Spirulina: The Definitive Guide on this Incredible & Edible Algae

Learn Everything You Need to About this Popular Superfood

(Courtesy of Supplements On Demand)

Spirulina is all the rage these days.

You can’t walk down the aisle of a health food store without seeing it sitting prominently on the shelf next to the other “superfoods”.

And your super health-conscious friends are probably flooding their already-green smoothies with greenish-blue spirulina powder.

You’ve probably been wondering: what is it exactly? And, is it even safe to eat algae?

Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Those questions and others will be answered, along with everything else you would want to know about this awesome algae.

From its unbelievable health benefits, to any possible health concerns, and how to find a high quality supplement, this post has you covered.

If you’re ready to take a deep dive, then read on to discover why everyone from the ancient Aztecs to NASA has revered this little algae.

An Ancient Algae Consumed by Kings

Spirulina is old.

Like, REALLY old.

When the Earth came to be, roughly 4 billion years ago, spirulina and other algae were among the first forms of life.

To give you some perspective, modern humans that walk around on 2 feet have only been in existence for about 200,000 years.

But when humans did finally show up, it didn’t take long for them to realize spirulina was an incredible food source.

Which is astounding because spirulina is what’s known as a tiny, single-celled cyanobacteria.

Don’t let the name freak you out, these are just microorganisms that live in fresh and saltwater, and make their own food through photosynthesis.

Why would anyone favor this over a succulent strawberry? Or a hearty serving of game meat?

And, who were these people who discovered blue-green algae was a key component of optimal health?

The Original Mexican Food

The image above is a depiction of how spirulina was taken from the water with a net or pole, and used to make cakes and other meals.

Which group of people were ingenious enough to come up with this?

It’s estimated that as early as AD 1250, the ancient Aztecs made spirulina a staple of their diet.

These early inhabitants of what is now modern-day Mexico prized spirulina, or tecuitlatl, as they called it, for the energizing effect it seemed to have.

Everyone from the emperor to young children consumed it regularly.

In particular, Aztec messengers who had to run incredible distances to deliver messages, relied upon spirulina cakes for energy and endurance.

They were certainly on to something. As you’ll discover a little later, modern science is now confirming that spirulina can be a potent exercise-enhancer.

But the Aztecs weren’t the only ancient peoples to discover the incredible benefits of spirulina.

Across the Atlantic ocean, another empire was consuming and cultivating it at an extraordinary rate.

Superfood of the Kanem Empire

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Before the Aztecs, there was another equally-ingenious group that was massively harvesting spirulina.

The Kanem Empire of modern day Chad, in north-central Africa, revered a blueish-green substance from Lake Chad that they called, dihe.

The Kanem prized this algae for many of the same reasons the Aztecs did:

• Increased endurance
• Increased Stamina
• Increased vitality

And just like the Aztecs, the Kanem turned spirulina into cakes and broths that were consumed by kings and commoners alike.

Also, because they were centrally located among several trade routes, the Kanem would sell dihe to other tribes and at markets.

It’s clear spirulina has a LONG history as a superfood.

And that ancient cultures ate it because they found it energizing.

But what could this little algae be made of that makes it so invigorating to humans?

The Algae that Could Replace your Multivitamin

I’ll leave it up to you if you want to throw out your multivitamin or not.

But when you discover the amazing nutritional content of spirulina, you’ll probably consider it.

It’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence, with many of its nutrients in higher quantities per gram than the majority of other foods.

In fact, spirulina’s nutritional profile is nearly identical to mother’s breast milk!

And that nutritional profile consists of easily absorbable, plant-based:

• Protein
• Fats
• Carbohydrates
• B vitamins
• Antioxidants
• Essential minerals

This insane amount of nutrition inside of a small tablet, capsule, or serving of powder, is why NASA has made spirulina an essential component of an astronaut’s diet.

And the studies done by NASA, inspired the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) to examine spirulina more closely.

These highly influential and global organizations declared that spirulina is “the most ideal food for mankind”, and “mankind’s best health supplement in the 21st century”.

Also consider that unlike many plants, spirulina doesn’t have a cell wall.

That means your body absorbs its nutrients right away. Which could be part of the reason ancient cultures found it energizing.

Another reason they found it energizing is because it’s chock-full of muscle-building protein!

Big Things Come in Little Packages

At 60% protein, little spirulina is a powerhouse when it comes to this essential macronutrient.

Not only that, but it contains all of the essential amino acids!

These are the amino acids your body doesn’t make and has to get from food.

This also makes it a fantastic protein choice for vegans and vegetarians who may be at risk of not getting adequate amounts of absorbable plant protein.

Next time you work out you could opt for the run-of-the-mill protein shake that tastes like chalk and causes bloating.

Or, you could throw back some spirulina tablets instead.

All of the amino acids and none of the bloating!

Protein is important for rebuilding the body, but you also need to repair damage done at the cellular level. That’s where antioxidants can help you out.

And spirulina can make an amazing claim in that department!

No Other Plant has as Many Antioxidants

That’s right.

Spirulina is the pound-for-pound champ when it comes to antioxidants!

And antioxidants are crucial for repairing damage, staying healthy, and avoiding disease.

Some of the more remarkable antioxidants in spirulina include:

• Phycocyanin
• Zeaxanthin
• Beta-carotene
• Chlorophyll
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

Most people have to eat a big salad once a day, or drink several smoothies a day, to get all the antioxidants you can get in a serving or two of spirulina.

This could save you time and money while still getting all of the antioxidant protection your body needs to thrive!

Ok, so you’re now well aware that spirulina is SUPER nutritious.

But you might be thinking, so what? So are a lot of foods. What can spirulina do for me?

Good question!

But you may be surprised to know that spirulina goes way beyond supplying you with your daily intake of vitamins and minerals.

Read on to learn 4 amazing health benefits spirulina brings to the table. (Literally).

4 Mind-Blowing Health Benefits of Spirulina

This is where spirulina really proves it deserves to be in the class of superfoods.

In fact, it might be THE superfood.

There aren’t many other foods on the planet that can do all of the things that spirulina can do for you.

And as scientists keep studying it, they’re sure to reveal even more incredible health benefits.

In the meantime, here are 4 that are almost too good to be true:

Smart Food that Can Beat the Blues

Essential fatty acids, like essential aminos, are vital fats the body doesn’t make and has to get from food sources.

These fats play major roles in our health, and in particular, our mental health.

Spirulina is GUSHING with the essential fatty acids:

• Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA)
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

This gives spirulina a great ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids.

When your brain has these in the right amounts you can experience reduced neural inflammation, sharper thinking, and a more positive mood.

Researchers have also found that spirulina can prevent neurological disorders from forming, while also preventing memory loss.

Improved Vision and Glowing Skin

Getting adequate sunlight is an important part of being healthy, but it can also leave you with burned and weathered-looking skin over time.

Zeaxanthin, a potent antioxidant in spirulina, can protect your skin from the inside.

It’s photoprotective, meaning it protects your eyes and skin from excess UV radiation, which results in firmer, younger-looking skin and better vision.

Your body naturally produces zeaxanthin. But like everything else, its production slows down with age.

By eating spirulina regularly, you’ll make sure your zeaxanthin levels stay high and your skin stays smooth.

While protecting your eyes at the same time.

Zeaxanthin can delay, or even prevent, a condition called macular degeneration.

This is a condition in which the macula, part of the retina, wears down and leads to decreased vision.

And, another antioxidant in spirulina called beta-carotene, is converted by your body into vitamin A and is crucial for maintaining healthy vision.

In fact, scientists discovered that mice fed spirulina had better vision than mice that weren’t.

Proactive Defense against Cancer

Spirulina can protect you from cancer in several ways, and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy if you already have cancer.

This is largely due to its ability to increase the numbers of natural killer cells, T cells, and macrophages.

These cells identify, engulf, and expel foreign pathogens. By enhancing the production of these protective cells, spirulina strengthens the immune system and reduces the presence of cancerous cells.

Spirulina’s antioxidant profile also plays a sizable role in defending against cancer:

• Zeaxanthin protects the skin from harmful UV radiation, which minimizes the chances of developing skin cancer.
• Phycocyanin, which gives spirulina its trademark blue hue, can cause cancer cells to undergo apoptosis, which is the natural process of a cell dying.

Additionally, spirulina has been effective in reducing the size of tumors, and producing cytokines which stimulate the immune system to target pathogens.

Exercise Enhancer

If you’ve been feeling lethargic recently, or you want to fire up your workouts, then this is another domain where spirulina can make a drastic difference.

As noted earlier, spirulina is shockingly nutritious. It contains large amounts of B vitamins, which help turn food into energy, in addition to the fat-soluble vitamins E, K, and the precursor to vitamin A, beta carotene.

The fat soluble vitamins play a large role in your health but specifically for exercise they work with the other fat soluble vitamin, D, to protect bone integrity.

Boron, a trace mineral, is also prevalent in spirulina. While it too assists with bone formation, Boron is essential for increasing the amount of free testosterone in our bodies. Needless to say, this can have profound effects on our workouts and lives in general.

Iron is yet another crucial mineral found in spirulina.

In fact, its iron content dwarfs that of spinach and is comparable to the amounts found in beef and poultry.

Iron is a vital component of the enzymes in muscle cells and aids in the transport of oxygen during aerobic activity. Having healthy iron levels delays the point of exhaustion and reduces muscle fatigue. So you can push a little longer and a little harder!

Is Spirulina Really Safe to Eat?

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This is the question everyone wants to know.

And the answer is…

YES. 100%.

There’s a lot of reasons why the WHO and NASA love spirulina. And one of the top reasons is because it’s perfectly safe for people of all ages.

The US Food and Drug Administration even acknowledges the safety of spirulina.

So, if these huge organizations agree that spirulina is safe, then why do some people still claim spirulina is dangerous to eat?

That’s because spirulina harvested in the wild, or by companies that don’t follow strict guidelines regarding purity, CAN contain toxins and heavy metals.

Also, for people with certain health conditions like multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, it’s advised they don’t consume spirulina because it could stimulate their immune system too much.

Additionally, it’s recommended that pregnant women avoid spirulina just because there is a chance they could buy a poorly produced product and end up exposed to toxins.

So saying eating spirulina could be unsafe is like saying eating broccoli is unsafe because it could have been improperly grown and harvested. Or any food for that matter.

Spirulina is 100% safe.

But, where and who you get it from matters A LOT.

If you want to be sure you’re getting a super clean product from a trusted company, check out the next section.

Where to Buy Spirulina and What to Look For

Unless you want to harvest your own spirulina with nets and poles like the Aztecs, you’ll probably want to get it from your local health food store.

The good news is, it’s not hard to find.

Most major grocery stores, including Whole Foods and Sprouts, are usually stocked with it.

And it can occasionally be found in convenience stores like CVS and Walgreens.

But like almost everything these days, spirulina is always available from a number of online vendors.

The real question is, how do you know you’re getting a high quality product from a reputable vendor?

Here’s what to look for:

1. The country of origin: Where your spirulina comes from is super important. Most countries outside of the US are not held to the same rigorous standard of purity and testing that US companies are. Check the label and look to see if the product was produced in a spirulina farm in the US.
2. Certified, organic, non GMO: Speaking of purity, make sure the label indicates the product is 100% organic. Otherwise, you could be getting a tainted product that may not fully contain spirulina.
3. Avoid products that have been heat-dried: This is a technique some manufacturers use to package spirulina. But, exposure to heat destroys some of its nutrients.
4. Preservation methods: If spirulina is exposed to too much light during transportation from the manufacturer to your front door, most of the chlorophyll in it will be destroyed. To avoid this, honest manufacturers ship their product in vacuum-packed, non-transparent containers. This information should be on the supplier’s website.

In addition to these tips, make sure the company you’re buying from has contact information such as an email address and phone number.

And, see if they’re willing to send you a third party certificate of analysis. This is a document that proves the product they’re selling has been tested and approved by a neutral third party.

If they’re unwilling to do this or they don’t even know what you’re talking about, this is a HUGE red flag. Hang up immediately and look for another seller.

How to Store Spirulina

Similar to how spirulina should be shielded from light during transport, you should keep it out of the light in your home.

Try to keep your bottle or bag of spirulina in a cool, dark place, and keep it sealed.

This preserves its freshness and the quality and quantity of its nutrients.

Also, keep your eye on the expiration date. Like any other natural food source that is not loaded with preservatives, spirulina can “go bad” and is not recommended to be eaten.

How Much is Right For You?

While there isn’t an established dosage that is good for everyone across the board, the NIH (National Institute of Health) has confirmed that dosages of 19 grams per day are safe and healthy.

And most companies on the market sell their spirulina in much smaller dosages. The average ranges between 3 and 6 grams.

Also, keep in mind that spirulina is incredibly nutrient-dense. Meaning, a little bit goes a long way.

In fact, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has determined that one tablespoon contains 7 grams of spirulina and a lot of nutrients.

Ultimately, how much spirulina you consume will come down to your lifestyle and goals.

If you’re more active, feel free to experiment with higher dosages to ensure you’re recovering properly.

If you lead a more sedentary lifestyle, just a few grams should be sufficient.

It’s Time to Give it a Try

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If you’ve been experiencing poor health, or if you want to be even healthier than you already are, then it’s a good time to add spirulina to your diet.

Remember, when you eat spirulina, you’re eating an ancient food source that was sustenance for Aztec warriors and African empires.

You’re eating one of the most nutritious foods on the planet, that even NASA and the World Health Organization recommend eating.

A single serving of this little algae daily can drastically improve the health of your skin, eyes, and muscles.

Plus, you’ll be improving your immune system while taking a proactive stance against developing cancer.

There aren’t too many natural substances or pharmaceuticals that can provide all of those benefits.

And they’re all in this little blue-green algae.

Throw back some tablets or add the powder to a delicious shake.

And take your health to a new level!