Uncover 4 benefits of spirulina for body health

Maybe you have often heard of nutritional supplements to improve body health that come from spirulina. The reason is, the source of this supplement is predicted as "superfood"Aka super foods that have many good properties for your body. What is spirulina? What are the health benefits of spirulina?

What is spirulina?

Spirulina, or what is commonly called blue green algae (cyanobacteria), is a type of organism that grows in fresh and salt water. Spirulina is a type of plant that is shaped like a spiral. Like plants in general, spirulina can also produce energy from sunlight through the process of photosynthesis.

Spirulina has been around for centuries and has long been used for its nutritional content by the Aztecs in Central America, precisely in Mexico, as their food ingredient. Not only that, in modern times like today, spirulina is also still widely used in various forms of processing such as supplements, face masks, and even more. coffee latte.

There are many different types of spirulina. However, two of them can be used in food processing, namely spirulina platensis (Arthrospira platensis) and spirulina maxima (Arthrospira maxima).

What are the health benefits of spirulina?

1. Rich in various nutrients

The nutrients contained in spirulina are beyond doubt. These organisms are rich in various nutrients that are essential for your body. Among them contain amino acids, vitamin A, vitamin B12, B1, B2, B3, B6 and vitamin E.

The content of iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese and selenium also contributes to "wealth" in this plant. So, you don't need to doubt the benefits of spirulina.

2. Lowering LDL and triglyceride levels

According to the Very Well page, there are several studies that show the results that spirulina is able to keep your cholesterol and triglyceride levels within normal limits. The reason is, spirulina contains the nutrient C-phycocyanin. This substance plays a role in digesting fat. In addition, the gamma-linoleic content in spirulina can affect the production of fat in the body.

Not only that, consumption of spirulina-based products is also believed to be able to reduce levels of total cholesterol, LDL or bad cholesterol, and triglycerides. Not only that, but spirulina can even increase HDL or good cholesterol levels.

There is a study targeting high cholesterol levels in the body, showing a decrease in triglyceride levels by 16.3 percent and LDL by about 10.1 percent by diligently consuming one gram of spirulina per day, reported by Healthline.

3. Lowering blood pressure levels

High blood pressure is one of the factors that trigger the emergence of various dangerous diseases, such as heart attack, kidney failure, and stroke. However, now you have encountered a number of alternative treatments that can improve health, including those with high blood pressure.

Research from the National Autonomous University of Mexico states that there are other benefits of spirulina that are useful for those of you who may have high blood pressure. The reason is, this type of plant is able to lower blood pressure levels, by regularly consuming 4.5 grams of spirulina for 6 weeks.

4. Helps control blood sugar levels

One of the benefits of spirulina for the health of the body that unfortunately is overlooked is controlling blood sugar levels. Of course this is very useful, especially for those of you who have diabetes. It is not an easy task to keep blood sugar levels within normal limits, because there are various things that can affect changes in blood sugar levels in the body.

However, consuming spirulina can be one way to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. Research from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in China says that the content of fiber and gamma linoleic acid in addition to being able to lower cholesterol levels can also reduce blood glucose levels.

It is important for you to remember, spirulina cannot completely replace drugs for fat, high blood pressure, and diabetes disorders. For that, you still have to consult with your doctor to get the best treatment. In addition, before using spirulina supplements you must first consult with your doctor or herbalist.