Spirulina and Stroke Recovery: Potential Benefits & Research

Spirulina is a popular dietary supplement and widely touted as a "superfood" because it contains a complete amino acid profile, essential fatty acids, and many important vitamins and minerals; it may enable the body to recover from stroke more quickly and completely.

Vitamins and Minerals

• A diet high in essential vitamins and minerals, including the antioxidants and B-vitamins found in spirulina, may help to enable quicker recovery from stroke.

Fatty Acids and Amino Acids

• Spirulina is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all essential amino acids, including those that are necessary for neurological function. Omega-3 essential fatty acids found in spirulina can also benefit the brain.

Animal Studies

• Animal studies have demonstrated that spirulina can reduce the severity of a stroke and help with recovery of movement. It may also prevent memory loss and cognitive problems.

An Ounce of Prevention

• Spirulina can decrease the chance of a second stroke by encouraging the health of heart and blood vessels.

Unknown Factors

• Clinical trials have not yet fully documented the effect of spirulina on human stroke patients, although preliminary evidence is promising. Spirulina has no known side effects or interactions.