Yes, it’s one of the most potent foods on the planet. And yes, it posses healing properties that are truly mind blowing.
Spirulina is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, E, and K. Spirulina is full of special phytonutrients, which are responsible for its health benefits. It also contains special elements such as phycocyanin, polysaccharides, and sulfolipids that work together to give the body everything needed for good health and well-being.
As stated in a 1993 scientific review of spirulina’s benefits in the Journal of Applied Phycology:
“Many preclinical studies and a few clinical studies suggest several therapeutic effects ranging from reduction of cholesterol and cancer to enhancing the immune system, increasing intestinal lactobacilli, reducing nephrotoxicity by heavy metals and drugs and radiation protection.”
Antiviral and antiretroviral activity
One study published in 1998 discovered that an extract of spirulina effectively inhibited replication of the HIV-1 virus. An extract concentration between 0.3 and 1.2 micrograms per milliliter reduced viral production by 50 percent.
Spirulina Enhances Immune Function
Spirulina has been found to support immune system health. Spirulina contains important nutrients known as polysaccharides which are known to be a powerful immune system booster.
Several animal and test tube studies suggest that spirulina increases production of antibodies, infection-fighting proteins, and other cells that improve immunity and help defend against infection and chronic illnesses.
The UC Davis Study on Spirulina
In the UC Davis study, researchers looked at the secretion of the cytokines interferon-gamma, interleukin-4, and interleukin-1beta in the lab to understand spirulina’s properties to enhance the immune system.
“We found that nutrient-rich spirulina is a potent inducer of interferon-gamma (13.6-fold increase) and a moderate stimulator of both interleukin-4 and interleukin-1beta (3.3-fold increase),” says Eric Gershwin, professor and chief of the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology at UC Davis.
“Together, increases in these cytokines suggest that spirulina is a strong proponent for protecting against intracellular pathogens and parasites and can potentially increase the expression of agents that stimulate inflammation, which also helps to protect the body against infectious and potentially harmful micro-organisms. Additional studies with individuals consuming spirulina are needed to determine whether these dramatic effects extend beyond the laboratory.”
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