While eating alga may not sound very appetizing, this funky, oxygenic photosynthetic bacterium has some pretty incredible health benefits that you do not want to miss out on.
Included in Protea Nutrition’s Vibrant+, spirulina is a blue green alga that is immune modulating, meaning it can help lower or boost immune response based off what the body is needing. It is also anti-inflammatory and has the ability to inhibit the release of histamine greatly helping to reduce inflammation in the body.*
Spirulina is extremely nutrient dense comprised of 60-70% protein and all eight essential amino acids making it a complete protein source. A single tablespoon of spirulina contains 4 grams of protein. Known as the “food of the future”, Spirulina is not a new superfood, and its’ uses date back over 3 billion years! History shows that spiruluna was used by ancient Aztecs and then again by NASA and the astronauts (2). As stated previously, spirulina contains all essential fatty acids, and it also containing high levels of GLA, known as gamma linilenic acid which is a hormone precursor that is important for healthy heart function. It also happens to be loaded with micronutrients including B vitamins, iron, vitamin A, and copper. It is no wonder why spirulina used by the Astronauts!*
Spirulina has been shown to have a positive impact on Anemia which is a condition that affects the bodies ability to carry adequate oxygen to the body’s tissues due to lack of healthy red blood cells. Anemia can range from mild to severe and people over the age of 65 are at increased risk. Amemia can also affect women during the age of menstruation, pregnancy, or with certain health conditions.
A study done in 2011 looks promising in regards to spirulina possibility being able to ameliorate anemia in senior citizens. This study done in 2011 (3) involved 40 volunteers of 50 years or older that had no major chronic diseases. The participants were to supplement with spirulina for 12 weeks and we given comprehensive dietary questionnaires and blood tests. According to the study, “Over the 12-week study period, there was a steady increase in average values of mean corpuscular hemoglobin in subjects of both sexes. In addition, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration also increased in male participants. Older women appeared to benefit more rapidly from Spirulina supplements. Similarly, the majority of subjects manifested increased IDO activity and white blood cell count at 6 and 12 weeks of Spirulina supplementation. Spirulina may ameliorate anemia and immunosenescence in older subjects. We encourage large human studies to determine whether this safe supplement could prove beneficial in randomized clinical trials.” This shows to be very promising for the future!*
Protea Nutrition Vibrant+ is the perfect supplement if you are looking to improve immune function and increase essential amino acids, especially during the winter months.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
