Spirulina: A protein-rich superfood that can help lower cholesterol
01/07/2020 / By Rose Lidell / Comments
Spirulina: A protein-rich superfood that can help lower cholesterol

Spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, may seem strange to those new to superfoods. But it is popular among health food enthusiasts because it has an incredible nutritional profile.

Spirulina is a superfood that can even help lower cholesterol and boost your heart health!

The nutritional profile of spirulina

Supplementing with spirulina is a great way to boost your protein and vitamin intake without negative side effects.

One tablespoon (7 g) of dried spirulina contains only 20 calories and 4.02 g of protein. The same serving also offers the following vitamins and minerals:

Sponsored: NEW Biostructured Silver First Aid Gel created by the Health Ranger combines three types of silver (ionic silver, colloidal silver, biostructured silver) with seven potent botanicals (rosemary, oregano, cinnamon and more) to create a breakthrough first aid silver gel. Over 50 ppm silver, verified via ICP-MS lab analysis. Made from 100% Texas rain water and 70% solar power. Zero chemical preservatives, fragrances or emulsifiers. See full details here.

  • 0.54 g of fat
  • 1.67 g of carbohydrate
  • 95 mg of potassium
  • 73 mg of sodium
  • 14 mg of magnesium
  • 8 mg of calcium
  • 8 mg of phosphorus
  • 2 mg of iron
  • 0.7 mg of vitamin C

Additionally, spirulina contains folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and vitamins A, B6 and K.

Spirulina promotes weight loss

Eating nutritious meals and avoiding junk food will help you lose weight, but incorporating spirulina into your diet can also promote weight loss.

Spirulina powder is a nutrient-rich, low-calorie food that can help you lose weight without sacrificing your nutritional intake. This was demonstrated in a 2016 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the journal European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences.

The researchers who conducted the study reported that overweight participants who regularly consumed spirulina for three months showed improved body mass index (BMI).

Spirulina boosts metabolism

Taking spirulina can also help boost your metabolism.

This is important because a higher metabolic rate can make you feel as if you have more energy. Improving your metabolism can also increase the number of calories you burn each day, which helps promote weight loss.

In a small-scale study published in the Annals of Gastroenterology, scientists found that volunteers who were given 6 grams of spirulina per day experienced beneficial metabolic effects.

The participants who consumed spirulina also lost weight and reported improved quality of life. However, the volunteers for this study had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Further research is required to determine if spirulina can also boost metabolism in people who don’t have this condition.

Spirulina helps lower cholesterol

Research suggests that supplementing with spirulina may help reduce total cholesterol. Having too much “bad” fat in your blood can lead to serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease.

According to a review and meta-analysis published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, taking spirulina supplements can have a positive impact on blood lipids, or fat in the blood.

Researchers involved in the study noted that spirulina significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or “bad” cholesterol levels. It also helped increase HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or “good” cholesterol.

Spirulina also helps reduce blood pressure

Spirulina not only lowers cholesterol; research suggests it also helps control your blood pressure.

A small-scale study published in the journal European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences showed that consuming spirulina regularly for three months reduced the blood pressure of overweight participants with hypertension (high blood pressure).

Spirulina can help prevent heart disease

Your cholesterol levels and high blood pressure are both associated with cardiovascular disease.

Data from a 2013 review published in the Journal of Medicinal Food suggest that spirulina could also prevent heart disease since the superfood helps lower blood cholesterol. The blue-green algae also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects.

How to use spirulina

Although spirulina isn’t regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a 2014 review in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that spirulina is well-tolerated by most people and doesn’t cause any significant side effects.

If you’re not used to taking spirulina or other dietary supplements, consult your physician to check for possible drug interactions.

You can buy spirulina in powder or tablet form at health food stores or online stores. Spirulina powder can be added to smoothies (which turns your drink green), sprinkled on salads or soups, added to energy balls or mixed into fruit or vegetable juices.

Banana spirulina smoothie

Try this heart health-boosting banana spirulina smoothie and enjoy the many benefits of this almost-perfect superfood.

Ingredients for 1 serving:

  • 2 frozen bananas
  • 1/2 avocado
  • A handful of kale, stalks removed
  • 2 cups almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon spirulina
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Preparation:

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Your smoothie may have a yogurt-like consistency. If you don’t mind, you can eat it with a spoon instead of drinking it.
  3. For a smoother drink, add more liquid.

Eat your fruits and veggies and supplement with spirulina to promote weight loss and boost your heart health!

Sources:

MedicalNewsToday.com

MindBodyGreen.com

100% Fresh Food News, Right at Your Fingertips!
Find out everything you need to know about clean and healthy eating when you sign up for our FREE email newsletter. Receive the latest news on all the top superfoods, recipes, natural remedies, diets, food tips, and more!
Your privacy is protected. Subscription confirmation required.

Related Articles
Comments
comments powered by Disqus

100% Fresh Food News, Right at Your Fingertips!
Find out everything you need to know about clean and healthy eating when you sign up for our FREE email newsletter. Receive the latest news on all the top superfoods, recipes, natural remedies, diets, food tips, and more!
Your privacy is protected. Subscription confirmation required.

Popular articles