Spirulina offers 6 positive health effects, researchers feature an amazing blood pressure result

(NaturalHealth365)  Spirulina is often referred to as a “superfood” – a popular buzzword in the natural health and wellness world.  But, you might be wondering: of all the food items out there being touted as a superfood, which ones are actually legitimate?

Turns out spirulina – a type of blue-green algae that grows in both salt and fresh water – is one of them.  A study published in the peer-reviewed journal Hypertension revealed how spirulina offers a specific natural benefit to people living with hypertension.  Additionally, a comprehensive review published in Cell and Molecular Biology highlights spirulina’s impressive nutritional profile and therapeutic potential.

This blue-green algae is a rich source of complete proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, chlorophyll, and xanthophylls.  Due to these attributes, spirulina has shown promise in treating various ailments, including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neuroinflammatory conditions.

Researchers discover what spirulina can do to high blood pressure readings

Sadly, an enormous amount of people live with high blood pressure (a reading of more than 140/90 mmHg).  This condition is a main risk factor for two of the leading causes of death (heart disease and stroke) – so, understandably, a lot of research has been done to find the best ways to control it.

Recently, a team of researchers published their study’s results, which investigated spirulina’s impact on high blood pressure.

A blue-green algae, spirulina is considered a cyanobacteria; it contains nutraceutical and bioactive compounds that have been an important part of alternative and holistic medicine for centuries, dating to as early as ancient Africa and the Aztecs (clearly, our ancestors were on to something).

In this study, the researchers used peptides to create a spirulina in its digested form (a simulation of what naturally happens in the human body once the substance is ingested).  Then, they tested this digested supplement on arteries.

Can you guess what happened to the arteries?

The spirulina was able to relax the arterial walls by stimulating a process mediated by nitric oxide.

The medical community already knows that nitric oxide plays an important role in managing blood pressure.  The more easily blood vessel walls can relax, the less likely blood pressure is to spike.

Importantly, people with high blood pressure often have a disruption in the metabolic processes mediated by nitric oxide, which normally helps relax arterial walls.

The researchers even extracted and identified the specific bioactive compound of spirulina that contributed to this arterial relaxation: a peptide called SP6.  As the authors put it: “SP6 interacts with an important signaling pathway known as PI3K/AKT.  This interaction leads to the release of [nitric oxide] and, consequently, a drop in blood pressure.”

Their findings support previous research, including a 2007 study published in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease.

But wait, there’s more: Here are 5 other amazing benefits of spirulina

Whether you do or don’t have high blood pressure, adding spirulina to your diet can boost your health in a wide number of ways.

1. Lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
2. Reduces high blood sugar.
3. Has a powerful antioxidant effect to fight damaging free radicals and protect against diseases.
4. Has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
5. Offers a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, including amino acids, vitamin B, copper, iron, and omega-3.  Gram for gram, it’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world.

Spirulina is usually taken in pill or powdered form.  For a typical amount, aim for 1 to 3 grams daily, and you’ll be amazed at what this little superfood can do for your health.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
MedicalNewsToday.com
Healthline.com
AHAjournals.org
NIH.gov

The post Spirulina offers 6 positive health effects, researchers feature an amazing blood pressure result appeared first on NaturalHealth365.

Visit Natural Health 365 Here /

Source: https://www.naturalhealth365.com/spirulina-offers-6-positive-health-effects.html