Can spirulina lower your blood pressure? Let’s take a closer look at the nutrition behind this miracle food and how it can help.
Spirulina is often mistaken as an herb because of its nutritional benefits, but it is a cyanobacteria, which is a blue-green algae found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers. It is packed with potent health benefits.
This amazing supplement has shown many benefits in the area of reducing inflammation, detoxifying the body, heart health, liver health, and so much more.
Though high blood pressure doesn’t always exhibit symptoms, it is a serious condition, and can put you at a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
About 75 million American adults (32%) have high blood pressure, the CDC also reports.
According to the American Heart Association, a healthy blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg.
So can spirulina lower blood pressure?
Researchers from National Autonomous University of Mexico investigated the effects of spirulina on blood pressure in men and women. They gave the study paricipants 4.5g of spirulina per day for six weeks.
The researchers measured lipids, glucose and blood pressure before and after the study.
They reported in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease that the participants showed decreases in blood pressure.
Spirulina reduces blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide is a gas molecule that helps widen blood vessels, which improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure.
Spirulina is available in two main ways — powder form or pill form.
Please make sure spirulina is right for you with your health practitioner or physician before taking it.
It makes a great addition to smoothies as long as the earthy flavor is balanced with sweet fruits.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
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REFERENCES:
1. “Spirulina & Blood Pressure.” LIVESTRONG.COM. Leaf Group, 16 Oct. 2013. Web. 24 Apr. 2017.
2. “High Blood Pressure Fact Sheet.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 3. “Understanding Blood Pressure Readings.” American Heart Association. American Heart Association, n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2017.
4. “Antihyperlipemic and Antihypertensive Effects of Spirulina Maxima in an Open Sample of Mexican Population: A Preliminary Report.” Lipids in Health and Disease. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 26 Nov. 2007. Web. 24 Apr. 2017.
