What exactly is spirulina?
Spirulina is a term used to refer to various species of microscopic, filamentous cyanobacteria. Its name comes from the spiral or helical nature of its filaments which can measure up to 0.5mm in length (1).
Cyanobacteria grow naturally in mineral-rich alkaline waters, at temperatures of 35°C-40°C. There are several thousand cyanobacteria, only some of which are edible.
Spirulina has a long history of use, dating as far back as the Aztec civilisation. It is still consumed in Mexico and Chad for its rich nutritional content.
When we talk about spirulina nowadays, it’s mostly in the context of dietary supplements (spirulina), mainly produced from Arthrospira platensis. These oxygenated photosynthetic bacteria are found across the world, in fresh an marine waters. Spirulina is also known today for its use by NASA as a dietary supplement for astronauts on space missions.
What health benefits does spirulina offer?
Spirulina is known for its high nutritional value, earning it the title ‘super-food’ and even ‘future food’. As a result of its rich nutrient content, it has many health benefits. Here are some of its properties.
Exceptionally rich in protein, vitamins and minerals
Firstly, spirulina is an excellent dietary source of protein and essential amino acids. It has an extraordinarily high protein content for a plant source, twice that of the best vegetable source, making it an excellent choice for muscle strength and endurance.
Spirulina also contains a high level of vitamins (A, B, C, D, E, K…) and a wide range of minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese…), micronutrients which are crucial for overall health.
Effects on immunity and energy
Its high zinc content, for example, contributes to its immunostimulant effect, while its richness in B vitamins boosts energy levels.
In addition, spirulina is notable in containing potentially immunomodulatory polysaccharides.
(perfect for feeling healthy and full of energy) and essential fatty acids (excellent for fighting inflammation and supporting brain function).
A veritable pro-immunity, anti-fatigue cocktail!
What are the benefits of spirulina for the hair?
While spirulina is primarily used for the properties mentioned above, various studies have been looking at its potential benefits for the health and appearance of the hair.
There has been a recent trend towards the use of spirulina-based supplements as ‘nutricosmetics’, to improve hair vigour and beauty.
Protein and keratin
Firstly, the protein in spirulina helps create keratin, the primary component of hair. An excellent aid, then, for strengthening the hair and supporting its growth.
Source of the ‘beauty vitamin’
One of the B vitamins in spirulina is biotin, also known as vitamin B8. This ‘beauty vitamin’ helps to maintain healthy hair (2).
Prevents iron deficiency and hair loss
A lack of iron is known to be a potential factor in hair loss(3). Fortunately, as mentioned above, spirulina is an excellent natural source of iron.
Hydration of the scalp
Spirulina’s fatty acids help to keep the skin, and therefore the scalp, well-hydrated. They also appear to reduce inflammation and help nourish the hair follicles (4).
Spirulina for combatting oxidative stress
External stressors (pollution, UV…) lead to increases in free radical production, which damages the health of our hair. The vitamin E in spirulina helps protect hair cells against this oxidative stress.
Conclusion: spirulina and the hair
All these various elements make spirulina (see Spirulina) an excellent aid for maintaining the health and appearance of your hair.
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References
- Karkos PD, Leong SC, Karkos CD, Sivaji N, Assimakopoulos DA. Spirulina in Clinical Practice : Evidence-Based Human Applications. 2010.
- Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L. A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disord. 2017 Aug;3(3):166-169. doi: 10.1159/000462981. Epub 2017 Apr 27. PMID: 28879195; PMCID: PMC5582478.
- Park SY, Na SY, Kim JH, Cho S, Lee JH. Iron plays a certain role in patterned hair loss. J Korean Med Sci. 2013 Jun;28(6):934-8. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2013.28.6.934. Epub 2013 Jun 3. PMID: 23772161; PMCID: PMC3678013.
- Guo EL, Katta R. Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2017 Jan 31;7(1):1-10. doi: 10.5826/dpc.0701a01. PMID: 28243487; PMCID: PMC5315033.
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I’m really happy with your products, but…
I’m really happy with your products. Indeed, I’ve been a customer of SuperSmart for a long time. However, I believe that lately you’ve made a significant mistake in choosing Poste Italiane for your deliveries. Poste Italiane is now over loaded and assigns the deliveries to small local companies that have grown like mushrooms because of this business. However, the service they provide is very poor. They let you know about the delivery date just the evening before, with no time to organize yourself, many times you receive a message saying that they tried to deliver but you were not home and in reality they haven’t come at all and, when they do come, you open the door of the building ( I live on the 3rd floor) and when you get downstairs they have already left, leaving the pack inside but right behind the glass door instead of at least putting it on top or under the letterbox. This is not just a one time event but it’s their way of proceeding. It would be worth hiring a professional currier. Thanks
Olga Gladys Del Signore
1 Days
Good products
Good products, fast service
Mrs I Heinrich
7 Days
Quality products and fast shipping.
Quality products and fast shipping.
JF
9 Days
Everything is great. Keep up
Your product and service is great that's why i ordered again.
KOSMATOS Stamatios
13 Days
everything as expected
the products work and the processes to support them also
Ruggero Benedetto
14 Days
Excellent products always up to date…
Excellent products always up to date with the latest developments.
Olga Gladys Del Signore
18 Days
Great service
Great service, exceptional delivery time.
Chris
20 Days
Excellent quality of Super Smart
I’ve used Super Smart products for a long time and since the very beginning I have been absolutely keen about their punctuality in delivering but, most of all, I appreciate the quality of their products and the constant updates following the results of proven research.
Olga Gladys Del Signore
23 Days
Slow post
You have a very good range of quality products, and service is usually good. However delivery was slow due to using the national postage company. Correos. Regards David
David Walsh
23 Days
The service is extremely good
The service is extremely good. Earlier we had to wait for more than a week for the delivery. The speed has improved. Very happy with all the service.
SHERINE Mathew
24 Days
Good Quality!
I have purchased several products from Super Smart & always find the supplements very good quality.
SM
27 Days
Fast and efficient
Fast and efficient delivery. Nice products.
Jean-Michel Gaspoz
30 Days
Immediate service
Immediate service
SAMCOS S A Samcos S A
31 Days
Tres rapid a repondre
Tres rapid a repondre
augusto
39 Days
very easy to order
very easy to order, and the time for receiving it was very short.
SUHAROSCHI Ramona