A superfood is a nutritionally dense food with very little calories — in a small serving, there is very high amounts of proteins, nutrients and micronutrients.
Spirulina fits the bill because it has almost 60 per cent proteins. The beauty with spirulina is that it is a complete protein like but with lesser amounts of some amino acids in egg. So egg is definitely a better protein with the perfect combination of everything, but spirulina is not bad at all. It is not a consistent source of B vitamins. But, if we look beyond the numbers and percentages, spirulina has a role.
There are many studies, some credible, some not so credible and some done by the companies who sell spirulina, but let's look at areas where spirulina has been effective. It has found a role in treating depression, premenstrual syndrome, anxiety, stress management, diabetes and hay fever-like conditions. It has also found a role in prevention of cancers, to enhance memory, as an add-on to cancer mediciations, etc. What has been marvelous is that in some patients, the immune system seems to get strengthened. A good immune system is very essential to well-being and spirulina seems to strengthen that.
But is it completely safe? Like all medicines, spirulina has to be cultivated, extracted and presented in a pure form and clearly like any other product, it has it's problems too. Medically, if you are taking allopathic treatment for diseases that suppress the immune system (For instance, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or a rare disease called phenylketonuria), then it is best to avoid spirulina as the interactions can get worse.
I do not believe popping a pill every day is a complete solution to all medicinal problems but natural supplements have a role. If taken for the right reasons after making sure it will not interact with your medicines or your disease condition, then it can be a safe supplement. Please remember that good food, good lifestyle and the likes are more important. Super foods are only supplements, and they should be treated that way. More on other super foods in the coming weeks ■
— drwasim@yourwellnessdoc.com