Spirulina Health Benefits, Risks, Side Effects, And How To Store

© Getty Images Spirulina is a blue-green algae that's widely known as a superfood, but is it really healthy? We describe the spirulina diet and its uses and benefits.

Spirulina is a blue-green algae found in warm waters around the world and is a common ingredient in protein drinks and powders. One of its interesting properties is that spirulina naturally absorbs nutrients from the environment and is marketed by food and supplement companies as a rich source of various vitamins and nutrients. But what else do we know about the benefits of spirulina?

What is spirulina?

Spirulina has been dubbed a superfood, and influential holistic health experts at TikTok swear it will transform your health. But nutrition experts warn yes. "When people decide to take any dietary supplement or nutrient-rich food, they should be aware of the scientific strength of the product's health claims and that additional research is often required," said Emma Lange, PhD, RDN, Director of Nutritional Research. University of Georgia and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Lon Ben-Asher, MS, RD, LDN, nutritionist at the Pritikin Longevity Center, advises against using seaweed, citing a lack of safety information about it and evidence that it actually works. “To prevent and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, we need to focus more on healthy lifestyles. Eating more vegetables, fruits, potatoes, beans/lentils/legumes, whole grains, unrefined and certain fish should be the cornerstones of our diet."

Does Consuming Spirulina Have Any Health Benefits?

Spirulina is nutritious and experts say it has the ability to keep your body healthy. It has a high nutritional profile with proteins and essential amino acids:

• Vitamin A
• vitamin C
• vitamin k
• Various B vitamins
• potassium
• magnesium
• fit
• calcium
• folic acid
• copper
• metal
• Omega-3 fatty acids

dr Ling says the diversity of nutrients in seaweed has made it the subject of research studies into the health benefits of seaweed. For example, the anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties of superfoods are believed to reduce cell and tissue damage caused by a high-fat diet and protect heart health. Spirulina has been shown to help control blood sugar, control allergies, promote weight loss, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

In addition, the dietary supplement can be used as an additional protein option for vegetarians or vegans who want to diversify their tastes. However, you don't want to rely entirely on it as your sole protein source. dr Ling says you need to eat a large amount of spirulina every day to meet your daily protein needs. Instead, "nuts, legumes, dairy, meat, fish, poultry, and eggs provide rich sources of protein in very small amounts."

However, both experts caution that research is ongoing and treatment recommendations are not based on the limited evidence available; For example, most research has been done in the laboratory or on animals. Human studies are primarily based on observational associations found in people using spirulina. Despite the lack of clinical evidence, Dr. Ben Achir, companies continue to make unsubstantiated claims about their ability to treat a variety of conditions, from macular degeneration to dental infections to a range of health conditions.

Are There Side Effects of Spirulina?

It is considered safe to use. As with any dietary supplement, there is a risk of minor but non-fatal side effects, such as:

• nausea
• to notice
• Diarrhea
• headache
• dizziness

like dr Ben Asher points out, allergic reactions ranging from mild shock to anaphylactic shock are rare.

The biggest concern is the possibility of contamination from the lake that the spirulina is in. dr Ling explains that the water where blue-green algae grow can pick up heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury) and harmful nearby bacteria. Spirulina products have also been reported to contain microcysteine, a toxin that can cause severe liver damage.

If you want your supplement to stay contaminant-free, do your research. dr Ling says you should look for companies that grow spirulina in a controlled laboratory environment and have proof that the company tests their products for contaminants.

“There is no guarantee that even the most rigorously tested product is 100% safe,” he explains. "Anyone who wants to buy the product should buy from a reputable company that tests their products for contamination." Consumers are exposed to pollutants.

What is the best way to store Spirulina?

The best way to extend spirulina's shelf life is to store it in a cool, dry place with low humidity, or in the refrigerator. Because it comes in so many forms, from powder to oatmeal to granola, there's no quick expiration date. dr However, Ling said that the nutritional quality degrades over time and you consume the product a few months after opening.

Both reports recommend looking for a label with a "Used Before", "Best Before" or "Renewed By" date. dr Ling says just because a product has passed an earlier best-before date doesn't mean it's safe to consume. The dates are an indication of when you are getting the best nutritional value and quality of the products. "Even if a product you have at home is past its use-by date, it should be safe to use if stored and handled properly," he explains.

Who Should Not Take Spirulina?

Dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. People with certain medical conditions may experience harmful side effects or negative interactions with other medications they are currently taking. Both experts recommend people with the following conditions not to take spirulina .

• phenylketonuria
• immune diseases
• Spirulina Allergy
• bleeding problem

Young children and pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid this so-called superfood due to the lack of information on how it affects children and the risk of metal contamination. dr Ling added that people who are taking blood thinners, are about to have surgery, or have just given birth should not use the supplement.

Before taking a new supplement as usual and if you want to start using seaweed first, talk to your doctor.

Dietary supplements are products to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and they are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent or cure any disease. Take dietary supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, use caution when giving your child any supplements unless recommended by your doctor.

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How and When to Use Spirulina for the Best Benefits