What NASA says about spirulina?

Spirulina or Arthrospira is a blue-green alga that became famous after it was successfully used by NASA as a dietary supplement for astronauts on space missions. It has the ability to modulate immune functions and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the release of histamine by mast cells.

Is spirulina scientifically proven?

Does Spirulina work? The NIH says there is not enough scientific evidence to determine if Spirulina is effective in treating any health conditions. However, Spirulina is rich in nutrients, some of which aren’t found in the average daily vitamin.

Does spirulina actually do anything?

Spirulina is a potent source of nutrients. It contains a powerful plant-based protein called phycocyanin. Research shows this may have antioxidant, pain-relief, anti-inflammatory, and brain-protective properties. Many antioxidants in spirulina have anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

Is it safe to take spirulina everyday?

Although most research has investigated spirulina’s effects on animals, studies in older adults have shown that it may improve inflammatory markers, anemia, and immune function ( 40 ). Up to 8 grams of spirulina per day is safe, and many people add it to their shakes or smoothies because it comes in powder form.

Does spirulina have side effects?

Some of the minor side effects of spirulina may include nausea, insomnia, and headaches. Still, this supplement is widely considered safe, and most people experience no side effects (2). Spirulina may be contaminated with harmful compounds, thin your blood, and worsen autoimmune conditions.

Is spirulina high in estrogen?

Spirulina has anti-estrogenic effects because of its high bioavailability of Vitamin E.

Who should not take spirulina?

While some studies suggest that spirulina does not affect blood clotting time, little is known about its effects on people who are already taking blood thinners ( 18 , 19 ). Thus, you should avoid spirulina if you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinners.

Is spirulina safe for kidneys?

If too much uric acid builds up in the body, gout or kidney stones can develop. If you are susceptible to gout attacks or kidney stones, then spirulina may be harmful to you. To avoid excessive uric acid, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center suggest limiting the intake of spirulina to 50 grams per day.

Does spirulina increase weight?

Boosting metabolism Taking spirulina may help boost a person’s metabolism. A higher metabolic rate may make a person feel as if they have more energy. It may also increase the number of calories they burn each day, which may aid weight loss.

Can spirulina cause liver damage?

Spirulina has been implicated in isolated case reports in causing clinically apparent liver injury, but the role of spirulina as opposed to other herbal components or contaminants has not been shown. Liver injury due to spirulina must be very rare if it occurs at all.

Who shouldnt use spirulina?

Does Spirulina affect hormones?

The current study demonstrated that the intra-peritoneal injection of Spirulina exudates in mice led to remarkable disruption of the reproductive hormones. This effect was attributed to the presence of steroidal compounds that were identified with GC–MS and LC–MS/MS analysis.

What does spirulina do for the body?

Benefits. Spirulina has been touted to help the body in a wide variety of ways, including providing the body with energy, warding off free radicals and eliminating toxins from the skin, increasing skin metabolism to enable faster skin cell turnover and skin healing, and helping prevent candida bacteria overgrowth that can cause acne breakouts.

Can spirulina be harmful?

But Spirulina may become contaminated with toxic metals, harmful bacteria and microcystins — toxins produced from some algae —if it is grown in unsafe conditions. Contaminated Spirulina can cause liver damage, nausea, vomiting, thirst, weakness, rapid heartbeat, shock and even death.

What does spirulina help with?

Health Benefits. According to proponents, spirulina is said to help with the following health problems: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cancer, fatigue, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and viral infections. Purported spirulina benefits also include weight loss, increased energy, and stimulation of the immune system.

Is spirulina good for You?

Spirulina powder is an extremely nutritious dietary supplement. A small amount of spirulina powder can help reduce hay fever symptoms. Research shows that spirulina could be a good source of protein and nutrients for malnourished people around the world.