The Health Benefits of Spirulina

by Aviva Natural Health Solutions March 19, 2007

Bonnie Conrad

Spirulina has often been referred to as a superfood, one of those rare nutrients that is able to provide a great many health benefits. In fact many indigenous peoples from around the world have long known about the health benefits of spirulina, and modern medicine is beginning to understand its value as well.

One of the things that makes spirulina so valuable is the fact that it is one of the richest sources of vitamins, minerals and amino acids available anywhere, and one of the most nutrient dense of all foods. Spirulina is thought to have number of important health benefits, including the ability to boost the immune system, the ability to lower levels of bad cholesterol and lower overall cholesterol level, the ability to boost the function of the cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal system and the ability to provide a natural cleansing by ridding the body of toxins.

Spirulina is also one of the richest sources of antioxidants, nutrients which are known to have a great many health benefits for young and old alike. In addition, spirulina is high in protein, important for vegetarians and vegans. This superfood also contains high concentrations of vitamin B12, beta carotene and iron, as well as high concentrations of valuable compounds known as phytonutrients. It is these phytonutrients that are thought to play an important role in the prevention of heart disease and other chronic health problems.

Spirulina is also a rich source of the natural antioxidants known as carotenoids, compounds which are vital to promoting the health of the cellular system. Spirulina is also known as a rich source of chlorophyll, which is a very good detoxifying agent. For this reason, many people use spirulina to cleanse and detoxify the body and help to rectify the damage done by pollution and other contaminants in the environment. With all these advantages it is no wonder that the modern world is finally learning about this naturally healing food.