Spirulina Benefits for Men
DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
At any stage of life, men’s health is affected by several common conditions ranging from prostate problems to sexual issues to cardiovascular diseases. Spirulina contains a wide range of nutrients including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that support men’s health in many ways. The major spirulina benefits for men come from the improvement of the heart and circulation.
In this article, we’ll discuss various spirulina benefits for men that are proven over time. But before we get into the benefits of spirulina for men’s health, it’s important to know what spirulina actually is and why men should consider using it. So, let’s get started.
Table of contents
- What is spirulina?
- Why men should consider using spirulina
- Benefits of spirulina for men
- How to use spirulina
- Precautions and side effects
- Final words
What is spirulina?
Spirulina, scientifically known as Arthrospira platensis, is a blue-green alga that is considered the most popular “superfood” in the world. It belongs to the cyanobacteria or Cyanophyta family that grows in both saltwater as well as freshwater generally in colonies.
Spirulina is considered one of the greatest sources of vital nutrients which are loaded with protein, riboflavin, essential amino acids, beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, niacin, thiamine, magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), arachidonic acid, and many more that can benefit the human body and brain in many ways.
Why men should consider using spirulina
Spirulina is an excellent dietary supplement that may benefit both men as well as women of all age groups. But there are certain benefits of spirulina that hold some specific interests for men. Some of the most common spirulina benefits of men may include:
Benefits of spirulina for men
Helps lower cholesterol levels
Spirulina has the ability to prevent cholesterol plaque build-ups in the blood vessels and helps decrease cholesterol levels in the body. In this way, spirulina can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
A 2010 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology found that spirulina has anti-atherogenic effects and can benefit in preventing atherosclerosis and lowering risk factors for cardiovascular conditions.
Boosts energy and stamina
Spirulina can reduce oxidative damage and muscle fatigue caused by free radicals such as pollutants and heavy metals. Free radicals are oxygen-bearing molecules that cause chain reactions and harm human cells. Spirulina has an incredible ability to alleviate both physical as well as mental fatigue, resulting in increased energy and stamina.
In a 2016 randomized controlled trial (RCT) published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, researchers concluded that supplementation with spirulina may increase the capacity to resist physical and mental fatigue in men.
Helps enhance sexual performance
One of the most common causes of erectile dysfunctions in men is the building-ups of cholesterol plaques in the arteries that disrupt the flow of blood as well as nutrition supplies to the penis. Spirulina can improve heart function and blood circulation and thus, can help prevent the accumulation of cholesterol plaques in the blood vessels.
Spirulina can enhance blood supply to the penis and improve muscle fatigue. Besides, it contains aspartic acid, an amino acid that plays an essential role in stimulating the transformation of energy from carbohydrate molecules. Increased blood circulation and energy levels can promote and support better sexual performance.
Helps to keep blood pressure in check
Spirulina contains phycocyanin, a pigment that has significant anti-hypertensive properties. Spirulina and the phycocyanin compound it contains have been found very effective in reducing blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. With these anti-hypertensive actions, spirulina can also help prevent and alleviate various complications involved with high blood pressure such as peripheral vascular disease, stroke, heart attack, and erectile dysfunction.
A 2013 study published in Nutrition Research showed that the administration of phycocyanin found in spirulina can prevent hypertension and improve systemic blood pressure and may be useful for preventing endothelial dysfunction diseases in metabolic syndrome.
Helps prevent certain types of cancer
Spirulina is an excellent source of numerous vital micronutrients that can improve men’s immunity and prevent certain types of cancer such as prostate, colon, testicular, and pancreatic cancer. It has tetrapyrrolic compounds that show potent anti-proliferative and antioxidant actions and may help resist the proliferation of certain cancer cells.
A 2014 study published in the Annals of Hepatology showed that tetrapyrrolic compounds found in spirulina decreased the proliferation of pancreatic cancer and may be used as a chemopreventive agent in the treatment and prevention of certain types of cancers.
How to use spirulina
Spirulina is available in various forms including powder, tablets, and capsules. Oftentimes spirulina is combined with chlorella to reap the benefits of both superfoods. However, most people prefer spirulina powder for the advantages of adding it to their favorite smoothies and drinks.
Dosages of spirulina generally range from 2 grams to 6 grams per day depending on the specific health conditions and goals.
Precautions and side effects
Spirulina is generally considered safe for most adults. Due to mass production, the quality of spirulina supplements widely vary depending on the manufacturing processes. Make sure you choose only organic spirulina that doesn’t contain any chemicals, additives, gluten, or artificial colors.
Spirulina may affect immunity and blood sugar levels and therefore, people with diabetes and autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis (MS) should consult with their healthcare provider prior to using spirulina supplements.
Besides, there is not enough data available about the safety profile of spirulina on pregnant and breastfeeding women. It’s strongly recommended to consult with a licensed naturopathic medical doctor before starting spirulina particularly if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications for any underlying health conditions.
Final words
Spirulina is rich in vital micronutrients such as vitamin C, essential amino acids, omega 3s, as well as others that can benefit men’s health in many ways. Some of the most common spirulina benefits for men include boosting energy, increasing sexual performance, lowering cholesterol levels, and reducing high blood pressure. Ask your doctor to determine your best dosage of spirulina supplements.
Here you can check out Vorst’s special quality Organic Spirulina fortified with Chlorella and Matcha.
Important resources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20354344/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26888417/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23684441/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24552870/
- https://globalspira.com/men-benefits/
- https://www.bensnaturalhealth.com/blog/general-health/spirulina-benefits-for-mens-health/#f-h2-2
- https://prostate.net/spirulina-benefits-mens-sexual-health/
- https://prostate.net/5-reasons-men-should-use-spirulina/