27 February 2024 , 16:31
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A high-protein food item that costs just 12p is being hailed by experts for its potential to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Spirulina, a type of algae believed to be one of the oldest life forms on earth, was reportedly used by the Aztecs as an endurance booster. Usually consumed as a powder mixed into water or in tablet form, it's a one-stop-shop for nutrients - boasting protein levels similar to eggs.
You can snap up supplements for a mere 12p per tablet at places like Holland and Barrett, or buy it in powder form from retailers such as Grape Tree. Spirulina is so nutrient-dense that even NASA is looking into using it as food for long-term space missions. Easy to add to your diet, spirulina is gaining popularity for its reported health benefits, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Spirulina health benefits
Spirulina is super nutritious, packed with protein, vitamins B1, B2, B3, copper and iron. It also has plenty of magnesium, potassium, manganese and small amounts of almost every other nutrient your body needs. The main benefits of including spirulina are:
- Spirulina, a type of algae, is packed with antioxidants that can help protect your body from damage. Its main ingredient, phycocyanin, fights harmful free radicals and stops the creation of molecules that cause inflammation. This gives it amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers.
- Reducing inflammation can lower your chances of getting long-term illnesses like heart disease and some types of cancer.
- Research has shown that spirulina can also lower bad fats and cholesterol in your body while increasing the good kind. This could help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Taking high doses of spirulina might lower blood pressure, which is a big risk factor for many serious diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and chronic kidney disease.
- Some tests on animals have shown that spirulina might help reduce the chance of getting cancer and shrink tumours in various cancers. But before you start taking spirulina, make sure to talk to a health professional. The algae can interact with some medications, so do your research.
Always remember to chat with your doctor first before making any big changes to your lifestyle or diet.
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