Spirulina Powder 101: Why You Should Try This Microalgae

Spirulina is one of the oldest single-cell organisms on Earth. This edible superfood is a filamentous and unicellular blue-green alga that turns sunlight into micro-nutrients supporting life and providing energy. It was first discovered and used by the Aztecs around the 16^th century. Today, Spirulina is used as a nutritional supplement in over 77 countries.

The goal of this article is to provide basic information about Spirulina powder and why it is one of the most popular nutritional supplements today.

• Spirulina: An Overview
• A Short History
• Where Is Spirulina Found?
• Why Are People Eating Microalgae?
• Main Highlights & Nutritional Profile
• Spirulina Powder Nutritional Profile
• Conclusion

Spirulina: An Overview

Scientific Name: Arthrospira platensis.

Other Names: Spirulina, Spirulina platensis, Arthrospira platensis.

Appearance: Small, spiral-shaped microalga.

Color: Blueish-green.

Taste: “Like the Sea”, green, earthy, and sometimes sulfuric or fish-like.

Highlights: Highly nutrient dense, a natural source of antioxidants, a complete protein, and traditionally used to support energy and overall wellness.

A Short History

Historians believe the Aztecs were the first people in history to use Spirulina. They dried the algae into cakes which were thought to have been used as their primary source of protein. In 1940, explorer Pierre Dangeard published a report on this “nutritious algae” that was being eaten by people living around Lake Chad in Central Africa. About twenty-five years later, botanist Jean Leonard noticed the sale of green cakes in the markets there. He observed about 70% of the food eaten in this area was accompanied by a sauce made from the dried Spirulina cakes.

In 1967, Spirulina was established as a “wonderful future food source” in the International Association of Applied Microbiology (Sasson, 1997).

Where Is Spirulina Found?

This free-floating cyanobacteria lives in colonies and occurs naturally in tropical and subtropical lakes. It can also be found in soil, marshes, freshwater, brackish water, seawater, and thermal springs where the water’s pH is high. Spirulina is native to Africa, Asia, and South America.

Spirulina can also be cultivated in open-channel raceway ponds or man-made tanks. Tanks help reduce the alga's exposure to potential contaminants in the water.

Why Are People Eating Microalgae?

Spirulina is one of the world’s most popular supplements because it is a nutrient-dense superfood. This tiny organism is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. It is also a complete protein, which means it contains all essential amino acids.

Once dried and powderized, Spirulina is added to healthy drinks and smoothies, and can be sprinkled directly on top of salad or incorporated into cooked meals.

Main Highlights & Nutritional Profile*

Many nutritional experts consider Spirulina to be one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. Its rich nutritional profile is what makes spirulina a popular addition to a healthy diet.

• Is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids.
  
  
• A source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
  
  
• Contains the minerals copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, and selenium.
  
  
• Contains the vitamins riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folate, and vitamins K, E, B6, C and A.
  
  
• Contains Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), a plant-based fatty acid studied by researchers.
  
  
• A natural source of antioxidants, including the plant pigment phycocyanin.
  
  
• A natural source of chlorophyll.
  
  
• High in Iron, contains far more Iron than raw spinach by weight.
  
  
• A source of Calcium.
  
  
• Studied by researchers for its antioxidant properties.
  
  
• Traditionally used to support energy and stamina.
  
  
• May help support overall wellness as part of a balanced diet.
  
  
• A convenient way to help fill nutritional gaps in the diet.
  
  
• Often included in routines focused on supporting active lifestyles.
  
  
• Contains nutrients that support eye health, such as vitamin A.

Spirulina Powder Nutritional Profile

According to the US Department of Agriculture, one tablespoon (7g) of dried spirulina contains the following:

Conclusion

Spirulina is a highly nutritious cyanobacteria that has been valued for its rich nutritional profile for thousands of years. It is a complete protein and offers a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. It is most often used to help support a healthy diet and fill in nutritional gaps.

Spirulina comes in powders, tablets, or flakes and can be simply added to healthy drinks or meals. Powders and tablets, however, are the most common. If you are looking for an effortless way to support energy and add more nutrients to your life, Spirulina powder is an easy choice. Though tiny, this blue-green superfood delivers in a big way.

Medical Disclaimer

Please speak with your doctor or other licensed healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement including Spirulina. None of the content on this site is or should be considered medical advice. The purpose of this article is simply to highlight relevant information for those curious about Spirulina.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.