.
- Spirulina can reduce blood pressure, control blood sugar levels, and help blood vessels relax.
- Spirulina can lower cholesterol levels and blood lipids.
- Early research suggests that spirulina supplementation helps reduce the potential of oral cancer by reducing pre-cancerous lesions.
- Preliminary scientific evidence suggests that spirulina may prevent liver damage in chronic liver disease patients.
- Spirulina is rich in nutrients closely linked to eye health and may reduce the risk of cataracts.
- Spirulina has a high total antioxidant capacity, helping it fight potentially damaging free radicals.
What are the Side Effects of Spirulina?
Spirulina consumption is considered generally safe, according to the FDA. Make sure you buy your spirulina powder or pills from a reputable source to avoid problems associated with contamination.
If you are concerned about side effects or potential interactions with other medications, it's always worth checking with your doctor before adding a supplement to your diet.
If you have been diagnosed with Phenylketonuria (PKU), you should avoid spirulina because it contains the amino acid phenylalanine. People suffering from an autoimmune disease should avoid taking spirulina. This alga has the potential to stimulate your immune system and theoretically worsen symptoms. Anyone using blood thinners should also consult their health professional.
How to Use Spirulina
The easiest way to ensure you get all the nutrients you need is by choosing a high-quality dietary supplement like Ensō Supergreens. We'd all love to fulfill our nutritional needs through our diets, but that's not always possible with a busy lifestyle.
Choose a supplement based on its nutritional value and the quality of the ingredients to ensure you benefit to the max.
How Ensō Superfoods Can Help
Everyone deserves to live a happy, healthy life. Optimizing your diet to maintain or reduce blood pressure, manage blood sugar, and improve liver health, to name just a few, is part of that.
Adding spirulina to your daily routine as a dietary supplement can help close the gap between your diet and optimal nutrition. Supergreens is the perfect supplement to give your body a bit of an edge, no matter how busy your lifestyle is.
Our philosophy is simple - being healthy doesn't need to be complicated. That's why one scoop of Supergreens a day helps you look, live, and feel your best. Plus, we've made sure being healthy is tasty, too.
Frequently Asked Questions on Spirulina
What Does Spirulina Do?
Spirulina consumption can help lower blood pressure and minimize symptoms like allergic rhinitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It packs a punch to support your immune system and may help prevent heart disease and certain cancers.
What are Spirulina Supplements Used For?
High-quality supplements are an excellent way to optimize your diet when you're busy leading your life. It's only sometimes possible to get all your nutrients through your diet. That's why supplements like Ensō Supergreens can be so beneficial.
Spirulina helps control blood sugar, reduce blood pressure, and boost your immune system through increased red blood cells. In short, spirulina supplements are hard to beat if you're looking to optimize your diet!
Is Spirulina Good For You?
Yes! Spirulina has many health benefits you can't afford to miss out on.
However, it does contain phenylalanine, an amino acid that those with PKU struggle to break down. If you are suffering from complex health conditions or are unsure about interactions with other medications, it's always worth consulting your doctor first, though.
How Much Spirulina Should You Take Per Day?
It's best to follow the instructions on your spirulina supplement package. One scoop of Ensō Supergreens added to a smoothie is a great way to support your immune health, blood pressure control, blood sugar levels, and gut health.
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