Spirulina is high in Chlorophyll, which has been shown to remove toxins from the blood. It can also bind with heavy metals and help to remove them from the body (source).

6. Spirulina may improve endurance and muscle performance

Oxidation is a major contributor to muscle fatigue. Spirulina has been shown to help reduce oxidation, thus helping to minimize oxidative stress that occurs during exercise. In 2 separate studies, spirulina was shown to enhance endurance and increase the time that it took for people to become fatigued, and in a third separate study spirulina was shown to increase muscle strength (source 1, 2, 3).

7. Spirulina may help prevent or treat certain cancers

I’m not a fan of bold “cancer cure” claims with no scientific research to back them, but there has been some positive and promising research on the abilities of spirulina in the fight against cancer. For example, in one study it was found that taking just one gram of spirulina daily by mouth for 12 months helped to reduce precancerous mouth sores (oral leukoplakia) in people who chewed tobacco (source). This was the first studying showing spirulina’s effects in helping to prevent/fight cancer, and hopefully the same type of findings will come from research on other cancers as well.

8. Spirulina May improve gut flora and reduce candida infections

Candida species are part of our normal microbiota (microorganisms that live in/on our bodies), and they typically live in our oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and (in women) the vagina.

While it is normal and healthy for these species to live as one with us, they are also opportunistic, which means they are able to overgrow and produce illness if given the opportunity. Spirulina may help to keep our gut flora balanced by promoting the growth of healthy bacterial flora, which in turn inhibits Candida from “taking over” and overgrowing in the gut (source).

9. Spirulina may help speed up weight loss

Eating protein-rich foods helps to maintain lean tissue and contribute to fat burning. There are numerous mechanisms at play here, but it basically costs your body more energy to breakdown muscle tissue, so when given the choice, it prefers to burn fat instead. Therefore, diets high in nutrient-dense protein-rich foods like spirulina help to make sure you’re getting enough protein to promote fat burning. Studies have also shown that spirulina may help in curbing hunger cravings as well (source).

10. spirulina can boost your energy

 Nutritional Values for spirulina

1 ounce of Spirulina contains –

• 81 Total Calories
  
• 39g of Protein 
• 1g of Dietary fiber
  
• .9g of Sugars
  

VITAMINS

• Riboflavin: 60%
• Thiamin: 44%
• Niacin: 18%
• Pantothenic Acid: 10%
• Vitamin K: 9%
• Vitamin E: 7%
• Folate: 7%
• Vitamin B6: 5%
• Vitamin C: 5%
• Vitamin A: 3%

Minerals

• Copper: 85%
• Iron: 44%
• Manganese: 27%
• Magnesium: 14%
• Sodium: 12%
• Potassium: 11%
• Zinc: 4%
• Phosphorus: 3%
• Calcium: 3%
• Selenium: 3%

Fats

• Total fat: 3% Daily Value
• Saturated fat: 4% Daily Value
  
• Omega-3 fatty acids: 230 mg
• Omega-6 fatty acids: 351 mg

(source)

While spirulina has many benefits, there are a few risks that you should be aware of…

First, there is a risk of contamination. Spirulina is a form of cyanobacterium, and some are known to produce toxins, such as microcystins. Microcystins can cause gastrointestinal problems, and in more rare instances (with long time intake), liver damage (source).

— Because spirulina comes from the sea, there is also a chance of it containing mercury or other metals if not collected from a safe area and processed properly. Some spirulina supplements have been found to contain microcystins and metals, so it is important to find a brand that you trust, and one that sources the spirulina from a safe area.

Here are a few to try:

Vital Proteins Spirulina Capsules

KIKI HEALTH Organic Premium Spirulina Tablets

Nutrex Hawaiian Spirulina Powder

— Next, spirulina should be avoided by those who have phenylketonuria, since these individuals must avoid the intake of the amino acid phenylalanine.

— There is also speculation on whether or not spirulina exacerbates auto-immune disorder symptoms, so it is especially important to talk with your doctor before adding spirulina to your diet.

This information is not intended as medical advice, and you are encouraged to consult a health care professional before incorporating spirulina into your diet.