spoonful of spirulina
Julie Hambleton
Julie Hambleton
April 1, 2024 ·  5 min read

Spirulina: One of the Most Nutrient-Dense Foods on the Planet

Spirulina is a blue-green alga that grows in both fresh and salt water. It has been consumed as a food source for thousands of years and is now frequently used as an ingredient in dietary supplements and other health products. If you’re looking for a way to supplement your diet, these are reasons why spirulina is a good choice for you.

Spirulina: Everything You Need To Know

Spirulina powder and tablets in the bowl
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If there ever was a food worthy of being called a superfood, it’s spirulina. It’s also known as “blue-green algae.” Spirulina comes from the spirulina plant, which can be found in both fresh and saltwater. It’s a type of cyanobacteria that can grow in various climates, including deserts and tropical areas. It has been used for thousands of years as food for humans and animals alike. (1)

Read More: Is Spirulina Safe? 5 Things You Need to Know Before Consuming This Green Supplement

We love New roots Herbal Simply Spirulina, 180 Tablets. Their Spirulina is cultivated in fully closed, contaminant-free freshwater ponds, then harvested, freshwater-rinsed, and dried for a mild, natural flavor. New Roots Herbal’s Simply Spirulina is the premium, powdered form of one the most complete sources of nutrition available. These freshwater unicellular organisms harness the sun’s energy through photosynthesis and assimilate virtually every vitamin and mineral essential for excellent health and well-being. Get your 60 day supply (180 Tablets) at The Health Shop for $49.49 while supplies last!

The Health Benefits of Spirulina

Ground spirulina and spirulina in pills over black wooden background
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Spirulina contains over 60 different natural phytochemicals, including carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin), chlorophyll (which gives it its vibrant green color), and phycocyanin (a blue pigment). It also contains many vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. Spirulina is often used by vegans and vegetarians as a source of iron and protein. (2) According to the USDA, the algea is 57% protein by weight.

It Is A Powerful Antioxidant

Fresh Juice Smoothie Made with Organic Greens, Spirulina, Protein Powders
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Spirulina powder has been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties – its ORAC score is over 24,000 (4x that of blueberries), which means it can fight free radicals in your body and prevent damage from them. Spirulina also provides the essential fatty acid GLA which helps with inflammation in the body while also providing a highly digestible form of iron which helps prevent anemia. (3) Spirulina powder is also a good source of vitamins B1 and B2, which are necessary for producing energy in the body. It’s also high in manganese and copper, which help protect against free radicals in the body.

We love New roots Herbal Simply Spirulina, 180 Tablets. Their Spirulina is cultivated in fully closed, contaminant-free freshwater ponds, then harvested, freshwater-rinsed, and dried for a mild, natural flavor. New Roots Herbal’s Simply Spirulina is the premium, powdered form of one the most complete sources of nutrition available. These freshwater unicellular organisms harness the sun’s energy through photosynthesis and assimilate virtually every vitamin and mineral essential for excellent health and well-being. Get your 60 day supply (180 Tablets) at The Health Shop for $49.49 while supplies last!

A Source of Protein and Amino Acids

Fresh spirulina powder on a spoon on a green background
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Spirulina is a complete protein containing all 9 essential amino acids. It’s also high in arginine, which supports immune function and helps with the production of nitric oxide in the body. Spirulina powder is also high in glutamine, which helps prevent muscle wasting while providing energy to your body. (4)

Read More: 10 Superfoods to Add to Your Breakfast for More Energy

For Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Management

Green smoothie with spirulina on wood background
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Spirulina has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels. It also may help lower triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL levels. Spirulina is high in phycocyanin, a potent antioxidant that can help fight against the development of cancer. It’s also shown to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. (5)

Increases Immunity and Digestion

Green smoothie with spirulina,spinach and blueberries
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Spirulina helps supports immunity and is also a great detoxifier. It contains many nutrients that help boost the immune system, including vitamin C, iron, beta-carotene, calcium, and magnesium. It has been shown to improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut. It also helps reduce gas and bloating, making it a great food for those who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition, spirulina contains probiotics that promote healthy bacteria in your digestive tract. More studies are required to determine exactly how this works and its efficacy in humans. (6)

The Bottom Line

Word SPIRULINA written on powder
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Spirulina is an incredible supplement to add to your diet. That’s just the thing though – it’s a supplement. Including spirulina in your regular diet does not mean that you no longer need to eat fruits and vegetables, avoid processed and packaged foods, and all the other markers of a healthy lifestyle. If you never exercise, make poor food choices, and don’t get proper sleep, spirulina won’t magically make up for all of that. If you want to improve your health, your first step is to look at your current habits. Before considering adding Spirulina into your routine, first look to see if you are eating enough vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and high-fiber carbohydrates. Also, make sure you drink enough water, get enough sleep, and exercise moderately for at least 20-30 minutes daily. Once you’ve done all of that, then consider supporting your health further with spirulina. All of this together, you will definitely notice the difference in your health and energy levels.

We love New Roots Herbal Simply Spirulina, 180 Tablets. Their Spirulina is cultivated in fully closed, contaminant-free freshwater ponds, then harvested, freshwater-rinsed, and dried for a mild, natural flavor. New Roots Herbal’s Simply Spirulina is the premium, powdered form of one the most complete sources of nutrition available. These freshwater unicellular organisms harness the sun’s energy through photosynthesis and assimilate virtually every vitamin and mineral essential for excellent health and well-being. Get your 60 day supply (180 Tablets) at The Health Shop for $49.49 while supplies last!

Read More: 12 Ways Pomegranate Supports Cardiovascular Health

Sources

  1. The True Value of Spirulina.” Pubmed. Silke Grosshagauer, et al. April 2020.
  2. Spirulina.” Examine.
  3. Spirul ina supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in enhancement of antioxidant capacity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials.” Pubmed. Fatemeh Naeini, et al. October 2021.
  4. USDA
  5. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of Spirulin a supplementation on plasma lipid concentrations.” Pubmed. Maria-Corina Serban, et al. August 2016.
  6. Supplementation of Diets With Spirulina Influences Immune and Gut Function in Dogs.” NCBI. Ebenezer Satyaraj, et al. May 2021.

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