Spirulina or Arthrospira is a blue-green microalga that usually grows in freshwater lakes, natural springs and salt water, in subtropical and tropical areas.It became famous after it was successfully used by NASA specialists as a food supplement for astronauts on space missions.Consumed for centuries in places like Central Africa, without adverse effects, spirulina could have, according to researchers, countless benefits, including the ability to modulate the immune system, anti-inflammatory properties and even anti-allergic, antiviral or even anti-cancer effects.Although more studies are needed to confirm these findings, Microalgae can be found in food supplement stores as tablets or powder alone or in combination with other superfoods and can be consumed in shakes, various porridges or in the form of capsules.Wondering what spirulina can do for your health?Get ready for a long list."Spirulina contains beneficial fatty acids such as DHA and GLA, as well as high levels of antioxidants that can help protect the body against oxidative damage," says Nathalie Rhone, a nutritionist in New York.Blue-green algae contains countless nutrients, including calcium, niacin, potassium, magnesium, B vitamins and iron."Calcium, potassium and magnesium are essential for muscle, bone and heart health, while B vitamins are responsible for our energy," says Nathalie Rhone.Just one tablespoon of spirulina powder can provide six grams of protein, the same amount as an egg.Several studies have shown that spirulina is safe for the human body, but, experts say, the area where it is grown is important.The areas with the ideal climate for spirulina are: Greece (Nigrita, Serres), Japan, India, Spain and the USA.There have been many studies that have said that spirulina has immunomodulatory properties, inhibiting the release of histamines from mast cells.In a recent study, certain individuals were given either a placebo or spirulina daily for 12 weeks.The study showed that an increased dose of spirulina has a protective role for allergic rhinitis.Another study carried out in Turkey also showed that spirulina alleviates the symptoms of allergic rhinitis: nasal congestion, itching, sneezing and runny nose.Another group of scientists researched the influence of spirulina on the immunoglobulin IgA in human saliva, demonstrating that the microalga increases the level of this globulin, therefore, implicitly having an important role in mucosal immunity.Another study conducted in Japan investigated blood cells under the influence of spirulina and discovered a molecular mechanism of the algae that helps the immune system.There are no strong in vivo studies (experiments carried out on an organ or tissue of a living organism) that prove the antiviral properties of Spirulina.But according to the Hayashi in vitro study (experiment in a controlled environment outside a living organism), calcium spirulan (a component of spirulina) inhibits in vitro viruses such as: herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza A and immunodeficiency virus.Obviously, these promising effects should also be studied on animals and humans to draw definitive conclusions, scientists say.Nakaya, the first human study, consisted of supplementing the daily diet of 15 men with 4.2 grams of spirulina.And although no significant increase in HDL (the "good" cholesterol) was observed, the researchers found a significant decrease in LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) after 8 weeks of treatment.Another study led by Ramamoorthy and Premakumari shows that the administration of spirulina in ischemic heart disease can lead to a decrease in cholesterol, triglycerides.More studies are needed before spirulina can be medically recommended to lower cholesterol, but its role as a natural food supplement that fights hyperlipidemia (in combination with other substances) should not be overlooked.Another study led by Mani found a significant reduction in the LDL/HDL ratio in 15 diabetic patients given spirulina.Again, more complex studies are needed to demonstrate that spirulina can also have effects in diabetes.Spirulina has been promoted as the food of the future with exceptional nutrients that provide energy to the body.Certain polysaccharides in the composition (rhamnose and glycogen) plus certain essential fats are easily absorbed by human cells, helping to release energy quickly.Furthermore, spirulina increases the number of healthy latobacilli in the intestines, helping the production of vitamin B6 which also increases energy levels.If you know anything about algae products, you may have heard of chlorella.Like spirulina, chlorella is an algae powder.There are a few key differences that distinguish the two superfoods.Spirulina is a cyanobacterium (blue-green algae), while chlorella is a solid green algae that contains almost double the amount of chlorophyll.Chlorella has an indigestible cell wall, which is harder for the digestive process.Although they are similar, each type of algae offers different benefits.Spirulina is higher in protein and is excellent for energy and performance, and some research shows that it is particularly beneficial for athletes and their recovery.Chlorella is better known for its detoxification abilities, it is richer in chlorophyll, which makes it fantastic for removing metals from the body, it has vitamin B12 which stimulates immunity, thus being an especially important energy vitamin for vegans and vegetarians.When it comes to consuming spirulina, experts suggest starting slowly;its taste is described as earthy and very savory, and it may take some time to get used to it.Once familiar, the superfood can be added to drinks/smoothies.Spirulina can be added to purees or juices or as a food supplement, say nutritionists.Enter the search word and press ENTER