Everything You Need to Know About Spirulina!

2017-09-04

One of the latest food trend among top chefs, a potential meat substitute for vegetarians, a superfood with supposedly exceptional benefits - spirulina is grabbing more and more headlines across the globe.

Features Liver Health

What Is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a blue-green algae, or more specifically a filamentous cyanobacteria. Thousands of species of cyanobacteria exist but only a few are edible. They include Arthrospira platensis, the main species used and sold as 'spirulina'. The name comes from the spiral shape of the Arthrospira cyanobacteria.

Where Does This Blue Algae Come From?

The blue algae Arthrospira platensis, known as spirulina, naturally grows in warm water lakes. First discovered in the lakes of Mexico and Chad, it now seems to be cultivated in many countries across the world.

What Is Spirulina Made Of?

Seemingly traditionally used for many years in Mexico and Chad for its potential high nutrient content, spirulina appears to have an interesting nutritional composition: protein (from 50 to 70%), carbohydrates (from 15 to 25%), minerals (from 7 to 13%), lipids (from 4 to 7%), as well as fiber (from 2 to 8%).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this micro algae could be one of the most complete foods in the world, in addition to possibly one of the main nourishment sources for the future.

What are Potential Spirulina Benefits?

Like other algae such as Chlorella and Ecklonia Cava, spirulina is considered as a superfood.

It it distinctive for its potentially high vegetable protein content with apparently strong bioavailability in the body. It also appears to help provide 8 essential amino acids: methionine, tryptophan, threonine, lysine, phenylalanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine.

Spirulina may also be a source of other molecules needed by the body to function normally, including certain minerals and vitamins. For instance, it could be known for its possibly high content in iron and beta-carotene, a vitamin A precursor.

Omega-6 fatty acids may also have been identified in spirulina's composition, as well as the two natural pigments responsible for spirulina's blue-green color: chlorophyll and phycocyanin.

Why Take Spirulina?

With its interesting nutritional composition, this micro-algae seems to offer multiple benefits. In providing proteins, amino acids, and essential minerals, it could help support already healthy function of the body as a whole.

Its beta-carotene content may also give it a potential antioxidant effect. Certain studies appear to suggest that spirulina could help support immune system function and maintain normal cholesterol and triglyceride levels.