Common Vitamins by Daily Value (%DV)
| Macronutrients | Macronutrients | %DV |
| Weight | 100g | |
| Calories | 26 | 1% |
| Fat | 0.4g | 1% |
What are the nutrients found in spirulina?
- Fiber 0.4 g 1% DV
- Sugar 0.3 g 1% DV
- Sodium 98 mg 4% DV
- Calcium 12 mg 1% DV
Is spirulina the most nutritious food on Earth?
Spirulina is among the most nutritious food on earth. It is incredibly great for everyone because of the nutrients in it. These nutrients have good effects on both the body and the brain. Furthermore, Spirulina plays a key role in sports; we all know that any sports activity involves intense physical involvement.
How much is the daily dosage for spirulina?
Spirulina - Dosage & Usage - How much Spirulina should you take, and when? How much Spirulina should you take, and when? As a dietary supplement, the recommended minimum amount is three grams daily – one teaspoon of powder or six 500 mg tablets.
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.
What percent of spirulina is protein?
The protein content of spirulina varies between 50% and 70% of its dry weight. These levels are quite exceptional, even among microorganisms. Moreover, the best sources of vegetable protein achieve only half these levels; for example, soya flour contains “only” 35% crude protein.
How much protein does dried spirulina have?
Excellent nutritional profile Consuming spirulina is one way to supplement protein and vitamins in the diet. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one tablespoon or 7 grams (g) of dried spirulina contains : 20.3 calories. 4.02 g of protein.
Is spirulina a Superfood?
First used by the Aztecs as an endurance-booster, spirulina is considered a superfood — an all-in-one source of nutrients including protein levels comparable to eggs.
Why spirulina is called Superfood?
Spirulina is crowned a superfood due to the high concentration of vitamins, including vitamins A, C, E and B vitamins, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Vitamin C and selenium, in particular, are antioxidants that help protect our cells and tissues from damage caused by free radicals.
Does spirulina contain complete protein?
It's a source of protein, iron, carotenoids, and some vitamins. The protein in spirulina is like other plant proteins. Like other plant proteins, it's not complete. This means it doesn't contain all 9 essential amino acids.
Does spirulina have more protein than meat?
Not only does spirulina pack more protein, but it's better absorbed from your body. In fact, spirulina protein is four times more absorbable than protein from beef.
What are the dangers of spirulina?
But Spirulina may become contaminated with toxic metals, harmful bacteria and microcystins — toxins produced from some algae —if it is grown in unsafe conditions. Contaminated Spirulina can cause liver damage, nausea, vomiting, thirst, weakness, rapid heartbeat, shock and even death.
Is spirulina better than spinach?
Spirulina is typically sold as a powder or tablet and has more iron than raw spinach and more beta-carotene than carrots. Other health benefits of spirulina include: Rich source of non-animal protein. Good source of B-vitamins and iron to support metabolism and boost immunity.
Is spirulina good for testosterone?
In fact, studies have shown that zinc can significantly help to boost and maintain optimal testosterone serum levels in men of all ages. Some zinc-rich foods and superfood supplements such as spirulina, moringa spinach powder, chia seeds, and bee pollen are fantastic sources to consider.
Is spirulina a probiotic?
Spirulina platensis extract was regarded as the best algal source for prebiotic as it had a greater stimulatory effect on the growth of all three probiotic bacteria (L. lactis, B. longum and L. bulgaricus).
Does spirulina thicken hair?
According to Simpson, “With 70% protein, fatty acids and iron, spirulina offers a synergy of nutrients needed to promote hair growth.” And one of the best ways to reap the benefits of spirulina's hair growth capabilities is by ingesting supplements formulated with the blue-green algae.
How much omega 3 is in spirulina?
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.
What color is spirulina?
Spirulina grows in microscopic spirals, which tend to stick together, making it easy to harvest. It has an intense blue-green color, but a relatively mild taste. Aside from supplements, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows manufacturers to use Spirulina as a color additive in gum, candy and other packaged foods.
Why is spirulina considered a plant?
Spirulina was once classified as a plant because of "its richness in plant pigments as well as its ability of photosynthesis," according to a study published in the journal Cardiovascular Therapeutics.
What is spirulina powder used for?
Spirulina powder can be used to make a drink. The algae is also made into tablets, lower left. (Image credit: Madlen | Shutterstock) Spirulina is a microalgae that has been consumed for centuries due to its high nutritional value and supposed health benefits.
Which state has spirulina?
In 2016, the government of the Indian state of Karnataka, in conjunction with JSW Energy, instituted a statewide program providing malnourished children with Spirulina supplements, according to India Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Network.
Can you take spirulina with autoimmune disease?
People with certain autoimmune conditions should avoid Spirulina supplements, according to the NIH. Since Spirulina enhances the immune system, Spirulina supplements may worsen symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions linked to overactive immune systems. For the same reason, Spirulina may weaken the effect of immunosuppressants, which are often prescribed to treat autoimmune conditions and prevent the body from rejecting organ transplants. Spirulina may also interfere with drugs that slow blood clotting, including blood thinners such as warfarin as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) pain medications. Combining Spirulina with herbal supplements that slow blood clotting may increase a person's risk of bleeding. Such herbs include cloves, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng and turmeric, according to the NIH.
Does spirulina lower cholesterol?
Another study of 52 adults, ages 37 to 61, examined Spirulina 's effects on people recently found to have high cholesterol. Study participants took 1 gram of Spirulina supplements a day for 12 weeks, and gave fasting blood samples at the beginning and end of the study. By the end of the experiment, average levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and the potentially harmful LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol decreased. However, blood pressure, weight and body mass index readings did not change, according to the July 2013 paper published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.
Is spirulina a food?
Since Spirulina is considered a food, it remains an open question as to whether dried Spirulina in supplements has antioxidant health benefits. One preliminary study of Spirulina 's antioxidant effects tested the supplement on 87 people in Kerala, India, who regularly chewed paan tobacco.
How many calories are in a 100g serving of spirulina?
Seaweed, raw, spirulina contains 26 calories per 100 g serving. One serving contains 0.4 g of fat, 5.9 g of protein and 2.4 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 0.3 g sugar and 0.4 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate. Seaweed, raw, spirulina contains 0.1 g of saturated fat and 0 mg of cholesterol per serving. 100 g of Seaweed, raw, spirulina contains IU vitamin A, 0.9 mg of vitamin C and 0.00 mcg of vitamin D as well as 2.79 mg of iron, 12.00 mg of calcium and 127 mg of potassium. Seaweed, raw, spirulina belong to 'Vegetables and Vegetable Products' food category.
How much vitamin A is in seaweed?
Seaweed, raw, spirulina contains 0.1 g of saturated fat and 0 mg of cholesterol per serving. 100 g of Seaweed, raw, spirulina contains IU vitamin A, 0.9 mg of vitamin C and 0.00 mcg of vitamin D as well as 2.79 mg of iron, 12.00 mg of calcium and 127 mg of potassium.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the taste of spirulina?
Spirulina has a bitter taste, so people often mix it with yogurts, juices, and smoothies to improve its flavor. Spirulina is commonly available as a supplement at health food stores.
What is spirulina good for?
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.
Does spirulina help with HIV?
Laboratory studies show that spirulina can fight herpes, flu, and HIV — though much more research is needed to test these effects in humans.
Does spirulina help with triglycerides?
These are fats in your blood that can contribute to the hardening of arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and pancreatitis . Spirulina increases nitric oxide production in your body as well, which helps your blood vessels relax.
Does spirulina have magnesium?
Spirulina also contains magnesium. This mineral supports normal daily functions like muscle use and your heartbeat. It’s also responsible for producing protein and creating energy — but most people don’t get enough in their diet.
Does spirulina cause cancer?
Chronic inflammation contributes to cancer and other diseases. Phycocyanin — the a plant pigment that gives spirulina its blue-green color — has been found to not only reduce inflammation in the body, but also block tumor growth and kill cancer cells.
Is spirulina a plant based protein?
Spirulina is a potent source of nutrients. It contains a powerful plant-based protein called phycocyanin. Research shows this may have antioxidant, pain-relief, anti-inflammatory, and brain-protective properties. This antioxidant and other nutrients in spirulina are linked with several health benefits:
Diet
Taxonomy
- Spirulina was once classified as a plant because of \"its richness in plant pigments as well as its ability of photosynthesis,\" according to a study published in the journal Cardiovascular Therapeutics. New understanding of its genetics, physiology and biochemical properties caused scientists to move it to the Bacteria kingdom and the Cyanobacteria phylum. At first it was class…
Uses
- Spirulina grows in microscopic spirals, which tend to stick together, making it easy to harvest. It has an intense blue-green color, but a relatively mild taste. Aside from supplements, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows manufacturers to use Spirulina as a color additive in gum, candy and other packaged foods.
Medical uses
- Many people promote Spirulina as a treatment for a range of metabolism and heart health issues, including weight loss, diabetes and high cholesterol, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). People may also recommend Spirulina as an aid for various mental and emotional disorders, including anxiety, stress, depression and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADH…
Definition
- Bioavailability describes how much of the nutrients you swallow are actually used by the body. In some cases, eating two different foods at once will help the body absorb nutrients better than if the person ate the foods separately. For example, Mangieri said, the leucine found in tomatoes is better absorbed by the body if you eat oil with tomatoes. Scientists are still studying the bioavail…
Quotes
- \"As a registered dietitian, I highly recommend people get their nutrients from foods in a healthy diet because nutrients work synergistically, and that increases the bioavailability,\" Mangieri said.
Research
- Given its high nutritional profile, scientists examining malnutrition have shown an interest in Spirulina. Several studies have looked at the effects of its supplementation among malnourished populations, including anemic pregnant women and children in developing countries with high poverty rates, according to a 2017 review published in the Journal of International Medical Rese…
Health
- In 2016, the government of the Indian state of Karnataka, in conjunction with JSW Energy, instituted a statewide program providing malnourished children with Spirulina supplements, according to India Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Network. The JSW website reports a 46 percent reduction in malnutrition cases among young children, pregnant women, and lactati…
Benefits
- Antioxidants are compounds that help combat cell and DNA damage that leads to cancer, heart disease and other chronic diseases. The body makes some antioxidants, and others are found in food. Despite the presumed benefits of taking extra antioxidants, extensive research has not shown that taking antioxidant supplements lowers cancer risk, according to the National Cance…
Risks
- Doctors consider Spirulina to be safe in general, especially in light of its long history as a food. But Spirulina may become contaminated with toxic metals, harmful bacteria and microcystins toxins produced from some algae if it is grown in unsafe conditions. Contaminated Spirulina can cause liver damage, nausea, vomiting, thirst, weakness, rapid heartbeat, shock and even death. Conta…
Interactions
- People with certain autoimmune conditions should avoid Spirulina supplements, according to the NIH. Since Spirulina enhances the immune system, Spirulina supplements may worsen symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions linked to overactive immune systems. For the same reason, Spirulina may weak…
Contraindications
- Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid Spirulina since there is a lack of safety studies in this group. People who have the genetic condition phenylketonuria should also avoid Spirulina, as it may aggravate their condition, according to the NIH. Since there are not enough studies to establish a safe dose range of Spirulina, it is best to consult a doctor and follow instru…