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Spirulina Benefits|Spirulina Side Effects

Updated on June 10, 2011

Spirulina Nutrition

First: What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a very small - microscopic actually - blue-green alga that is in the shape of a spiral coil. It lives in both the sea and fresh watter, and is produced primarily by cyanobacteria. Have I lost you yet? Let me put it layman's terms then: Spirulina is a food supplement that is good for the human body.

Second: What are Spirulina effects?

Spirulina is basically source for RNA. What you need to know about RNA is that is essential in creating protein; protein, in turn, is what makes are body function properly. If you're lacking RNA you will feel it with a lack of energy. You know those days where you feel like you can't do anything? It may be because you have a slight RNA deficiency. A Spirulina dose may be all that is needed to fix the problem.

Third: See below for more information.

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Spirulina Effects

Let's take a more detailed look at the effects Spirulina can have on the body. Spirulina is more than 60% protein - which is the main reason why it is so RNA friendly - and, furthermore, is 95% digestible. A single Spirulina dose can be enough to give you energy for the day instead of, say, having three cups of coffee. That alone is one of the best Spirulina benefits.

When swine flu hit, doctors recommended a Spirulina does, as one of the best Spirulina benefits was a boost of the immune system.
When swine flu hit, doctors recommended a Spirulina does, as one of the best Spirulina benefits was a boost of the immune system. | Source
Like many fruits, one of the benefits of Spirulina is that it is a good source of antioxidants.
Like many fruits, one of the benefits of Spirulina is that it is a good source of antioxidants. | Source

Spirulina contains what are called antioxidants. Antioxidants have recently been studied and have found to be an invaluable aid against diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Spirulina, by being a sound source of antioxidants, is a very good balancer of the system. In a world where we consume many acidic foods such as coffee, soda and alcohol, Spirulina nutrition can balance that acid back out.

A positive side effect of this 'balancing' is that a Spirulina diet can boost the immune system - prevent you from getting colds, flus, ect.

Summary of Spirulina Benefits:

  • High in antioxidants; high beta carotene content.
  • Protein without any of the added cholesterol.
  • Contains essential fatty acids.
  • High in Vitamin B-12.
  • Boosts the immune system; improves cardiovascular function.
  • Detoxification.
  • Provides the body energy.
  • Helps RNA deficiency.
  • Pesticide and herbicide free.
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Spirulina Side Effects

Spirulina isn't the perfect supplement however. Like the balance one of the Spirulina benefits brings, there are some balancing side effects. Too much Spirulina, like too much of anything, can lead to health problems; some people are also allergic to Spirulina which may result in some problems.

Some side effects may be:

Fever: Spirulina is high in protein - something which is one of its benefits. However if you take too much of Spirulina and hence a lot of protein your body may become overwhelmed. Heat is produced when protein is broken down; when you have too much of it a fever will occur as a way to remove some of the heat.

Digestive Problems: The Spirulina food supplement may give you digestive problems.

Rashes: If you are alergic to the Spirulina diet then you may break out in rashes. Consult your doctor.

More Side Effects:

  • If you have weak kidneys you may experience edema.
  • Two common Spirulina side effects are excessive thirst and constipation.
  • May be toxic if the water it was from was toxic.
  • People with auto-immune disease may be vulnerable to Spirulina side effects.

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The fact is there are both Spirulina benefits and Spirulina side effects. It's a balancing act, keeping your body healthy. Don't over-consume anything - or, in plainer terms, take Spirulina doses in moderation. Consult your doctor before you start on any kind of Spirulina diet.

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