You probably know it from its blue-green hue. Spirulina is a cyanobacterium that’s been cultivated to be a superfood, rich in vitamins and minerals. It was once believed to be a magical source of nutrition for the Aztecs, who called it “little green worm” or “blue algae” – we now call that superfood spirulina. Today, it’s hailed as one of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth and has been added to everything from smoothies to chocolate bars.
Is there anything this little blue-green superfood cannot do? Not! Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of spirulina for the skin and learn why you should include it in your diet if you haven’t already done so.
Why Is Spirulina Good for Your Skin?
You probably know that the skin is the largest organ in the human body, but what you might not know is that the skin is also an organ that is very much affected by the foods we eat. Sadly, many foods are bad for your skin, but many foods are good for it, like spirulina. This blue-green alga is rich in antioxidants and minerals that protect the skin from free radical damage and promote a healthy glow.
What foods are good for your skin? Eating a well-balanced diet is one of the best things you can do for your skin, as it’s the largest organ of the body. Many foods are good for your skin. Here are just a few examples.
combating skin conditions
When it comes to skin conditions, dietary changes can make all the difference. While there’s no evidence that spirulina can cure psoriasis or eczema, there is plenty of evidence that it can help prevent these conditions from appearing. Spirulina’s high concentration of beta-carotene, vitamin E and zinc has led experts to recommend it as a dietary supplement for people with existing skin conditions.
Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin condition, marked by patches of red, flaky and sometimes itchy skin, often on the elbows, knees, and scalp. There is no known cure for psoriasis, but studies suggest that certain dietary changes may help manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from flaring up in the first place.
What foods should you eat? Experts recommend that patients with psoriasis increase their intake of vitamin E, beta-carotene, and zinc.
Spirulina and UV damage
UV rays are bad news for our skin. But thanks to spirulina’s large content of antioxidants, it may help prevent the UV damage that we all know can lead to premature aging and wrinkles. A study found that a daily dose of spirulina significantly reduced the levels of DNA damage caused by UV rays by as much as 50%. Additionally, spirulina may also help to reverse the wrinkles that UV damage may have already caused to your skin.
A recent study discovered that topical application of spirulina extract can dramatically reduce the appearance of wrinkles, leading researchers to believe that the blue-green superfood could be a new treatment for wrinkles.
Dark spot erasing benefit of spirulina
Spirulina’s benefits don’t end with UV damage prevention or wrinkle reduction. A recent scientific study has shown that the blue-green superfood can also reduce the appearance of dark spots. More than just a blemish-reducing dietary source, spirulina is also packed with vitamin C, which is a crucial dietary source for collagen production.
Collagen is the “glue” that holds your skin together. Thus, if your body doesn’t produce enough collagen, your skin loses its elasticity and you end up with wrinkles and saggy skin. Thanks to its large content of vitamin C, spirulina may help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and heal fragile, dry skin.
Benefits for dry skin
If you’re worried that consuming spirulina will dry out your skin, you can rest easy. This blue-green superfood is full of fatty acids that are great for dry skin and hair. A daily dose of spirulina can help to improve the health of your hair and skin, leaving you with a healthy, glowing complexion.
Spirulina is particularly good for oily and acne-prone skin types, thanks to its high content of B vitamins. B vitamins are essential for good skin health, helping your body to produce healthy new cells. They can also help to reduce the appearance of acne scarring, giving you the perfect skin you’ve always wanted.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many reasons why spirulina is good for your skin. This blue-green superfood is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that will help to protect your skin from damage caused by UV rays and environmental toxins. In addition to being a source of many nutrients that are great for your skin, spirulina can also help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, while improving the health of your hair and skin. With so many benefits and no side effects, there’s no reason not to add spirulina to your diet.
