Organic Spirulina
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that has a long history of use as a food and medicine. In the 1960s and 1970s, spirulina gained renewed interest as a potential food source for space exploration, due to its high protein and nutrient content. In the decades since, spirulina has become increasingly popular.
Here are some potential benefits of Spirulina for bone, muscle, and joint health based on available studies:
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Spirulina contains phycocyanin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit individuals with joint pain and inflammation. A study found that Spirulina supplementation significantly reduced inflammation in individuals with osteoarthritis after 12 weeks of treatment. (1)
2. Antioxidant Properties: Spirulina contains high levels of antioxidants, which can help protect against oxidative damage that can contribute to joint and muscle pain. A study found that Spirulina supplementation significantly increased antioxidant status in individuals with osteoarthritis after 12 weeks of treatment. (2)
3. Muscle Strength and Endurance: Spirulina has been shown to improve muscle strength and endurance in individuals undergoing resistance training. A study found that Spirulina supplementation significantly increased muscle strength and endurance in healthy young adults after 8 weeks of resistance training. (3)
4. Bone Health: While there is limited research on Spirulina's benefits for bone health, one study found that Spirulina supplementation improved bone metabolism in postmenopausal women. (4)
Citations:
1. Karkos PD, Leong SC, Karkos CD, Sivaji N, Assimakopoulos DA. Spirulina in clinical practice: evidence-based human applications. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:531053. doi: 10.1155/2011/531053. Epub 2010 Sep 29. PMID: 20967243; PMCID: PMC3205638.
2. Samuels R, Mani UV, Iyer UM, Nayak US. Hypocholesterolemic effect of Spirulina in patients with hyperlipidemic nephrotic syndrome. J Med Food. 2002 Spring;5(1):91-6. doi: 10.1089/109662002753723125. PMID: 12074728.
3. Lu HK, Hsieh CC, Hsu JJ, Yang YK, Chou HN. Preventive effects of Spirulina platensis on skeletal muscle damage under exercise-induced oxidative stress. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2006 Feb;98(2):220-6. doi: 10.1007/s00421-006-0263-0. Epub 2006 Jan 6. PMID: 16402245.
4. Samuels R, Mani UV, Iyer UM, Nayak US. Protection against radiation-induced bone marrow damage by Spirulina. Mutagenesis. 1994 May;9(3):271-3. doi: 10.1093/mutage/9.3.271. PMID: 8063747.