Spirulina is a specific type of blue-green algae found in warm lakes, seas and oceans around the world. Spirulina has been used historically and was believed to be discovered by Hernando Cortez and the Spanish Conquistadors in 1519 when he observed that spirulina was served and eaten at the tables of the Aztecs. The benefits were continued to be recognized throughout the centuries and the first spirulina processing plant was established by the French ins 1969. Spirulina is high in vitamins, minerals and nutrients including carotenoids, antioxidants, vitamin E, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium and gamma linolenic acid. Spirulina is believed to be a powerful health and wellness booster with a variety of uses and benefits.

Immune health
Spirulina is believed to be a powerful immune-boosting substance. Some studies have shown and increase in the number of antibodies and white blood cells, substances that protect the body from illness and fight off infection, in animals being administered spirulina. Limited test tube studies suggest that spirulina may assist in fighting off herpes, influenza and HIV, however, this effect has not been studied in humans.

Bioavailability
The vitamins and minerals found in spirulina are believed to be highly bioavailable, meaning they are easily absorbed and utilized by the body. Spirulina is especially high in the amount of bioavailable iron, making it potentially beneficial for use among pregnant women and children lacking iron.

Protein
Spirulina is composed of nearly three-quarters protein, contributing to the popular belief that spirulina is an exceptional nutritional supplement offering high levels of protein. For this reason, spirulina is commonly added to protein shakes, drinks or taken as a dietary supplements.

Type 2 diabetes
Spirulina may help improve the symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes. Spirulina is believed to help reduce systemic inflammation, which is believed to contribute to insulin resistance. Spirulina may reduce the level of serum triglycerides found in the body while increasing HDL levels, or "good" cholesterol. Spirulina may also help to improve vasodilation, which may promote better circulatory function and nutrient transport.

Allergies
Spirulina is believed to help protect the body from allergic reactions by inhibiting or preventing the release of histamine, a substance that contributes to the presence of an allergic reaction. Histamine can cause many common allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, hives, swelling, redness and other reactions. By inhibiting the release of histamine, spirulina may help to prevent severe or uncomfortable allergic reactions.

Weight loss
Likely due to the high amounts of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found in it, spirulina is believed to be an effective weight loss aid. Because spirulina contains significant amounts of protein, it may assist in weight loss through the conversion of energy and fat reserves to muscle, however, the effects of spirulina in relation to weight loss still remain unclear.

Antibiotic-related conditions
The use of antibiotics, while beneficial in some circumstances, can have negative effects on the body, such as reducing the presence of "good" bacteria in the body. A reduction of "good" bacteria, such as probiotics and Lactobacillus acidophilus, can contribute to yeast infections, thrush, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal upset. Some research suggests that the use of spirulina may help promote the re-growth of "good" bacteria, such as L. acidophilus, helping to reduce the negative effects associated with the use of antibiotics.

Vision
As an individual ages, the eyes begin to degenerate, leading to vision difficulties and conditions such as cataracts and blindness. Substances known as lutein and zeaxanthin may help to prevent a decline in vision and are found in high amounts in spirulina.

Heart health
Spirulina is believed to promote overall heart health and circulatory function. For individuals who suffer from cardiovascular-related conditions such as hypertension and heart disease, spirulina may help promote overall cardiovascular health by reducing the levels of "bad" cholesterol and increasing the levels of "good" cholesterol. Spirulina may also help to remove excess triglycerides from the body and prevent vasoconstriction and atherosclerosis or hardening of the circulatory vessels.

Oral cancer
In individuals who chew tobacco or chewed tobacco in the past, spirulina may help to reduce the presence of pre-cancerous oral lesions known as leukoplasia. These lesions were noticed to heal entirely or show signs of improvement among those using spirulina.

Liver health
For individuals who suffer from liver conditions, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, fatty liver, or chronic hepatitis, spirulina may help protect the liver from further damage and possible promote healing and regeneration of the liver. Spirulina is believed to prevent the accumulation of fats and triglycerides in the liver, reduce inflammation and prevent damages caused by heavy metals such as lead and mercury.

Antioxidant and detox
Spirulina is believed to be a powerful antioxidant, offering protection from free radicals and other damaging substances. The antioxidant effect of spirulina may help to prevent the appearance of aging, improve overall health, reduce the development of cancerous cells and growth and prevent the degeneration of cells within the body. Spirulina is believed to be a powerful detoxifying agent, with a unique ability to remove heavy metals from the body.

Contraindications
Because spirulina is believed to stimulate the immune system, individuals suffering from auto-immune disorders should speak to a qualified healthcare provider before using spirulina. Individuals who suffer from a metabolic condition known as phenylkeotnuria (PKU) and are unable to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine should avoid taking spirulina, as spirulina may be high in this amino acid.

Disclaimer: All information presented on this page is intended for informational purposes only. We strongly recommend speaking to a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any herbal supplement.