The fall season is upon us, which means winter is just around the corner.  The weather is slowly changing and snow will eventually hit the ground and render our outdoors a white winter wonderland!  It also brings the winter bugs, cold and flu season.  In order to survive the downfall of winter, let’s take a deeper look at how Spirulina can become your # 1 ally to fight these nasty viruses.

According to research, spirulina has been proven to be effective in the prevention and treatment of viruses such as influenza.

Did you know Spirulina slows down the action of viruses?  It does and mainly due to the sulfur-containing polysaccharide calcium-spirulan that is extracted from Spirulina.  This polysaccharide has been shown to stop replication of several viruses like herpes, measles, mumps, influenza, and HIV-1. Preliminary test tube studies are suggesting that spirulina may be an effective supplement to help manage COVID-19, however, the research is currently very limited and clinical trials have not yet been conducted.

The sooner you start incorporating Spirulina in your daily eating habits, the better the protection against a cold.  You will also recover better and quicker!

The key to a healthy and strong immune system is a healthy and varied diet, which is usually the problem since we don't get around to eating the recommended daily allowance of 5 pieces of fruit and vegetables.

The following vitamins and minerals have an effective supportive effect on the immune system: Vit A - Vit B6 - Vit B9 - Vit B12 - Vit C - Vit D - Iron - Copper - Selenium – Zinc Lucky for us, Spirulina not only contains many of these vitamins but is also a superior source of dietary protein, about 60% highly digestible protein containing all essential amino acids.

Some key benefits:

A Nutrient Powerhouse

Spirulina includes Vitamins B1, 2, and 3, iron, magnesium, iron, and potassium.  Studies show it is one of the most nutrient-dense foods there is, giving it the Superfood status! 

Flushes out toxins (heavy metals)

Spirulina is such a powerful detoxifier, it contains proteins and peptides that are particularly good at binding to the toxins and excreting them out of the body, working their way out of your system without being absorbed into your bloodstream.

Boosts immune system J

Spirulina contains a compound called phycocyanin, an antioxidant that fights off anything that could cause damage to your cells.  This polysaccharide has been shown to stop replication of several viruses like herpes, measles, mumps, influenza, and HIV-1. Preliminary test tube studies are suggesting that spirulina may be an effective supplement to help manage COVID-19, however, the research is currently very limited and clinical trials have not yet been conducted.

Therefore, spirulina might be a great supplement to take during the cold and flu seasons to give your immunity that extra boost and that added layer of protection.

May help lower blood pressure

The antioxidant effect will also work favorably for blood pressure, by increasing the blood flow.  Spirulina increases the production of nitric oxide, a gas molecule that helps widen blood vessels enabling the blood flow and heart work less hard to keep you healthy.

May help to keep your weight healthy

Spirulina only contains 10 calories/tsp.  It also contains an amino acid called 1-phenylalanine, which has been linked to suppressing appetite.

Increases endurance for athletes

Studies show that taking Spirulina on regular basis can up athlete’s endurance.  Blood flow being part of it.

Helps fight allergies

Spirulina will help keep your eyes clear and nose from running due to pollen, grass or other environmental factors that will affect allergies.

Spirulina can help manage allergies.

Spirulina contains phycocyanin, which has been shown to reduce allergic inflammation through decreasing IgE antibodies, which are overproduced when the body senses an allergen.  An increase in IgE antibodies leads to the activation of cells that release chemicals causing an allergic reaction.

A double blind, placebo controlled study, evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of spirulina for treating patients with allergic rhinitis. Spirulina consumption significantly improved the symptoms and physical findings compared with placebo including nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion and itching. 

Therefore, if you suffer from allergies, spirulina might make it easier to manage your condition.

DID YOU KNOW… Gandalf Spirulina tests every batch it produces!

Each batch goes through a series of over 15 different tests that include microbial, heavy metal and other unique microalgae analyses. Our Spirulina is also periodically tested for microcystins and has never been found to be contaminated with them. If a batch did not pass our strict tests, it would be discarded and not offered for sale. It is also important to note that Spirulina grows in an environment with a pH of about 10, which makes it very difficult for other organisms to grow (but Spirulina does thrive!).


References :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4828654/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33412367/
Scientific Reports 6, Article number: 24253 (2016) doi: 10.1038 / srep 24253
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10197315/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18343939/
https://www.spirulinegandalf.com/fr/faq.html