Allow us to introduce one of the most potent superfoods we have discovered here at Nature’s Lab®. This blue-green algae grows in warm, freshwater bodies, and is rich in nutrients and high in protein. In ancient times, spirulina was used as a staple food by the Aztecs of Mexico. In recent times, research has consistently revealed the huge benefits of consuming spirulina as part of a healthy diet and that has led to it being sold and marketed in health food stores particularly as a high-protein food supplement.
Imagine a food that can provide you with all the protein your body needs, boost your immune system, get rid of your allergies, control your blood pressure and help protect you from cancer.
If you think it all sounds too good to be true then check out these 7 well-researched benefits of taking spirulina populated by Nature’s Lab® experts:
Allergy Relief – Research has shown that allergy sufferers treated with spirulina reported relief of symptoms such as nasal discharge and congestion, sneezing and itching.
Blood Pressure Control – According to a researchers in Mexico, 4.5 grams of spirulina given each day was shown to regulate blood pressure among both women and men ages 18-65 years with no other dietary changes made during the six weeks the experiment was run.
Cholesterol Control – Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level is vital to ensuring our hearts are healthy. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study to establish the effects of spirulina in elderly Koreans showed spirulina’s ability to lower high cholesterol levels. During the study which was conducted on elderly male and female patients ages 60-87, those given eight grams of spirulina per day for 16 consecutive weeks showed lower cholesterol levels than those who were given a placebo.
Reduced risk of Stroke -Researchers in Japan have discovered a link between spirulina consumption and lower blood pressure. The anti hypertensive effect of spirulina is thought to be due to a pigment called phycocyanin. Maintaining an ideal blood pressure is vital in preventing serious diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Energy Boost –Research has shown that in certain combinations, spirulina is able to unlock the energy stored in bodily cells with greater efficiency. Nature’s Lab® experts recommend a recipe highlighted by natural health expert, Dr. Oz: Mix 1 tsp spirulina powder with 350ml lime juice and freeze the mixture in ice cube trays for a healthy boost.
Weight loss – A number of studies have suggested that high-protein foods like spirulina may help people shed weight more easily. This may be due to the fact that protein suppresses appetite better than fat or carbohydrates do. Nature’s Lab® experts recommend To maximize this benefit, try eating your high protein spirulina in the morning or during midday instead of at night.
Detox – When used in combination with zinc, spirulina has been shown to be highly effective in detoxifying the body of heavy metals like arsenic. Chronic arsenic poisoning through drinking water has become a global problem, with people in Far East Asia most affected. For detoxing, Nature’s Lab® experts recommend taking spirulina extract (250 mg) plus zinc (2 mg) twice daily for two weeks.
Cancer Prevention – Researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center found 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. The component of spirulina that may be responsible for its anti-cancer properties are tetrapyrrolic compounds which are very powerful antioxidants. Researchers in the Czech Republic have also found spirulina to be effective in curbing the advancement of pancreatic cancer.
Symptom relief for HIV/AIDS patients – Due to their high dietary intake of algae, populations in Japan, Korea and Chad seem to have lower rates of HIV and AIDS. Research has shown that spirulina consumption may help HIV/AIDS patients by significantly improving their CD4 count (infection-fighting white blood cells) and decreasing their viral load.
Immunity Boost – Studies have shown that spirulina helps the healthy bacteria in our guts thrive. This helps maintain an ideal environment for the microorganisms in our body systems and reduces our susceptibility to disease and illness. In particular, spirulina is highly effective in preventing and treating candida infections.
Our experts at Nature’s Lab® recommend taking spirulina either as a tablet or powder. In either case, make sure you are buying 100% organic due to contamination with heavy metals usually affecting blue green algae. As a powder, you can add spirulina to delicious smoothie recipes for your workouts and recovery periods.
Nature's Lab Nigeria 