Health Benefits of Spirulina, The Blue-Green Algae From Klamath Falls, OR
By Dr. Dennie Dorall, MD ND, DHM, DWHH, Ayurvedic Practitioner
Discover the secrets of Spirulina, an ancient superfood revered for its myriad health benefits. This nutrient-dense blue-green algae has nourished humanity for centuries, tracing its origins to the Aztecs Indians. Offering a natural boost to overall well-being, Spirulina is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Join us as we delve into the extraordinary health benefits of Spirulina, and explore how this remarkable algae can transform your health and vitality in ways you never imagined.
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina is an algae, a specific blue-green algae that is full of nutrition and health benefits and is a superfood that started a following way back in the 1970s. Many health food stores kept Spirulina at the front of the store because of its popularity as it was a great source of nutrition for people who were going vegan.
New Earth (TM), the leader in microalgae supplements grown in Klamath Falls, Oregon, presents scientific evidence of this ancient planetary food source first recognized as cyanobacteria, which provided Earth with oxygen in its atmosphere and nutrients to the marine life for over 3.5 billion years.
Michelle Sherman, the National Sales Director-Provider Division, presented New Earth’s science white papers that state: “Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae (APH. FLOS-AQUAE) is a unique species of organic edible microalgae.” There are many ways of examining this superfood, from biofuel for the body to medicinal support for health imbalances.
From the science white papers of New Earth(TM), “Algae are the basis of the entire food chain—the foundational nutrient source for life on Earth. Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is one of the planet’s most basic yet most powerful raw foods. Today, this edible microalgae is widely confirmed as the original ‘superfood’ that provides many broad-range benefits.”
Heart Health
Simply put, one of the many health benefits of Spirulina is that it fights cardiovascular disease because it lowers bad LDL cholesterol levels and supports good HDL cholesterol levels. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae and classified in the genus Spirulina, offers needed Heart Health as it lowers cholesterol levels in the blood. It is a low-density lipoprotein according to a 2018 study in the journal Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy.
In this study, participants consumed 1 to 19 grams of spirulina a day for two to 48 weeks before researchers concluded that spirulina has a “favorable effect” on these cardiac measures”.
Gut Health
Spirulina improves gut health, a health issue dominating the United States from bad food choices. The term superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a valuable family of enzymes that play a critical antioxidant role in the human body but also assists in breaking down foods in the digestive tract.
Glutathione, which is lacking in the body’s energy and especially in senior health, provides key metabolic functions, including iron metabolism, which is very needed for senior women. Glutathione adds to the metabolic “synthesis and repair of DNA and proteins, and enzyme function,” as stated in the science white papers of New Earth (TM) from Oregon.
Although you can purchase Glutathione as a supplement- there are so many health benefits of Spirulina- it would reduce the cost of supplementation for resolving multiple health issues. As we are seeing more autoimmune and fatigue, the side effects of Covid-19, Spirulina can help people regain their vitality. Phycocyanin, Chlorophyll, Beta-carotene, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Glutathione are contained in Spirulina.
Spirulina, when consumed, reduces free radical damage to our cells and tissues, providing energy and repair for all ages and all dietary situations.
Weight Loss
Weight loss, especially the reduction of belly fat, is another fantastic benefit of Spirulina and my first intention to write this article. With the Ozempic craze, a phenomenon of weight loss has taken hold of Hollywood and more. People want it, but many can’t afford it. Spirulina does so much for a very affordable price.
Upon recommending it to a few of my patients who can’t tolerate Ozempic, they lost 1 inch in about 5 weeks, with no issues. No starving, no surrendering of favorite foods, no giving up that glass of wine, no vomiting, or diarrhea. Spirulina is easy to take, as tablets, capsules, or in a smoothie; it works with one or two uses daily.
Reduced Blood Pressure
Reduction of high blood pressure is nearly half of the adults in the United States at high risk of heart disease and stroke or Hypertension. Spirulina has many references to reducing Hypertension, improving cardiovascular health, and improving circulation to the feet for neuropathy, a growing condition in people that has alarmed me in recent years.
Muscle Strength
Spirulina is a superfood, so yes, it assists in building muscle in the body. In two months of usage of Spirulina, noticeable muscle tone begins to appear, and as mentioned above, reduced belly fat. The presence of Chlorophyll reduces fat in the body, aids in bringing oxygen through the bloodstream for increased energy, and allows Lactic Acid to be processed out of muscle tissue faster and easier, reducing muscle spasms or pain from intense workouts.
Spirulina contains over 60 minerals essential for muscle and tissue renewal and repair: Calcium, Chromium, Chloride, Copper, easily absorbable Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, and Sodium are just a few of the important minerals presented in Spirulina. What is cool about these minerals is they also help rebuild bone.
Anemia, Anti-cancer, and Diabetes
Touching into more extreme health issues, research shows that Spirulina counteracts anemia because it increases the hemoglobin content of red blood cells, supporting anemia in women from early menstruation, childbirth, through menopause, and into aging years. One of the world’s best antioxidants, it is a cancer preventative, but also prevents the deterioration of cell walls from the side effects of the cancer invader as well as the regime of chemo. Since it is superior in nutrients, it benefits healing the body.
Spirulina is a clean protein; it controls blood sugar, reduces insulin resistance, reduces glucose levels in the bloodstream, and improves capillary vasodilation that can be a symptom of diabetes. Disease prevention is at the top of the list of consuming a regular diet of Spirulina. It also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that increases the amount of serotonin, which helps with relaxation, sleep, and cell repair.
Purity and Health Benefits of Spirulina
Spirulina has no documented side effects or health complications except for one, which is impurities of poorly processed Spirulina. Interviewing New Earth(TM), I can highly recommend their Spirulina products. I have used their capsules. It is a USA company in Klamath Falls, known for clean air and pure water, and they use the best purification process to bring you the purest products. Offering perfect medicinal uses for all health concerns.
There are many other quality products. Another company that is user-friendly, easy to start your Spirulina journey, has developed a very delightful taste; this Spirulina is Nature’s Plus “SPIRU-TEIN” protein powder meal. They offer Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Banana, Cookies and Cream, Raspberry Royale, and my favorite, Cherries Jubilee. So many other flavors.
I had the pleasure of interviewing their science researcher and product engineer, Rafael Avila. He stated, “the best reason for taking Spirulina, is for the nutrient value of Carotenes also known as carotenoids, C-vitamins, minerals and protein, all of which translates to utilization of Naturally occurring modified ribonucleosides produced in blue-green algae.” It feeds the cells in your body.
Rafael Avila continues to say, “that their process grows the Algae outside in open air, isolated ponds and tanks, but protected by a translucent shield so it can receive sunlight. This bioreactor process protects to keep the algae clean and pure. The Algae receives the sunlight and this benefits the growing condition and of the Algae and produces specific nutrient density.” “My wife and I use several different SPIRU-TEIN products from breakfast to a pickup before and after workouts.”
Both products are in the top of the class of Spirulina. You can be confident in taking the Spirulina and beginning your health journey. If you take the pure green powder, which is my practice, I mix it in purified water, the powder, and drink it. It does have a whisper of fish taste. If you are opposed to that, then a flavored Spiru-tein is the best way to start your embrace of dense and pure nutrition.
Spirulina Body Changes With Blue-Green Algae
Within two weeks of Spirulina in your diet, the skin will have a very subtle glow, muscle aches begin to diminish, and sleep improves. I can’t guarantee this will be seen by everyone based on outlying health conditions or length of illnesses, but it is something to watch for.
Bowel movements become more productive, digestive irritation resolves, and for some, mental clarity returns. Because it is a superfood and super antioxidant, long-term medications may be dropped when the health conditions are no longer apparent from your doctor visits.
Spirulina Fun, By Nature’s Plus (reference and link below)
No-bake energy bites have become a hit over the past few years. It’s easy to understand why: They only take minutes to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Add in 14 grams of protein from Nature’s Plus Spiru-lein, and you have a winner!
These bites are perfect for breakfast or as a quick, filling snack. They give you the energy and protein you need to power you through your day.
3/4 cup almonds (or nut of choice)
1 cup raisins (or dried fruit of choice)
1/2 cup mixed seeds, lightly ground (chia, sesame, flax, hemp)
1 tsp goji berries or dried blueberries
1 tbsp SPIRU-TEIN, flavor of your choice
3/4 cup unsweetened, finely shredded coconut
- Put all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and process on high speed, pulsing the machine on and off for about 3 seconds each time. Once it has formed a dough, remove and place it on a cutting board.
- Roll the mixture into little balls about 1” in diameter; then roll each in shredded coconut. Store in the refrigerator.
Yields 12–14 bites
Links to recipe and to their product interview sites:
https://naturesplus.com/blogs/recipes/no-bake-spiru-tein-protein-balls
https://naturesplus.com/collections/spiru-tein
https://newearth.com/
The Magic of Spirulina
Such a simple addition to everyday eating and drinking, it fits into the busiest of schedules, can travel, and has so many health benefits, why wouldn’t you want to put the Spirulina Magic into your life? So easy to manage and very cost-effective, all ages can have fantastic health outcomes from Spirulina. Economically, this is the best superfood out in the market.
So put some Magic in your life today with Spirulina.