Spirulina Benefits: 10 Proven Reasons to Use

This Superfood

Its blue-green, absurdly healthy but often overlooked or misunderstood; Spirulina may not be
from Pandora, but it grows in our version of that magical moon, Hawaii, along with other exotic
locations around the globe.

This blue-green algae is a freshwater plant that is now one of the most researched, and alongside
its cousin chlorella, most talked about superfoods today. Grown around the world from Mexico
to Africa to even Hawaii, spirulina is renowned for its intense flavor and even more powerful
nutrition profile!

While you may have only seen it as an ingredient in your green superfood beverages, energy bars
and natural supplements, spiralina benefits are so amazing that taken on a daily basis they could
restore and revitalize your health! To date, there are nearly 1,200 peer-reviewed scientific articles
evaluating its health benefits. (1)
Top 10 Proven Spirulina Benefits
Not everyone can get their hands on the Hawaiian variety, but fortunately spirulina thats
regularly produced also includes some pretty unbelievable health benefits for people who
regularly consume it.

1. Detoxes Heavy Metals (especially Arsenic)

Affecting people all over the globe, chronic arsenic toxicity is a problem. According to the
World Health Organization, the United States is one of the countries affected by inorganic
arsenic that is naturally present at high levels.

Arsenic toxicity is an even bigger problem in the Far East. In the words of Bangladeshi
researchers, Millions of people in Bangladesh, India, Taiwan and Chile are consuming high
concentration of arsenic through drinking water, and thousands of them have already developed
chronic arsenic poisoning. (2)

In fact, up to 3% of the entire nation of Bangladesh showed clinical signs of arsenic poisoning
alone! (3) As Bangladeshi researchers pointed out, there is no specific treatment for arsenic
poisoning, which is why they evaluated alternatives like blue-green algae.

After giving 24 patients affected by chronic arsenic poisoning spirulina extract (250 mg) plus
zinc (2 mg) twice daily, they compared the results with 17 patients who took a placebo and found
that the spirulina-zinc combination worked wonderfully. Ultimately, the participants experienced
a 47% decrease of arsenic in their body!

2. Eliminates Candida

According to researchers, Candida species belong to the normal microbiota of an individuals

mucosal oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract and vagina. (4) What does that mean?! Well, without a
healthy microflora balance in our body, we are simply much more susceptible to sickness and
disease.

In fact, leaky gut syndrome and improper digestion are directly connected to microfloral
imbalance. Not only is invasive candidiasis the leading cause of mycosis-related death in the
United States, candida overgrowth has become the hallmark sign for most autoimmune diseases
today. (5)

Because of our shift toward a diet rich in sugar and unnatural ingredients, antimicrobial
resistance and ineffective antifungal drugs, we have seen a significant rise in yeast infections
since the 1980s.

Thankfully, spirulina can help. Several animal studies have shown that its an effective anti-
microbial agent, particularly for candida. (6, 7, 8)

Specifically, spirulina benefits have been shown to promote the growth of healthy bacterial flora
in the intestines, which in turn inhibits Candida from thriving. Additionally, the immune-
strengthening properties of spirulina will help the body eliminate Candida cells. (9)

3. Improves HIV/AIDS

Up until recently, epidemiologists have been puzzled trying to understand why people in Japan,
Korea and Chad have relatively low HIV/AIDS rates. One possible explanation, revealed in a
2012 study published in the Journal of Applied Phycology, may be the amount of algae people in
these areas regularly consume!

When researchers took 11 HIV patients who have never taken antiretrovirals, they split the
participants into three groups: one that was assigned to eat 5 g of brown seaweed every day, one
that was to eat 5 g of spirulina, and one that ate a combination of both. (10) After the three-
month trial period was complete, two key findings were discovered:

1. Absolutely no adverse effects were experienced from both seaweed varieties and the
combination.
 2. CD4 cells (T-helper white blood cells that fight infection and are used to stage
HIV) and HIV-1 viral load (another HIV biomarker) remained stable.

The results were so promising that one participant volunteered to continue the study for an
additional 10 months, and this participant actually benefited from clinically significant
improvement in CD4 and decreased HIV viral load!

4. Helps Prevent Cancer

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, A number of animal and test tube
studies suggest that spirulina increases production of antibodies, infection-fighting proteins, and
other cells that improve immunity and help ward off infection and chronic illnesses such as
cancer. (11)

This doesnt come as a surprise as more than 70 peer-reviewed articles have been published in
the scientific literature evaluating spirulinas ability to effect cancer cells! (12)

In an article published this past April, Czech Republic scientists pointed out that, in addition to
its ability to control blood cholesterol levels, Spirulina is also rich in tetrapyrrolic compounds
closely related to bilirubin molecule, a potent antioxidant and anti-proliferative agent. (13)

When tested on human pancreatic cells, these researchers discovered that, Compared to
untreated cells, experimental therapeutics significantly decreased proliferation of human
pancreatic cancer cell lines in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Essentially, this proves that
consuming spirulina can help prevent developing various cancers!
5. Lowers Blood Pressure

Phycocyanin is a pigment found in the spirulina that scientists have discovered possesses
antihypertensive effects (it lowers blood pressure). (14) Japanese researchers claim that this is
because consuming the blue-green algae reverses endothelial dysfunction in metabolic
syndrome.

I find this extremely promising for Americans because metabolic syndrome has rapidly become
one of the main causes of preventable disease today, as it raises ones risk of developing heart
disease, diabetes and stroke. (15)

6. Reduces Cholesterol

Along those same lines, spirulina benefits have also been shown to prevent atherosclerosis and
reduce elevated blood cholesterol levels.

A recent animal study published in The Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology took
rabbits, fed them a high cholesterol diet (HCD) containing 0.5% cholesterol for four weeks, and
then fed them a HCD with 1% or 5% spirulina for an additional eight weeks. (16)

After the eight-week trial was complete, LDL levels decreased by 26% in the group eating 1% of
spirulina and 41% in the group eating 5% spirulina, which heavily suggests that the more we eat
the more benefits we will receive! Serum triglycerides and total cholesterol were also
significantly reduced.
7. Lowers Chance of Stroke

In the study above, researchers also discovered that the spirulina supplementation lowered
intimal aorta surface by 33% to 48%, which suggests that it can prevent atherosclerosis and
subsequent stroke. (17)

Its important to remember that this clinical trial was conducted on animals that were still eating
a HCD, and it highlights that regular spirulina consumption can literally reverse the damage done
by eating a poor diet. You can only imagine the heart health benefits that would be experienced
in those individuals who have a balanced diet!

8. Boosts Energy

When you look at the chemical composition of spirulina, its no wonder that people who
regularly consume it have an abundance of energy. Dr. Oz recommends combining 1 tsp
spirulina powder with 12 oz lime juice and freezing the mixture in ice cube trays for a healthy
boost.

According to Dr. Oz, spirulina and lime enhance energy performance because they unlock sugar
from our cells and, when frozen, the cold from the ice boosts metabolic energy while giving our
bodies a wake-up call. (18)
9. Speeds Up Weight Loss

Diets high in nutrient-dense protein-rich foods like spirulina promote weight loss and low-fat
stores through a variety of mechanisms. Because it takes more energy to metabolize, for
example, eating protein helps maintain lean tissue and contributes to fat burning.

It can also curb hunger and overweight people seem to benefit the most. (19) To maximize this
benefit, try eating your high protein spirulina in the morning or during midday instead of at
night.

10. Alleviates Sinus Issues

Known as allergic rhinitis, spirulina benefits the body by reducing the inflammation that causes
people to experience sinus problems, according to numerous studies. (20) Compared to placebo
trials, spirulina is effective at reducing itching, nasal discharge, nasal congestion and sneezing.
Spirulina Throughout History

Mexico

Believed to have been a staple for the Aztecs, recorded history dating to the Conquistadors
confirms that spirulina cakes were regularly sold as far back as the 16th century. One of the most
elaborate explanations we have from this time comes from Cortez in his book, Conquest of
Mexico.

They make it into cakes like bricks, which they sell, not only in the market (of Tenochtitlan) but
carry it to others outside the city, and far off. They eat this as we eat cheese, and it has rather a
salty taste, which is delicious with chilmolli (a pungent sauce). They say that so many birds come
to the lake for this food, that often in winter some parts are covered with them. (21)

Referred to as Tecuitlatl, spirulina was a primary source of protein for the Aztecs for several
hundred years and Lake Texcoco remains an abundant fountainhead of this Superfood still today.

Lake Chad

First mentioned by Dangeard in the 1940s, history tells us that Central Africans near Lake Chad
have been cultivating spirulina since they first inhabited the region in the 9th century.

Referred to as die, an article was written in 1959 highlighting this fascinating

food, yet researchers confused it with Chlorella. It wasnt until a Belgian Expedition in 1969,
however, that scientists finally discovered the true value of spirulina. (22)

Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica

As one of the most nutritious, concentrated whole foods known to humankind, Hawaiian
Spirulina Pacifica provides more nutrition gram per gram than any other spirulina on the
market. Just one 3-gram serving, for instance, contains:

60% protein and an excellent source of vitamins A, K1, K2, B12 and iron,
manganese and chromium

A rich source of health-giving phytonutrients such as carotenoids, GLA, SOD and

phycocyanin

2800% more beta-carotene than carrots

3900% more iron than spinach

600% more protein than tofu

280% more antioxidants than blueberries

This nutritional profile leads to a number of health benefits, including:

Strengthened immune system

Boosted energy level

Supported cellular health

Cardiovascular, eye and brain health

Spirulina vs. Chlorella (23)

Because they are both similar microalgae species, its easy to understand how scientists confused
spirulina with chlorella back in the 1940s. In spite of their stark differences, people commonly
mistake one for the other even today. Here are the four main differences that are important to
understand:

1. Shape

First of all, spirulina is a spiral-shaped, multi-celled plant with no true nucleus. Its blue-green in
hue and can grow up to 100 times the size of chlorella. Comparably, chlorella is a spherical-
shaped single-celled microorganism with a nucleus and is solid green.

2. How Its Grown

Second, the growing conditions differ considerably. Spirulina grows best in low-alkaline
conditions particularly, fresh water lakes, ponds and rivers. It also requires an abundance of
sunshine and moderate temperatures.

Chlorella, on the other hand, grows in fresh water typically occupied by other organisms, which
makes it more challenging to harvest.

3. Preparation

Third, the ways in which both spirulina and chlorella can be eaten are also very different.
Because of its hard, indigestible cellulose wall, for instance, chlorella requires mechanical
processing to make it worthwhile for human consumption. Otherwise, the body wont be able
break down and metabolize its nutrients.

The process can be quite costly, which explains why chlorella is usually more expensive than
spirulina. On the other hand, spirulina has a completely digestible cellulose wall and can be
immediately consumed and digested with ease.

4. Nutrition

Finally, although both are considered superfoods, spirulina and chlorella differ in their nutritional
content. Arguably the healthier of the two, spirulina contains more essential amino acids, iron,
protein, B vitamins, and vitamins C, D and E.

With that said, chlorella still holds an abundance of health benefits. My personal go-to, however,
is spirulina.

Spirulina Nutrition Facts

The major reason why I prefer spirulina to chlorella? Because its arguably the most nutrient-
dense food on the planet. Taken as an average of different spirulina species, just one ounce
contains the following nutritional content (24):

Calories (81)

Protein (39g)

Dietary fiber (1g)

Sugars (.9g)

Fats:

Total fat (3% Daily Value)

Saturated fat (4%)

Omega-3 fatty acids (230 mg)

Omega-6 fatty acids (351 mg)

Minerals:

Copper (85%)

Iron (44%)

Manganese (27%)

Magnesium (14%)

Sodium (12%)

Potassium (11%)

Zinc (4%)

Phosphorus (3%)

Calcium (3%)

Selenium (3%)
Vitamins:

Riboflavin (60%)

Thiamin (44%)

Niacin (18%)

Pantothenic Acid (10%)

Vitamin K (9%)

Vitamin E (7%)

Folate (7%)

Vitamin B6 (5%)

Vitamin C (5%)

Vitamin A (3%)

Spirulina Possible Side Effects

Its absolutely critical to make sure that the quality and purity of the spirulina that you consume
is of the highest standards. Particularly, like anything that comes from the sea, be certain to only
purchase blue-green algae that is free from contamination. According to WebMD, contaminated

spirulina can cause the following: (25)

Liver damage
 Stomach pain

Nausea

Vomiting

Weakness

Thirst

Rapid heartbeat

Shock, and even death

Also, some sources suggest that pregnant women and children should not consume algae.
Contact your natural health care provider to confirm whether or not you should be supplementing
with spirulina. (26)