The health benefits of spirulina are truly tremendous. When I use spirulina daily, I have more energy and my skin looks more radiant. Plus, in general I feel better overall.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
This article about the health benefits of spirulina, we have a LOT to discuss. To keep the content easy and accessible, here is a quick table of contents:
- What is Spirulina?
- 14 Health Benefits of Spirulina
- Energizing Benefits of Spirulina
- The Best Spirulina Brand – We love BareOrganics Spirulina Raw Organic Powder. It’s only $15.99 for a 90 day supply – MUCH cheaper than your average multi-vitamin too.
- What does Spirulina Taste Like?
- How to Make Spirulina Taste Better
- Spirulina Lemon Shot Recipe
What is Spirulina?
Spirulina means ‘little spiral”. It is a microscopic, spiral shape, plankton blue green algae that grows in freshwater. It is one of the most talked about superfoods today. Spirulina is grown around the world from Mexico to African. It is also known for it’s very intense flavor and incredible nutrient profile. A simple hydrocarbon vegetable created directly from photosynthesis. Just pure interaction of sunlight and water. Spirulina is absolutely full of nutrition.
Here at Clean Cuisine we are big on eating the most nutrient dense foods possible. Spirulina may actually be the single most nutritious food in existence.
If you are looking for a natural and cost-effective way to cleanse, nourish, energize, strengthen, regenerate and rejuvenate your body, adding spirulina to your daily regimen should be at the top of your “to do” list.
Spirulina is a Superfood
NASA had spirulina as a dietary supplement for astronauts on space missions. Did you know that spirulina is also declared by the United Nations as the best food of the future?
Spirulina truly is the ultimate superfood.
The benefits of spirulina is so nutritionally complete that if I ever gave up my daily multi-vitamin, I would replace it with a single daily tablespoon of the green green superfood powder.
Spirulina Vs Multi-vitamin
If I had to choose between taking a multi-vitamin and spirulina I would actually take the spirulina. Spirulina is a better than multi-vitamins because all the nutrients are naturally balanced. They are naturally occurring and more easily broken down and absorbed. Which means they are more bio-available or more usable to the cells in your body.
14 Health Benefits of Spirulina
Spirulina is nature’s pure and true multi-vitamin. It literally has everything you need to live on. Spirulina benefits are huge in it has more than any other protein, grain, plant, algae, herb, vitamin, anything! With a balanced concentration and full spectrum of a vast array of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients. The health benefits of spirulina are pretty mind-blowing.
In just 10 grams or 1 tablespoon of spirulina, there are the health benefits you can expect:
#1: A complete source of protein.
A huge benefit of spirulina is that it contains all of the amino acids essential to human health. One tablespoon of spirulina = 7 grams protein
#2: Unlike almost all other plant foods, spirulina is a good source of vitamin B12.
Many vegetarians and vegans are deficient in this crucial vitamin. And Vitamin b12 which plays an important role in energy production and proper neurological function. One tablespoon of spirulina = 250% of your Daily Value for vitamin B12.
#3: Spirulina is high in beta carotene.
Spirulina has an exceptionally high concentration of beta-carotene. In addition, it has mixed carotenoids and powerful antioxidants that help quench free radicals. To equal the amount of beta-carotene found in 1 tablespoon of spirulina, you have to consume 18 carrots.
#4: Spirulina is good for your immune system.
This magical green powder is incredibly high concentrations of phycocyanin. Phycocyanin is a powerful anti-inflammatory that benefits immune systems weakened by toxic drugs.
#5: 1 Tablespoon is full of fiber.
A diet that is rich in fiber may improve your overall health, improve bowel health and help control blood sugar. Therefore, adding in spirulina to your regular diet will improve over all digestive health. One tablespoon of spirulina = 2 grams fiber.
#6: May aid in a healthy heart.
A diet rich in folate may help reduce depression, improve your heart and reduce your risk of cancer. One tablespoon of spirulina = 110% of your Daily Value for folate.
#7: May improve your body functions.
Having adequate iron in your diet can help support vital functions in the body. Iron also boosts energy, gastrointestinal and the immune system. One tablespoon of spirulina = 30% of your Daily Value for iron.
Just an FYI: you would need to eat 21 ounces of spinach to get the same amount of iron found in 1 tablespoon spirulina.
#8: May lower your risk to certain cancers.
Vitamin A is another essential vitamin to your overall health. Having adequate Vitamin A supports healthy bones, a healthy immune system and may lower your risk to certain kinds of cancer. One tablespoon of spirulina = 900% of your Daily Value for vitamin A.
#9: Helps support wound healing and bone health.
Spirulina can provide 50% of your daily vitamin K needs in just 1 tablespoon. By keeping your vitamin K in balance, you will support your overall bone health and wound healing. One tablespoon of spirulina = 50% of your Daily Value for vitamin K.
#10: May improve your energy levels.
Spirulina is rich in a broad spectrum of B vitamins. Having enough vitamin B means that your body will be able to have healthy cells. Plus, a healthy growth of red blood cells, improved overall energy and healthy brain function. It can also help with your digestion, appetite and proper nerve function.
#11: May improve metabolism levels.
Spirulina is rich in a special anti-inflammatory “super fat” GLA (gamma linolenic acid). Some naturopathic physicians actually prescribe GLA supplements to improve sensitivity to insulin and assist with weight loss. It can also reduce blood pressure and hormone-mediated nuisance symptoms (bye-bye PMS or hot flashes).
Hemp seeds are among the very few non-supplement food sources of “super fat” GLA, but next to mother’s milk, spirulina is the richest natural food source.
#12: Helps reduce inflammation.
Spirulina contains highly anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. This type of omega-3 can help reduce inflammation in the body, and some studies show that there could be benefits for heart health, brain function and diabetes.
#13: Provides the calcium for strong bones.
One tablespoon of spirulina contains as much calcium as the equivalent of 3 glasses of cow’s milk. Getting adequate calcium will support your bone health, muscles and nerves.
#14: May enhance overall wellbeing.
Spirulina is exceptionally rich in naturally detoxifying chlorophyll. Consuming 3 ounces of fresh wheat grass will get the same chlorophyll found in 1 tablespoon spirulina.
Spirulina Benefits your Body’s Detoxification Pathways too!
In addition to being an incredibly concentrated source of nutrients, spirulina has tremendous detoxifying benefits. Like seaweed, the cell walls of spirulina bind to heavy metals, plastics, solvents and other toxins, shuttling them out with the stool.
Spirulina is also well known to assist the body in detoxifying arsenic. Although the idea of arsenic toxicity may sound far-fetched, according the World Health Organization, the United States is one of the countries affected by inorganic arsenic that is naturally present at high levels, mostly from groundwater.
Arsenic toxicity is an even bigger problem in the Far East. Millions of people in Bangladesh, India, Taiwan, and Chile are consuming high concentration of arsenic through drinking water, and thousands of them have already developed chronic arsenic poisoning.
Hemodialysis is the standard medical treatment for arsenic poisoning, and yet a clinical study of patients with chronic arsenic poisoning showed an impressive 47% reduction of arsenic in their body following a twice daily treatment of 250 mg of spirulina and 2 mg of zinc.
Energizing Benefits of Spirulina
If you start taking spirulina regularly you will undoubtedly notice an increase in energy. One of the ways spirulina exerts a positive effect on energy levels is by way of the digestive tract.
Spirulina benefits every aspect of your body. Spirulina is incredibly rich in enzymes, which enhance digestion and amplify the absorption of all of the nutrients. Which include many vitamins essential to energy, such as iron and B vitamins.
I personally notice an energy boost within an hour or so after taking it, which is why I prefer to take spirulina before 3 in the afternoon. Just like with cordyceps, I have actually noticed that if I take spirulina too late in the day it interferes with my sleep.
The Best and Healthiest Spirulina
It is important to buy Organic Certified spirulina. When you purchase organic, then you will know that it is cultivated without toxic fertilizers. You also want to make sure your spirulina comes from a pure water source and that it is a pure strain that undergoes a proper drying process.
Avoid spirulina that is grown using un-tested seawater or surface water. This method can potentially expose you to heavy metal toxins. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, plus anything added to the end product are also to be avoided.
#1: BareOrganics Spirulina Raw Organic Powder
We love BareOrganics Spirulina Raw Organic Powder. This brand is only $15.99 for a 90 day supply. So, not only better than a multi-vitamin but much, much cheaper too.
Spirulina is a naturally nutritious blue-green algae that grows in warm lakes. It was probably used as a food source by ancient peoples in their daily diets long ago. As a source of naturally-occuring iron, it is quickly becoming a popular superfood once more.
#2: Sari Foods Pure Organic Spirulina
Although I am certain there are other pure brands of sprirulina, Sari Foods is my favorite brand. You can purchase a 45-days supply (16 ounces) of Sari Foods brand spirulina for an almost 50% discount for just $26.00.
By the way, Sari Foods is the same brand I use for the unfortified nutritional yeast when I make my Energizing “B Tea”.
What Does Spirulina Taste Like?
Well, I am not going to stretch the truth. If you want to know what does spirulina taste like, I will do my best to explain. 😉 I am not going to stretch the truth and try to convince you that spirulina tastes good. Because the truth is, it does not.
Just image a very strong, dense grass flavor. Perhaps the most similar to a wheat grass shot but with more intensity.
I do however have a trick to making it more palatable that I will share in just a bit. But, taste aside, I can’t say enough great things about spirulina. So, don’t let this scare you off.
How to Make Spirulina Taste Better
My secret for making spirulina taste more palatable is to mix it with lemon juice, cumin and cayenne pepper. I’m not going to claim this is my best-tasting recipe ever, but it should at least help you get the spirulina down.
PrintMetabolism Boosting Spirulina Lemon Shot
This spirulina shot is a palatable way to get a mega-dose of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, fiber and essential fats.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Supplement Shot
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon organic spirulina powder
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- OPTIONAL: 1 pinch cumin
Instructions
- Put all of the ingredients in a cup and use a fork to whisk until smooth. Drink at once.
- If you have a high speed blender, you can also use that to get the spirulina really whirled up.
Keywords: Spirulina Lemon Shot
Debby says
I love the idea of taking this rather than a multiple vitamin but a lot of websites say to avoid spirulina if you have autoimmune issues as it may stimulate the immune system. What are your thoughts on that? Thanks!
Aimee Harris Niedosik says
If you actively have autoimmune issues, then yes, we don’t want to increase your immune system even more. Two of us authors here at Clean Cuisine, we have autoimmune diseases in remission and can use spirulina without causing any issues. It may be worth trying out for yourself to see how your body reacts to it.
Debby says
Thanks a bunch!
Lona Ingraham says
My recipe for a spirulina smoothie: one very ripe banana–broken in 3 to 4 pieces, a good dash of cinnamon [Ceylon cinnamon is recommended as it is healthier than cassia], a good dash of vanilla, about 10 oz of milk [I prefer 2 % organic cow’s milk], and 1 heaping tsp. of organic spirulina powder. I put this in a cocktail shaker–sans lid, and use my stick blender to puree. Drink it along with a handful of raw walnuts or nuts of your choice and you have a delicious lite breakfast. Note: spirulina powder is incredibly sticky, so use a spoon to scrape any of it off the sides or bottom of the container as you drink the smoothie.
Aimee Harris Niedosik says
Lona, Do you have a recipe blog? We should collaborate! What an amazing recipe. I can’t wait to try this out this week. Thank you for sharing… always looking for good ways to get the spirulina down!
Dore says
I tired this and added a bit of ground ginger as well. Unfortunately it is much more than what you think of as a shot, its more like a 1/2 a cup. I was able to drink half of it but it really is pretty awful tasting. I think I may need to go to the tablets vs the powder. It really is hard to make anything that the powder tastes OK in.
★★★★
Aimee Harris Niedosik says
Dore, Yes — I’m so sorry. Spirulina is just not fun. It does make more than a “traditional shot” but you definitely want to drink it all in one “shot” or gulp because of the taste. What we do know is that it has tremendous health benefits! 🙂
Francesca says
Can I make this drink & package it into little shot containers for the week?
Almost like those immunity shots you get in the tiny bottles from whole foods?
Or would the Spirulina lose it’s potency?
Also if I was making this for two people would I double the recipe?
★★★★★
Aimee Harris Niedosik says
Yes, you certainly can! Just be sure to shake the bottle before drinking. I would suggest not to make more than 1 week in advance. For serving size, this recipe is just a single shot. For two, I suggest doubling it. Keep me us posted on the 1 week bottle storage and I can update our recipe card to let people know!
Carmen Cushing says
I take spirulina in form of tablets.what’s the difference between tablets and powder pls?
★★★★★
Sally says
Spirulina is the best superfood for today’s generation. Many people don’t like the taste, but your recipe will motivate people to use spirulina.
★★★★★
Andrea says
Hi Ivy,
With so many high levels of vitamins and nutrients in Spirulina do we need to be concerned about them being too high? I know that too much Vitamin A can cause liver problems, etc. And too much Calcium isn’t good either.
Ivy Larson says
That is a GREAT question Andrea. And you are absolutely right that too much Vitamin A or calcium (or anything else, for that matter!) can definitely be problematic. However, as long as the vitamins are consumed in a “whole food” form, you really do not need to worry. You would need to eat a MASSIVE amount of sprirulina to overdose on anything. And considering how terrible it tastes, it would be very difficult to overdo it. If you stick to a tablespoon a day you have nothing to worry about!
Richard says
My solution to consume a 50/50 mixture of chlorella a spiriulina, simular to yours. The juice of 1 lime, 3 oz. water, 5 grams of 50/50 chlorella and spirulina 1 heaping teaspoon, 1 packet Stevia. I do this twice a day. Its almost palitable lime this, still I guzzle it down.
I appreciate your article.
Richard
★★★★★
Ivy Larson says
SO good to know Richard! Thank you for sharing your recipe too—I haven’t tried it with the Stevia, but I can definitely see how that can help cut the flavor. Chlorella is a great addition to for the nutrition boost! But yes, it is HARD to make those 2 (spirulina + chlorella) taste good 😉
Libby says
I drink it in my morning cup of tea and really don’t taste it much at all. Does putting it in a hot beverage lessen it’s potency?
Aimee Harris Niedosik says
Hi Libby, That’s great, I’ve not tried that before. I have not read anything on the potency being lost from heat but will definitely look into that.
Kimberly says
I am wondering the same thing as Barbara. Can you add spirulina to a green smoothie?
Ivy Larson says
Hi Kimberly, Yes! You can definitely add it to a smoothie. You just want to add a teeny bit at a time though because it will definitely alter the flavor (and I would hate for you to ruin the whole smoothie!) It works best in sweet smoothies– sweetened with “whole” fruit–not sugar 😉
Cherith says
Also, do you have any recommendations for using it for kids?
Ivy Larson says
Great questions Cherith! I would definitely say adding it to a sweet fruit smoothie would be the best way to get kids to eat it. You could try adding 1/2 teaspoon to a smoothie nmade with banana, dates, pineapple or mango. Those fruits are very sweet and would most likely be the best for masking the flavor.
Cherith says
Thanks so much!
Cora Bean says
Hi Ivy,
Appreciate all the detailed info you provide on health and nutrition. Love the info on Spirulina and am very familiar with it. I agree about the taste and find it also goes down well with coconut water.
Will try your recipe.
Regards
Ivy Larson says
Oh that is good to know Cora! I haven’t tried it with Coconut water but will definitely do so. Thank you so much for sharing. And I am thrilled you like the info too 😉 Thank you for the positive feedback!
Barbara says
Can you add the spirulina to a smoothie?
Ivy Larson says
Hi Barbara, yes! You can absolutely add it to a smoothie. I would start with just 1 teaspoon though and taste before adding more. Simple Green Smoothies is a GREAT website for smoothie recipes, by the way!
Cherith says
Do you recommend taking the tablets? And if so, how many Mgs would be the same as a tablespoon of the powder? Thanks!
Ivy Larson says
Hi Cherith, You can definitely take tablets if you prefer. However, some companies use fillers and binders, so you just want to be sure to read the ingredients. I personally don’t like taking a bunch of pills (even though I do take fish oil, multi-vitamin, evening primrose oil, etc. each day) —so for me it is more of a personal preference to just take it as a “shot”. However, if you prefer the tablets you can absolutely get the benefits that way. As for the dosage, generally 6 tablets is the equivalent of 1 teaspoon Spirulina—so to get 1 tablespoon’s worth you would need to take 18 tablets (kind of a lot, I know!) Hope this helps?