Microalgae have become essential to both marine ecosystems and human health. For years, medical experts have extracted components from microalgae to create supplements since they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and numerous other benefits.
According to Amikam Bar-Gil, the cofounder of Yemoja, 'Microalgae are sunlight-driven, single-celled factories, and by nature highly resilient. They also are a powerful source of natural, vegan, bioactive ingredients.' Yemoja has created a next-gen platform for creating 'pure, sustainable microalgae-derived products of the highest quality, and that can be naturally adapted into any desired matrix.'
One type of microalgae superfood that's become increasingly popular is spirulina, a blue-green algae that normally comes in the form of a dietary supplement as a dried powder. Here are six benefits of spirulina:
Highly Nutritious
The 'marine super crop' is rich with nutrition, containing vitamins A, B-6, C, and K. Dried spirulina, which can be easily added to food and beverages, is also rich in potassium, protein, sodium, magnesium, iron, and calcium.
Weight loss
A small amount of spirulina powder contains a lot of nutrition with low calories. Regularly adding some powder to the diet can help people consume fewer calories without losing needed nutrition. A study from 2016 showed that regular consumption of spirulina can help improve body mass index (BMI)
Managing Gut Health
Maintaining a healthy gut affects several areas of the body, such as the immune system fighting infections, the flow of hormones to and from the brain, and overall well-being. Although many studies are in favor of probiotics, it is not recommended for people with gastric conditions.
Spirulina is a great alternative to help maintain or improve gut health. The microalgae can be easily digested and help preserve healthy bacteria in the body, making it a prebiotic.
Antioxidants
Like all other superfoods, spirulina is rich in antioxidants, particularly the protein phycocyanin which helps protect the liver while getting rid of free radicals from damaged nerve cells.
During one study, spirulina proved to help people recover from oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), or precancerous lesions in the mouth. Another study showed that people regularly consuming the algae improved OSMF symptoms more effectively than pentoxifylline, a drug used to treat the condition.
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Reduces Allergies
People with allergic rhinitis suffer from numerous triggers such as dust, pollution, animal hair, second-hand smoke, and pollen. With severe allergies, people commonly take an antihistamine.
Spirulina is a great organic alternative that helps reduce inflammation on the nasal passageway. A study from 2008 revealed that daily consumption of two grams of powder significantly reduced allergies.
Helps Prevent Disease
The high-nutrition profile of spirulina has a positive effect on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Consuming the microalgae helps lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterol) while increasing high-density lipoproteins (good cholesterol).
With regulated glucose and blood pressure levels, spirulina can help reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.