Hawaiian Spirulina Benefits
Hawaiian spirulina, also known as spirulina pacifica, is a specially bred strain of edible algae. This substance is cultivated in shallow, open ponds adjacent to the Pacific Ocean which contain a mixture of fresh and seawater. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, consumption of spirulina can be an excellent way to obtain your adequate daily amount of essential vitamins and minerals. Due to the high concentrations of vitamins and minerals, many health benefits can result from consumption of Hawaiian spirulina.
Antioxidant Benefits
Hawaiian spirulina contains a high concentration of antioxidants which are critical to protect the body against cell damage. Spirulina contains high concentrations of the antioxidants beta carotene, zeaxanthin, echinenone, myxoxanthophyll and beta cryptoxanthin. A study published in the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research confirms the presence of antioxidants in microalgae such as spirulina as well as the anti-cancer and anti-aging effects associated with these antioxidants.
Cholesterol Benefits
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The consumption of Hawaiian spirulina can also promote cholesterol lowering properties due to the presence of beta carotene. A study performed at Taipei Medical University in Taiwan revealed that the subjects exposed to beta carotene received suppressed cholesterol oxidation and yielded lower blood cholesterol levels than subjects who were not exposed to beta carotene.
Anti Cancer Benefits
Hawaiian spirulina also contains a great concentration of an essential fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid. Consumption of gamma linolenic acid can offer prevention against some forms of cancer. A study perfomed by the Department of Urology at St. Mary's Hospital in Portsmouth, United Kingdom revealed that presence of gamma linolenic acid had cytotoxic effects on transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.
Anemia Benefits
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According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, spirulina contains a high concentration of iron. Anemia, which is defined as low concentration of iron in the blood, is the most common form of iron deficiency which is characterized by weakness and fatigue. Consumption of spirulina can boost levels of iron in your body and improved the weakness and fatigue that accompany this disorder.
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References
- Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research: Antioxidant activity of the microalga Spirulina maxima
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Spirulina
- PubMed.gov: beta-Carotene and canthaxanthin alter the pro-oxidation and antioxidation balance in rats fed a high-cholesterol and high-fat diet
- PubMed.gov: Intravesical meglumine gamma-linolenic acid in superficial bladder cancer: an efficacy study
Writer Bio
Robert Shifko has more than 17 years' experience in the health care industry. Throughout his career, he has gained experience in pharmacologic research, clinical nuclear medicine, and most recently radiation health physics. He has obtained several certifications in nuclear medicine, epidemiology, biostatistics and as a medical radiation safety officer. He has always supported LIVESTRONG.