1. Solution to Malnutrition 解决营养不良问题
Spirulina is a nutrient-dense food because spirulina consists almost every vitamin and mineral that we need which aid us to stay well-nourished. Moreover, spirulina is high in protein content where there are 57g of protein per 100g of spirulina, and it consists of all 8 essential amino acid that our body does not synthesis. Also, spirulina is a good source of Thiamine (vitamin B1), Riboflavin (vitamin B2), copper, iron, calcium and more. Therefore, spirulina is an effective supplement for treatment against malnutrition
2. Natural Anti-Viral agent 天然抗病毒剂
Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated and proven the anti-viral effect exhibit by spirulina. It is proposed that spirulina achieves this effect either via inhibit virus replication or protect our cell from virus invasion. For instance, an in vitro study at 1998 show that HIV-1 replication in human T-cells can be inhibited by an aqueous extract from Spirulina platensis. A more recent study in 2001 also found that sulphated homo-polysaccharides extract from cyanobacteria seems to be responsible for the inhibition of reverse transcriptase which can aid in preventing the virus from multiplying. Hence, the ability for spirulina to carry out antiretroviral activity and inhibiting virus from replicating thus reported exhibiting anti-viral effect.
3. Anti-oxidant effect
Studies show spirulina exhibit anti-oxidant effect by its ability in:
I. Activates cellular antioxidant enzymes Increases activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase which are enzyme that responsible to break down Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). This aid in reduce ROS in body and therefore protect organ from oxidative stress, DNA from damage and cell signalling or protein from alternation.
II. Scavenges free radicals Free radicals can be made during normal metabolism, it is an unstable molecule which will bring damage to the body cell and result in oxidative stress. One common process that free radicals can induce is lipid peroxidation. So by removing free radicals, lipid peroxidation can be inhibited which in turn prevent generation of ROS.
4. Anti-inflammatory effect
Phycocyanin, an active component found in spirulina is responsible for the anti-inflammatory property of spirulina. It is reported that phycocyanin is able to inhibit the production of inflammatory signalling molecules and hence achieve anti-inflammatory effect.
5. Lower LDL and Triglyceride Levels
Several in vivo studies had proven the ability for spirulina to lower LDL, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, where participants who take in 8g of spirulina daily for 12 weeks show a significant reduction in serum total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride. This research making spirulina a promising agent for controlling hypercholesterolemia and reduce risk of cardiovascular.
6. Aid in managing diabetes
Study investigating the effect of spirulina supplement on type II diabetes patients shown that patients who take in spirulina show significant decrease in fasting blood glucose level. Another similar study which taking mice with type I diabetes as the subject also show that spirulina can help lower blood sugar and improve insulin level of mice. Therefore, spirulina is believed to be a promising supplement that can aid in managing diabetes.
7. Reducing allergy symptoms
Report shows that protein in spirulina can help reduce the release of histamine from mast cells. Histamine is a nitrogenous compound that responsible to trigger allergy symptoms. Hence, by reducing the release of histamine aid to relieve allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, itching and sneezing.