Up Your Nutrient Levels with
The Powerhouse of Spirulina

It is true that these days, more and more individuals are looking for powerful sources of nutrition that provide a natural health boost. Well, to help steer you in the right direction, you often need to look no further than mother nature herself!

In this article, we’ll be discussing nature’s powerhouse called spirulina and how several of its potential benefits can help to up your nutrient levels.

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in both fresh and salt water as the biomass of cyanobacteria. This is a division of microorganisms that represents the earliest known form of life on Earth. The three species are Arthrospira platensis, A. fusiformis, and A. maxima.

Cyanobacteria are related to bacteria but, like plants, have the capability to photosynthesise. They’re prokaryotic, making them microscopic single-celled organisms which haven’t got a distinct nucleus with a membrane or other specialised organelles.

Made from A. platensis and A. maxima, spirulina has been used as a popular food supplement in different cultures all around the world. It’s now become a well-recognised superfood that humans can consume. It’s also used as a feed supplement for animals in the aquaculture, aquarium, and poultry industries.

So, why is it considered to be such a beneficial dietary supplement? Continue reading to learn how spirulina could support you alongside a balanced diet.

Nutritional Benefits of Spirulina

Spirulina can be very nourishing due to having extremely high vitamin and protein content. It might be especially useful for people with plant-based diets, such as vegetarians and vegans, as it can replenish any nutrients that they might be missing out on. For example, the protein quality in spirulina is comparable to that of eggs and it gives you all of the essential amino acids.

In terms of spirulina’s nutritional information, one tablespoon of spirulina contains the following:

• 0 grams of sugar;
• 0 grams of fibre;
• 1 gram of fat (including both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in approximately 1.5-1.0 ratio);
• 2 grams of carbohydrates;
• 4 grams of protein;
• 20 calories.

It’s also a good source of:

• Copper (21% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA));
• Iron (11% of the RDA);
• Magnesium;
• Niacin (vitamin B3 – 4% of the RDA);
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2 – 15% of the RDA);
• Thiamine (vitamin B1 – 11% of the RDA).

Spirulina also contains potassium and manganese, as well as small amounts of almost every other nutrient that your body needs.

Magnesium is a particularly supportive mineral that most people don’t attain from their diet. It’s responsible for producing protein, creating energy, and supporting normal daily functions like your heartbeat and muscle use.

Taking one to three grams of spirulina is considered a standard daily dose, although effective dosages of up to 10 grams per day have been used. Gram for gram, spirulina may be the single most nutritious food on the planet!

Potential Risks of Spirulina

Spirulina is believed to be safe for most people to consume as an algae supplement and doesn’t cause significant side effects. However, some rare side effects may occur, including headaches, insomnia, muscle pain, and sweating.

Allergic reactions to spirulina may also be experienced by a small minority of people. In addition, people may face adverse interactions when spirulina is taken with prescription drugs, specifically those affecting blood clotting and the immune system.

As with any new dietary supplement, including spirulina, it’s advised to talk to your doctor before consumption to discuss or rule out any potential health risks. This especially applies to pregnant or breastfeeding women and anyone younger than 18 years old.

Including Spirulina into Your Diet

If you are wondering how to use spirulina, it’s very easy to include this dietary supplement into your diet. It’s available as spirulina powder or as a dietary supplement in tablet form.

Some ideas for incorporating spirulina powder into your diet include:

• Adding it to smoothies, which can give the drink a blue-green colour;
• Mixing it into energy balls, along with other healthy ingredients;
• Sprinkling it over soups or on top of salads;
• Stirring a tablespoon into fruit or vegetable juices.

You can find dried spirulina in a grocery store, several health food stores and online. You should also be able to find spirulina tablets in drug stores. Remember to research brands beforehand to decipher whether they’re reputable and well-known sources.

About FUL® Superfood

Why not get your dose of spirulina from our deliciously sparkling superfood drinks here at ful superfood? Our natural blue boost drinks are designed to bring you a refreshing taste of powerful goodness.

We’re a Netherlands-based food-tech startup that promotes physical vitality with planet-based power. Since spirulina efficiently recycles CO2 released by various processes into the oxygen and the rich nutrients found in FUL®, our products are climate active. 

All of our ingredients provide benefits for the body. Discover them below:

• Strength quality vegan protein: on par with animal protein, including key amino acids for arginine and glutamine, which help develop and maintain two types of strength – power and speed.
• Anti-inflammatory c-phycocyanin: fights inflammation and creates red blood cells, promoting the transport of oxygen to the muscular and immune systems.
• Antioxidant chlorophyll: protects cells against oxidative damage.
• Immunity vitamin C: helps with the normal functioning of the immune system and iron absorption.
• Strength calcium: strengthens bones and contributes to digestive function.
• Energy vitamin B2: helps convert food to fuel, giving you natural energy.
• Energy iron: helps to preserve many vital bodily functions, supporting energy and focus.
• Immunity magnesium: helps with muscle and nerve function and supports the immune system.
• Hydration potassium: supports healthy blood pressure levels and is a popular electrolyte for post-workout hydration.

Final Thoughts

Spirulina has become grouped with some of the world’s most popular supplements. Astonishingly, it may be one of the most nutrient-dense foods worldwide.

Regarding the ongoing research into its potential nutritional benefits, so far, so good, as spirulina’s effects appear to be promising up to now. We hope to see more positive developments in the future.