الاثنين، 4 مايو 2015

Health Benefits of Spirulina


Cancer Prevention

The potent antioxidants in spirulina are believed to help reduce the risk of cancer. Spirulina has been shown to have anti-tumor effects in lab studies with mice. A 2009 Chinese research team published findings in "Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy" that suggested spirulina in combination with selenium could help prevent breast cancer. Additionally, in vitro studies have found that spirulina could have a significant effect on liver cancer, reducing occurrences of tumors in the liver from 80% to 20%.

Antioxidant Activity

Spirulina is a rich source of antioxidants, including vitamin E, selenium, carotenoids and phenolic acids. Antioxidants are believed to help protect the body from cancer, heart disease, premature aging, and other conditions by warding off free radical damage to the cells and DNA.


Fights Infection

Test tube studies show that spirulina fights infections. It has proven effective against herpes, influenza and HIV.


Antibiotic & Antimicrobial

Lab studies have found that spirulina can destroy bacterium and viruses. It may be effective against influenza, mumps, measles, herpes simplex, HIV and more. It also stimulates the production of macrophages in the immune system, which target and kill invading pathogens.
Probiotic
Spirulina may be probiotic as well. Test tube studies have found that it can boost the growth of probiotics and healthy bacteria like L. acidophilus.


Respiratory Health

Several studies have found that spirulina may provide relief to people suffering from respiratory diseases like asthma and allergic rhinitis. A 2001 study published in the "Journal of Nutraceutical Functional Medical Foods" found that as little as 1 gram of spirulina per day may help improve lung function in people with bronchial asthma. A 2005 study from the "Journal of Medicinal Food" showed that people with allergic rhinitis benefited from spirulina. It apparently can reduce cytokine levels and inhibit the release of histamines that affect allergic response.


Immune Health

Spirulina has been shown to stimulate the production of pathogen killing antibodies in the immune system. Animal tests confirm that it can fight infection and chronic illnesses by stimulating the immune system.


Liver Protection

Preliminary studies in animals suggest that spirulina helps to protect the liver. It lessens liver inflammation, inhibits lipid peroxidation, and slows the buildup of triglycerides in the liver. It may also protect from toxic damage from metals like lead and mercury.


Type-2 Diabetes

Spirulina may aid in the care of type-2 diabetes. It has been shown to reduce systemic inflammation, which may help curb insulin resistance. It can also alter lipid profiles and increase HDL ("good") cholesterol.


Heart Health

Spirulina may support cardiovascular health in a variety of ways. It helps to improve lipid profiles, curbs hypertension and increases blood vessel elasticity. It has been shown to boost good HDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure in limited studies. An animal study from 2007 found that spirulina could prevent hypertension and protect from atherosclerosis.


Stroke Prevention

Lab studies and animal studies have found that spirulina has neuroprotective qualities and may help to prevent stroke. A study at Oregon State University found that rats induced with strokes and fed spirulina had a 75% reduction in brain lesions.


Brain Health

The antioxidant properties of spirulina are believed to fight oxidative stress to the brain and possibly reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurodegenerative disorders.


Eye Health
Preliminary studies show that spirulina may contain compounds that help to prevent age related eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts.

Medical sources:
Healthdiaries