Spirulina Superfood: Nutrients, Health Benefits & Uses

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  Spirulina is a nutrient-dense superfood packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, essential nutrients, and powerful antioxidants. Often called one of the world’s most complete foods, spirulina offers a wide range of health benefits — from boosting immunity and energy levels to supporting heart health, detoxification, and gut wellness. It’s a type of blue-green algae, which has become especially popular among vegans, athletes, and anyone seeking natural ways to improve overall health and vitality.

The key nutrients in spirulina, its top health benefits, and why it deserves a place in your daily diet:

1. Proteins and Amino Acids

High-quality protein: Spirulina is made up of about 60-70% protein by dry weight, and it contains all essential amino acids (complete protein). This makes it an excellent plant-based protein source, while beef contains 19,7%, egg 12,3%, soy 35,3%, and fish 24,5% (calculated from the 5th revised food composition table).

The amino acids found in spirulina:

The essential: leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine, tryptophan Lysine, methionine, threonine, and histidine (essential for infants, sometimes considered semi-essential for adults).

The non-essential: alanine, cystine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, serine, tyrosine.

2. Vitamins

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Supports energy production and nerve function.

• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Important for the production of red blood cells and energy metabolism.

• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Helps with digestion and supports skin health.

• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Involved in protein metabolism and brain function.

• Vitamin B12: Although B12 is produced in the gut by the beneficial bacteria – probiotics we have, spirulina is a small source of B12 for those following a plant-based diet.

• Vitamin A (from beta-carotene): A powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, skin health, and vision.

• Vitamin K: Important for bone health and blood clotting.

• Vitamin E: An antioxidant that supports immune health and protects against oxidative stress.

  
  

3. Minerals

• Iron: Spirulina is an excellent source of plant-based iron, which is important for blood oxygenation and energy levels.

• Magnesium: Crucial for muscle function, nerve transmission, and energy production.

• Calcium: Supports bone health and muscle function.

• Potassium: Helps with fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.

• Zinc: Supports immune function, cell division, and wound healing.

• Manganese: Essential for bone health and antioxidant activity.

• Phosphorus: It is a key element of bones, teeth, and cell membranes. It helps to activate enzymes, and keeps blood pH within a normal range

• Cobalt: Its essential as a component of Vitamin B12, and also strengthens the immune system, promotes protein synthesis, and can replace manganese and zinc in certain enzyme functions.

• Chromium: Important in the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates, stimulates fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, important for brain function. It also aids in insulin action and glucose breakdown.

• Copper: Plays a role in iron metabolism and the formation of red blood cells.

*our bones are made from 12 minerals, which they need. Not just calcium!!!

4. Antioxidants

Phycocyanin: This pigment is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound found in spirulina. It is responsible for spirulina’s blue-green colour and protects cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.

Beta-carotene: An antioxidant that is converted to vitamin A in the body and supports eye health and immune function.

Zeaxanthin: Another antioxidant that works with beta-carotene to protect eye health, particularly against age-related macular degeneration.

Selenium: An important antioxidant that helps protect the thyroid, and the cells from oxidative damage.

5. Essential Fatty Acids

• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA): An omega-6 fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory properties. GLA is uncommon in most plant-based sources, but spirulina contains a significant amount.

• Omega-3 fatty acids (in small amounts): Spirulina contains some alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is one form of omega-3 fatty acids.

6. Chlorophyll

Spirulina is rich in chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants that plays a vital role in photosynthesis. Chlorophyll has detoxifying properties, help reduce inflammation, and support liver health.

7. Polysaccharides

Spirulina contains various polysaccharides, which have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects. One of the most notable polysaccharides is spirulan, which stimulates the immune system.

8. Phycobiliproteins

These proteins (like phycocyanin) help capture light for photosynthesis and also provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

9. Carotenoids

Apart from beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, spirulina contains other carotenoids, which are antioxidants that protect cells and support eye health.

10. Digestive Enzymes

A variety of enzymes in Spirulina help support digestion, including amylase, lipase, and protease, which help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, respectively.

11. Iodine

Iodine in spirulina supports healthy thyroid function & hormonal balance, helps regulate metabolism, energy levels & growth, helps prevent goiter, plays a role in treating fibrocystic breast disease and protects against the harmful effects of radiation,  and It is crucial for proper brain and bone development, especially during pregnancy and infancy.

12. Nucleic acids—DNA and RNA

The nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) in spirulina provide building blocks for cellular repair and regeneration, support immune function, enhance energy and metabolism, aid liver and gut health, and may accelerate recovery from stress, illness, or intense physical activity.

Summarising the Health Benefits of Spirulina:

• Boosts immunity: Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals support immune function.

• Enhances muscle strength & endurance: High protein and anti-inflammatory compounds aid exercise performance and recovery.

• Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory: Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation.

• Supports heart health: Promotes cardiovascular well-being.

• Improves gut health & digestion: Enzymes, bioactive compounds, and nucleic acids support a healthy gut microbiome and tissue repair.

• Thyroid & metabolism support: Iodine helps regulate thyroid function, energy, and growth.

• Supports Brain Health: its antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals protect neurons and improve cognitive function.

• Contributes to bone health: its minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, are essential for strong bones and teeth.

• Helps manage diabetes: it improves blood sugar regulation and supports insulin sensitivity.

• Detoxification: Chlorophyll and other compounds help eliminate toxins. Detox in important, especially after all the PROVEN health damages the new vaxx have caused!

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And don’t forget that almost all diseases are caused by unbalanced metals in the body, wrong Diet, Hormonal Imbalances, and – especially those that the industry calls “autoimmunes” – by TOXINS!!!

Uses of Spirulina:

Spirulina can be easily added to smoothies, juices, salads, energy bars, or even sprinkled over soups and snacks for a simple nutrient boost.

Better choose Organic Spirulina powder, for easiest use, and to avoid supporting the B1gPh@rma…! They’ve done enough…

I personally take spirulina daily in a glass of water, mixed with turmeric, Celtic salt, and 2–3 strands of saffron for their detoxifying and health-promoting properties. This routine became especially important to me after experiencing a severe haemorrhagic episode, when my haematocrit level dropped to 13. The saffron also helps manage stress — something most of us can relate to during these difficult times for humanity...

As a Holistic Therapist, I very often suggest Spirulina, alone, or in combination with other Natural Supplements, such as minerals, herbs, Therapeutic Nutrition, to  deal with various diseases and health problems. You can find the information here.

Feel free to contact me for guidance, doses, or any questions you might have. I’m always happy to help J

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Thank you all, for your visit, your encouraging messages and support!!

Loads of Love,

Thomais

Internationally Certified Holistic Therapist

Member of IPHM

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The article is for informational purposes and is based on long-term research and studies.

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