Spirulina
Spirulina is a cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) that can be consumed by humans and other animals. There are two species, Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima. Arthrospira is cultivated worldwide; used as a dietary supplement as well as a whole food; and is also …
Cyanobacteria
Cyanobacteria, also known as Cyanophyta, are a phylum of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis and are the only photosynthetic prokaryotes able to produce oxygen. The name cyanobacteria comes from the color of the bacteria. Cyanobacteria, which are prokaryotes, a…
Full Answer
Who should not take spirulina?
Spirulina is generally safe to use but may cause allergy, headaches, insomnia, muscle pain, and sweating in some. Because of its possible effect on the immune system, spirulina should be avoided in people with autoimmune diseases or on immunosuppressive therapies. Pregnant and nursing people or those with phenylketonuria should also avoid ...
Is Spirulina a miracle cure-all?
Spirulina is a Miracle for all Diseases. Spirulina is a Miracle for all Diseases. samsrecipeclub • February 17, 2017 • No Comments • Apparently the super food Spirulina relates with various wellbeing claims. It cures sensitivities and candida to detoxifying the body and helping in weight reduction.
Is spirulina good or bad?
While spirulina is safe, it’s important to be aware of potential dangers and to get it from a trusted and proven source. Many commercially-available brands of spirulina have low levels of heavy metals that do not fall within an unsafe range, according to a study published in the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences in 2013.
Why is Spirulina a superfood?
Spirulina is a good source of:
- Thiamine ( v itamin B1)
- Riboflavin ( v itamin B2)
- Niacin ( v itamin B3)
- Copper
- Iron
What does spirulina do for the body?
Spirulina is rich in a range of vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, like vitamins E, C, and B6. Research finds that spirulina also boosts the production of white blood cells and antibodies that fight viruses and bacteria in your body.
Is spirulina an algae?
A. Spirulina — classified as a cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae — has been used for centuries as a food source in other countries. Spirulina is available in capsules, tablets, and powder and has been incorporated in certain foods and beverages such as energy bars, popcorn, and smoothies.
Is algae and spirulina the same thing?
Spirulina is a naturally occurring blue-green algae that is commercially grown in a controlled environment. Another natural blue-green algae, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), is grown commercially in the wild, allowing for potential contamination. Blue-green algae are a phylum of bacteria and not true algae.
Is spirulina algae toxic?
Spirulina -- like any blue-green algae -- can be contaminated with toxic substances called microcystins. It can also absorb heavy metals from the water where it is grown. For these reasons, it is important to buy spirulina from a trusted brand.
Who should not take spirulina?
You should avoid spirulina if you take blood thinners or have an autoimmune condition, bleeding disorder, allergies, or PKU. If you're unsure whether this supplement is right for you, consult your doctor.
What is spirulina made from?
Spirulina is a dietary supplement made from blue-green algae or cyanobacteria, known as Arthrospira platensis. Spirulina is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The cyanobacteria, through the process of photosynthesis, converts sunlight into nearly all essential nutrients.
Is spirulina a seaweed or algae?
Spirulina is a type of algae, like seaweed, that grows in freshwater environments like lakes, rivers, and ponds. The commercial stuff you can purchase at health food stores comes from spirulina that's farmed by manufacturers like the U.S.-based Nutrex and Earthrise, which cultivate spirulina in contained pools.
Is eating algae good for you?
Algae contains high levels of calcium, iron, vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, selenium, and magnesium. Most importantly, it is one of the best natural sources of iodine, a nutrient that is missing from most other foods, and is also essential for a healthy functioning thyroid gland.
What's better blue or green spirulina?
Hands down, green spirulina can boast many more health benefits than blue spirulina. Here are the main benefits that you can get from green spirulina: Fights cancer. Improves heart health and lowers cholesterol.
Does spirulina hurt your liver?
Spirulina has been implicated in isolated case reports in causing clinically apparent liver injury, but the role of spirulina as opposed to other herbal components or contaminants has not been shown. Liver injury due to spirulina must be very rare if it occurs at all.
Is spirulina hard on the kidneys?
These researchers, however, go on to suggest that it is not prudent to eat more than 50 g of spirulina daily. The reason they give is that the plant contains a high concentration of nucleic acids, substances related to DNA. When these are metabolized, they create uric acid, which could cause gout or kidney stones.
Is spirulina safe to take everyday?
Up to 8 grams of spirulina per day is safe, and many people add it to their shakes or smoothies because it comes in powder form.
What does spirulina do to the body?
Evidence suggests spirulina has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering properties. It may help treat or manage con...
How does spirulina affect weight?
Research suggests spirulina can help reduce body fat, waist circumference, BMI, and appetite, which could make it useful as part of a weight-manage...
Is spirulina safe?
A person should always buy from a reputable source, check it has undergone testing, and follow the instructions on the label. It may not be safe du...
What is spirulina algae?
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that people can take as a dietary supplement. People consider spirulina a superfood due to its excellent nutritional content and health benefits.
Why is spirulina digested easily?
3. Improving gut health. Spirulina can be digested easily because of its structure where the cells do not have tough, fibrous walls.
How long does it take for spirulina to lower cholesterol?
Researchers found that taking 1 g of spirulina every day reduced participant’s total cholesterol after 3 months. 6. Reducing blood pressure. As discussed above, spirulina may lower cholesterol, and there is also evidence that it could help control a person’s blood pressure.
How much sodium is in spirulina?
73 mg of sodium. 0.7 mg of vitamin C. It also contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and vitamins B-6, A, and K. Taking spirulina, as part of a balanced diet, may help a person to stay well nourished. 2.
Does spirulina extract lower cholesterol?
Taking spirulina extract may help to lower cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is an unhealthful fat in a person’s blood that medical experts link to heart disease.
Does spirulina help with gut health?
More research on humans is needed, but animal studies indicate spirulina may support gut health as people age. A 2017 study on older mice suggests that spirulina may preserve healthy gut bacteria during the aging process.
Is spirulina poisonous to humans?
In certain parts of the world, people are at risk of poisoning from contaminated drinking water and other sources of pollutants. Early research#N#Trusted Source#N#suggests that spirulina may offer a way to treat those affected.
What is spirulina algae?
Summary Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in both salt and fresh water. It may be one of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth. 2. Powerful Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Oxidative damage can harm your DNA and cells.
Who ate spirulina?
Spirulina was consumed by the ancient Aztecs but became popular again when NASA proposed that it could be grown in space for use by astronauts ( 1 ).
How much spirulina is in a tablespoon?
Gram for gram, spirulina may be the single most nutritious food on the planet. A tablespoon (7 grams) of spirulina provides a small amount of fat — around 1 gram — including both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in an approximately 1.5–1.0 ratio.
How many calories are in spirulina?
In addition, the same amount holds only 20 calories and 1.7 grams of digestible carbs. Gram for gram, spirulina may be the single most nutritious food on the planet.
Does spirulina cause heart disease?
Many risk factors are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. As it turns out, spirulina positively impacts many of these factors. For example, it can lower total cholesterol, “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while raising “good” HDL cholesterol.
Does spirulina increase endurance?
In two studies, spirulina enhanced endurance, significantly increasing the time it took for people to become fatigued ( 28, 29 ).
Does spirulina have anti-cancer properties?
Some evidence suggests that spirulina has anti-cancer properties.
What is the advantage of spirulina?
Its advantage for food security is that it needs less land and water than livestock to produce protein and energy. Dried spirulina contains 5% water, 24% carbohydrates, 8% fat, and about 60% (51–71%) protein (table).
What is spirulina supplement?
Jump to navigation Jump to search. Spirulina tablets. Spirulina is a biomass of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that can be consumed by humans and animals. The three species are Arthrospira platensis, A. fusiformis, and A. maxima . Cultivated worldwide, Arthrospira is used as ...
Why is spirulina being investigated?
Food and nutrition. As an ecologically sound, nutrient-rich dietary supplement, spirulina is being investigated to address food security and malnutrition, and as dietary support in long-term space flight or Mars missions.
What is the pH of spirulina?
Spirulina thrives at a pH around 8.5 and above, which will get more alkaline, and a temperature around 30 °C (86 °F). They are autotrophic, meaning that they are able to make their own food, and do not need a living energy or organic carbon source. In addition, a nutrient feed for growing it is:
Why did the Aztecs use spirulina?
Spirulina was found in abundance at Lake Texcoco by French researchers in the 1960s, but no reference to its use by the Aztecs as a daily food source was made after the 16th century, probably because of the draining of the surrounding lakes for agriculture and urban development.
When was spirulina first introduced to space?
In the late 1980s and early 90s, both NASA ( CELSS) and the European Space Agency ( MELiSSA) proposed spirulina as one of the primary foods to be cultivated during long-term space missions.
Is spirulina good for diabetes?
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, scientific evidence is insufficient to recommend spirulina supplementation for any human condition, and more research is needed to clarify whether consumption yields any benefits. Administration of spirulina has been investigated as a way to control glucose in people with diabetes, but the European Food Safety Authority rejected those claims in 2013. Spirulina has been studied as a potential nutritional supplement for adults and children affected by HIV, but there was no conclusive effect on risk of death, body weight, or immune response.
What is spirulina used for?
Spirulina has been widely used to brew beer in many microbreweries around the world. In the United States, some microbreweries produce seasonal beer, called “green beer” for St. Patrick’s Day. Captain Lawrence Brewery in New York also brews green beer for St. Patrick’s Day, named “Gimmicky Green.” The Freetail Brewing Company in San Antonio brewed a Belgian-style wheat beer using powdered Spirulina, named “ Spirulina Wit.” The Spirulina Wit is semisweet. According to the founder and CEO of the brewer, Scott Metzger, customers enjoy Spirulina Wit and feel healthy. Dogfish Head Brewery in Delaware used the protein-rich Spirulina to brew a German lager green in 2005 although Spirulina does not turn the beer into a protein shake. This beer had a vibrant color and a rich, earthy vegetable smell. However, this beer business was not successful and therefore became obsolete.
What is spirulina supplement?
Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a filamentous and multicellular blue-green alga capable of reducing inflammation and also manifesting antioxidant effects. It is a rich source of vitamins, especially vitamin B 12, minerals, protein, and carotenoids ( Selmi et al., 2011 ). Lee and workers reported that spirulina supplementation for 12 weeks significantly reduced plasma malondialdehyde level and inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α and IL-6) levels in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes ( Lee et al., 2008 ). Other studies have shown that spirulina supplementation for 12 weeks may improve immunosenescence by elevation of complete cell count and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase enzyme activity, as a sign of immune function in older individuals.
How much is spirulina worth?
The commercial value of dried Spirulina biomass is valued at about US $15–50 per kilogram, depending on production and market-driven variables ( Gellenbeck, 2012 ). Approximately 3000 tons dry weight is currently produced annually in the United States, Thailand, India, Taiwan, China, Pakistan, and Burma ( Raja et al., 2007 ). Spirulina has been used as a weight loss supplement, as well as to control diabetes, high blood pressure, and hypertension. Reports have pointed out its positive uses in lowering cholesterol by increasing HDL levels, which can lead to healthy cardiovascular functions ( de Caire et al., 1995 ). The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of C-phycocyanine of Spirulina have been successfully demonstrated in mice models as well as in humans ( Romay et al., 1998 ). The potential effects of Spirulina for the improvement of digestion, food absorption, and enhancement of the immune system to help fight infections have been investigated ( Archer et al., 1985 ).
How much phycocyanin is in spirulina?
The patent claims that approximately 76% of phycocyanin, 61% of gamma-linolenic acid, and 67% of beta-carotene in Spirulina powder can be extracted from Spirulina into the wine. In addition, this new method provides advantages of a good feeling in the mouth, clear color, simple process, and a long shelf period.
What is the name of the beer that uses algae?
De Koperen Kat, a microbrewery in Netherlands, produces algae beer by replacing 5% of the malt with Chlorella. Many algae beers simply add algae after the brewing process, but De Koperen Kat’s Chlorella beer is brewed together with other ingredients.
What is the color of spirulina?
It also contains chlorophyll a and carotenoids. Some contain the pigment phycoythrin, giving a red or pink color.
Where is spirulina beer made?
RedDot Brewhouse in Singapore and Mandalay Brewery in Myanmar also produce the Spirulina beer year round. The Mandalay Spirulina beer is called “Anti-Aging Beer.”. This beer’s alcohol content is 5%, and Spirulina extract is only 0.5%.
Is spirulina safe to take?
No. To my mind, spirulina and other blue-green algae supplements are unsafe. For years, I have been warning against consuming them. My main concern is the neurotoxins that spirulina and related organisms may contain. The possible connection between one compound and a fatal nervous system disorder ...
Can spirulina cause heart failure?
In addition to liver damage, contaminated spirulina can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, rapid heartbeat, shock and death.
Is spirulina a superfood?
Spirulina is widely marketed as a “superfood” and protein source, available commercially in capsules, tablets, and powder, as well as in some foods (energy bars) and smoothies. It is promoted as a preventive or treatment for a wide range of health problems: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, and more.
Where is spirulina found?
Spirulina was found in abundance at Lake Texcoco by French researchers in the 1960s, The first large-scale spirulina production plant, run by Sosa Texcoco, was established in the early 1970s.
What is the pH of spirulina?
Spirulina thrives at a pH around 8.5 and above, which will get more alkaline, and a temperature around 30 °C (86 °F). They are able to make their own food and do not need living energy or organic carbon source.
Is spirulina a nutrient rich supplement?
As an ecologically-sound, nutrient-rich, dietary supplement. Spirulina is being investigated to address the food security, malnutrition, and as dietary support in long-term. Its interesting food security is for lower land and water. Our needs to produce protein and energy than required for livestock as meat sources.
What is a spirulina?
Learn more... Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that’s loaded with nutrition: protein, antioxidants, and numerous vitamins and minerals. It is a simple organism that grows easily in warm water.
What is a spirulina grower?
Spirulina growers refer to the “medium” the algae grows in , but this really just means the water in the tank, with the mineral “food” added. Fill your tank with filtered water, and add the mineral mix according to the package instructions.
How to replenish spirulina?
Each time you take some spirulina out of your tank, make sure to add a bit of the mineral mixture back in, in about equal measure. For instance, if you tank out a tablespoon of spirulina, add about a tablespoon of the medium back in.
How to help a spirulina grow?
Agitate the tank occasionally. Your spirulina will need oxygen to thrive. Some growers will use an aquarium pump to ensure a supply of oxygen, but this isn’t strictly necessary. To help air get into the water of your tank, you can simply stir the medium occasionally.
How do you know if a spirulina colony is growing?
Watch your spirulina colony grow. At first, your spirulina colony will seem thin, but over time it will thicken and expand in size. Most of the time, you won’t have to do anything to your colony other than let it grow!
What temperature should a spirulina tank be?
Ideally, the temperature in your tank should be around 35°C (95 F), but above 38°C (100.4 F) is too warm. Use an aquarium thermometer to make sure your tank will provide the right temperature for your spirulina. Spirulina can tolerate lower temperatures without dying, but will do best in warm environments.
How to grow spirulina in plain water?
Trying to grow spirulina in plain water won’t necessarily lead to great results. To have an optimal colony, you’ll need to add specific minerals. You don’t have to be an expert, though--you can buy premixed mineral “food” for spirulina from health and organic stores as well as online. Make sure that it contains:
Overview
Spirulina is a biomass of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that can be consumed by humans and animals. The three species are Arthrospira platensis, A. fusiformis, and A. maxima.
Cultivated worldwide, Arthrospira is used as a dietary supplement or whole food. It is also used as a feed supplement in the aquaculture, aquarium, and poultry indu…
Etymology and ecology
The species A. maxima and A. platensis were once classified in the genus Spirulina. The common name, spirulina, refers to the dried biomass of A. platensis, which belongs to photosynthetic bacteria that cover the groups Cyanobacteria and Prochlorophyta. Scientifically, a distinction exists between spirulina and the genus Arthrospira. Species of Arthrospira have been isolated …
Historical use
Spirulina was a food source for the Aztecs and other Mesoamericans until the 16th century; the harvest from Lake Texcoco in Mexico and subsequent sale as cakes were described by one of Cortés' soldiers. The Aztecs called it tecuitlatl.
Spirulina was found in abundance at Lake Texcoco by French researchers in the 1960s, but no reference to its use by the Aztecs as a daily food source was made after the 16th century, proba…
Food and nutrition
As an ecologically sound, nutrient-rich dietary supplement, spirulina is being investigated to address food security and malnutrition, and as dietary support in long-term space flight or Mars missions. Its advantage for food security is that it needs less land and water than livestock to produce protein and energy.
Dried spirulina contains 5% water, 24% carbohydrates, 8% fat, and about 60% (51–71%) protein (ta…
Research
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, scientific evidence is insufficient to recommend spirulina supplementation for any human condition, and more research is needed to clarify whether consumption yields any benefits. Administration of spirulina has been investigated as a way to control glucose in people with diabetes, but the European Food Safety Authority rejected those claims in 2013. Spirulina has been studied as a potential nutritional supplement f…
Advocates
In the late 1980s and early 90s, both NASA (CELSS) and the European Space Agency (MELiSSA) proposed spirulina as one of the primary foods to be cultivated during long-term space missions.
Risks
Spirulina may have adverse interactions when taken with prescription drugs, particularly those affecting the immune system and blood clotting.
Spirulina is a cyanobacterium, others of which produce toxins such as microcystins. Some spirulina supplements have been found to be contaminated with microcystins, albeit at levels below the limit set by the Oregon Health Department. Microcystins can cause gastrointestinal up…
See also
• Aphanizomenon flos-aquae