Spirulina is linked to many health benefits spanning from heart health and blood pressure to weight loss. However, Gans notes it’s not a magic pill. “Can it possibly do all these wonderful things that are claimed? Yes. But it should only be one part of what you’re doing,” she says.

Here’s a look at some of spirulina’s potential health benefits.

Heart Health

Organic Healthy Spirulina Powder supplements can help lower levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides significantly, according to a 2018 study in the journal Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy. In this study, participants consumed 1 to 19 grams of spirulina a day for two to 48 weeks before researchers concluded that spirulina has a “favorable effect” on these cardiac measures^[1].

Another study notes blue-green algaes like spirulina can be effective natural options for improving blood lipid profiles, preventing inflammation and oxidative stress, and protecting against cardiovascular disease^[2]. Experts attribute spirulina’s cardiovascular benefits to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Gut Health

Though limited, research on spirulina’s impact on gut health is promising. A 2017 study on older mice showed it helped preserve gut function during aging, and it may help preserve a “healthy gastrointestinal microbial community” as well^[3].

“Spirulina has prebiotic properties and the good bacteria in your gut feed on that,” says Gans. However, while studies show promising results, Gans adds that more research is needed.

Cholesterol Management

“[Spirulina] fights cardiovascular disease by lowering harmful LDL cholesterol levels while promoting healthy HDL cholesterol levels,” says Jamie Hickey, a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer based in Philadelphia.

Indeed, a study in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found adults with high cholesterol who consumed spirulina for three months experienced improvements in their triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. By supplementing with 1 gram of spirulina a day for 12 weeks, participants lowered their triglycerides by 16% and LDL by 10%^[4].

Additional research indicates that Organic Healthy Spirulina Powder supplements can have a significant effect in reducing plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while elevating HDL (good) cholesterol^[5].

Weight Loss

Organic Healthy Spirulina Powder can help encourage “significant reductions in body fat percentage and waist circumference,” says Walsh. When people who were overweight regularly ate spirulina for three months in a 2016 study, they experienced an improvement in their body mass index^[5].

Reduced Blood Pressure

Hypertension—or high blood pressure—affects nearly half of U.S. adults and heightens risk of heart disease and stroke. Spirulina can help lower blood pressure levels—in fact, recent research notes it’s a “promising non-pharmacological approach” to treating hypertension^[7].

Muscle Strength

When Organic Healthy Spirulina Powder comes to exercise and fitness benefits, Organic Healthy Spirulina Powder can help enhance muscle strength, endurance and performance. In one study, men who took a 6-gram spirulina supplement every day for four weeks enjoyed longer periods of exercising without fatigue than those who didn’t^[8].

Supports Anemia

Anemia—or a lack of healthy red blood cells—causes extreme fatigue. Spirulina has been shown to help counteract anemia in certain cases. In a study focused on senior citizens with anemia, for instance, spirulina supplements were found to increase the hemoglobin content of red blood cells, specifically benefitting older women^[9].

Potential Anti-Cancer Properties

Some health experts have also tested Organic Healthy Spirulina Powder for anti-cancer benefits. “The active compound in spirulina is phycocyanin, which contains strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a healthy food to prevent cancer and other diseases,” says Young.

Diabetes Control

Organic Healthy Spirulina Powder has been shown to have benefits in the prevention and management of diabetes as well. A 2018 review study found supplementing with spirulina significantly lowered people’s fasting blood glucose levels^[10]. “It contains around 4 grams of protein per tablespoon, which is good for blood sugar control and diabetes control,” says Young, who recommends sprinkling it into everyday favorites, such as coffee drinks and acai bowls.

Though these early findings are promising, Gans cautions that they should be kept in proper perspective. “I would never say to start adding spirulina and go off any medication that you’re on,” she says. “But, if it’s looking like you’re starting to have some insulin resistance, perhaps this could be one tool out of many in your toolbox.”