04/09/2024
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in both fresh and saltwater environments. It's technically a microscopic single-celled organism that gets its name from its spiral structure, which can be viewed under a microscope.
Spirulina thrives in warm climates and high-saline alkaline water. It’s grown mostly in Central and South America, Africa and parts of Asia.
There are two species of spirulina that are most commonly used to make supplements: Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima.
Another common name for spirulina is “green-blue algae” due to its colorful appearance.
Spirulina can appear as either blue or green, depending on the exact species.
Blue spirulina is actually a derivative of green spirulina. The blue color is the result of the extraction of phycocyanin, a pigment found in spirulina that’s also a protein generally known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to support a healthy response to inflammation. It's this phycocyanin that gives blue spirulina its vivid blue color. Blue spirulina is often used as a natural food coloring in addition to being taken as a supplement.
In comparison, green spirulina is simply the whole spirulina algae that has been dried and ground into a powder. This means it contains the full range of nutrients found in spirulina, including chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals.
When choosing between the two, it's important to remember that blue spirulina, while high in phycocyanin, lacks the other nutrients found in green spirulina. However psychocyanin has many health benefits in and of it's own, including cellular regeration and radiation protection.
Green spirulina is considered a superfood due to its comprehensive nutrient profile, and, therefore, for overall nutritional benefits, green spirulina with a high psychocyanin content is therefore the ideal choice.
SPIRULINA HEALTH BENEFITS:
1. Provides Vitamins and Minerals
Spirulina is often dubbed as a superfood because it typically offers various nutrients. To name but a few it has in abundance:
Vitamins B1, B2, B3
Copper
Iron
Vitamin E
Selenium
Due to its high vitamin and mineral content, blue-green algae can generally support healthy metabolic functions, healthy blood supply and circulation, and an overall healthy immune system. It can also assist in promoting cellular health, promoting a healthy response to oxidative stress, and supporting skin, reproductive, and heart health.
Spirulina does typically contain compounds structurally similar to vitamin B12 (cobalamin), known as pseudovitamin B12.
Spirulina has many other nutritional benefits, including providing protein and other B vitamins. It should not be relied upon as a sole source of vitamin B12 though, which is particularly important for vegetarians and vegans, who often look to plant-based sources for vitamin B12 (a nutrient found mostly in animal products).
2. Spirulina Provides Antioxidants
Within spirulina, you’ll find many antioxidants that can generally help promote a healthy response to oxidative stress and promote cellular health. Increasing your intake of antioxidants is beneficial for overall health.
Spirulina, particularly green spirulina (made from whole algae) is known to contain these powerful antioxidants:
Phycocyanin: This is the main active compound in spirulina and also what gives spirulina its unique blue-green color. Phycocyanin can help fight free radicals and help to promote a healthy response to inflammation.
Beta-Carotene: Spirulina offers beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision, neurological function and healthy skin.
Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in all green plants and is responsible for converting light into energy during photosynthesis. It's also known to have strong antioxidant properties.
Zeaxanthin: This is an important carotenoid that has been linked to eye health.
Superoxide Dismutase: This is an enzyme that plays a key role in promoting overall cellular health and supporting a healthy response to oxidative stress.
Spirulina is sometimes used to promote healthy, normal detoxification processes, mostly due to its antioxidants and healthy inflammation response-supporting properties.
It’s, therefore helpful for liver health, assuming you opt for a high-quality spirulina product that’s free of contaminants, which Biolumina spirulina is. In fact, at New Phoenix Rising, we test for mulitple times a day to the nano particle, to make sure our spirulina is clean, pure, safe, and highly nutritious without posing any risk to health as some sources can.
3. Source of Sustainable Protein
Spirulina is known to be a source of plant-based protein. The protein content of spirulina varies depending on how it’s cultivated, but overall, it’s one of the best protein sources for vegans and those who avoid animal products. This protein content is often significantly higher than most vegetables and grains, and even rivals that of certain meats.
A typical serving (about one tablespoon) of dried spirulina powder contains around four grams of protein.
In addition to having protein, the protein in spirulina is also a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that your body cannot produce on its own. This is relatively rare for plant foods, making spirulina a good source of protein for plant-based eaters.
4. Supports Overall Healthy Immune System Function
Some research suggests that spirulina may promote healthy immune system function, possibly by promoting the normal production of antibodies and promoting the normal activity of natural killer cells. This can potentially help to promote and maintain overall health, such as in Chinese herbalism.
5. Promotes Overall Heart Health
There’s evidence indicating that spirulina supports overall heart health by helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and promoting a healthy response to inflammation.
6. Can Help Support Respiratory Health
Because it supplies compounds that can help promote a healthy response to inflammation and support healthy immune system functions, spirulina may help to promote overall respiratory health.
7. Spirulina Promotes Healthy Muscle Strength, Energy and Endurance
Considering it offers iron, protein and B vitamins, it’s thought that spirulina can support muscle strength and endurance, potentially benefiting athletes or those with physically demanding jobs.
How to Use It
Spirulina can be consumed in various forms, including as a powder, tablets or capsules. Spirulina powder is among the most common type; it can be added to smoothies, juices or even foods (it will turn recipes a fun blue-green color).
The recommended daily serving of spirulina ranges from 1 to 3 grams per day, but higher doses have been used in some studies (stick to a lower dose unless working with a healthcare provider).
Also, always read and follow label directions for suggested use as well as consult your healthcare professional before beginning any new dietary or lifestyle regimen.
It's OK to Take Spirulina Every Day
Yes, it is generally safe for most people to take spirulina every day, as long as they are not allergic to it, do not have any specific medical conditions, and don’t take medications that could interact with it.
Spirulina is a nutrient-filled food source that can contribute to a balanced diet. However, as mentioned, you should always read and follow label directions for use and consult with your healthcare professional prior to use.
While spirulina offers many nutrients, keep in mind that it should not replace a balanced and varied diet but should be part of it
Choosing High-Quality Spirulina Products
One important concern with spirulina involves the quality of the product. Spirulina can absorb heavy metals from the water where it grows, so if it's grown in contaminated water, it can contain harmful levels of these toxins. It's crucial to purchase spirulina from a reputable source that tests for contaminants.
Among many other superfoods, you’ll find organic spirulina in
New Phoenix Rising BioLumina - Quantum Activated Spirulina is the most nutritious, pure, raw, dried blue/green spirulina on the market. Drinking a serving daily can help support healthy energy, detoxification, healthy digestive function and healthy gut microflora.
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