Leanne Pratt - Spirulina helps with hayfever - Health - Easymix

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Leanne Pratt - Spirulina helps with hayfever

Friday, February 17, 2012 11:52 AM

Spirulina is a blue-green algae which is a rich source of natural, plant-based iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C, and an excellent source of plant protein, with up to 70% of its dry weight being protein. The alpha-linolenic acid profile in spirulina is the highest in the plant kingdom, coming in third overall behind milk and evening primrose oil.

A study published in theJournal of Medicinal Foodindicated that ingested spirulina made a significant improvement in human patients with hayfever, also known as allergic rhinitis.

In this study, researchers measured the amount of cytokines, interferon, and other immune system signals found in the bloodstream before and after taking spirulina. Cytokines are immune system molecules which send signals to alert immune "fighters" to come to the body's aid when a pathogen is encountered.

In this study Hayfeversufferers were given either a placebo or a daily dose of either 1000 mg or 2000 mg spirulina for twelve weeks. There was no improvement for the participants taking the placebo.

There was also no notable improvement for participants taking 1000 mg spirulina daily. However, the allergy sufferers who took 2000 mg spirulina every day saw significant improvement in their allergy symptoms.