Spirulina

by Kat Matina February 2, 2020

Nature is full of treasures and offers us its benefits in abundance. Among the plants that are beneficial for the body, some stand out with an almost perfect nutritional profile. This is the case of spirulina, a micro-algae that is halfway between the plant and the animal, which we are studying in detail today...

General presentation of spirulina

Not quite a plant nor quite an animal, spirulina is a micro-algae , and more precisely a cynobacteria of the genus arthrospira, that is to say spiral. It has existed for no less than 3 billion years.

The species most commonly marketed as a food supplement is the spirulina platensis variety and is one of the 36 species of edible spirulina. It is now produced all over the world: in Chile, China, Cuba, India, West Africa and France…

A late discovery...

Spirulina was discovered by Westerners in 1967 during a military expedition to Chad, where dry cakes were sold in the markets and contained spirulina because of its high nutritional value and very high protein content. In reality, spirulina has been consumed for a long time, particularly since the 9th century under the Kanem Empire located in Chad and Nigeria.

Composition and medicinal properties of spirulina

Spirulina is composed of about 60% plant protein. Depending on the growth stage of the microalgae as well as the period in which it is harvested, protein concentrations ranging from 51 to 71% are observed, twice as much as soy and three times as much as meat or fish.

Spirulina is also considered the world's leading assimilable source of protein according to the WHO. Its high content of chlorophyll and phycocyanin, which are pigments, gives it its distinctive blue-green color. It is also very rich…

In vitamins

Vitamin A (or beta-carotene), antioxidant and contributing to the proper functioning of vision and bone growth ,
Vitamin B1: energy production and nerve impulses,
Vitamin B2: production of red blood cells and hormones, tissue repair ,
Vitamin B3: DNA, growth,
Vitamin B6: mental balance, regulation of sugar levels, immune system ,
Vitamin B8: transformation of glucose and fat,
Vitamin D: immune system, bone and dental health ,
Vitamin E: anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, heart health ,
Vitamin K: proper coagulation and tissue calcification.

In minerals and trace elements

Magnesium: nervous balance, anti-stress, anti-fatigue ,
Iron (10g of spirulina contains 80% of the RDA): fatigue, blood oxygenation,
Calcium: strength of bones and teeth,
Phosphorus: skeleton, transport and storage of energy ,
Sodium: hydro-electrolytic balance, body water mass,
Zinc: metabolism of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates,
Copper: bones, heart, enzymes,
Manganese: fights free radicals, transformation of carbohydrates and lipids,
Chromium: metabolism, regulation of blood sugar ,
Potassium: regulation of nerve impulses and water in the body,
Selenium: antioxidant, liver metabolism

Spirulina also contains a significant number of enzymes, as well as essential omega 6 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acids.

Omega 6 fatty acid is called unsaturated fatty acid and its main role is to provide energy to the body. It also contributes to the health of the cardiovascular system, reproductive organs, veins and arteries by lowering the level of bad cholesterol and fights against free radicals.

Gamma linolenic acid is also an important fatty acid for the body, as it allows optimal functioning of the immune system, acts as an anti-infective and anti-allergic, and plays a role in the hydration and suppleness of the skin.

In smaller amounts, spirulina contains methionine, cysteine and lysine, all three of which are essential amino acids for protein synthesis.

In addition to this ideal composition, spirulina offers a very high bioavailability. This means that all the nutrients it contains are very easily assimilated by the body.

Spirulina is said to have the ability to inhibit the growth and progression of cancer cells as well as COX-2 enzymes which are found to be excessive in cases of breast cancer in particular.

Spirulina, a micro-algae widely studied by science

The antioxidant action of spirulina has been studied, particularly in elderly people, in a 4-month double-blind trial. The results showed a significant decrease in bad cholesterol levels, an increase in positive markers of the immune system, as well as an improvement in the lipid profile and antioxidant activity (1).

In subjects suffering from metabolic syndrome or associated disorders such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia or hypertension and high cholesterol levels, doses ranging from 1 to 8g of spirulina per day have been shown to significantly reduce triglyceride and bad cholesterol levels (2) (3) (4).

The anti-inflammatory and immune system-boosting effects of spirulina have also been scientifically proven. On cancer cells, a daily supplementation of 200 to 400 mg of spirulina increased the body's fight by no less than 40% (5) (6).

And for sports enthusiasts, particularly bodybuilding and fitness enthusiasts, a study showed that supplementing with 2 g of spirulina over a period of 8 weeks resulted in a significant increase in muscle power (2).

Dosage and side effects of spirulina

Spirulina can be found in the form of tablets, powder, capsules or flakes. In powder or flake form, spirulina can be consumed in a raw vegetable salad, in a smoothie, a salad dressing or even in a yogurt.

It is recommended to start with 1 g of spirulina per day, then gradually increase the dose in order to avoid the unpleasant effects of the detox effects of spirulina (headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, pasty mouth, etc.). It is then possible to increase up to 5 g per day.

Overall, spirulina does not pose any problems in terms of contraindications or side effects. However, it can have stimulating effects on particularly sensitive people, who should therefore avoid taking it too late in the day. Finally, it is advisable to avoid spirulina in cases of phenylketonuria.

Spirulina, a superfood that you absolutely must use!

As you will have understood, spirulina is a kind of “miracle” superfood containing an immense number of benefits for the body. Whether you are in good health or more fragile, regular spirulina cures constitute a high-quality natural health ally.