This hard-to-pronounce ingredient is one of nature’s oldest and most potent superfoods. Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae and just happens to be one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods on our planet.
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Article NavigationOur Top PicksSpiru-what?✓ It’s a Good Source of Protein✓ It Protects Against Cancer✓ It Reduces Cholesterol✓ It Boosts Energy✓ It Helps with Weight LossHow Does Spirulina Taste?What to Look for in a Spirulina Supplement1 – Is it Organic?2 – Country of OriginThe Best Spirulina BrandsTriquetra Health Organic Spirulina PowderMicro Ingredients Spirulina PowderSoul Organics Spirulina PowderBNLabs Spirulina PowderSari Foods Pure Organic Spirulina PowderYour Life on Spirulina
Spiru-what?
If the word “microalgae” has you imagining something slimy pulled out of a pond, don’t fret! You don’t need to scoop this stuff up yourself to reap the incredible health benefits.
Health-conscious buyers can use spirulina supplements to help their bodies achieve peak performance. It’s easy and convenient to add spirulina powder to smoothies, dips, and even baked goods, turning your favorite everyday foods into superfoods.
While spirulina tablets are available, using a powdered spirulina supplement will help you take in maximum nutrients without any added fillers or chemicals.
Your body wants spirulina! The power and potency of spirulina can’t be overstated – spirulina is an incredible superfood!
Let’s dive deeper into each of the many benefits of this natural gift.
✓ It’s a Good Source of Protein
The best and probably most surprisinvg benefit of spirulina is the fact that it’s a top-notch source of complete vegan protein.
This humble algae contains anywhere from 55-70% protein, which is more than soybeans and cooked meats. Consider that even omnivores’ golden child, cooked beef, only maxes out at a modest 40.6% protein. A few teaspoons of spirulina in your meal is a good way to sneak in some extra protein – as well as plenty of vitamins and minerals – without a lot of calories or volume.
Maybe instead of asking “where’s the beef”, the phrase should be “where’s the spirulina”?
✓ It Protects Against Cancer
We know that the more vibrant a whole foods’ color, the more efficient it tends to be at protecting us from cancer. Just think about beautiful berries and dark, leafy greens.
Spirulina is also a powerful cancer fighter. Phycocyanin, the biliprotein that gives spirulina its beautiful blue color, has been shown to inhibit cancer-colony formation. The high levels of chlorophyll also show evidence of cancer prevention.
If cancer runs in your family, or you simply want to take out some extra insurance, consider conscripting a spirulina supplement to help prevent cancer cells from running amok in your body.
✓ It Reduces Cholesterol
Spirulina is a perfect way to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure the natural way, without having to deal with side effects from prescription medication.
A recent study found that 1g of spirulina per day for 90 days decreased triglycerides by 16.3%, total cholesterol by 8.9%, LDL cholesterol by 10.1%, and total cholesterol to HDL ratio by 11.5%.
Just a gram of spirulina per day can lower total and LDL cholesterol and increase the amount of “good” cholesterol – all without ever needing to pop a pill!
✓ It Boosts Energy
The iron in spirulina can provide a big boost in energy – no need to reach for that 2 pm cup of coffee! The best part is that spirulina provides natural iron without any side effects of traditional iron supplements.
By providing a boost of iron and reducing oxidative stress with the help of antioxidants, spirulina helps give a surge of energy. Its iron and nutrient content makes it an ideal energy booster for menstruating or pregnant women, or the elderly.
Even if you’re none of those things, many people experience an energy boost from this food. For best results, take your spirulina in the morning or afternoon instead of in the evening.
✓ It Helps with Weight Loss
Watching your waistline? Add spirulina to your supplement stack, and your body will thank you!
There are many reasons Spirulina aids in weight loss goals. The first reason is that Spirulina is extremely high in nutrients. This can help reduce feelings of hunger by providing your body with the nutrition it’s craving. The protein content of spirulina can also keep you satiated, causing you to eat less.
The fatty acids in Spirulina also help regulate blood sugar and insulin, which in turn minimizes gorging on carbs and consumption of excess calories.
Make losing weight a little easier, with nothing more than a sprinkle of spirulina!
How Does Spirulina Taste?
There’s no getting around it – spirulina can be an acquired taste. Mainly because it must be consumed in its raw state as cooking or brewing the spirulina can affect the potency of the nutrients.
There are ways to make this superfood a little easier on the palate. Many health gurus swear by mixing a little spirulina into a smoothie or juice – the strong tastes of the fruits and vegetables in the drink will help mask the taste of the spirulina. It goes very well with orange, carrot, and celery juice.
For the utilitarian consumer, you can easily take powdered spirulina as a shot. Simply mix the spirulina with some water, toss it back, and chase with fresh water or your favorite juice.
Is it a delicacy? No. But the health benefits of spirulina are worth a few seconds of unpleasantness. Ultimately, the flavor is easily masked under the taste of your favorite fruits or vegetables.
What to Look for in a Spirulina Supplement
1 – Is it Organic?
To make sure you’re getting the best quality nutrients into your body, you’ll want to opt for a brand that’s grown completely organically.
In addition to keeping harsh chemicals and pesticides out of your food and out of your body, it’s especially important to buy organic spirulina because of where it grows. As it’s a microalgae, Spirulina grows in water, and water can be subject to excessive amounts of pollution, toxins, and heavy metals. Whatever the water contains will seep into the spirulina.
By consuming a spirulina that was grown entirely organically, you can be sure that you won’t be consuming these harmful chemicals and heavy metals.
2 – Country of Origin
Where your spirulina comes from can also affect how healthy that supplement is. When possible, you may want to avoid spirulina supplements that come from China and Japan.
Because Chinese supplements do not go through the same rigorous regulation process as supplements in North America, Chinese supplements have been found to contain high levels of lead, arsenic, and mercury.
If you want to choose a supplement that comes from China, ensure it is tested for heavy metals first. Saving a few dollars simply isn’t worth sacrificing your health over!
You should also pay particular attention to where Japanese spirulina is grown. After the Fukushima nuclear disaster, spirulina grown in the area may contain high levels of radiation and should be tested/clearly labeled before consumption.
The Best Spirulina Brands
Ready to add a spirulina powder to your daily routine? With so many products out there to choose from, it can be hard to settle on the perfect product. Cut the confusion and try one of our top five products.
Each of our recommended products is vegan-friendly and organic, to make sure you’re getting the most nutrients with the least additives and chemicals. Add any one of these spirulina powders to your diet and start reaping the benefits!
Triquetra Health Organic Spirulina Powder
Looking for the purest spirulina? The supplement from Triquetra boasts four organic certifications! This powder is grown in Southern India and is certified organic from the USDA, Naturland, OCIA, and EcoCert. In addition, it’s also halal, USP verified, and California Proposition 65 approved.
This is also a feel-good option for vegans – the certification body governing this spirulina requires a 100% vegan and sustainable farming practice. Only plant-based fertilizers are allowed during this process, so you’re doing as good a thing for the environment as you are for your body.
Each 8-ounce jar contains 75 one-teaspoon servings. Each of those servings contains 1.5g protein and a whole slew of other vitamins and minerals.
Of course, what it doesn’t contain is also important. You won’t have to worry about heavy metals, pesticides, or other harmful ingredients. This is the ideal choice for the natural home.
What We Liked
In addition to the comprehensive certifications, this product also delivers on benefits. Reviewers note feeling more energized when taking this supplement, and say it provides a huge boost for their immune systems.
What We Disliked
A few reviewers who take this for weight loss noted they did not see much of a difference in their weight while using the supplement.
Micro Ingredients Spirulina Powder
It’s not just important for spirulina to be pure – you want it to be treated gently, too! The spirulina powder from Micro Ingredients is certified USDA organic and treated only with heat – no harsh processing here!
This supplement is 100% vegan, non-irradiated, and made without fillers, preservatives, GMOs, gluten, artificial colors, or artificial flavors. All you’re getting in your purchase is pure plant-based protein, nutrients, and fiber – all the good stuff, without having to worry about the bad.
Each resealable pouch contains one pound of pure, organic spirulina. There are over 300 1500mg servings in each container, so one shipment will keep you set for a long time. This is ideal for people on a budget, who are looking for the best cost per serving.
Micro Ingredients suggests taking 1-3 servings daily, or use as directed by your doctor.
What We Liked
If you like spirulina in smoothies, reviewers note that this supplement blends perfectly with cocoa and cacao powder. This is a great option for introducing kids to spirulina.
What We Disliked
Some buyers noted their spirulina came in different packaging than what is displayed on Amazon. They didn’t notice a difference in the quality, but it can be unnerving to wonder if you’re getting the right product.
Soul Organics Spirulina Powder
Soul Organics Spirulina has certifications from the three main certifying bodies: USDA, Naturland, and EcoCert. For those who want to keep a healthy, organic home, this is a pure choice for you and your family.
This Spirulina provides a wide variety of benefits, including promoting brain health, slowing the aging process, improving the look and health of skin, boosting metabolism, detoxification, and boosting and strengthening the immune system.
It’s also a fantastic source of plant-based protein – Soul Organics Spirulina contains 60% plant-based protein. It’s also a rich source of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Each 8-ounce package contains 75 one-teaspoon servings, each of which contains 1.5mg of protein.
What We Liked
Soul Organics gives back with every purchase. With every spirulina purchased, the company will plant a tree. Do good things for your body, and for your planet!
What We Disliked
While the product gets rave reviews, the packaging is less than stellar. Some reviewers noted that opening the bag in their kitchen was like “an explosion going off”. You may want to transfer this to another container, so you don’t paint your kitchen green.
BNLabs Spirulina Powder
BN Labs Spirulina powder contains just one thing – pure, 100% spirulina. This supplement is USDA organic certified, non-GMO, gluten free, and completely free of any sweeteners or additives.
This is a great option for those looking for the maximum amount of protein possible. The spirulina from BN Labs consists of 70% protein and contains all the amino acids necessary for a complete protein.
This supplement is also a rich source of iron, B vitamins, zinc, and lutein. This is an all-around health supplement for athletes, pregnant women, or those who are simply health-conscious.
Each 8-ounce bag of this spirulina contains 32 1.5-teaspoon servings of the supplement.
What We Liked
For those who are unsure if they want to commit to this supplement, BN Labs offers a 100% money back guarantee. That way, you can try the product without fear of losing your hard-earned money.
What We Disliked
The taste of this spirulina is very strong, and may be off-putting to those with very sensitive tastebuds. Try half a serving at a time, until you’re able to build up a tolerance.
Sari Foods Pure Organic Spirulina Powder
The spirulina powder from Sari Foods is chock full of the good stuff! This natural source of plant protein also contains iron, magnesium, beta-carotene, B vitamins, chlorophyll, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. Because they come from a whole food plant source, they’re easy for your body to break down and use.
The spirulina is sourced from natural freshwater lakes, dried, and pulverized into a fine powder that’s easily added to smoothies, juices, and other dishes.
Each 16-ounce package contains 45 one-tablespoon servings. Each serving contains a whopping 7g protein for just 40 little calories.
This spirulina supplement also comes with a recipe book, so you can find plenty of creative ways to get spirulina into your diet. It’s ideal for beginners or those who have never tried spirulina before.
What We Liked
Reviewers rave about this spirulina supplement – the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, and most people note they feel a difference in energy and satiation.
What We Disliked
This is not a supplement for those sensitive to smells! Some reviewers noted that the smell is very strong, and made them unable to use the powder.
Your Life on Spirulina
This strange-sounding supplement is worth its weight in gold. With amazing benefits like boosted immune system, weight loss support, and even cancer prevention, this is one supplement you need to consider adding to your diet.
Don’t be afraid of the name or the smell and color – this gorgeous green powder will turn any juice, smoothie, or meal you have into a nutrient powerhouse.
By choosing an organic, clean-source spirulina supplement, you’re giving your body the nutrients it needs and craves, without taking in unnecessary, harmful chemicals, preservatives, or pesticides.
Add a pinch of spirulina to your life and watch your energy – and health – soar!