Health benefits of spirulina

[pluMmet]

http://www.naturalnews.com/044285_spirulina_superfoods_detox.html

Health benefits of spirulina

• Spirulina is rich in various infection-fighting proteins that help in increasing various disease-combating antibodies within your body. It has more than 70 percent protein, which is highest among all foods, and helps in boosting the production of white blood cells that fight and prevent infection.

• In a 2005 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, it was found that high doses of spirulina also help in inhibiting many allergic reactions in the body, particularly among those who suffer from allergic rhinitis.

• Spirulina is also effective in the treatment of anemia. In his book Healing with Whole Foods - Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition, Paul Pitchford explains how spirulina boosts the production of red blood cells, particularly when taken in combination with vitamin B12.

• Rich in chlorophyll and phycocyanin, spirulina is also a powerful blood purifier. Aside from promoting blood cell growth, these two vital nutrients also rejuvenate the existing blood supply. In fact, the structure of chlorophyll is nearly identical to hemoglobin, an important molecule responsible for transporting oxygen to the cells and cleaning the blood.

• Spirulina is also rich in all eight essential amino acids, 10 non-essential amino acids, B complex vitamins, zeaxanthin, the antioxidants beta carotene, the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid, beneficial probiotic bacteria, dozens of trace minerals and pathogen-targeting proteins. Spirulina also has unmatched ability to boost your immune system.

• All these nutrients also detoxify the body and cells of various heavy metals and toxins. In fact, spirulina is a good chleating agent that reaches deep into the body tissues and roots out various toxins such as arsenic, mercury, radiation, pesticides, cadmium, environmental carcinogens and synthetic food chemicals.

• In a 1988 study carried out in Japan, it was found that spriulina also lowers cholesterol levels and reduces underlying inflammation due to cholesterol accumulation in the bloodstream.

• All those who are obese can lose weight taking spirulina on daily basis. This is due to its ability to induce weight loss and promote development of lean muscle mass.

 

[tankdude]

Spirulina often gets misclassified as an herb because of its amazing health promoting properties, but it's actually a bacteria, a blue-green algae.  Because it is one of the most complete foods in the world it does have some great health promoting properties, but there area few things to take into consideration.

 

People who are allergic or sensitive to iodine should avoid taking the supplement. For this same reason, people with hyperparathyroidism should also avoid the supplement.

Those who are highly allergic or extremely sensitive to seafood or seaweed may also want to avoid taking spirulina, and people who are currently running a high fever should wait for the fever to subside before taking spirulina.

Insulin-dependent diabetics or those with type 2 diabetes should consult their physicians prior to taking spirulina. This is also recommended for anyone who may currently have, or who may be predisposed to gout.