Spirulina is a form of algae that is a rich source of several nutrients, including protein, vitamin E, zinc and iron. In addition, it contains carotenoids, antioxidants that destroys free radicals in the body. Spirulina’s ability to boost nitric oxide levels may provide blood pressure benefits. Spirulina is available in supplement form as tablets, pills and powder. Consult your health care provider before taking any Spirulina supplements.

spirulina benefits blood pressure

Hypertension

Although hypertension usually has no symptoms, it silently damages your blood vessels, resulting in reduced nutrition and blood flow to your organs. In addition, it makes the heart tense by forcing it to pump blood through the body even harder. Hypertension can damage your organs and increase the risk of heart disease, liver damage, renal insufficiency and stroke. According to Medline Plus.com, the normal blood pressure should be 119/79 mmHg.


Lower blood pressure

Scientists at the National Autonomous University of Mexico studied the effects of Spirulina maxima on blood pressure in men and women. They assigned 4.5 grams of Spirulina to the subjects every day for six weeks. Lipids, glucose and blood pressure were measured before and after the study. Scientists reported in the November 2007 issue of "Lipids in Health and Diseases" that participants'blood pressure dropped.

nitric oxide

According to a review by researchers at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico), one of the ways Spirulina reduces blood pressure is to increase the production of nitric oxide in the body. They concluded that Spirulina could promote the synthesis of nitric oxide, a gas molecule that dilates or dilates blood vessels. According to a study published in the February 2009 issue of the Journal of Medicinal Food, this in turn improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure.

Dose and precautions

spriulina can reduce blood pressure at a dose of 4.5 grams per day for six weeks. Although spriulina is expected to lower blood pressure, further studies are needed. Because it can affect health, Spirulina may interact with certain drugs or increase their side effects, including blood pressure drugs or immunosuppressive drugs. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, if you have phenylketonuria or PKU, you should not take Spirulina because it is a rich source of phenylalanine. Although Spirulina supplements seem safe at high doses, UMMC recommends that as algae, they may be contaminated by heavy metals and toxic substances, so you should only buy a reputable Spirulina brand.