This is your last news to see this monthSubscribe to El Diario Vasco ON+ for €6.95 per month and access all the content without limitsAlready a subscriber?Log inYou have news to see this monthYou have 1 news left to see this monthSubscribe for €6.95 to El Diario Vasco ON+ and enjoy all the contentAlready a subscriber?Log inIt is a very rich protein supplement that also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.Obtained from cyanobacteria –better known as 'blue-green algae'—it is taken by more and more people who care about their health and fitness.These 10 benefits explain its good reputation.It is a powerful cocktail of nutrients.With just 20 calories, a single tablespoon of dried spirulina ensures you more than 4 grams of protein, in addition to good doses of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and vitamins of group B, C and K. Few foods equal its mix of beneficial nutrients!Helps lose weight.Several studies say so.In a 2016 study, obese people who took spirulina for 3 months reduced their body mass index (BMI).Other research indicates that the consumption of a daily tablespoon of spirulina stimulates the metabolism.Improves cholesterol levels.In a 2013 study, people who took 1 gram of spirulina daily for 3 months lowered their total cholesterol levels.Another subsequent review found that spirulina supplements reduce both total cholesterol and LDL ("bad" cholesterol) levels, and also increase HDL ("good" cholesterol).Reduces high blood pressure.Overweight and hypertensive people who took spirulina for 3 months saw their blood pressure drop significantly, a small 2016 study indicates.It's kind to the gut.As its cells do not have fibrous walls, spirulina is easy to digest.“It could even help improve gut health as we age,” concludes a 2017 animal study. Of course, experts advise taking spirulina along with other fiber-rich vegetables.Improve diabetes.Several studies have seen that spirulina supplements help reduce fasting glucose (blood sugar) levels, both in patients with type 2 diabetes and in patients with type 1 diabetes.Helps prevent heart attacks and strokes.Both hypertension and hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia increase cardiovascular risk.Since spirulina helps reduce all of these risk factors, it could be helpful in preventing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.Reduces the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.Pollen, dust, animal dander... are the cause of this type of allergy that leads to nasal inflammation.Well, well, a 2013 study found that spirulina not only relieves nasal inflammation, but also reduces histamine levels, which are responsible for tearing, itching, sneezing, nasal distillation...It has antitoxic effect.Tap water in some countries is contaminated with arsenic and various toxic metals and is the cause of many health problems.A 2016 study indicates that spirulina can counteract the toxic effect of arsenic, lead or mercury, among others.Improves mental health.The logic is as follows: 1) Spirulina is a source of tryptophan.2) Tryptophan is an essential amino acid for the production of serotonin.3) Serotonin plays an essential role in mental health.4) Taking tryptophan supplements helps maintain healthy serotonin levels and improve mental health.You can buy spirulina, both in capsules and powder, in pharmacies, parapharmacies or trusted herbalists.If you buy it in powder form, you can add it to your smoothies, purees, salads, stews, fruit salads or juices.