Spirulina: The Aztec superfood!
Spirulina was a dietary staple of the Aztec people of pre-Hispanic Mexico which they harvested from the surface of Lake Texcoco. Aztec couriers and runners in ancient Tenochtitlan would eat dried spirulina cakes with corn, tortillas, beans and chillies as fuel for long journeys [1].
Spirulina is high in protein and contains a range of vitamins including B12 and provitamin A (beta-carotene), along with iron and other minerals. This Aztec superfood is high in phenolic acids, tocopherols and γ-linolenic acid [2]. Because spirulina lacks cellulose cell walls it is very easily digested [2].
In addition to its nutritional value, spirulina helps control inflammation, cholesterol and may even help prevent cancer.
The Anti-inflammatory properties of Spirulina
It is well documented that Spirulina exhibits anti-inflammatory properties [3],[4] and medical trials show that it has a strong protective effect against allergic rhinitis (hay fever and similar allergies) [5], [6],[7]. In a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Spirulina consumption significantly improved the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion and itching [8]. These studies indicate that Spirulina may help support effective function of the immune system by covering nutritional deficiencies.
Spirulina and a healthy heart
Nakaya et al. [9], gave 4.2 g day−1 of Spirulina to 15 male volunteers and observed a significant reduction of high-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol after 8 weeks of treatment. The atherogenic (artery plaque forming) effect also declined significantly [9]. Ramamoorthy and Premakumari [10] trialled Spirulina supplements in ischemic heart disease patients and found a significant reduction in blood cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol and an increase in HDL cholesterol. Finally, Mani et al. [11] in a clinical study, found a significant reduction in LDL : HDL ratio in a number of diabetic patients who were given Spirulina.
Spirulina and Cancer
It is possible that the combined antioxidant and immune modulation characteristics of Spirulina may assist in the destruction of tumours and therefore play a role in cancer prevention [12]. Trials on hamsters showed tumour regression after topical application or enteral intake of Spirulina extract [13–15]. A study conducted by Mathew et al. [16] on a cohort of 77 patients reported that 45% of their study cohort showed complete regression of leukoplakia after taking Spirulina supplements for 1 year. Whilst the results appear promising, it was an unblinded, non-randomized trial and as such cannot be regarded as evidence of a positive effect.
Disclaimer
Aztec Health is not liable for any information provided on this site with regard to recommendations regarding supplements for any health purposes. The information above is gathered from publicly available research and is displayed here for informational purposes. Details of the sources of this information are given below.
References
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