You may have heard some hype aroundsea vegetableslatelyand for good reason.

These unique veggies pack all kinds of nutritious benefits that are worth noting.

The benefits of spirulina.

Kayleigh Roberts

Spirulina was originally classified as a plant but has since beenreclassified1as bacteria.

It’s packed with vitamins and minerals.

So what makes spirulina so great from a nutrition standpoint?

Heather Moday, M.D.

  • And finally,manganese4helps your body develop and function properly throughout your life.

It’s a good source of plant-based protein.

Spirulina has also been touted as an incredible source of plant-based proteinit’sbetween 55 and 70%protein.

It has antioxidant properties.

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In addition to being ridiculously nutrient-rich, spirulina also has powerful antioxidant properties.

  • Antioxidants combatoxidative stress5, which has the potential to damage our cells and even our DNA.

Spirulina’s antioxidant properties are attributable to a substance calledphycocyanin6.

  • In addition to boastingantioxidant properties7,phycocyanin8is also responsible for giving spirulina its vibrant blue-green color.

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Oxidative stress (also known as oxidative damage) can wreak havoc on fatty structures in the body.

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It can support heart health.

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5.

Promotes blood sugar balance.

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Spirulina might also help promote blood sugar balance.

  • Animal studies have shown abeneficial effect12of spirulina on blood sugar balance.

  • More research is needed to confirm these results, but the science is promising.

Helps reduce allergy symptoms.

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Spirulina’s benefits can also extend to seasonal allergy sufferers.

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7.

It might enhance muscle strength.

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Spirulina has also beenstudied16inelderly patients17for its ability toenhance endurance18and muscle strength.

Where does spirulina come from?

Generally, however, it’sgrown in man-made or natural lakes.

Once it’s collected, it’s freeze- or sun-dried.

How to get more spirulina.

Spirulina supplements can be taken as tablets or as powder.