High blood pressure? Spirulina may help you lower blood pressure!

High blood pressure? Spirulina may help you lower blood pressure!

High blood pressure ranks first in the global ranking of causes of cardiovascular death. If hypertension is left untreated, patients' lives will be shortened by an average of 20 years.

Recently, a new study published in the American "Hypertension" magazine showed that spirulina is a "super food" made from algae and can help lower blood pressure. The discovery is expected to help researchers develop new treatments for hypertension.

The scientific name of spirulina is Arthrospira platensis, which is a cyanobacteria capable of photosynthesis and is sometimes classified as "cyanobacteria".

For many years, it has been widely used in the fields of medicine and health care, and has been called "the most complete food source in the world" by celebrities such as supermodel Miranda Kerr.

C.B.N. Bio-engineering Co., Ltd

At present, its mechanism of action in the body is unclear. 

In this study, researchers from the Italian Mediterranean Neurological Institute isolated some special molecules from spirulina.

To further understand the health benefits of these molecules, the researchers simulated in laboratory the effects of digestive spirulina on isolated arteries and animals.

The study ’s first author, Dr. Albino Carrizo, said, “After we ingest this substance, the changes in the intestines are reproduced. In this way, we can isolate peptides that are absorbed by the body. . "

As a result, researchers found a short peptide, SP6, in spirulina. When SP6 enters the body, it can stimulate the body to release the signal molecule NO.

The NO molecule has an important role in the human body, it can relax blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.

Next, the researchers plan to further study to clarify the specific mechanism of action of SP6 peptide molecules.

Researchers said that SP6 may be a natural adjuvant for common drugs to help improve vascular endothelial function in patients with hypertension, thereby effectively controlling patients with hypertension. 

In fact, previous studies have also shown that Spirulina has health-promoting functions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-viral, antibacterial activities, and has positive effects on hyperlipidemia, obesity and diabetes.

However, it should be noted that although Spirulina has many benefits, it can only be used as a nutritional supplement, and must not replace medicines, otherwise it will lose more than it pays.