Spirulina

Spirulina has a high protein and vitamin content, which makes it an excellent dietary supplement for people on vegetarian or vegan diets.

Research suggestsTrusted Source that spirulina has antioxidant and inflammation-fighting properties, as well as the ability to help regulate the immune system.

This article discusses 11 potential health benefits people may get from adding spirulina to their diet.

Consuming spirulina is one way to supplement protein and vitamins in people’s diets without notable side effects.

Excellent nutritional profile

One tablespoon or 7 grams (g) of dried spirulina containsTrusted Source:

• 20 calories
• 4.02 g of protein
• 1.67 g of carbohydrate
• 0.54 g of fat
• 8 milligrams (mg) of calcium
• 2 mg of iron
• 14 mg of magnesium
• 8 mg of phosphorous
• 95 mg of potassium
• 73 mg of sodium
• 0.7 mg of vitamin C

It also contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and vitamins B-6, A, and K.

Taking spirulina, as part of a balanced diet, may help a person to stay well nourished.

 Losing weight

People can usually lose weight if they eat fewer calories than they use. It is a high-nutrient, low-calorie food that contains a lot of nutrition in a small amount of powder. Introducing this superfood to the diet may help people lose weight without losing nutrition.

The results of a 2016Trusted Source double-blind placebo-controlled trial suggest that may aid weight management. In the study, people who were overweight and regularly ate spirulina for 3 months showed improved body mass index or BMI.

Improving gut health

Spirulina can be digested easily because of its structure where the cells do not have tough, fibrous walls. But can consuming it improve gut health?

More research on humans is needed, but animal studies indicate it may support gut health as people age. A 2017 studyTrusted Source on older mice suggests that may preserve healthy gut bacteria during the aging process.

Spirulina does not contain much fiber, so it is essential to include other gut-healthful, high-fiber foods in the diet.