Everyone knows that plants provide food. Even carnivores ultimately depend on plants for their existence, as they feed on herbivores. Plants provide food and play a vital role in the environment, especially by producing oxygen via photosynthesis. You might wonder why we are talking here about plants and what they have to do with spirulina. Well, more than one can think.
More than 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. Algae play the same role as plants on the hard surface in large seas and oceans. Their mass is massive, and yet they remain almost unseen. They provide food and oxygen to marine life, yet we barely talk about them. Algae produce more than 70% of oxygen on Earth! Spirulina is a health supplement made using algae. These algae are an ultimate source of proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and many vital nutrients.[1]
Humans have now learned to farm algae. They grow pretty fast, providing much-needed healthy nutrients. Thus, the popularity of algae like spirulina is rising, and now they are widely available as health supplements. Even Zenkgo Women’s Multivitamin contain spirulina.
It is time that people start realizing the importance of algae in the food chain and their role in the environment. The use of algae in food and traditional medicine is not new. Aztecs, different African tribes, and Chinese people have all consumed algae, including spirulina, since ancient times. In modern times, spirulina is available in capsules as a powder and is also added to various foods.
Spirulina Health Benefits
Below are some of the reasons to supplement your diet with this incredible product or health supplement:
Nutrient Powerhouse
Perhaps the number one reason to use spirulina is that it is a nutrient powerhouse. This could be especially important for vegans. It is one of the best vegan protein sources, and about 60% of spirulina powder is made of protein with excellent amino acid profile. It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. When used as a health supplement, like as a part of Zenkgo Women’s Multivitamin, it can be really useful. Hence, spirulina for vegetarians is highly recommended.[2]
Powerful Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Spirulina is not just nutritious; it is a functional food, and thus, its health effects extend much beyond its nutritional value. Quite like many herbals, spirulina is also rich in various bioactive compounds, which may explain its various health benefits. New studies show spirulina is a potent antioxidant, immune modulator, and anti-inflammatory agent. Thus, it may be suitable for preventing multiple chronic ailments like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and many other health issues. It is interesting to note that spirulina is also good for physically active people as it can significantly boost post-exercise recovery.[3]
Gut Health and Immune Support
In recent years, researchers have been increasingly realizing the importance of gut health in well-being and immune response. Studies show that spirulina contains phenolic compounds that are quite good for maintaining gut epithelial lining and preventing leaky gut syndrome. These compounds also promote the growth of gut microbiota. It is one of the ways in which spirulina boosts immunity. Those regularly using spirulina have much more diverse and healthier gut microbiota and become less prone to seasonal infections.[4]
Weight Management
Spirulina can help people with weight loss in multiple ways. As it is highly in vegan protein, it also has high satiety, helps normalize the production of various hormones, has thermogenic effects, and thus burns fats. It is also suitable for reducing bad cholesterol and boosting metabolic health. Using spirulina may also help prevent certain nutritional deficiencies.[4]
Heart Health
There are a few ways in which spirulina can boost heart health. It is suitable for metabolic health and can lower bad cholesterol. It is also ideal for reducing inflammation and preventing atherosclerosis. It is also a potent antioxidant and thus can boost heart health.
How to Use Spirulina
There are many ways to use spirulina. For example, sportspeople may benefit from consuming spirulina in larger amounts; thus, spirulina powder may be a good choice. However, those looking to boost health and prevent chronic health issues may use spirulina capsules. Thus, for example, Zenkgo Women’s Multivitamins also contain spirulina along with vitamins, resulting in more significant health effects.
Conclusion
To sum up, spirulina is among the best vegan sources of protein. However, it is not just about protein; it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is also a good source of various bioactive compounds like polyphenols, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Spirulina may be especially good when used along with other health measures and multivitamins.
References
[1] Oxygen levels [Internet]. Understanding Global Change. [cited 2024 Jan 28]. Available from: https://ugc.berkeley.edu/background-content/oxygen-levels/.
[2] FoodData Central-Spirulina [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jan 28]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170495/nutrients.
[3] Wu Q, Liu L, Miron A, et al. The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of spirulina: an overview. Arch Toxicol. 2016;90:1817–1840.
[4] Vasudevan SK, Seetharam S, Dohnalek MH, et al. Spirulina: A daily support to our immune system. International Journal of Noncommunicable Diseases. 2021;6:S47.