Everything you need to know about spirulina: benefits and use as a dietary supplement

Spirulina - a plant from prehistoric times

Spirulina, one of the most primitive life forms on our planet, remains invisible to the naked eye as it is barely 0.1 mm in size. Its nutritional values and benefits have been known for a long time: The Maya were already cultivating them between 900 and 300 BC! In the 9th century, the Kanem people of Chad used it to make flat cakes, while the Aztecs harvested it to make a type of cheese.

In 1950, the plant was studied in more detail and it was discovered that it had exceptional nutritional value due to its high content of proteins, unsaturated fats, antioxidant vitamins and essential minerals. In 1960, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) recognised its special properties. In 1970, it was labelled the "best food of the future" by the United Nations (UN). Since 1980, it has even been researched by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) for production in a space shuttle.

What is spirulina made up of?

Vegetable proteins

Spirulina is rich in plant proteins, with more than 65 grams per 100 grams of spirulina. It also contains eight essential amino acids that the body cannot produce itself. A little bonus: These proteins are excellently absorbed by the body, there is no loss!

Vitamins

The list of vitamins it contains is long. To put it simply: spirulina contains all vitamins except vitamin C! If you take your spirulina supplement together with a glass of orange juice or vitamin C powder, you can easily provide yourself with most of the vitamins (or at least almost all of them, as listed below). As a reminder, here are all the vitamins included:

Vitamin A (contributes to the maintenance of normal vision)
Vitamin B1 (contributes to normal energy metabolism)
Vitamin B2 (contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress)
Vitamin B3 (contributes to normal mental function)
Vitamin B5 (contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells)
Vitamin B6 (contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity)
Vitamin B7 (contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes)
Vitamin B9 (contributes to normal haematopoiesis)
Vitamin B12 (contributes to normal haematopoiesis)
Vitamin D (contributes to normal haematopoiesis)
Vitamin E (contributes to protection against oxidative stress)
Vitamin K (contributes to the maintenance of normal bones)

It is important to note that only about 20 % of the vitamin B12 contained in spirulina can be biologically absorbed by the body. If you want to increase your vitamin B12 intake, you should consider eating nutritious foods rich in this vitamin, such as fish, liver, seafood, etc., or consider the option of vitamin B12 supplementation, especially if you favour a vegetarian or vegan diet. In this case, it is advisable to take spirulina and vitamin B12 at intervals from each other in order to avoid any mutual interference in their absorption by the body.

Beta-carotene

This antioxidant helps to combat the body's premature ageing process. Minerals and trace elements

Spirulina is extremely rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, etc., as well as trace elements such as copper, chromium, zinc and selenium.

How to find high quality spirulina products?

Some spirulina may contain traces of toxins such as microcysts and salmonella. It is therefore important to choose supplements from reputable and controlled sources.

Traceability

When choosing your spirulina, pay attention to its origin. If it is not indicated, it is because the seller does not want to communicate its origin (most likely because it comes from China).

Protein and phycocyanin content

The content of active ingredients is of crucial importance as the effect of your cure depends on this content. Make sure it contains at least 60% protein and 14% phycocyanin.

The drying method

Cold drying spirulina perfectly preserves the properties of its components and its nutritional benefits.