Everything you need to know about Spirulina, one of the oldest life forms on earth

Spirulina has gained recognition as a powerful superfood, but what exactly is it, and what health benefits does it offer? This article will explore the origins, nutrition, and benefits of spirulina, as well as potential risks. 

What is Spirulina?  

Spirulina is a type of cyanobacteria–bacteria that live in water and produce energy through photosynthesis. Cyanobacteria are also known as blue-green algae, but they are technically bacteria and not algae. They are one of the oldest life forms on Earth, pre-dating plants. 

Spirulina is a cyanobacterium from the Arthrospira genus, which grows in various regions around the world. The most common species are A. platensis, which is found in Africa and Asia, and A. maxima, which is found in Central America.

History of Spirulina 

Spirulina has a long history of use. The Aztecs were among the first to harvest and eat it. They collected the algae from the surface of Lake Texcoco in Mexico and processed it into a dry cake called tecuitlatl. Bernal Diaz del Castillo, who participated in the 16th–century Spanish invasion of Mexico, documented the use of tecuitlatl in his memoirs.

Spirulina was rediscovered in the 1940s by French phycologist Pierre Dangeard, who was studying the Kanembu people of North Central Africa. He observed them harvesting blue-green algae from Lake Chad, drying it into cakes called dihé, and using it as a key ingredient in cooking. His research confirmed that dihé was made from A. platensis. 

This discovery led to the establishment of the world’s first spirulina company, Spirulina Mexicana, driving commercial production and research into the bacteria’s health benefits. 

In addition to health science, spirulina has since been well-studied for space travel by NASA and the European Space Agency. Its high protein content, rich vitamins, and ability to thrive in controlled environments make it an ideal food for astronauts on long-term missions.

Nutrition Content of Spirulina

Spirulina is packed with essential nutrients, making it a highly valued superfood. The main active compound in spirulina is phycocyanin, which has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Phycocyanin makes up about 47% of spirulina’s dry weight and is the pigment responsible for its blue-green color. 

As an antioxidant, phycocyanin can help protect cells from oxidative stress, which is when oxygen damages DNA. Oxidative stress contributes to many diseases and is a key mechanism behind aging. Phycocyanin’s anti-inflammatory effects could also help prevent diseases related to inflammation (overactivation of the body’s natural defense system). 

Beyond phycocyanin, spirulina is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals. These include:

• Vitamin E - an antioxidant 

• Vitamin K - important for blood clotting and bone health

• Vitamin B3 (niacin) - essential for energy production and brain function 

• Folate - supports DNA synthesis and blood cell production

• Magnesium - regulates muscles and nerves

• Potassium - supports muscles and heart health

Spirulina also contains corrinoids, a type of molecule that resembles vitamin B12. However, these compounds do not have the same biological effects as true B12 and cannot be relied upon as a dietary source of this vitamin. 

Another impressive aspect of spirulina is its high protein content. It comprises about 60% protein, significantly more than most fish, which typically contain 20-25% protein. Moreover, spirulina is a complete protein, meaning it provides all nine essential amino acids—the building blocks of proteins the body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from food. 

Health Benefits of Spirulina 

Lowers Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood. There are two main types: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). High LDL levels can lead to clogged arteries and heart disease, while HDL helps remove LDL from the bloodstream.

A review of 20 studies found that spirulina significantly reduced LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol. By improving cholesterol balance, spirulina may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. 

Decreases Blood Pressure

A meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that spirulina significantly lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in subjects. The effects were most notable in people with hypertension (high blood pressure), which is a major risk factor for heart disease. 

One reason spirulina may help lower blood pressure is its ability to increase nitric oxide (NO) production. NO is a gas that relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation. 

Increases Immune Function

White blood cells play a key role in identifying and attacking harmful bacteria and viruses. Spirulina has been shown to activate white blood cells and enhance the immune response during infection.

In a clinical trial, researchers provided 169 HIV-infected individuals with daily spirulina supplementation combined with a balanced diet. After six months, they showed increased immune cell levels and reduced viral load. 

Another study investigated spirulina supplementation in cancer patients following chemotherapy. Chemotherapy normally decreases the amount of white blood cells, making cancer survivors susceptible to harmful infection. However, the study showed spirulina prevented the suppression of white blood cells and other immune system molecules in these patients. 

Treating Allergies

Spirulina has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. Allergies occur when the body’s natural defense system goes into overdrive. 

Two clinical trials have assessed spirulina’s effects on allergic rhinitis, a condition in which allergens like pollen cause inflammation of the nasal passages. In both studies, spirulina reduced symptoms such as nasal congestion, itching, and runny nose.

Helps Control Blood Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels become too high due to resistance to or insufficient production of insulin, a hormone that naturally decreases blood glucose. 

A meta-analysis of eight studies found that spirulina significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, it did not significantly affect hemoglobin A1c, a measure of long-term blood sugar control. 

The exact mechanisms behind spirulina’s effects on blood sugar aren’t fully understood. However, animal studies suggest that spirulina may boost insulin production.

Increasing Exercise Endurance

Spirulina contains B vitamins, which are essential for energy production and recovery after exercise. Additionally, its antioxidant properties may help reduce muscle damage following exercise and improve oxygen uptake, leading to better endurance.

A small study found that participants who used spirulina had reduced time to exhaustion and fewer markers of muscle damage after exercising on a treadmill. Another study on rugby players found only a small change in exercise performance after supplementation, but the results weren’t significant. These mixed results suggest that while spirulina may help some individuals, more research is needed.

Antianemic Properties

Anemia occurs when the blood has too few red blood cells or insufficient hemoglobin–a molecule that carries oxygen–leading to fatigue and weakness. Spirulina contains iron, which is essential for hemoglobin production, and may help improve symptoms of anemia. 

A clinical study on patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) found that eight weeks of spirulina supplementation significantly increased serum iron levels and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), which is a measure of the size of red blood cells. However, another study on young Indian women with anemia found no significant effects of spirulina. These conflicting results indicate that spirulina’s benefits for anemia may depend on the individual and underlying health conditions.

Is Spirulina Safe?  

Spirulina is generally considered safe for most people, but certain precautions should be taken.

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There isn't enough research to confirm whether spirulina is safe during pregnancy or while nursing. Contaminated products could contain harmful toxins that may affect the baby, so it's best to avoid using them.

• Autoimmune Conditions: Spirulina may stimulate the immune system, which could worsen symptoms for individuals with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS). Those with such conditions should steer clear of it.

• Surgery: Because spirulina can lower blood sugar levels, it may interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. It’s recommended to stop using it at least two weeks before any scheduled procedure.

• Medication use: Spirulina may decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressants. It could also increase the action of antidiabetics and anticoagulants (medications to prevent blood clotting) to dangerous levels, so it should be avoided in combination with these drugs.

Contamination

Wild-harvested spirulina grown in contaminated waters can be exposed to heavy metals and pollutants, which can be harmful when ingested. 

For this reason, NutriCraft grows its Spirulina in China's vast Inner Mongolian grasslands, well away from the hustle and bustle of East Coast cities. The growing environment is regularly filtered and tested to ensure our product's highest standards and purity. 

Why Choose NutriCraft Organic Spirulina

• 100% Pure: Our spirulina contains no additives, preservatives, or unnecessary ingredients.

• Clean Source: Spirulina is sourced from a remote part of China near the Mongolian border to ensure clean water and washed over a fine mesh screen to remove impurities, 

• Nutrient-Rich: The sourced product is gently dried to maintain its nutritional value.

• Versatile: The powder form can be easily added to smoothies, baked goods, and other recipes.

• Ethically Sourced: We partner only with suppliers who pay fair wages and provide good working conditions for their workers.

• Affordable Quality: Our spirulina is one of the best-priced options on the market for its high standard of purity and quality.

Check out our range of package sizes here.