What is Spirulina?
Spirulina is a hardy type of blue-green algae that grows in freshwater ponds and lakes
In food supplements, it’s most often found in powders and capsules and is a powerhouse of nutrients, including protein, calcium, B vitamins, beta-carotene, copper and iron, as well as magnesium, potassium and manganese.
Spirulina includes:
- Protein
- calcium
- B vitamins
- beta-carotene
- copper and iron
- magnesium
- potassium
- manganese
There are very few steps needed to grow and prepare Spirulina. The algae is simply grown to maturity in freshwater pools, harvested, washed and dried out before grinding into a fine powder. It needs no additives or chemicals added to it.
Did you know? It’s so nutritious that NASA and the European Space Agency have conducted studies to see if it could be used as a source of food for their astronauts on long missions!
Benefits of Spirulina
Spirulina is bursting with protein, good fats, vitamins and minerals, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium and iron to name a few.
Amazingly, it contains:
- 25 times more beta carotene than carrots.
- 58 times more iron than spinach.
- And is 60-70% protein (compared to chicken which has around 25-30%) so, it’s an incredible source of protein for supporting a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
Supports healthy joints and bones
Because it’s packed with so many beneficial nutrients, Spirulina can help boost our health in lots of ways, from supporting healthy joints and bones and empowering our immune system to giving a much-needed energy boost when we’re feeling a bit run down*
Helps prevent inflammation
Spirulina contains natural antioxidants, which help prevent our cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and can help to prevent inflammation in the body.†
Supports and strengthens the immune system
Spirulina can also support a healthy immune system, as it’s packed with immune-boosting vitamins and minerals and also contains Phycocyanin (one of the major antioxidant compounds in spirulina) which is a known immune stimulant.≈
Helps regulate feelings of hunger and fullness
It can also help us to maintain a healthy weight by reducing the sense of hunger and increasing the feeling of fullness. ±
Spirulina and gut health
Our gut microbiome is a complex system of trillions of bacteria that live in our digestive tract, and a healthy gut microbiome is essential for overall health and well-being.
Spirulina can support our optimal gut health because it contains prebiotics that feed the beneficial bacteria in our gut.
This encourages the “friendly-bacteria” to multiply and grow and can help to significantly improve the balance of our gut microbiome and promote a healthy digestive system.
A healthy gut biome also plays a key role in a healthy immune system, so spirulina can help boost our immune systems even further by increasing the production of immune cells in our gut.
There’s a huge amount of ongoing research into the vast number of potential health benefits of Spirulina which are yet to be established, but recent research has even suggested that it can be helpful for lowering “bad” cholesterol and high blood pressure.
How to easily add Spirulina to your diet
We’ve packed each serving of our Greens Complex powder with 500mg of this incredible superfood, along with 15 other nutritious ingredients so it’s easy to incorporate it into your diet.
Simply mix one teaspoon with 200 – 300ml of water, for a quick and delicious drink, giving you all the benefits Spirulina has to offer!
Top tip
Why not try adding a serving to your morning smoothie, to create a delicious & creamy blend of goodness.
This article is for information only and should not replace professional medical care.
Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements.
Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Always check the ingredients for allergens if you have any food allergies or intolerances.
* Magnesium, Iron, Vitamin B12 contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
† Spirulina is a rich source of antioxidants that help the body to protect against the consequences of oxidative stress.
≈ Spirulina assists in supporting the immune system. Phycocyanin (one of the Phyto-nutrients in Spirulina) is a powerful immune stimulant.
≈ Copper, Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12 contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
± Spirulina can help to control weight by reducing the sense of hunger / increase in the sense of satiety.
