Spirulina is a great source of complete protein, vitamins and minerals.
By: Articles by a Naturopathic Doctor and a Holistic Nutritionist
A nutrient powerhouse that can help you recover from illnesses faster and detoxify while fighting off cancer and high cholesterol ...
Updated May. 28th, 2024
Revised April 28th 2022
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina is an edible water-grown cyanobacteria (Arthrospira species) that is often considered to be a complete food. It contains a number of vitamins and nutrients and is also a source of complete protein. Natural health practitioners recommend spirulina for a variety of conditions including: convalescence, hypoglycemia, high cholesterol, chemical or metal toxicity, cancer, malnutrition, and malabsorption.Because it is so easy to grow and harvest, it is considered an extremely sustainable food source.
Spirulina Benefits
Protein Content in Spirulina
By weight, it contains 60-70% protein. It is a source of complete protein because it contains all of the essential amino acids. It is actually superior to typical plant protein sources, such as legumes and because of this, it is a great addition to any vegetarian diet. Also, these proportionately high levels of protein can actually help to stabilize blood sugar when spirulina is supplemented between meals. This can help to reduce sugar fluctuations in diabetics and those with hypoglycemia. For more information on the benefits of protein, please see our Protein article.
Healthy Fat Content in Spirulina
By weight, it is approximately 7% fat, which is almost entirely healthy omega 3 and 6 fats. It is a rich source of GLA, ALA, and linoleic acid. It also contains EPA and DHA, the omega 3 fatty acids also found in fish oil. These healthy fats can help to regulate cholesterol levels, and stimulate healthy steroid hormone synthesis, including sex hormones. EPA acts as an anti-inflammatory in the body, and DHA helps to promote proper brain health. For more information, please see our articles on EPA and DHA.
B vitamins in Spirulina
It contains a few different B vitamins, including: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), and B9 (folic acid). For more information on the benefits of these nutrients, please see our B vitamin article. Although many companies claim that spirulina is a source of vitamin B12, the kind found in it is not active in humans, so alternate sources of vitamin B12 are still required.
Carotenoids
Some of the nutrients found in spirulina are carotenoids such as: beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin. These are strong antioxidants that can help to protect the body against free radicals. For more information on the rich antioxidant benefits of these nutrients, please see our Carotenoids article.
Chlorophyll
Part of the green colour of it is created by the presence of chlorophyll. This nutrient is a potent detoxifier that can help to speed the release of toxins from the bloodstream by binding them in the intestines. Chlorophyll can also help to increase the oxygenation of tissues by nourishing red blood cells. Interestingly, it has also been shown to do the work of hemoglobin in the blood, which is thought to be due to it resembling the human hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying) molecule. For more information on further benefits, please see our Chlorophyll article.
Phycocyanin
Spirulina also contains phycocyanin, a blue-green pigment that has been shown in animal models to increase the survival rate in liver cancer. Further research is required to establish this effect.
Other Vitamins and Minerals
In addition to the B vitamins, spirulina also contains vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin D. These are strong antioxidants that perform a number of different functions in the body. It is also a source of important electrolytes and minerals such as: potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, chromium, and zinc. Each of these is essential to the maintenance of health.
How can I get more spirulina?
As a supplement, spirulina is found in tablets, liquid, and powder. Some commercial “green food” smoothies and “energy” drinks contain spirulina. Greens powders also often contain spirulina due to its rich nutritive benefits. For more information on these mixed powders, please see our Greens article. You can take spirulina supplements or make some dishes at home to get more spirulina. Here is the recipe of Spirulina Chocolate Dough Bites.
Contamination Fears
It has been declared safe by the US National Institute of Health. Unfortunately, certain strains of cyanobacteria produce small amounts of toxins, and if these are inadvertently mixed with the spirulina during improper culturing, it can cause small levels of contamination. There is also the potential for heavy metal contamination, depending on the water source where it is grown. Be sure to use a trusted source for your spirulina to ensure you get all of the health benefits without any potential detriments.
