Spirulina has taken the world by storm as a nutritious health supplement and tasty ingredient that can be added to a variety of dishes. It's a superfood in its own right, but still, few people really know what this greenish-blue powder is all about.
Once Spirulina paved the way for the healthy category, a new and improved superfood came to be: Blue Spirulina, the potent, powdered extract the internet is going crazy about.
Not be confused with regular green spirulina (which is the algae in its most basic form), Blue Spirulina is an extract of the active ingredient phycocyanin in its PUREST form. The result: a much higher concentration of antioxidants and a beautiful, vibrant blue colour, without the fishy smell of normal green spirulina.
There are few supplements with such varied and complete nutritional values — in fact, gram for gram, Blue Spirulina is the most nutrient-dense food on the planet. It has a pretty cool story as well because the tiny algae didn't just come out of the blue; it's been around for centuries.
Here’s all you need to know about this fine, pretty-looking nutritious powder.
What exactly is Blue Spirulina?
Unlike other superfoods like moringa or matcha, the fine blue powder is not a powdered leaf but the very essence of an ancient microorganism; one of the oldest life forms on the planet.
Spirulina is a cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) — a free-floating microorganism that thrives in warm waters and alkaline lakes.
Such a simple microorganism could easily be overlooked, but Spirulina is a nutrient powerhouse and one of the most sustainable superfoods known to man.
Blue Spirulina’s History
Since these algae are as old as the hills, they have no specific region of origin; they just thrive where the conditions are right.
Some 500 years ago, Aztecs were already making compact Spirulina cakes, and the Kanembu tribe in central Africa also harvested Spirulina from Lake Chad, where scientists first encountered the precious algae in the 20th century.
Once Spirulina became a thing, researchers found a way of extracting the healthiest compound in the algae, namely 'phycocyanin', which has a lovely blue hue. That's how Blue Spirulina was born, and the rest is history.
Blue Spirulina’s Nutritional Values
Blue Spirulina is an extract from Spirulina’s active ingredient, phycocyanin, in its purest form. It’s packed with nutritional goodness and boasts a myriad of health benefits.
Blue Spirulina is made up of 60% protein, 24% carbs, and 8% healthy fat. It contributes copious amounts of the below nutrients which are essential for a healthy life:
- B vitamins
- Iron
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids
- Plus: all the essential amino-acids
Did you Know? Blue Spirulina was dubbed ‘the best food for the future’ by the United Nations World Food Conference and is being used by NASA as a dietary supplement for astronauts in space.
Blue Spirulina’s Health Benefits
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Strengthens the immune system
Blue Spirulina has immuno-modulatory functions inducing the production of antibodies. -
Improves metabolism and digestion
Improves glucose metabolism due to its high fiber content, and its protein and amino acids. -
Supports a healthy heart
Promotes heart health thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. -
Aids cognitive function
Combats malnutrition-associated behavioral and cognitive dysfunction while enhancing mental activities. -
Naturally increases energy levels
Blue Spirulina takes little time to digest, making it an instant source of vitamins and protein. Polysaccharides and essential fat are absorbed quickly by human cells and help with energy release. -
It can ease allergy symptoms
Can help treat allergy symptoms, including sneezing, nasal discharge, nasal congestion and irritation. It is an excellent alternative treatment for hay fever. -
It can help reduce cholesterol
Can lower triglycerides and “bad” LDL cholesterol and may simultaneously raise “good” HDL cholesterol. -
Supports liver health
May help protect against liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver failure in those with chronic liver disease. -
Helps to reduce inflammation
Blue Spirulina is a fantastic source of antioxidants, which can protect against oxidative damage. Antioxidants fight inflammation-causing free radicals.
How to Enjoy Blue Spirulina?
Blue Spirulina is pure phycocyanin extract, so it doesn’t have Spirulina’s less desirable fishy smell or taste. This makes it super versatile in the kitchen!
Smoothies, yogurt, fruit bowls, juices, protein shakes, lattes and baked goodies are just some of the many application of the blue powder. Blue Spirulina is incredibly adaptable. And there’s more — Since it is also a natural food dye, anything prepared with this healthy blue powder is super Instagrammable!
Health, flavour and good looks in a single ingredient don’t come by easy, but that’s precisely what Blue Spirulina is; what's not to love?!
Try Blue Spirulina Today
Staying healthy is essential; it should be your top priority, one meal at a time. You are what you eat; those are certainly words to live by!
A balanced diet, an active lifestyle and the right superfoods can make all the difference. Blue Spirulina is a step in the right direction, and it might just be what you need to turn your lifestyle over and start feeling and looking better. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, gain muscle mass, or just feel better, Blue Spirulina can make a significant difference in how you look and feel.
Who would have thought an ancient, colorful algae would be the key to a better life? Now let’s make the most of it! Get your Blue Spirulina and start enjoying its benefits today.
