Its flavor is partly reminiscent of chlorophyll and partly of the sea, although compared to other algae it is less pronounced as it is freshwater. In fact it is incorrectly defined as algae, it would be a so-called "cyanobacterium".

How can spirulina be integrated more easily into our diet?

spirulina algae powder dried can be used as a spice, to be added as an ingredient in recipes.

Let's summarize together what Spirulina is and how it is best to take it.

What is Spirulina algae?

Spirulina, orArthrospira platensis, is a species belonging to the class Cyanobacteria, until recently defined as the class of spiral-shaped single-celled algae green-blue.

It has a dark green color due to the presence of chlorophyll, with blue reflections due to the pigment of phycocyanin.

Spirulina is a freshwater cyanobacterium that grows mainly in lakes and streams where the environment is alkaline.

It is a very resistant species and has ancient origins, in fact, it has existed since the dawn of the Earth.

Its name, Spirulina, is due to the shape of its filaments which resembles a spiral, but they are so microscopic that it is impossible to see them with the naked eye.

Why take Spirulina?

Spirulina has a high nutritional value, contains important vitamins, mineral salts and has a high protein content.

Furthermore, thanks to its chemical composition it has antioxidant properties and has a supporting and restorative action.

For this reason it falls into the category ofSuperfood, i.e. foods which, due to their nutritional characteristics, have beneficial properties for health of the organism.

In recent years, spirulina has increasingly been at the center of interest in global debates due to its characteristics and beneficial properties.

The World Health Organization defined spirulina as "the best food of the 21st century", while the UN defined it as the "Best food for the future" at the 1974 World Food Conference.

Even NASA has chosen it among the foods to grow during long-term space missions!

How to choose which Spirulina to buy?

On the market, Spirulina is found in the form of powder, capsules or tablets.

When choosing the best Spirulina, some fundamental elements must always be taken into consideration.

• The nutritional characteristics, reading the label carefully.

• The processing. It is very important that the spirulina has been processed at low temperatures through a method of cold drying to preserve all its nutrients intact.

• The organic certification, which guarantees that the product has been grown without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, which are not helpful for the body and health.

• Hiring method, based on your needs. The tablets are more convenient to take as a food supplement, while the organic spirulina powder is more practical to add to give an extra touch in recipes, drinks or smoothies.

What is the difference between Spirulina powder and tablets?

The only difference is in the how it is taken and in the dosage.

The tablets are more convenient to use as a food supplement, especially if you don't like the taste of Spirulina.

Powder, on the other hand, is more practical for food use within recipes.

But, the manufacturing process is the same. Spirulina is harvested and subsequently delicately dried at low temperatures. It is then pulverized until it becomes a fine powder of a dark green color with marine reflections and, finally, packaged.

The difference between the powder and the tablets is the subsequent compression step of the powder, which always takes place at very low temperatures, allowing all the nutritional characteristics and high levels of phycocyanin to be preserved.

How to take Spirulina: better powder or tablets?

Here are some tips on how to use Spirulina that could help you understand whether it is better to buy the powder or the tablets.

The dust

Organic spirulina powder is fantastic to use as a spice, it will enrich recipes with flavor while making them healthier!

It is advisable to take about one teaspoon (3 g) a day, even every day.

It can be added to savory dishes, for example sprinkled over vegetables, roasts, potatoes or it can be used as a dressing for salads or in bread and homemade pasta dough. You can even make spirulina gnocchi!

It can also be used in the preparation of sweet recipes, such as biscuits and cakes.

Finally, it can be taken in smoothies, drinks, fruit juices, milk and yogurt.

It is especially excellent for athletes or for those following a vegetarian diet, because it is an important protein source.

Powdered spirulina is truly versatile and can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory recipes, but it can also be used in cosmetics. Inside beauty recipes, such as skin and hair masks or natural scrubs.

Contraindications and side effects

Spirulina is a safe food, but it must always be taken in the right way and quantity.

For both the powder and the tablets, it is important to give the body time to get used to it, so it is preferable to start with a minimum dose and gradually increase it.

In the initial stages or in case of ingestion of an excessive quantity it could cause mild side effects such as gastrointestinal disorders.

Before introducing spirulina into your diet it is always necessary to consult a doctor in case of pathologies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, especially for subjects suffering from thyroid dysfunction and for those suffering from diseases autoimmune.

Furthermore, it is not recommended for those following anticoagulant treatments and for people suffering from phenylketonuria.