Spirulina: properties, benefits and what it is used for

Spirulina algae arouses more and more interest and curiosity... even NASA has chosen it as a food to grow during long-duration space missions!

This is because it is one of the most nutritious foods in the world, as it has truly exceptional nutritional values.

The high content of fiber and proteins, the richness of vitamins and minerals and, finally, the presence of essential amino acids, which are not produced by our body, but must necessarily be introduced through the diet, makes spirulina a Superfood really amazing.

But let's see in detail what it is, what its properties are and what it is used for.

What is Spirulina algae?

Spirulina is a freshwater algae that belongs to the class of single-celled spiral-shaped algae and has very ancient origins.

It falls into the class of blue algae, but its color is dark green, due to the presence of chlorophyll, with blue reflections, which instead depend on the pigment of the phycocyanin.

Its name derives from its shape which resembles a spiral, in fact, this algae is made up of microscopic helical and spiral filaments, which are not visible to the naked eye.

Its botanical name is Arthrospira platensis, it is a species belonging to the class Cyanobacteria (Cyanobacteria) and grows in fresh water, inside lakes or streams.

It prefers alkaline environments, it is a very resistant algae and there are many different varieties.

The history of spirulina

It represents one of the simplest forms of life on Earth and has existed since its appearance, it is a very important food in the food chain.

The first evidence of this incredible alga dates back to the Aztec people, in fact it was used in the preparation of a typical dish called “tecuitlati” and was also used as a remedy for tiredness and inflammation.

Historically we know of other populations who in the past have made extensive use of this extraordinary algae, those of Mexico City, Central America and that of the Chad region, in Africa, but also in India.

In recent years, spirulina has been increasingly appreciated for its high nutritional value and beneficial properties.

The WHO (World Health Organization) considers it “the best food of the 21st century” while the UN during the World Food Conferencein 1974 defined it as “the best food for the future”.

Spirulina: properties and benefits

Spirulina is a natural source of proteins, which contribute to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass, making it a special food for athletes, but also for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Furthermore, it has a high content ofironwhich contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and to the normal transport of oxygen in the body, this can help in case of anemia¹.

Iron also contributes to normal cognitive and immune system function^2-3.

It has a high content of vitamin K which contributes to normal blood clotting and the maintenance of normal bones.

Contains folic acid which contributes to normal hematopoiesis and normal homocysteine ​​metabolism and, finally, the phosphorus which contributes to normal energy metabolism.

Spirulina has antioxidant properties, also due to the presence of phycocyanin, which would be able to counteract the action of free radicals⁴, has purifying properties⁵ and could have an anti-aging effect on the skin⁶.

How to take Spirulina

The flavor of Spirulina is very particular, you can taste partly the grass due to the presence of chlorophyll and partly the sea, even if compared to other algae it is less pronounced because being a freshwater algae the iodine content is negligible.

This makes spirulina easier to integrate into your diet.

To keep all its nutrients intact, spirulina must be cold-dried and it is preferable to choose a spirulina with organic certification, which excludes the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers that are harmful to our body.

Spirulina can usually be found in the form of dried algae powder.

Le tablets they are more practical to take as a food supplement while organic spirulina powder is convenient to add as a "spice" in your recipes, it will enrich them with flavor making them healthier!

What is Spirulina used for

Spirulina is a versatile food and can be used in many ways:

• In drinks, smoothies or herbal teas

You can use a teaspoon of Spirulina powder to give more flavor to drinks, giving them an unmistakable taste... you can add it to smoothies or herbal teas.

• In cooking recipes

Spirulina powder can become a tasty ingredient to include in sweet and savory recipes.

In cake and biscuit doughs, bars, bread and pasta, but also in salad dressings.

• In beauty recipes

Spirulina is an excellent food but can also be used in cosmetics.

As a basic ingredient for a cream, for a nourishing face mask, a pre-shampoo pack for straight or curly hair or as an ingredient in a natural body exfoliant.

• For animals

Animals can also benefit from taking spirulina. It can be added to bird or fish food. It can be used for dogs, cats, but also horses or rabbits.

Obviously, before adding spirulina to your pet's diet, you should always consult your vet!

Contraindications and side effects

Spirulina is a safe food and consumed in the right doses should not cause particular side effects.

For this reason it should always be taken in the right way and quantity. If an excessive quantity is ingested, gastrointestinal disorders may occur.

In case of pathologies, pregnancy or breastfeeding it is always necessary to consult a doctor before introducing spirulina into your diet.

Among the contraindications it is important to remember the presence of vitamin K: this makes it not recommended for those following anticoagulant treatments (vitamin K thins the blood).

Those taking anticoagulant or blood-thinning medications should avoid or limit the use of spirulina.

There is another contraindication for people with phenichetonuria, as spirulina naturally contains phenylalanine.

Finally, subjects suffering from thyroid dysfunction, in particular those suffering from hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune diseases must also be careful.

For further studies:

1* https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4012879/

2* https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29339102/

3* https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28920419/

4* https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18398928/

5* https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29625400/

6* https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28552036/