Super spirulina
The word “superfood” is thrown around so much that when you read it in mainstream media, it kind of lacks credibility. However, there are a few special foods that have genuinely earned this title, and spirulina is one of them. In fact, spirulina has even been dubbed the most nutritious food known.
Spirulina is a edible blue-green algae that boasts a super impressive nutritional profile. Before I start rattling off all of it’s stats, I just want to say that I have personally experienced the wonderful benefits of taking spirulina. I add it to my green juices and smoothies, and I can really feel the difference in my body. When I take it daily, I have more energy, my thinking in clearer and I seem to adopt a better mood.
Six reasons to take spirulina daily
1. It’s probably the best source of vegan protein. Spirulina is about 60% complete protein. Compare this to beef or chicken, which have approximately 25% protein each. ‘Complete’ protein means that it contains all eight of the essential amino acids that our bodies require to thrive. It has 10 other non-essential amino acids that play important supporting roles in good health.
2. Spirulina is rich in essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6 & 9). Especially omega 3, which plays a key role in preventing heart disease, lowering bad cholesterol, reducing the severity of arthritis, osteoporosis, depression and diabetes and much more. Fish is often touted for its omega content, but what is overlooked is the fact that fish get their omegas from algae such as spirulina.
3. Spirulina is the highest known source of vitamin B12. It has approximately 3 mcg for every gram. Vitamin B12 is essential for the metabolism of every cell of the body, the production of red blood cells and the development of healthy nerve tissue.
4. It’s the highest known source of beta-carotene. Beta- carotene is a powerful antioxidant that our bodies convert into vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucous membranes, skin and eyes. High doses of vitamin A are toxic, but there is no known toxicity associated with beta-carotene when taken in whole food form.
5. Spirulina provides minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, chromium, and potassium. It is enriched with important phytonutrients such as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), chlorophyll, c-phycocyanin and other carotenoids including the powerful antioxidant zeaxanthin.
6. It’s easily absorbed by our bodies. Spirulina is a microscopic form of life that does not have the tough cell walls that are normally found in plant life. This means that it is extremely easy to digest, making all of its nutritional compounds highly absorbable into the body.
WIN A BOTTLE OF SPIRULINA!! (Competition closed)
My friends from Hawaiian Pacifica Spirulina are giving away 12 bottles of spirulina plus a copy of the book Nature’s Superfood to 12 lucky readers. If you win, you can choose from either the 100g bottle of powder or 250 tablets.
For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the question below in the comments section of this post. Winners will be announced in next Thursday’s newsletter, so make sure you’re on the list!
Question: What is a fun and interesting fact about spirulina? (One that isn’t listed above). Hint: If you don’t know, consult Google.
Positive affirmation for the day: Today I will be conscious that there are something things I cannot change, therefore I will change my perception.
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POSTED IN: blue-green algae, essential fatty acids, Hawaiian Pacifica Spirulina, omega 3, protein, spirulina, superfood, vegan, vegetarian
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Spirulina has an alleged protective effect on the heart and brain, with some claiming its beneficial effects in depression.
Spirulina has been known to help people combat seasonal allergies (it works for me) and gives your smoothies a killer green color!
Hi Jess, great post. I’m so keen to try this brand. I love Spirulina.
Here’s another fact:
Unlike meat and dairy protein,Spirulina is low-fat, low-calorie, and extremely low in cholesterol. Also the amino acid phenylalanine,which is found in Spirulina, is said to suppress the appetite by acting on the appetite centre of the brain.
Hi Wellness Warrior. I take spirulina tablets. Is there a difference in the tablet form and the powder form? If so which one is better and why?
Hi Zoran, the powder form is best as it is the most easily assimilated by the body. It will also be free of any binders and fillers. I used to take the tablets because I didn’t like the taste of the powder, but then I tried the Hawaiian Pacifica stuff and it is the best tasting one I’ve tried. It’s actually really nice in my green juices and smoothies. Taking tablets is better than taking no spirulina, but the powder is best.
1/The name spirulina is derived from the Latin word for “helix” or “spiral”; denoting the physical configuration of the organism.
2/ Spirulina is not a sea plant! It survives in fresh water ponds.
Spirulina has 10 times more beta-carotene than carrots.
Great post Jess, very informative! I am sold!; I am going to start including this in my diet each day.
Spirulina appears primarily green, but it also contains a rare blue pigment that is unique to Spirulina. This rare blue pigment is called Phycocyanin and it is a super-antioxidant and immune system stimulant.
Studies have shown that when spirulina is fed to marine yellowtail fish or added to their daily diet, they show a significant gain in survival. So it’s even a probiotic for your pets at home.
Hello Jess,
Kids bandaids…good or bad?
I’m not too sure. I don’t think the adhesive is very good though?
Can you take Spiaulina with Gerson Therapy?
Hi Betsy, yes I’m pretty sure it’s included in the Therapy. My Gerson doctor said I’m allowed to take it, and my mum does as well.
Spirulina was a food source for the Aztecs and other Mesoamericans until the 16th century. The Aztecs called it Tecuitlatl.
This looks like something I should give a try – I decided to become a vegan 9 days ago and I’m going strong! However, being known as the pizza whisperer, you can imagine how difficult this is for me. haha!
Spirulina may help ADHD by removing aluminum, carbon tetrachloride, and other toxins from the body!
Due to its amazing properties and being a fortifying food, Spirulina has revolutionised emergency feeding in humanitarian emergencies. It can be eaten directly from the packet, doesn’t require refrigeration or mixing with scarce clean water, can be stored for years and can be absorbed by extremely ill children. In 1974 the UN World Food Conference declared Spirulina ‘the best food for the future’ and its role as a potent tool to eradicate malnutrition is well recognised.
Spirulina assists in normalising and balancing blood sugar levels in the bloodstream which, in turn minimises hunger pangs and cravings. It also stimulates metabolism and has been found to help increase energy and athletic performance.*
…Hope that helps! 
*Source: http://www.all4women.co.nz
…Forgot to include a fun/quirky/interesting fact about spirulina in that last one!
But then found this:
More recently, there has been new interest concerning the therapeutic effects of Spirulina as a “probiotic” or booster for the immune response system in animals and fish.
Top post as always! Now for the facts (thanks Google!):
Spirulina has apparently been used with great results in third world nations where people aren’t having their nutritional needs met through their diet. It is also supposed to be quite beneficial to people who have HIV (there is some evidence that it can inhibit the replication of HIV in patient’s T-cells).
SpirulinA everyday with my carrot juice
Spirulina has a rare essential fatty acid that is a key to health. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) found in mother’s milk helps develop healthy babies. Studies show nutritional deficiencies can block GLA production in your body, so a good dietary source of GLA can be important. Spirulina is the only other whole food with GLA.
xxx
Spirulina is a great fish food (it’s great for us too)!!
It has 58 more times iron than spinach – helloooo popeye!
Spirulina is not a sea plant! It survives in fresh water ponds and the Japanese both produce and consume more spirulina than anyone else. Some researchers claim that Spirulina is useful in helping diabetics control their food cravings and decrease their insulin intake.
Cheers!
Amanda
.
Fact:Spirulina stops me becoming a rashy and sneezing mess during hayfever season!
I love you spirulina!
The Japanese both produce and consume more spirulina than anyone else. Some researchers claim that Spirulina is useful in helping diabetics control their food cravings and decrease their insulin intake.
Pick me !!
So, do we need to be concerned about the effects of the radiation exposure in Japan on the spirulina that we buy?
Hi Pam,
In response to your question re: Radiation exposure.
There is a misconception that Spirulina and Chlorella are ocean-grown algae, when in fact they are fresh-water microalgae grown in envrionmentally controlled ponds on land. The waters used in the Hawaiian Spirulina growing ponds are pure, Hawaiian pure aquifer (potable drinking water) and Deep-Ocean Water taken from 2000 ft below the surface off Kona, Hawaii where the Global Conveyor Belt exists – this water is over 2500 years old, is tested rigorously for any contaminates and is 100% free from radioactivity. The purpose of the Deep Ocean Water is to add a vast array of minerals to the Hawaiian growing ponds, which the Spirulina absorbs and converts through photosynthesis to organic minerals and trace minerals that benefit our health.
In fact, Spirulina was used to great effect in Russia to treat the children made ill by radiation sickness from the Chernoble disaster and was so effective in reducing the levels of radioactivity in these kids that the Russian government made Spirulina a medicine for this purpose.
I hope this helps, but if you would like any further information please don’t hesitate to contact us directly or through our website – http://www.hawaiianspirulina.com
Spirulina has been around for literally billions of years. They are some of the earliest and simplest life forms on the planet.
Fact: Ordering Spirilina from “Hawaiian Pacifica” is far easier than free diving to the bottom of the ocean to harvest it yourself. Also, the Iodine componant helps me to balance my thryoid – keeping me more stable top to… bottom.
Cultivated spirulina is generally spray-dried and heat-treated, which can kill off some enzymes and decrease its beta-carotene content. Hawaiian spirulina is dried using a special cold drying process that protects the algae’s nutritive qualities. The spirulina is dried and packaged within 30 minutes of harvest without using high heat that might damage the nutrients.
…and because of this process spirulina has bugs, mosquitoes and other little creatures trapped, dried and consumed by users. So, you get an extra protein and goodies from them as well…
Fun fact: If we were feeling super-celebratory, we could do as the Aztecs did, and have spirulina cakes for afternoon high tea!
Hi Jess,
Do you think Chlorella is as good as spirulina ? and whats another way to take it if you dont have juicer ?
My fun fact thanks to google- you can use a couple of tablespoons and apply to your face. For best results leave on for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse off and tone and moisturise for a healthy glowing skin. What a great way to start each day
Spirulina is also known as blue green algae. Algae were the first life form on earth, it can reproduce itself & the dying algae delivers nutrients for the new growing algae
Spirulina form spiraling, helical, microscopic strands that are smaller than the human eye can detect. The name “Spirulina” comes from this superfood’s spiral character.
I found an article that states that Spirulina offers substantiated protection against harmful radiation and also helps to detoxify the body of harmful radiation after exposure.
I would love to win a bottle of this! As a fellow cancer survivor I take a pretty good mix of supplements but have not tried Spirulina yet (just Chlorella) :
Spirulina is 31 times more potent than blueberries and 60 times more potent than spinach!
Fact: Spirulina is incredibly healthy and beneficial to humans and animals, but, even more so it is such a “fun” word to say. It makes me think of an excitable and jumping energy, so by thinking about it while ingesting it I’m getting my thoughts of fun and while gaining great health.
Say it: spirulina, spirulina, spiiiruuliinaa x
With over 100 nutrients, Spirulina is often described as the most complete food source in the world.
Japan has some good examples of some Japanese seniors who have only relied on Spirulina and water for more than 20 years showing how good is Spirulina for the human body.
Spirulina and other sea plants and algae have a protective effect against radiation and can even help the body repair itself! I know what I will be taking if I ever need an x-ray for a broken bone. Matter of fact, with all the radiation present in our world anyway, it would be a good move for anyone to protect themselves from it!
Hi Jess! I have been taking spirulina tablets for a few years now, I’m stoked you’ve written an article on the benefits because I can now refer my friends to it the next time they look at me funny for eating my little green tablets!
I’ve read through the above facts and interesting points about spirulina, but my fun-fact would have to be that if you eat too much spirulina in a day, it can turn your poop slightly green! haha sorry if that’s too much information for a thursday morning but it’s true!
I now stick to 10-12 tablets every second day and sometimes every day if I’m feeling that I need the boost
peace out xoxo
Which is better? Spirulina or Chlorella?
In the US, Nasa uses spirulina for astronauts food in space, and even plan to grow and harvest it in spacestations!
Spirulina contains many more organic vitamins, minerals and over 2000 life-living enzymes
It belongs to the family of several species of micro algae such as the blue-green algae aphanizomenon (the closest relative of Spirulina) and green algae Chlorella and Dunaliella.
Spirulina is Nature’s Richest wholefood source of Vitamin E….containing 3 times more than wheatgerm. How good is this nutrient!
The Aztecs, apparently, had their own ideas about the nature of the Spirulina, referring to it as tecuitlatl, or “the stone’s excrement.” But it was not only the Aztecs that realized its worth. In North Africa, spirulina is believed to have been utilized as food since at least the 9th century Kanem Empire. The Kanem Empire (700 – 1376) comprised not only modern day Chad, but also parts of southern Libya and eastern Niger. Spirulina is still popular in Chad where it is harvested from lakes and ponds in the Lake Chad region and dried into cakes which are used to make broths. It was even proclaimed to be the best alternative future source of food at the World Food Conference in 1974, at the United Nations. Food of the future! :]
Spirulina is a great source of Vit K!
Jess, question for you. I was taking the Pure Hawaiian Spirulina tablets everyday and felt great, increased energy, more positive mood, all that you mentioned. But after the radiation leaks in Japan in March 2011 that also affected Hawaii and some of the Western States, I did not buy anymore for fear of contamination. Do I have anything to be concerned about or is the spirulina off the coasts of Hawaii free of radiation and therefore safe to take? I’m guessing you will say yes, since you are taking them, but I just want to know your thoughts on this! Thank you in advance.
Hi Amanda,
In response to your concerns, there is a misconception that Spirulina and Chlorella are ocean-grown algae, when in fact they are fresh-water microalgae grown in envrionmentally controlled ponds on land. The waters used in the Hawaiian Spirulina growing ponds are pure, Hawaiian pure aquifer (potable drinking water) and Deep-Ocean Water taken from 2000 ft below the surface off Kona, Hawaii where the Global Conveyor Belt exists – this water is over 2500 years old, is tested rigorously for any contaminates and is 100% free from radioactivity. The purpose of the Deep Ocean Water is to add a vast array of minerals to the Hawaiian growing ponds, which the Spirulina absorbs and converts through photosynthesis to organic minerals and trace minerals that benefit our health.
In fact, Spirulina was used to great effect in Russia to treat the children made ill by radiation sickness from the Chernoble disaster and was so effective in reducing the levels of radioactivity in these kids that the Russian government made Spirulina a medicine for this purpose.
I hope this helps, but if you would like any further information please don’t hesitate to contact us directly or through our website – http://www.hawaiianspirulina.com
*The term “spirulina” comes from its microscopic spiraling stranded makeup.
*Spirulina is such a strong organism it can stand temperatures as high as 70 degrees Celsius and still retain its amazing nutritional content.
*Spirulina gives 2 hundred times more protein per acre than beef, using only 2 percent of the water required for beef protein!
It is such an amazing source of nutrients that everyone EVERYONE should include in their diet – if only it weren’t so expensive!
Apparently Spirulina can be an aphrodisiac, enhancing the male libido!
Thanks so much for your posts Jess. x
Hi Jess,
Great post! I have been hoping that you would do a post on this soon.
Here is my fun and interesting fact about spirulina
There are only two sources of GLA found; mother’s milk and spirulina. GLA is essential to the development and growth of babies. Deficiency in nutrition reduces GLA in the mother’s milk, which results in poor baby health.
x
Spirulina offers remarkable health benefits to an undernourished person. Its rich beta carotene can overcome eye problems caused by Vitamin A deficiency. The protein and B-vitamin complex makes a major nutritional improvement in an infant’s diet. It’s the only food source, except mother’s milk, containing substantial amounts of an essential fatty acid, GLA, which helps regulate the entire hormone system.
Spirulina is the botanical name of blue-green algae that is barely half a millimeter long. In Latin the word spirulina means “little spiral”, referring to the algae’s spiral structure. Spirulina is one of the oldest forms of life. This primeval nutrition has been growing on earth for 3.5 billion years. Spirulina can only thrive in extremely alkaline water (pH approximately 9-11, drinking water has a pH of 7). It grows wild in Lake Chad and Lake Nakuru in Africa and in Lake Texcoco in Mexico. Spirulina is not actually a marine algae
Spirulina (rhymes with “ballerina”) is a traditional food of some Mexican and African peoples. It is a planktonic blue-green algae found in warm water alkaline volcanic lakes. Wild spirulina sustains huge flocks of flamingos in the alkaline East African Rift Valley lakes.
I have been taking it for years now and always add it to my green juices, it is a little powerhouse !
Hi Jess ,
I would love to win some spirulina, i’m in need of some more ooomph in my diet !
My fun fact is – SpirulinaI produces two hundred times as much usable protein as cattle ranching, acre per acre.
So not only is it a grat source of protien and essential vitamins , minerals and nutrients is is a much more sustainable too and has less impact on the environment.
Spirulina has 2300% more iron than spinach!
Spirulina was used as a food by the ancient Aztec people!
Spirulina was indeed found helpful with the condition of keratosis!
Spirulina improves the antioxidant potential in people, which decreases muscle breakdown and exhaustion after exercising and improves overall health.
I LOVE SPIRULINA!
The name spirulina is derived from the Latin word for “helix” or “spiral”; denoting the physical configuration of the organism.
Spirulina is a good treatment for ulcers and helps restore healthy digestion.
Hi Jess, does your mom use the powder one as well? How much a day does she take or how much a day do you take? Thank you for this great post.
Three grams (6 tablets) of Hawaiian Pacifica Spirulina has more antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity than five servings of vegetables.
Comparing phytonutrient levels, Hawaiian Pacifica Spirulina is 31 times more potent than blueberries, 60 times more potent than spinach and 700 times more potent than apples.
I took the above info from their website.
Spirulina is rich in gamma-linolenic acid or GLA, a compound found in breast milk that helps develop healthier babies. Moreover, with its high digestibility, spirulina has been proven to fight malnutrition in impoverished communities by helping the body absorb nutrients when it has lost its ability to absorb normal forms of food.
Just completed the 10 day cleanse and it was really fantastic thanks Jess – I honestly haven’t felt so good in ages! In fact, I am keeping one or two green juices or smoothies in my daily regime from now on, so I will have to try adding Spirulina for the extra kick!
Fun fact (thanks Google): In USA, NASA have chosen to use it for astronauts food in space, and even plan to grow and harvest it in space stations in the near future.
Wow, so many comments about this to read through.. I have never taken Spirulina, so found it very interesting to read about this and find out how good it can be for you. I definitely want to get some to try now. Loving your site Jess. xx
My Interesting fact I have found :-
Spirulina will turn a smoothie bright blue/green, but cannot be tasted at all when mixed with blended fruit. Utilizing Spirulina in a fruit smoothie will also add the benefit of several servings of fresh fruit to your diet!
Thanks for the interesting article. My fun fact….Spirulina is one of the few PLANT sources of vitamin B12.
great article, my fact…
I looked for any negative and/or harmful side effects of adding spirulina to your diet…I found none!
It’s a superfood (lets make it trendy again!)
Wow – lots to get through and one fact that I haven’t seen yet ……
Spirulina is a great ALKALIZER!
If you get period pain, the magnesium in spirulina will get rid of that for you!
Worked for me and my friend, haven’t had period pain in a few years now!
Spirulina has been shown to inhibit some strains of viral replication1, can help control the herpes simplex virus2, and has shown promise in the treatment of HIV-1, HSV-1, HCM infections and AIDS.3
Best of all, it is effective in treating HIV-1 while being non-toxic to human cells.4 Spirulina also boosts immune system function.5, 6, 7, 8 by helping the body develop new blood cells, enhancing bone marrow, macrophage, t-cell and natural killer cell function.
Aside from its ability to inhibit viral and bacterial growth (by preventing the virus from penetrating the cell wall), spirulina inhibits tumor growth9 and can act as an anti-inflammatory, thus easing the symptoms of arthritis.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that spirulina may be useful for weight control and obesity treatment.10 It can increase the function and quality of beneficial microflora (thus increasing digestive efficiency), reduce cholesterol levels11, 12, 13, 14 and its mineral and vitamin content can help control appetite. Spirulina also detoxifies the body.15
Love your blog !!! xoxo
Spirulina use during pregnancy is, apparently, a controversial topic.
Spirulina is 95% digestible, meat is only 18-20% digestible.
Thought i’d share this interesting fact about Spirulina:
An old Phoenix myth describes the Flamingo as an immortal bird who lived on hot volcanic lakes, was consumed by flames, then rose from the ashes.
The word “flamingo” is also associated with fire: it derives from “flamenco,” a Spanish word. So how does the flamingoe have their blazing color for which they are named?
It is believed that Spirulina, a blue-green algae abundant in the waters they live in makes up their entire diet. The algae provides the red pigment in the flamingoes’ feathers.
Flamingoes who survive solely on Spirulina have a more intense pink color than flamingos that get their colour second-hand from their prey, creatures who have themselves digested the organism.
Wow, I am so excited about the information given! I need to get some spirulina.
Hope I win
Your friend in Health
sharon
[email protected]
Maybe not fun as some comments have been, but so interesting, and convinced me of the good in adding to my smoothie……….Spirulina contains about 60% (51–71%) protein. It is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids.
~*……Spirulina promotes healthy cholesterol levels, eye and cellular health……*~
Spirulina is the staple food of the Kanembu, a tribe living on the shores of Lake Chad in Africa, is Algae. The Kanembu harvest, a common variety known as Spirulina is from the lake. The tribe dry it on the sand, mix it up into a spicy cake, and eat it with tomatoes and chili peppers.
Happy eating,
Jeri
Spirulina grows in alkaline saline water.
Because Spirulina easily absorbs nutrients from water, if the water contains pollution or heavy metals, these will be highly concentrated in the Spirulina cell!!
If this happens, then this kind of Spirulina is no longer suitable for human consumption 
I would love to try this product if its grown up in non heavy metal surroundings 
I know of several people I could recommend the product to, children, teenagers, seniors, athletic types, and busy bodies, love to spread the health !
Please.. with a carrot on top!
Miss Jess
Add spirulina to your favorite smoothies and turn it into a gorgeous seaworld mermaid smoothie!!!!
Spirulina is known for its ability to temper the appetite and stabilize blood sugar levels. It may also help with food cravings.
I take Spirulina supplements every day! (Hawaiian Pacific Brand!). I think of it as a great way to get the added benefits of the nutrients found in the tropical waters of the ocean, as I do not like to eat fish. Since this is what the fish eat to get their nutrients, why not go directly to the source!
Spirulina is also a genus of cyanobacteria.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirulina_%28genus%29
Its a good supplement for pregnant, or lactating moms! I am a new mother and looked this up because I am breastfeeding.
Thank you google! : )
-Iron deficiency anemia in mothers and children is the most prevalent nutritional disorder. Pregnant women can use spirulina’s vegetable protein and bioavailable iron. In India and Vietnam, doctors prescribe spirulina for pregnant and nursing mothers and their infants. Kids like to suck on tablets and munch spirulina covered popcorn.I am not sure though how much would be okay for an infant.
Spiralina has made my nails grow out of control long- would this be from the high vit a content? I have it in my smoothies every morning which I sip on throughout the day yum yum
Spiralina: the miracle food!! ……. more value to the body than Gold or diamonds!!
I can’t wait to try this for my cancer dog!
I haven’t before now because I thought it had a certain amount of salt in it and was afraid to try it.
I have been looking for something that will help the acid in his body become more alkaline without hurting him.
Spirulina rhymes with “ballerina”. lol anyway, It is a planktonic blue-green algae found in warm water alkaline volcanic lakes.
Wild spirulina also sustains huge flocks of flamingos in the alkaline East African Rift Valley lakes.
Spirulina has been around for literally billions of years. They are some of the earliest and simplest life forms on the planet.
It grows in salt lakes (fresh & sea water) and has been around 300 billion years.
Hi Jess,
Just found your site yesterday and LOVE LOVE it!
Your suggested hawaiian spirulina is crossed out. Do you know where to get it? Or have you got another you would recommend?
Renae Geddes » Thanks so much Renae! Sure, here you go: http://www.hawaiianspirulina.com/ xx
Thank you so much Jess – we have a new website – http://www.greennutritionals.com.au
The link to the old one above should re-direct but doesn’t seem to be working – would if be possible for you to add the new one in please?
Thanks again,
Donna x