The benefits of Spirulina
1. INTRODUCTION
Spirulina consists primarily of proteins and contains all the amino acids that our bodies need. It is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and active components that promote good health.
Spirulina is completely safe to consume. Its safety as a foodstuff has been demonstrated through centuries of human consumption and verified through the use of strict toxicology studies (see studies 5-8).
2. SPIRULINA AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Our immune systems defend our bodies against pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and other parasites. Our immune systems also protect us from cancerous cells and any agent identified as foreign or external.
It has clearly been established that a nutritional deficiency weakens our immune defences considerably. Thus, it is important for us to consume a balanced diet. Furthermore, eating certain plants, algae, or mushrooms can also have a positive or negative effect upon our immune systems (see study 29).
Spirulina’s significant, positive impact has been demonstrated in a number of studies (see studies 10-28). Other studies have shown that Spirulina also exhibits an immunomodulating effect. This means that it does not lead to increased allergic reactions but, rather, it regulates them (see studies 29-32).
3. SPIRULINA AND ANTIOXIDANTS
Several studies (epidemiological, intervention, and clinical) have found that there is a close relationship between antioxidant consumption, and chronic illnesses like cancer, cardiovascular ailments, cataracts, and premature ageing. We get most of our antioxidants from fruits and vegetables. However, various surveys indicate that 77% of the adult population is still not consuming enough antioxidants.
Spirulina provides us with a large quantity of the antioxidants that our bodies need: carotenoids like beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, enzymes like superoxide-dismutase, and phycocyanin.
Studies have shown Spirulina consumption can have a positive impact on the prevention and reduction of pathologies like cancer, cardiovascular ailments, and premature ageing (see studies 33-44).
4. SPIRULINA AND CANCER
In 1981 Doll and Peto became the first to demonstrate that 35% of cancer-related deaths are influenced by diet and nutrition (see study 58).
Since then, several studies have confirmed this link. They have also shown that some components found in certain foods possess preventive properties and can boost the effect of conventional therapies while also reducing their side effects. For instance, it has been demonstrated that fruits and vegetables, rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotene can offer us protection against certain types of cancer (see studies 59-60).
The physiological ageing of our immune system, primarily caused by free radicals, can lead to the development of cancers, auto-immune disorders, and a weakened ability to fight off infections (seestudy 61).
A number of studies have suggested that Spirulina offers a considerable amount of protection against certain types of cancer due to the algae’s effect upon the immune system: its direct reparative effect on DNA and its protection against free radicals and the toxic substances found in our environment (see studies 46-62).
5. SPIRULINA AND VIRUSES (HIV – Herpes)
Several components extracted from plants or algae exhibit bactericide and virucide properties. Whole plant extracts often contain a variety of components that act in synergy and boost that effect by reducing the risk of resistance. Moreover, as we mentioned above, some natural products also act as immunomodulators, which can increase the overall antiviral and antibacterial protective effect.
Studies show Spirulina’s antiviral activity in a number of in vitro models and in animals (see studies 63-71). Spirulina may thus be of benefit to HIV+ individuals not only because of the algae’s action upon the virus itself, but also due to Spirulina’s effect upon on other viral or bacterial infections to which people with HIV/AIDS may be more susceptible.
6. SPIRULINA AND CHOLESTEROL LEVELS (HYPERLIPIDEMIA)
Cardiovascular disease is currently the leading cause of death worldwide. A direct link between high cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease has been shown in a number of experimental and epidemiological studies.
Various studies in animals and humans have shown that Spirulina can reduce cholesterol levels (see studies 73-82). A Spirulina supplement may thus be beneficial in the treatment of this ailment because of the algae’s direct action upon cholesterol on one hand and, on the other hand, Spirulina’s antioxidant action.
7. SPIRULINA’S PROBIOTIC EFFECT
It has been shown that a supplement containing 5% Spirulina increased the number of lactobacillus bacteria inside the caeca of rats. Spirulina thus has a positive effect upon overall intestinal balance by promoting the growth of bacteria that are good for our bodies (see study 84).
8. SPIRULINA AND DIABETES, OBESITY, AND HYPERTENSION
It has been shown that a soluble fraction of Spirulina lowered fasting serum glucose levels. Furthermore, an insoluble fraction reduced blood sugar levels following a glucose load (see study 88). Similar results were obtained in other studies (see studies 78-79).
In a clinical study involving 15 diabetic patients, significant reductions in fasting blood sugar levels were seen after 21 days in patients who had supplemented their diets with 2 g. of Spirulina each day (see study 83).
A double-blind cross-over study of Spirulina vs. a placebo has demonstrated that a 2.8 g. Spirulina supplement, taken 3 times a day for 4 weeks, led to a statistically significant decrease in body weight in obese patients (see study 89).
Spirulina has also been shown to be effective against hypertension in rats (see study 90).
9. SPIRULINA AND HEAVY METALS
It had been shown that rats with elevated mercury levels also exhibited elevated urea and creatinine levels, two indicators of decreased kidney function. The addition of a 30% Spirulina supplement to their diet led to a significant reduction in both values. A similar improvement was found to occur after a Spirulina-based diet had been given to rats being treated with three medications: para-aminophenol (anodyne), gentamicin (antibiotic), and cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum (anti-cancer) (see study 93).
Other studies focusing on Spirulina’s protective role against lead poisoning have shown that mice consuming a Spirulina-based diet enjoyed significantly longer survival times (see study 95).
10. SPIRULINA AND RADIATION PROTECTION
Spirulina’s ability to protect against radiation has also been studied in mice. These studies have shown a significant reduction in certain effects caused by gamma rays. The same protective effects were observed regardless of whether the treatment was administered before or after gamma ray exposure. The authors concluded that the protective compound probably acts as a DNA stabilising factor (see study 57).
11. CONCLUSION
Although not enough human studies have been carried out, there are no longer any doubts regarding Spirulina’s positive effects upon our health.
What is particularly interesting about these effects has to do with the ways in which Spirulina can regulate the immune system, prevent certain cancers, combat viral infections, and reduce cholesterol levels.
And what makes all this even more interesting is that we already have a solid understanding of what is needed to grow Spirulina successfully and that its complete safety has been demonstrated.
Source: Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association Vol. 5, No. 2, Spring 2002
Studies
1. Abdulqader G, Barsanti L, Tredici M. Harvest of Arthrospira platensis from Lake Kossorom (Chad) and its household usage among the Kanembu. J Appl Phycol. 2000;12:493-498.
2. Belay A, Ota Y, Miyakawa K, Shimamatsu H. Production of high quality Spirulina at Earthrise Farms. In: Phang et al., eds. Algal Biotechnology in the Asia-Pacific Region. University of Malaya; 1994:92-102.
3. Belay A, Kato T, Ota Y. Spirulina (Arthrospira): potential application as an animal feed supplement. J Appl Phycol. 1996;8:303-311.
4. Belay A. Mass culture of Spirulina outdoors: the Earthrise Farms experience. In: Vonshak A, ed. Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira) Physiology, Cell Biology and Biotechnology.
London: Taylor & Francis; 1997;131-158.
5. Chamorro G. Toxicological research on the alga Spirulina. Report: United Nations International Development Organization (UNIDO) UF/MEX/78/048, 1980.
6. Salazar M, Chamorro G, Salazar S, Steele C. Effect of Spirulina maxima consumption on reproductive and peri- and postnatal development in rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 1996;353-359.
7. Chamorro G, Salazar S, Castillo L, Steele C, Salazar M. Reproductive and peri- and postnatal evaluation of Spirulina maxima in mice. J Appl Phycol. 1997;9:107-112.
8. Salazar M, Martinez E, Madrigal E, Ruiz LE, Chamorro G. Subchronic toxicity study in mice fed Spirulina. J Ethnopharmacol. 1998;62:235-241.
9. Belay A. Current knowledge on potential health benefits of Spirulina. J Appl Phycol. 1993;5:235-241.
10. Hayashi O, Katoh T, Okuwaki Y. Enhancement of antibody production in mice by dietary Spirulina platensis. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 1994;40:431-441.
11. Liu L, Guo B, Ruan J, Dai X, Chen L, Wu B. Study on effect and mechanism of polysaccharides on Spirulina platensis on body immune functions improvement. Marine Sci. 1991.6:44-49.
12. Qureshi MA, Kidd MT, Ali RA. Spirulina platensis extract enhances chicken macrophage functions after in vitro exposure. J Nutr Immunol. 1995;3:35-44.
13. Baojiang G. Study on effect and mechanism of polysaccharides of Spirulina platensis on body immune functions improvement. Book of Abstracts. Second Asia Pacific Conference on Algal Biotechnology. 1994;24.
14. Qureshi MA, Ali RA, Hunter RL. Immunomodulatory effects of Spirulina platensis supplementation in chickens. Proceedings of the 44th Western Poultry Disease Conference. 1995;117-121.
15. Isobe K, Hayashi O, Hirahashi T, Katoh T, Okuwaki Y. Bactericidal activity of mouse macrophages stimulated with Spirulina extracts. J Kagawa Nutr. 1995;26:61-66.
16. Qureshi MA, Garlich J, Kidd M. Dietary Spirulina platensis enhances humoral and cell-mediated immune function in chickens. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 1996;18:465-476.
17. Qureshi MA, Ali RA. Spirulina platensis exposure enhances macrophage phagocytic function in cats. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 1996;18:457-463.
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1. Abdulqader G, Barsanti L, Tredici M. Harvest of Arthrospira platensis from Lake Kossorom (Chad) and its household usage among the Kanembu. J Appl Phycol. 2000;12:493-498.
2. Belay A, Ota Y, Miyakawa K, Shimamatsu H. Production of high quality Spirulina at Earthrise Farms. In: Phang et al., eds. Algal Biotechnology in the Asia-Pacific Region. University of Malaya; 1994:92-102.
3. Belay A, Kato T, Ota Y. Spirulina (Arthrospira): potential application as an animal feed supplement. J Appl Phycol. 1996;8:303-311.
4. Belay A. Mass culture of Spirulina outdoors: the Earthrise Farms experience. In: Vonshak A, ed. Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira) Physiology, Cell Biology and Biotechnology.
London: Taylor & Francis; 1997;131-158.
5. Chamorro G. Toxicological research on the alga Spirulina. Report: United Nations International Development Organization (UNIDO) UF/MEX/78/048, 1980.
6. Salazar M, Chamorro G, Salazar S, Steele C. Effect of Spirulina maxima consumption on reproductive and peri- and postnatal development in rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 1996;353-359.
7. Chamorro G, Salazar S, Castillo L, Steele C, Salazar M. Reproductive and peri- and postnatal evaluation of Spirulina maxima in mice. J Appl Phycol. 1997;9:107-112.
8. Salazar M, Martinez E, Madrigal E, Ruiz LE, Chamorro G. Subchronic toxicity study in mice fed Spirulina. J Ethnopharmacol. 1998;62:235-241.
9. Belay A. Current knowledge on potential health benefits of Spirulina. J Appl Phycol. 1993;5:235-241.
10. Hayashi O, Katoh T, Okuwaki Y. Enhancement of antibody production in mice by dietary Spirulina platensis. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 1994;40:431-441.
11. Liu L, Guo B, Ruan J, Dai X, Chen L, Wu B. Study on effect and mechanism of polysaccharides on Spirulina platensis on body immune functions improvement. Marine Sci. 1991.6:44-49.
12. Qureshi MA, Kidd MT, Ali RA. Spirulina platensis extract enhances chicken macrophage functions after in vitro exposure. J Nutr Immunol. 1995;3:35-44.
13. Baojiang G. Study on effect and mechanism of polysaccharides of Spirulina platensis on body immune functions improvement. Book of Abstracts. Second Asia Pacific Conference on Algal Biotechnology. 1994;24.
14. Qureshi MA, Ali RA, Hunter RL. Immunomodulatory effects of Spirulina platensis supplementation in chickens. Proceedings of the 44th Western Poultry Disease Conference. 1995;117-121.
15. Isobe K, Hayashi O, Hirahashi T, Katoh T, Okuwaki Y. Bactericidal activity of mouse macrophages stimulated with Spirulina extracts. J Kagawa Nutr. 1995;26:61-66.
16. Qureshi MA, Garlich J, Kidd M. Dietary Spirulina platensis enhances humoral and cell-mediated immune function in chickens. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 1996;18:465-476.
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