Blue Spirulina: the nutritional boost from the sea
You wouldn’t think that some of the best nutrition on the planet comes from blue green algae, but it does. Blue Spirulina has captured the attention of health practitioners and wellness enthusiasts since the 1970’s, who deem this bizarre space-food a nutritional powerhouse.
So before you start mixing this gem from the sea into your next smoothie, learn a little bit about what makes Blue Spirulina the darling of the health foods world: from its nutritional value, to what it tastes like, and how to easily incorporate it into your diet, if you so wish.
What is spirulina?
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that’s often found in freshwater: lakes, ponds, and rivers.
It’s blue-green color -- and nutritional punch -- comes from a compound called chlorophyll, which The Big Carrot describes as “a detoxifying, oxygenating antioxidant found in all green plants.”
So when you eat spinach, broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts… you’re also getting a good dose of chlorophyll.
But chlorophyll is only partly why spirulina shines.
Blue Spirulina features nutrients that help with skin health, hormone production, and helps curb inflammation. In this article, we’re going to break down this superfood into its major health benefits… because there are a ton.
What does blue spirulina taste like?
For some people, blue spirulina is an acquired taste.
“Green Spirulina tastes like the sea, or like a mouthful of lake water. It is green and earthy with a slightly sulfuric edge,” according to The Big Carrot.
That’s why most people don’t want to nosh on spirulina raw… without anything to hide its fishy flavor.
You cannot detect the taste of spirulina in our all-natural Blue Spirulina Powder, but you sure as heck get all the health benefits.
That’s why we put it into powder form so you can make it with recipes that help it taste delicious… because you’re not a fish. (and if you are a fish, hello fish!)
What’s the difference between blue spirulina and traditional green spirulina?
Blue spirulina is blue because of a powerful antioxidant called phycocyanin.
According to the Swiss specialist Algorigin, phycocyanin is an anti-allergen, anti-inflammatory, and helps the body produce more red blood cells that transport oxygen.
It’s a little-known wonder nutrient, and it’s found in blue spirulina.
Boosts Metabolism and Helps You Keep Off the Pounds
Blue Spirulina is low in calories and high in essential nutrients, which makes it perfect for people looking to shed the pounds.
In fact, a 2016 study shows that spirulina helps people lose weight. The study followed overweight individuals who ate spirulina on a regular basis for 3 months, and the spirulina eaters showed improved body mass indexes (BMIs) and boosted metabolism.
This is not just great news for people looking to maintain a healthy weight, but it’s also good news for those who would like to feel a little more energetic on a regular basis.
According to Medical News Today, “a higher metabolic rate may make a person feel as if they have more energy. It may also increase the number of calories they burn each day, which may aid in weight loss.”
Oh yeah, and blue spirulina is about 60% protein, helping you feel full and energised.
Great for brain and mental health
When you think of tryptophan, you might think of turkey and warm milk… not of blue spirulina. But as it turns out, blue spirulina contains high amounts of this amino acid that supports serotonin production and protects mental health.
Tryptophan helps people struggling with depression and anxiety, and can help you achieve better mental wellbeing.
“Tryptophan promotes feelings of calm, relaxation, and sleepiness,” reports Psychology Today, “Because the body can't make it's own tryptophan, it must be taken in as part of the diet; for this reason tryptophan is known as an "essential" amino acid.”
Boosts Immune System and reduces allergy symptoms
Coughing, sneezing, dealing with headaches and feeling under the weather... allergy season is no fun for anyone.
If this sounds like you, it’s time for you to order some blue spirulina (and maybe some tissues).
A study from 2013 shows that spirulina can relieve nasal inflammation and curb the production of histamines in the body.
It can help manage runny nose, sneezing, itching, and hay fever.
So be sure to stock up on 100% All-Natural Blue Spirulina Powder to counteract allergy season this year… so you can get outside and enjoy the sunshine.
How Can I Incorporate Blue Spirulina Into my Diet?
It’s easy, especially if you have Blue Spirulina in powder form.
Mix the powder in your water and smoothies, blend it in your lattes, or simply bake it into your next batch of no-bake energy bars.
There are heaps of creative ways to add Blue Spirulina to your meals. Check out our recipes page for inspiration!
How Are You Supposed to Store Blue Spirulina After You Open the Bag?
Luckily, Blue Spirulina keeps well, as there are no oils in it that can make it smelly overtime.
Seal the open bag and store the Blue Spirulina in a cold, dry place.
The Nutrient Powerhouse from the Sea
Blue Spirulina isn’t easy to find at your local grocery store, but that doesn’t mean it’s not easy to add to your diet. Purchasing this nutritional superfood in powder form is a great way to ensure that introducing Blue Spirulina is painless… and delicious.
With our 100% All Natural Blue Spirulina Powder, you can add this nutritional powerhouse to your smoothies, lattes, baked goods and more.