A microalga that has been consumed for years due to its nutritional value and health benefits- Spirulina is considered a superfood and a miracle from the sea. It was once classified under the Plant Kingdom due to its richness in plant pigments and ability to photosynthesis; however, a new understanding of its genetics, physiology and biochemical properties caused scientists to move it to the Bacteria Kingdom.

Spirulina is rich in nutrients, some of which aren’t found in the average daily vitamin. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Spirulina contains significant amounts of calcium, niacin, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B and iron. It also has essential amino acids (compounds that are the building blocks of proteins). In fact, protein makes up about 60-70 percent of Spirulina’s dry weight. The high phytonutrient content of Spirulina is considered as an alternative food for vitamin supplements.

The Importance in Diet

The micronutrients that are contained in the algae are essential for the proper functioning of the human body. It would require an individual to consume several kinds of foods on a daily basis to be able to receive all these nutrients at once but Spirulina makes it easier by providing these all at the same time.

Vitamin B12 is one of the nutrients that’s difficult to obtain in a meatless diet because no common food plant contains it. The exceptionally high Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) content in Spirulina is the perfect supplement in this scenario. Spirulina is four times as rich in B12 compounds as raw liver, which for the longest time has been put forth as the best source of this vitamin.

Effects on Immunity/Wellness

Most of the studies administered in the scientific research of Spirulina contain only a small sample size of people. However, these studies have proven to offer great insight into the effectiveness of the microalga.

In a study published in Cellular & Molecular Immunology, it was found that “twelve weeks of spirulina supplementation were associated with increased counts of white blood cells, the foot soldiers of the immune system, with older women reported to respond more rapidly.” (Selmi, Leung & Fischer 2011).

Spirulina is known to increase the production of antibodies, infection-fighting proteins, and other cells that improve immunity and ward off infection and chronic illnesses, such as cancer.

Spirulina is concentrated with zeaxanthin, a plant pigment that may reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related vision loss. Its antibacterial properties may also help promote good oral health. One study found that spirulina-enhanced mouthwash reduced dental plaque and the risk of gingivitis in participants. Another study showed that it lowered the risk of oral cancer in people who chew tobacco.

In conclusion, it may improve one’s levels of blood lipids, suppress oxidation, reduce blood pressure and lower blood sugar. While more research is needed before any strong claims can be made, Spirulina is definitely one of the few superfoods that are worthy of the title.

Source:

• Selmi C, Leung PS, Fischer L, et al. The effects of Spirulina on anemia and immune function in senior citizens. Cell Mol Immunol. 2011;8(3):248-254.
  Cox, Lauren. “Spirulina: Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits.” LiveScience, Purch, 7 Feb. 2018.
• Brennan, Dan. “Spirulina: Are There Health Benefits? Pros and Cons, Nutrition, and More.” WebMD, WebMD, 6 Oct. 2020, www.webmd.com/diet/spirulina-health-benefits#2.

Spirulina Powder Uses and all of its health benefits

In the first part of this blog, we discovered three coveted benefits of Spirulina. We also shed some light on why Spirulina, being dubbed as “The Complete Protein”, or “The Future’s Superfood” is completely merited. In an unlikely event that we could not convince you, here are five more amazing benefits of Spirulina that is surely destined to turn your head, and explore Spirulina as a serious protein supplement.

1) Spirulina Supports Mental Health

Spirulina is an abundant source of Tryptophan. Tryptophan, in essence,is an amino acid that supports serotonin production. Now, Serotonin, commonly dubbed as the happy hormone is primarily responsible for, obviously, our happiness, which is central to our mental health.

People with certain mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, may have reduced levels of serotonin. Taking tryptophan supplements to maintain healthful serotonin levels plays a role in supporting mental wellbeing.

2) Reduces Allergy Symptoms

When a person has allergies to pollen, dust, or pets, the inside of their nose may swell. This reaction is called allergic rhinitis. There is evidence that spirulina could help improve the symptoms of this condition.
Studies state that spirulina can relieve nasal inflammation and reduce histamine in the body.

3) Boosts Immunity

The immune system is made of T cells, B cells and natural immune cells. Spirulina consists of certain elements that improve the functioning of these cells and hence builds the immune system.

4) Helps Build Muscles

Spirulina is 60% protein by weight, and is a complete protein (including all essential amino acids).So, in essence, Spirulina aids in the wear and tear of muscles, strengthens it, and increases recovery time of the muscles.

5) Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Spirulina contains phycocyanin, which helps fight free radicals. This substance gives spirulina its great anti-inflammatory properties.

It is quite easy to understand why, with a plethora of benefits, Spirulina is growing in popularity as time passes. The relevance of this alternative protein is supported by its environmentally friendly properties, ease to cultivate (across different sources of water), and is easy to consume. Now are you convinced about the health benefits of Spirulina? We hope you are!

Feel free to get in touch with us at any time by heading to the contact us section of our website, and we’ll be glad to assist you in any queries you might have about Spirulina or microalgae in general or even about all of Parry Nutraceuticals’ products.

Spirulina Powder Uses and all of its health benefits.

Spirulina is an microorganism that can be easily grown in both fresh water and salt water. .
It is a type of cyanobacteria, which is a family of single-celled microbes that are often referred to as blue-green algae.
Just like plants, cyanobacteria can produce energy from sunlight via a process called photosynthesis.
Spirulina has a history that dates back to the ancient Aztecs actively consuming it in their diets. It is, if not more, as relevant as it was, back then. With our world being increasingly plagued with health related issues, the collective populous has understood the importance of eating healthy, keeping their immune system intact, and how to become the very best version of themselves. Spirulina, in the modern day has been dubbed with a lot of names. Namely, “The complete protein”, “The Future’s Superfood” among many others. Here is a comprehensive list of health benefits that Spirulina aids you in, and you’ll understand just why, Spirulina is touted to become our future’s finest nutrition.

1) An excellent source of antioxidants.

Oxidative damage can harm your DNA and cells.
This damage can drive chronic inflammation, which contributes to cancer and other diseases
Spirulina is a fantastic source of antioxidants, which can protect against oxidative damage.
Its main active component is called phycocyanin. This antioxidant substance also gives spirulina its unique blue-green color.
Phycocyanin can fight free radicals and inhibit production of inflammatory signaling molecules, providing impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

2) The weight loss supplement

Spirulina is rich in beta-carotene, chlorophyll, fatty-acid GLA and other nutrients which are particularly beneficial for people who are aiming to lose weight. Taking this supplement is beneficial while fasting, as it supplies the nutrients that are needed to cleanse and heal your system, while curbing your appetite.

3) Spirulina can turn back time!

Spirulina contains tyrosine, vitamin E or tocopherol, and selenium, all of which are known for their anti-ageing effects. Tyrosine slows down the ageing of skin cells. The antioxidants present in it eliminate free radicals which are responsible for skin ageing. Try this facial mask to prevent premature ageing of skin and fight acne. Make a paste by mixing some Spirulina with water and apply it on your face. Keep on for 20 minutes and wash off. This will make your skin amazingly soft and smooth as well as prevent signs of ageing like wrinkles.

In Part 2 of this blog, discover more health secrets that Spirulina possesses.

Spirulina and its Nutritional benefits

Spirulina, commonly dubbed as the superfood for the future has turned the collective heads of health conscious consumers. Why is it dubbed as a superfood for the future? As things stand, there are pockets of the world that are being plagued with Hunger issues, and our world’s farmers are failing to meet ends. The gap between production and consumption is a wide gap that just keeps on increasing, and we are nowhere close to bridging this gap. Spirulina, in essence, cultivated from Algae, is an alternative source of protein, a gift that just keeps on giving.
Spirulina is 100% Vegan and provides a fitting solution to Vegans and Vegetarians who want to indulge themselves with a nutritional supplement. Additionally, Spirulina also provides a sustainable solution. How? Spirulina falls under aquaculture and does not rival traditional agriculture. Spirulina can be cultivated in most kind of water sources, making it an environmentally viable alternative unlike its other competitors. Hence, Spirulina is rightly dubbed as a superfood for the future.

Now, let’s go on and break down what kind of nutrition Spirulina is rich in.

Broadly, Spirulina is rich in numerous other vitamins and minerals including:

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Copper
Iron
Calcium
Magnesium
Potassium
Phosphorus
Manganese

Right from the get-go, all of us have been advised and educated about the importance of a balanced diet. Now, contrary to popular belief, as we get on with our lives, time dictates that an average human does not really measure his diet nutritionally, and is unsure of exactly what nutrition is prominent or lacking in his diet. Hence a supplement like Spirulina, which is laden with minerals, vitamins, and nutrition compliments your diet, and is destined to give you more energy.

From a qualitative point of view, spirulina proteins are complete, since all the essential
amino acids are present, forming 47% of total protein weight. This shows that the biological value of proteins in spirulina is very high, and that an optimum product could be achieved by supplementation with a good
source of Sulphur-containing amino acids and possibly also lysine and/or histidine. For example
cereals such as rice, wheat and millet, or certain oilseeds such as sesame should be excellent
supplements.

Now how much of this protein is actually synthesized and utilized by the body?

The utilization or absorption of the protein that is being ingested is determined by digestibility. In essence, the proportion of protein absorbed, and by the amino acid composition. This value is calculated experimentally by calculating the percentage of nitrogen retained.

While compared to its competitors and protein sources, spirulina cells do not have cellulose walls, but a relatively fragile envelope of murein . This explains the very high digestibility of its proteins (83-90% in ordinary dried spirulina, as against 95.1% for pure casein)

Source: The nutritional aspects of Spirulina – J Falquet, JP Hurni – Antenna Foundation

Spirulina Nutrition and Origin

What is Spirulina?

Let’s take this a step back and detail out the endemicity of Spirulina. Spirulina, in essence, is a byproduct of cultivating Algae. There are literally thousands of different types of algae, but three are by far the most popular: spirulina, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) , and chlorella. F “They all have very high concentrations of nutrients and vitamins, including protein, iron, potassium, zinc, calcium, and B vitamins.

Origins of Spirulina :

Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae that typically grows in freshwater lakes, natural springs, and saltwater in subtropical and tropical climates. Like a plethora of nutritionally opulent superfoods, spirulina isn’t new. In fact, research suggests the ingredient has been consumed in places like central Africa for centuries.

It was first discovered by Spanish Scientist Hernando Cortez and Conquistadors in 1519. Cortez observed that Spirulina was consumed by the Aztecs for nutrition and various other purposes during his visit to Lake Texcoco in the Valley of Mexico.

Another botanist, Pierre Dangeard, published a report on the consumption of dihé by the Kanembu people near Lake Chad (Dangeard, 1940). He also discovered the health benefits of Spirulina after observing that it was the main source of food for flamingos living around the lake.

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

What is Spirulina Nutritionally Opulent In ?

Spirulina contains a vast array of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, all of which are key for promoting health. One heaped teaspoon (7 grams) of spirulina contains the following nutrients:

Total Calories – 20
Protein – 4.02 grams
Carbohydrates – 1.7 grams
Fat – 0.54 grams
Fiber – 0.3 grams

Now, if you compare that with any other rich source of nutrition, it is well demonstrated that Spirulina has a decisive edge in its nutritional density. Furthermore, Spirulina is 100% Vegetarian, making it a unique source of protein that is environmentally friendly as well.

Consumability

The two most common forms of commercially available spirulina are powder and tablets. It’s also an ingredient in some protein and energy-boosting powder mixes. You can stir a small spoonful of spirulina powder into a glass of water or juice and drink it straight, or you can add some to a smoothie. Be warned: Just a small amount of deeply-pigmented spirulina will change the color of your drink into a deep blue-green, almost black.

What is the perfect dosage of Spirulina I should consume?

The doses used in studies of spirulina vary considerably, ranging from 1 to 8 grams per day. It alters from person to person, and what results you seek from Spirulina consumption other than to reap its general immune system boosting benefits.

Regular consumption can provide benefits in:
1.Improving muscle performance
2.Improving blood glucose control
3.Reducing cholesterol levels
4.For lowering blood pressure
5.For preventing and protecting against liver damage

Sources:
World Food And Agriculture Organization’s Review On Culture, Production And Use Of Spirulina As Food For Humans And Feeds For Domestic Animals And Fish