What Is Spirulina For?

what is spirulina for

When I first heard this word I thought, wow, that’s interesting! Did I hear correctly, spinach, spiraling, spiritual? No SPIRULINA! But what is it and what is spirulina for? I’m fascinated by the concept of growing this blue-green microalgae for better health.  It’s a type of cyanobacteria that is very healthy.  For those of us that are new to healthy living and having a healthy lifestyle this could seem like an unfamiliar journey. Let’s start at the beginning and get a good grounded start to what is spirulina for?

what is spirulina for?

 

Please go here to find my favorite superfood with Spirulina – Skinny Protein from YourSuper

What is Spirulina made from?

About 500 to 800 tons a year of spirulina is produced worldwide. Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in environments such as rivers, ponds and lakes. It’s usually grown in a freshwater environment and is considered a superfood. The commercially farmed spirulina grown in the US could come from large US based manufacturers such as, Nutrex or Earthrise.

Nutrex products are grown under the year round sunshine on the Hawaiian Kona Coast and is located in a BioSecure Zone that prohibits the use of pesticides and GMO’s

With over 40 years of experience and a 108-acre site in the southeast California, Earthrise® has continued to produce high quality and safe spirulina for consumers around the world.

what is spirulina for

Also found on modern algae farms in Mexico or in a much smaller scale in Africa, Thailand, Japan and Israel. Spirulina is grown naturally in mineral rich lakes in Mexico, Central Africa and East Africa. The most abundant found at Lake Texcoco In Mexico discovered by French researchers in 1960. Today it can also be found at Lake Chad in west-central Africa. According to wikipedia, an ecologically sound, nutrient-rich dietary supplement, spirulina is being investigated to address food security and malnutrition, and as a dietary support in long-term space flight or Mars missions. Its advantage for food security is that it needs less land and water than livestock to produce protein and energy.

A little side note: I learned about this in a documentary type film called the Need to Grow produced by the Food Revolution Network that you can access by clicking here. This epic film focuses on how regenerating soils will:

  • Store more water in our environment to prevent drought and flood
  • Create high-powered nutrient density in ways that can restore human health
  • Protect our drinking water and oceans from harmful chemical contaminants
  • And reverse climate change by storing huge amounts of carbon in the soil!

It’s also possible to grow spirulina at home. Check this info out here for how to grow your own spirulina.

 

what is spirulina for?

 

 

Health Benefits of Spirulina

Spirulina is loaded with a multitude of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin K, chrorophyll, zinc and magnesium.  Check out my article on the best magnesium supplement for leg cramps.

  • Detoxes Body of Heavy Metals
  • Balance Blood Pressure
  • Promote Strong Immune System
  • Support Cardiovascular Health
  • High in Nutrients especially Protein
  • Improve symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
  • Lower Cholesterol
  • Fights Diabetes
  • Boost Energy Levels
  • Helps Fight Cancer
  • Powerful Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Spirulina contains phytonutrients

Always check with your doctor before taking spirulina and please be aware it’s not recommended for patients with lupus, MS or Rheumatoid arthritis.

Check out this video with some clear facts from the doctor about the health benefits:

Important Nutritional Facts for Spirulina (per 1 teaspoon)

  • Calories 10
  • Protein: 2 grams
  • Iron: 1.7mg
  • Vitamin A as beta-carotene: 8000IU
  • Vitamin K: 22mcg
  • Chlorophyll: 30mg

Values: Dairy Free,100% Vegan, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, Dairy Free, Non-GMO, easily absorbed, contains Phycocanin, essential fatty acids, vegetarian glycogen, 9 essential and non-essential amino acids

What is Spirulina for?

How to eat Spirulina

Spirulina is available in tablets and powders. It’s often found in protein or energy drink mixes like that of Skinny Protein by YourSuper which I will be doing a review on soon. Spirulina has also been known to be found in desserts like brownies, cakes or energy balls. I’m very interested in trying some of the recipes I found online and I have compiled a list here for you to look into making:

  • Spirulina Hemp and Coconut Bliss Balls
  • Spirulina Energy Balls
  • Chocolate Spirulina Superfood Energy Bites
  • Lemon Coconut Spirulina Balls
  • Vanilla Spirulina Protein Balls
  • Coconut Walnut Spirulina Energy Bites

Store spirulina in the refrigerator and once opened be sure to consume within 3 months to maintain the best freshness.  Follow directions for other storage recommendations on the bottle, some say to store in a dry area and away from sunlight.  Spirulina has a mild bitter taste.  If it has a strong fishy, bitter or salty flavor then it is most likely grown in a poor quality environment.  It shouldn’t be consumed unless it has a mild or tasteless flavor.  It should have a mild ocean scent and very little smell.  Again do not consume if it has a strong or pungent smell.

Most people do not have any side effects of Spirulina.  According to healthline, Spirulina could worsen some autoimmune conditions.  You should avoid Spirulina if you take blood thinners or have an autoimmune condition, bleeding disorder, allergies, or PKU.  Spirulina is widely considered safe but some side effects of Spirulina could include headaches, nausea or insomnia.

Where to buy quality Spirulina

This is very important so be sure to read carefully!! I highly recommend to only buy from sources that are recommended by a professional. Never buy spirulina from unknown overseas locations as it could be contaminated with toxins. I’ve researched which products are the best quality and ones that I can safely recommend. Here is the list:

what is spirulina for?

Let’s read more about Spirulina

So what is spirulina for?  It is loaded with nutritional benefits and is a powerful plant based superfood.  It provides essential nutrients to feel improved vitality, energy and wellness. I love reading so I’ve researched some books that could help with a better understanding of spirulina. I will share them with you here from Amazon. I hope it will help along with all of my information provided above. I love discovering new products and I hope we now all know what is spirulina for?

 


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When you use the links on this page to make a purchase I may get a small commission and you may get a great bargain. It’s a win-win all around. Full disclosure. The information contained in this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a doctor.

What is Spirulina for?

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10 Comments

  1. I have heard so much about spirulina but I didn’t know that not all products are good or non-GMO. It helps a lot to know what brands are more responsible and provide a product that is free of pesticides and natural. When I go to buy spirulina I wil probably try the one from Earthrise. It’s such a superfood and I love using it in smoothies.

    1. @Yvonne it has been promoted to help improve energy level. It’s always best to have a healthy diet to also support tiredness and help improve energy. Best wishes and thanks for visiting today.

  2. That is a very interesting article, While I reading it which increase my interest to read more and more. Spirulina is more important nutrition for malnutrition and food security too. And also it comes with powder or tablets and it can mix for dessert too. Actually, very interesting your article with some buying places too. Thanks for your very interesting and more in detailed information on Spirulina algae.

  3. This was awesome, I used to drink this Spirulina drink when I worked at a health food store. I never really knew what it was TBH, I just knew it was healthy for me.

    I’ll definitely try to grow my own Spirulina, that’s a great idea I had never thought of.

  4. I was excited to read this article about what the spirulina is. As I have been using this product on and off for a few years because of it’s iron and protein content but I was not aware of the rest of the health benefit and it looks like that spirulina is a super food for sure!

    Please can I ask if it’s safe if you have an histamine intolerance, because you mentioned in the post that we shouldn’t be consuming it if have allergies?

    Also is it safe to take when trying to get pregnant or during pregnancy?

    Thank you

    1. @Habib it’s always recommended to consult your doctor. But I have read many reviews online that consuming spirulina when pregnant is safe due to its support of the nervous system. Best wishes for great health and thank you for visiting today.

  5. Great article. Thank you for linking to our site whyspirulina (dot) com . The more people who know about the many benefits of spirulina, the better in our view. Thank you for contributing to that. Have a great day.

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