Spirulina is a term used to refer to various species of microscopic, filamentous cyanobacteria. Its name comes from the spiral or helical nature of its filaments which can measure up to 0.5mm in length (1).
Cyanobacteria grow naturally in mineral-rich alkaline waters, at temperatures of 35°C-40°C. There are several thousand cyanobacteria, only some of which are edible.
Spirulina has a long history of use, dating as far back as the Aztec civilisation. It is still consumed in Mexico and Chad for its rich nutritional content.
When we talk about spirulina nowadays, it’s mostly in the context of dietary supplements (spirulina), mainly produced from Arthrospira platensis. These oxygenated photosynthetic bacteria are found across the world, in fresh an marine waters. Spirulina is also known today for its use by NASA as a dietary supplement for astronauts on space missions.
Spirulina is known for its high nutritional value, earning it the title ‘super-food’ and even ‘future food’. As a result of its rich nutrient content, it has many health benefits. Here are some of its properties.
Firstly, spirulina is an excellent dietary source of protein and essential amino acids. It has an extraordinarily high protein content for a plant source, twice that of the best vegetable source, making it an excellent choice for muscle strength and endurance.
Spirulina also contains a high level of vitamins (A, B, C, D, E, K…) and a wide range of minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese…), micronutrients which are crucial for overall health.
Its high zinc content, for example, contributes to its immunostimulant effect, while its richness in B vitamins boosts energy levels.
In addition, spirulina is notable in containing potentially immunomodulatory polysaccharides.
(perfect for feeling healthy and full of energy) and essential fatty acids (excellent for fighting inflammation and supporting brain function).
A veritable pro-immunity, anti-fatigue cocktail!
While spirulina is primarily used for the properties mentioned above, various studies have been looking at its potential benefits for the health and appearance of the hair.
There has been a recent trend towards the use of spirulina-based supplements as ‘nutricosmetics’, to improve hair vigour and beauty.
Firstly, the protein in spirulina helps create keratin, the primary component of hair. An excellent aid, then, for strengthening the hair and supporting its growth.
One of the B vitamins in spirulina is biotin, also known as vitamin B8. This ‘beauty vitamin’ helps to maintain healthy hair (2).
A lack of iron is known to be a potential factor in hair loss(3). Fortunately, as mentioned above, spirulina is an excellent natural source of iron.
Spirulina’s fatty acids help to keep the skin, and therefore the scalp, well-hydrated. They also appear to reduce inflammation and help nourish the hair follicles (4).
External stressors (pollution, UV…) lead to increases in free radical production, which damages the health of our hair. The vitamin E in spirulina helps protect hair cells against this oxidative stress.
All these various elements make spirulina (see Spirulina) an excellent aid for maintaining the health and appearance of your hair.
References
15 Days
Well,It was yesterday I started using it but I can tell the supplement is working perfect,will definitely still give best comments once I'm done using it ...
ANTHONY Oluwaseun Ugwu
15 Days
Great products, fast delivery.
Nujood ALHADDAD
25 Days
Easy and quick
Derya Iren
25 Days
Quick delivery, big choice of supplements. Good quality.
Val
28 Days
Great vitamins at a great price! I buy Bacillus subtilis which I really can’t find anywhere else which is great for intestinal health. 5 stars to Supersmart Vitamins.
Loli Vaughan
29 Days
Easy way to order. Fast delivery. Transporter FedEx was very polite and called me 1 hour before delivery.
TAJC Katja
31 Days
So far i have really liked the products. The service was fantastic. Delivery from Europe to Australia only took a few days. So good. Thank you.
BROWN Dianna
36 Days
I have been customer for over 15 years and have found their products to be the best.
Del Chandler
45 Days
Fast deliveries, trusted quality
RiikMaria
55 Days
I got what I ordered; no problems; I appreciate having been able to pay by bank transfer
STAEHLI C
72 Days
Great company to deal with. I receive their products quicker than my orders from Sydney Australia. Well done.
HARDY Chris
79 Days
Fast and easy once again.
Niels Groving
83 Days
The shipping & delivery is quite efficient to me !
LEUNG Wing Chau
84 Days
Easy to deal with, good website and excellent product
STONEHOUSE Kim
85 Days
Well from my placing order to delivery !!!
DILLON Patrick M