Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is accelerating. There is no vaccine and definitive treatment; therefore, many experts recommend following the protection measures and strengthening the immune system. Well, how? Some studies point out some medicines such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), chloroquine or favipiravir, and some natural treatment methods. Spirulina, which is a type of seaweed, is the most mentioned natural method for prevention and treatment. It is suggested that it prevents many viral diseases such as SARS, hepatitis C and ebola. Studies show that it protects against RNA virus group including the coronavirus. You should consult your doctor before taking the supplement, which is extremely easy to digest with very few side-effects.
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Can Spirulina protect from coronavirus?
There are ongoing studies to find the treatment of COVID-19 (coronavirus), which has turned into a pandemic. However, there is no definitive treatment or vaccine. Therefore, it is critical to avoid the virus and strengthen the immune system as the coronavirus can be fatal for thoses with weak immune system. Spirulina, which is a natural supplement strengthening the immune system, has also been mentioned much.
Spirulina (Artospira) is a type of seaweed. However, it is different from usual seaweed. Besides its antioxidant effect, it has many benefits to the body such as lowering high blood pressure, balancing blood sugar level, regulating bowel movements, helping excrete toxic substances from the body. It is considered one of most nutrient-rich foods in the world.
The link between Spirulina and coronavirus
In the latest study published in Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases journal, spirulina may be very useful in fighting RNA viruses and it may also positively contribute to the treatment process. RNA viruses are a group of viruses with a genetic material of RNA (ribonucleic acid) and cause serious diseases such as SARS, sniffles, flu, hepatitis C, ebola, polio or measles. The coronavirus is also a virus that belongs to the group. (1)
Can Spirulina be used for coronavirus treatment?
In the above-mentioned study, fikocyanobilin (PCB), one of the components of spirulina, is reported to prevent RNA viruses function through their basic mechanism to proliferate in the human body. Experts also state that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of spirulina has been confirmed. (2)
Therefore, taking spirulina supplements enriched in fixocyanobiline can be both protective and therapeutic in the coronavirus outbreak.
Benefits of spirulina to the immune system
Spirulina is blue-green algae rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and antioxidants which may help protect cells from damage. It also contains various nutrients, such as vitamins E and B, beta-carotene, zinc, manganese, copper, iron, selenium, and gamma linolenic acid (essential fatty acid).
In many laboratory and animal experiments, it was also confirmed that spirulina strengthened the immune system, prevented allergic reactions and had anti-cancer effect, as well as its antiviral characteristics. The antibodies contained in Spirulina increase the production of proteins and cells the body needs while fighting infection. However, further studies are required. (3)
Health benefits of spirulina
As it is highly nutritious, the benefits of the seaweed successfully used by the NASA as a nutritional suppelement for astronauts on a space mission can be listed as follows: (4)
- Strengthens the immune system
- Highly protective against viral disease
- Rich in vitamins and protein
- Help lose weigth via balanced diet
- Supports gut health protecting bacteria
- Controls diabetes lowering fasting blood sugar
- Increases HDL level and lowers LDL
- Lowers blood pressure in overweight people and those with hypertension
- Helps prevent heart diseases
- Boosts metabolism
- Alleviates symptoms of allergy
- Effective for chemical intoxication with its antitoxic characteristic.
- Supports mental health
