Talk about superfoods and spirulina makes it high into the list. Considering its small size, this blue-green algae could actually turn out to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet with respect to weight.

It packs in a lot of important amino acids as well as minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron, B vitamins and even antioxidants.
So how exactly do all of these affect and improve your health? Keep reading to find out.

7 Super Benefits of Spirulina

Boosts Brain Function

Spirulina contains a special protein called phycocyanin which has neuroprotective properties. This protein has been found to protect the brain against damage, and some lab tests have found that it could also help boost brain function in several ways.

Reduces Inflammation

The phycocyanin present in spirulina has also been found to have anti-inflammatory action. It has been found to reduce swelling and can also reduce the activity of the compounds that cause inflammation in the body.

Improves Immunity

A few studies have also found evidence to support the fact that the use of spirulina can improve immune system function. The consumption of spirulina was linked to an increase in the production of enzymes which are essential for the healthy functioning of the immune system.

Reduces Cholesterol

The consumption of spirulina has been found to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body- which is well known as the bad cholesterol, and simultaneously, it increases the level of good cholesterol in the body. This can turn out to be super helpful for individuals affected by heart disease, or those at a high risk of suffering from it.

Regulates Blood Sugar

The use of spirulina was also found to help regulate blood sugar levels, which makes it extremely helpful for people suffering from diabetes. In fact, studies have also shown that people who took spirulina everyday had a significant reduction in their blood glucose levels.

Boosts Physical Performance

If you’re one of those who tend to feel weak and tired, and need some extra energy to get through the day, spirulina could help with that too. Taking spirulina has been found to boost your physical performance on many different levels, and it can also help improve your metabolism.

Studies have found that people who took spirulina took longer to feel fatigued and they also had a higher level of antioxidants in their blood, which in turn, helped speed up their recovery.

Has Anti-Cancer Action

Some small studies (including this one) have found that the consumption of spirulina can reduce the spread of cancer and also shrink the cancer tumors. Compared to those who didn’t take spirulina, patients who did take spirulina had regression of their cancer lesions. Obviously this still has to be proven on a larger scale, so I’m not saying in any way that spirulina can replace traditional treatment.

7 Delicious Recipes with Spirulina

Sure, you could buy Spirulina tablets and have the same benefits, but why not make it more fun and incorporate spirulina in some everyday recipes? Check out these 7 tasty Spirulina recipes.

Coconut Matcha Ice Cream with Spirulina by Strength and Sunshine

Super Green Spirulina Smoothie (5 Ingredients) by Minimalist Baker Recipes

Almond Butter and Spirulina Smoothie Bowl by The Forked Spoon

Creamy Spirulina Chia Seed Pudding by Casey The College Celiac

Strawberry Banana Smoothie with Spirulina by Natalie’s Happy Health

Triple Berry Chia Smoothies with Blue Spirulina by Urban Bliss Life

Super Green Healthy Spirulina Smoothie by Rebooted Mom

While further studies are needed to understand the exact way in which spirulina works, the findings are still promising. This algae was used already by the Aztecs, who somehow figured out the incredible properties of it. From reducing cholesterol to boosting brain function and physical performance, Spirulina is an amazing superfood that you should add to your diet.

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