Spirulina

Spirulina: The Superfood You Need to Know About

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is often called a superfood. It is rich in nutrients, including protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. spirulina can be found in powder or tablet form and can be added to smoothies, juices, or simply water. It has a slightly bitter taste, so it is best to start with a small amount and gradually increase the amount you consume. If you are looking for a nutrient-rich superfood to add to your diet, spirulina is a great option.

What is spirulina exactly?

Spirulina is a type of cyanobacteria, which is a primitive form of bacteria that’s often referred to as blue-green algae. It’s one of the oldest life forms on Earth, and it’s been used as a food source for centuries. This microalgae grows in freshwater environments.

Strangely, it only recently gained popularity as a superfood. It was only in the 1970s that spirulina began to be cultivated on a large scale. This was done in response to a UN report which suggested that spirulina could be an important food source for the future due to its high protein and nutrient content. Spirulina is now grown all over the world, and is particularly popular in Asia and Africa.

Spirulina is grown in ponds and is harvested when it reaches the surface. The algae is then dried and ground into a powder. The spirulina powder is sold as is, but also gets processed into spirulina tablets or spirulina pills.

Blue Spirulina vs Green spirulina

So what are the differences and similarities between blue and green spirulina?

• Blue spirulina contains more phycocyanin, which is a blue pigment. Green spirulina contains more chlorophyll, which is a green pigment.
• Both Phycocyanin and Chlorophyll are powerful antioxidants that have many benefits.
• Both blue and green spirulina are excellent sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• They are both low in calories and fat.
• Blue spirulina powder is a good source of iron and calcium. Green spirulina powder is a good source of magnesium and potassium.

So why is spirulina so good for you?

Well, this superfood is packed with nutrients including protein, vitamins and minerals. Spirulina is also a good source of antioxidants and phytonutrients, which are beneficial for overall health.

Differences between Spirulina and Chlorella.

The two most popular types of microalgae are spirulina and chlorella. Both offer a host of health benefits, but there are some key differences between the two.

• Spirulina is a blue-green fresh water algae that gets its name from its spiral shape. It's one of the oldest forms of life on earth and is thought to have originated in Africa. Spirulina is now grown all over the world, and most commercially available spirulina comes from Asia.
• Chlorella is a green algae that's also found in freshwater environments like ponds and lakes. It's much younger than spirulina, and was only discovered in the 19th century. Most chlorella on the market comes from China.
• Spirulina is higher in protein than chlorella, and also contains more vitamins and minerals. It's a good source of iron, beta-carotene, and B vitamins. Spirulina is also rich in antioxidants and phycocyanin.
• Chlorella is higher in chlorophyll than spirulina. Chlorella is also a good source of magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

So, which one is better? Both spirulina and chlorella offer unique health benefits, so it really depends on your individual needs. If you're looking for a protein-rich superfood, spirulina is a good choice.