Spirulina Benefits
Here is a summary of the benefits of spirulina that I’ve been reading about.
- Easy to digest nutrients that get absorbed quickly in the body.
- Contains high amount of beta carotene which helps your body’s defenses. The beta carotene in spirulina is 10 times more concentrated than carrots.
- High protein content with few calories. Perfect source of protein for vegetarians.
- Good dietary source of Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Spirulina is a powerful anti-inflammatory which can help arthritis sufferers and prevent heart disease.
- High iron content. Especially essential for the health of women and children.
- High in Vitamin B-12 and B Complex. B-12 is important for your nervous system and tissue.
- Promotes your bodies natural cleansing process which makes you feel more fit and gives you more energy.
- Great for supplementing deficiencies in your diet and stimulates your metabolism.
- Boosts your body’s natural resistance mechanisms which keeps you healthier.
Spirulina prevents cancer?
I’ve read from several sources that Spirulina may help fight cancer. It is the blue-green color of Spirulina that supposedly gives it these cancer prevention abilities. One reason is that its blue pigment, phycocyanin has been shown to prevent cancer-colony formation. The other cited reason is the chlorophyll contained in spirulina. According to some studies, foods that contain high levels of chlorophyll can stop cancer cells from forming colonies as well.
There have been a few studies by scientists into spirulina’s ability to treat cancer. In Earl Mindell’s Secret Remedies, the author cites that in 1995, Indian scientists conducted a human study and reported a complete regression of pre-cancerous mouth lesions in 45% (20 of 44) of subjects who received spirulina extract for 12 months. In 2000, scientists at the Osaka Institute of Public Health found that spirulina increased the activation of natural cancer-fighting substances in the body. Volunteers were given 50 ml of a spirulina extract, and the levels of these cancer-fighting cells were measured in their blood. Results showed a significant increase in these cancer-fighting cells. There have been numerous animal studies that showed similar effects, including the reduction of tumors in mice.