Today, spirulina is being seriously considered as a sustainable food source with the potential to end world hunger, due to its nutritional profile and unique ability to withstand extreme temperature variations and neglect. The United Nations has identified it as a primary ingredient in the fight against malnutrition worldwide, as previously noted. Here Lana Burgess, MedicalNewsToday.com, reflects on the benefits of spirulina, medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo, R.D., LDN:

“Spirulina has a high protein and vitamin content, which makes it an excellent dietary supplement for people on vegetarian or vegan diets.

Research suggestsTrusted Source that spirulina has antioxidant and inflammation-fighting properties, as well as the ability to help regulate the immune system.

This article discusses 11 potential health benefits people may get from adding spirulina to their diet.

Excellent Nutritional Profile

Consuming spirulina is one way to supplement protein and vitamins in people's diets without notable side effects.

One tablespoon or 7 grams (g) of dried spirulina containsTrusted Source:

• 20 calories
• 4.02 g of protein
• 1.67 g of carbohydrate
• 0.54 g of fat
• 8 milligrams (mg) of calcium
• 2 mg of iron
• 14 mg of magnesium
• 8 mg of phosphorous
• 95 mg of potassium
• 73 mg of sodium
• 0.7 mg of vitamin C

It also contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and vitamins B-6, A, and K.

Taking spirulina, as part of a balanced diet, may help a person to stay well nourished.

Losing Weight

People can usually lose weight if they eat fewer calories than they use. Spirulina is a high-nutrient, low-calorie food that contains a lot of nutrition in a small amount of powder. Introducing spirulina to the diet may help people lose weight without losing nutrition.

The results of a 2016Trusted Source double-blind placebo-controlled trial suggest that spirulina may aid weight management. In the study, people who were overweight and regularly ate spirulina for 3 months showed improved body mass index or BMI.

Improving Gut Health

Spirulina can be digested easily because of its structure where the cells do not have tough, fibrous walls. But can consuming it improve gut health?

More research on humans is needed, but animal studies indicate spirulina may support gut health as people age. A 2017 studyTrusted Source on older mice suggests that spirulina may preserve healthy gut bacteria during the aging process.

Spirulina does not contain much fiber, so it is essential to include other gut-healthful, high-fiber foods in the diet.

Managing Diabetes

Spirulina shows promise as a way to manage the symptoms of diabetes. But more research is needed before doctors can recommend it.

A 2018 review studyTrusted Source found that spirulina supplementation significantly lowered people's fasting blood glucose levels. High fasting blood sugar is a common problem in people with diabetes type 1 and 2. This suggests that spirulina supplements may help people control diabetes.

These results suggest that spirulina shows promise as a food to support type 2 diabetes management.

A 2017 animal studyTrusted Source supports the idea that spirulina may help manage diabetes. In this study, the researchers gave mice with type 1 diabetes spirulina extract orally. As a result, the mice showed:

• lower blood sugar
• higher insulin levels
• improved liver enzyme markers

The researchers note that the antioxidant effect of spirulina may be helpful in treating type 1 diabetes.”

If you would like to learn other solutions to help control your health … click here?

Read More … Article Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324027.php#losing-weight