Blue spirulina is being added to various commercial food and beverage products. One of the reasons manufacturers use it as a food and beverage ingredient is its numerous health benefits.
However, what are the health benefits of blue spirulina? Does science agree with such claims? Read on to find out.
Table of Contents
What Is Blue Spirulina?
To know what blue spirulina is, it is best to understand spirulina itself. Spirulina is a blue-green algae commonly found in places with fresh or salt water but in warmer climates only.
Known as algae containing several nutrients, its compound is now being extracted. Then, it is used to create a food supplement. It contains various vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, carotenoids, and proteins, which makes it highly popular.
Therefore, this blue-green algae is an extract derived from that raw blue-green algae. Its vibrant blue color is used as a natural food coloring for many food products. It is also being used as the primary ingredient in food supplements. [1]
What Is Blue Spirulina Good For?
The vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other contents of blue spirulina are often highlighted in review sites. This is not surprising as they bring several benefits to the body, which makes the product even more popular with the public.
Its popularity contributed to an additional opportunity for food supplement manufacturers. As the market grows, many become attracted to it, especially when they hear several claims regarding such. Fortunately, several studies were made and published.
For instance, it has been said to be helpful in the human immune system and good for improving overall health. More specific details on what this algae can do in the human body are outlined in the next section of this article.
Health Benefits of Blue Spirulina
Knowing that spirulina’s main component contains potent compounds gives us the idea that its blue extracts bring many health benefits, including the ones mentioned earlier.
However, to determine whether the claim is valid, we discuss each health benefit of this kind of spirulina along with some scientific basis.
Cell Protection
This blue-green algae contains a powerful component called Phycocyanin. Such a compound contains several antioxidants responsible for protecting cells from damage. Cell damages are often caused by unhealthy bacteria, which is where blue spirulina comes in. [2]
Inflammation Reduction
Aside from good amounts of antioxidants present in blue spirulina, it also contains inflammatory properties. Research proved this to be true as they investigated its safety for both animal and human consumption.
Interestingly, they found that it was also capable of reducing pain. [3]
Immune System Support
Blue spirulina contains lots of micronutrients, which help the immune system retain its healthy state. Its vitamins C, B6, and E assist white blood cell production. These things are crucial to the body’s ability to fight diseases and infections.
Detoxification and Liver Support
Aside from protecting cells, Phycocyanin, a component that contains antioxidants known to be a natural detoxifier, helps the body eliminate wastes, including toxins.
A study suggests that it also facilitates the production of essential liver enzymes. These enzymes are known to be key players in further supporting the detoxification processes. [4]
Exercise Recovery and Muscle Support
Although exercising is healthy, some muscles may get damaged depending on what exercise the person is doing. However, these damages may be repaired or retained for blue spirulina.
According to the study, its antioxidant properties reduce the effect of oxidative stress and muscle damage. Thus, this blue-green alga is said to be helpful for faster and more efficient post-workout recovery and maintain the healthy state of your muscles. [5]
Potential Cancer Prevention
Like Turkey Tail Mushroom, Blue Spirulina is believed to cure cancer. However, there is a need for more investigation concerning the role of this algae in cancer prevention. However, research on its phycocyanin content (the same antioxidant component mentioned earlier) may potentially aid the health of cells with anti-cancer properties. [6]
When Should I Take Blue Spirulina?
As for scientific research, there is no general recommended time for taking blue spirulina. However, some people reported that they did not experience any adverse effects upon taking such at various times of the day.
Therefore, you may take it at any time. If you have a certain schedule preference to make you consistent, it can be better.
Which Is Better Green or Blue Spirulina?
Like Blue spirulina, the green one is also a popularly consumed supplement. However, the benefits are almost similar since they came from the same source. Nevertheless, some people argue that green is more beneficial to the body.
Such an argument may be valid, but more research must be done to make a certain conclusion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blue spirulina is a healthy extract that is safe to consume. Even though it was traditionally used for commercial products, it can now be used as a standalone supplement or mixed with your favorite meal.
FAQs
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References and Fact-Checking
- Ashaolu, T. J., Samborska, K., Lee, C. C., Tomas, M., Capanoglu, E., Tarhan, Ö., Taze, B., & Jafari, S. M. (2021). Phycocyanin, a super functional ingredient from algae; properties, purification characterization, and applications. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 193, 2320–2331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.11.064
- Dranseikienė, D., Balčiūnaitė-Murzienė, G., Karosienė, J., Morudov, D., Juodžiukynienė, N., Hudz, N., Gerbutavičienė, R. J., & Savickienė, N. (2022). Cyano-phycocyanin: Mechanisms of action on human skin and future perspectives in medicine. Plants, 11(9), 1249. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11091249
- Grover, P., Bhatnagar, A., Kumari, N., Narayan Bhatt, A., Kumar Nishad, D., & Purkayastha, J. (2021). C-phycocyanin-A novel protein from spirulina platensis- in vivo toxicity, antioxidant and immunomodulatory studies. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 28(3), 1853–1859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.12.037
- Karkos, P. D., Leong, S. C., Karkos, C. D., Sivaji, N., & Assimakopoulos, D. A. (2011). spirulinain clinical practice: Evidence-based human applications. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nen058
- Mount Sinai Health System. (n.d.). Spirulina. Mount Sinai Health System. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/spirulina
- Tajvidi, E., Nahavandizadeh, N., Pournaderi, M., Pourrashid, A. Z., Bossaghzadeh, F., & Khoshnood, Z. (2021). Study the antioxidant effects of blue-green algae spirulina extract on ROS and MDA production in human lung cancer cells. Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, 28, 101139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101139
