Its compounds would help improve blood circulation.
Nicknamed the “silent killer”, high blood pressure is an excessive and permanent pressure of blood on the arteries. It often evolves without symptoms, while drastically increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack. If the basic recommendations (balanced diet, less salt, physical activity) are known, science has looked at a very promising natural track. A vast recent study has precisely sought whether a super aliment could really make the difference.
The team of researchers analyzed the results of 29 rigorous clinical trials, involving more than 1,500 participants. In each experience, a group consumed the famous food in different forms and dosages daily, while another received a placebo, without knowing who took what. The method to measure the effects? Compare, after several weeks, the evolution of the two figures of blood pressure in each group, in order to determine whether the consumption of this food caused a really significant drop.
According to the results published in the journal Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, the super-food is very clearly distinguished. It is a edible algae: spirulina. She is “The most effective algae, reducing systolic blood pressure [le premier chiffre, qui mesure la pression lorsque le cœur se contracte ndlr] -5.28 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure [le second, lorsque le cœur est au repos ndlr] de -3,56 mmHg”. The analysis specifies that the profits are still “More pronounced in people with a cardiometabolic risk” or whose starting tension was high. This freshwater micro-algae owes its effectiveness to a cocktail of “Bioactive compounds such as peptides, polyphenols, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants”. It is the consumption of the whole alga that showed the most convincing results, much more than the simple extracts.
To fully benefit from its virtues, researchers advise consumption of “More than 3 g/day” spirulina “whole”over a period of “At least 12 weeks”. It is easily found in organic or specialized stores, in the form of mixing powder, tablets or capsules. This natural approach must however remain a complement and in no way replace medical advice or prescribed treatment.
