Spirulina is a blue-green alga popular for its medicinal properties ever since the 1600s.
It’s abundant in nutrients, including amino acids like gamma-linoleic acid, phycocyanins, chlorophyll, vitamins A, B1, B12, B3, B2, B6, and E, iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, and selenium.
Thanks to its rich content, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, spirulina offers the following health benefits.
Health Benefits of Spirulina
- Reduces blood pressure
- Protects against oxidative damage
- Reduces LDL cholesterol
- Lowers triglycerides
- Alleviates allergy symptoms
- Improves the immune system
- Treats anemia
- Improves muscle strength and endurance
- Helps control blood glucose levels
- Eliminates Candida
Here, we are focusing on spirulina’s effect on blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, and related complications.
Spirulina and Blood Sugar
A 12-week Korean study involving 37 people with type 2 diabetes investigated the effects of spirulina on their health. Researchers gave 8g of spirulina a day to some participants, making sure they don’t make any other change in their regular diet.
The results showed a reduction in blood pressure and serum triglyceride levels and no change in their body mass index.
What’s more, spirulina subjects had reduced levels of plasma malondialdehyde – biomarkers for oxidative stress. They noted an increase in plasma adiponectin levels which are linked to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced risk of a heart attack.
Furthermore, spirulina proved to be more effective in participants with lipid digestion (dyslipidemia). This condition leads to high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Overall, the study shows spirulina supplementation can help the treatment of diabetes, and prevent further complications.
The blood-glucose-lowering effects of spirulina have proven to be effective in animals as well. In some cases, it was as effective as Metformin and similar drugs.
Another human study showed that taking 2g of spirulina a day for 2 months can reduce blood glucose levels.
What’s more, it also reduced HbA1c by 1 percent. Still, researchers need more studies to prove these results.
Considerations
Consult a healthcare provider to determine the possible drug interactions, side effects, and optimal dosage of spirulina supplements.
Also, be sure to use a high-quality brand since some products could contain high levels of heavy metals. Last but not least, do not replace the prescribed medication with spirulina.
