The benefits of spirulina: an essential superfood to discover
Lucas PINOS
9 min
Summary
At first glance, the algae aspect of spirulina may seem unappetizing, but don't be fooled by appearances (and judging by appearances is not nice)! Indeed, the beneficial properties of this superfood are no longer in doubt, and you might be surprised by the positive effects on your well-being.
What are the benefits of spirulina ? If this question piques your curiosity, you've come to the right place!
Discovering spirulina: origins and composition
The history of spirulina through the ages
Contrary to popular belief, spirulina is not an algae, but a photosynthetic cyanobacteria (a kind of small beneficial bacteria). Among the many varieties of spirulina present on Earth, only Spirulina Arthrospira maxima and Spirulina Arthrospira platensis are marketed and approved for food.
Cultivated for thousands of years in freshwater lakes in Asia, Africa and South America, this cyanobacteria gets its beautiful blue-green color from its high phycocyanin content: the magic ingredient of our precious treasure!
Think its popularity is recent? You might be surprised to know that our bacteria star has been around for centuries.
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Antiquity: The Aztecs used spirulina for its very high nutritional value . It also helped feed the Kanembous of Chad who used it as a flour substitute in the preparation of bread and cakes during the 15th century. An essential during times of famine!
1827: threatened with extinction following the drying up of the lakes by the conquistadors, spirulina was rediscovered by the famous French botanist Turpin. Needless to say, it had a close call (that's the right word!).
1960: During this century, spirulina became a real must-have! It had proven its merits so much that the French engineer Hubert Durand-Chastel and the American Ripley Fox intensified its cultivation to fight against world famine.
1974: Considered as “the best food for the future” by the United Nations, it was also recognized and praised by the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) that year.
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1984: With a little delay, France finally approves cyanobacteria in the heart of its territory. It will subsequently be produced in more than 22 countries, with China leading the world in exploitation.
A superfood rich in essential vitamins and minerals
If this little bacteria has traveled around the world, it is because it has a multitude of nutritional benefits. Do you remember this famous "magic ingredient" responsible for its cyan color? It is actually phycocyanin , a combination of proteins and pigments from photosynthesis that holds all the credit for the benefits of spirulina.
According to the Ciqual table published by Anses, it is this which gives our superfood its impressive protein content ! It is also an excellent source of potassium, sodium, phosphorus, iron and calcium. A real mine of vitamin A and group B, spirulina can meet all needs. It's hard to be more versatile. 😉
The benefits of spirulina: an essential ally for your well-being
With such nutritional richness , it would be a shame not to take advantage of all the benefits of spirulina! Thanks to its beneficial effects, spirulina is undoubtedly an essential natural aid that will lend you a helping hand on a daily basis!
A source of competitive antioxidants
This superfood contains many antioxidants (such as phycocyanin, beta-carotene or vitamin E) that help protect cells from free radical damage . These small, unstable molecules can damage cells in our body, contributing to chronic disorders and premature aging.
A stable blood sugar level every day
It contains protein and fiber that slow down the absorption of carbohydrates, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Immune defenses in top form
Of course, with so many vitamins and minerals to its credit, spirulina perfectly embodies the shield of our immune system . Iron, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins and phycocyanin promote the production of antibodies. It's the immune cells that are happy!
Pounds lost, muscles preserved
Composed of about 60% protein, it goes without saying that all athletes are fighting over it. It contains all the essential amino acids (those that the body cannot synthesize on its own), and helps maintain muscle mass intact, especially during periods of caloric deficit. Rather ideal for anyone looking to lose weight without putting their Apollo muscles at risk. Finally, when you think about it, spirulina is a bit like the "cyano-star" of food supplements !
💪🏻 Are you an athlete and still hesitant to start a spirulina treatment? Come and discover all its benefits for your sports practice !
We recommend you
Organic Spirulina
Organic Spirulina 100% pure and natural rich in vegetable proteins, minerals and vitamins.
- ✅ Certified Organic by Ecocert
- ✅ Dried and cold compressed
- ✅ 3 months of treatment
- ✅ 100% clean (no additives & no excipients)
Practical advice for integrating spirulina into daily life
In powder or tablets, spirulina is on the food supplement market in all its forms. With such a large range of choices, it's not easy to know how to effectively introduce it into our daily lives. Here are some tips and tricks to help you enjoy all the benefits of our favorite cyanobacteria !
Blue algae at the heart of your plates
Is your jar of spirulina powder gathering dust in your cupboards? Give it a second life by incorporating it into your everyday recipes. A good shot of vitamins to boost your smoothies, a spirulina vinaigrette for your salads, or a snack in the form of energy balls or crackers, there is something for everyone. 🤤
You can even take up the good practices of yesteryear and incorporate it into your flour for your pie doughs and your sweet and savory cakes. Cyan effect guaranteed!
🌿 If you are afraid of not liking its unusual taste, tablets remain a very good alternative.
And the dosage in all this?
As with any dietary supplement, the dosage of spirulina should not be taken lightly. So be sure to follow these recommendations (we're keeping an eye on you!):
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Take 1 tablet per day for 2-3 days then 1 additional tablet every 2-3 days. Depending on your needs, you can reach 4 to 10 tablets per day.
Introduce the tablets very gradually to avoid any digestive discomfort .
Make sure not to exceed 10 tablets per day (or 5 grams).
Why choose Novoma spirulina?
At Novoma, we are committed to pampering you by offering you quality food supplements. We have selected for you a spirulina from organic farming , 100% pure and natural. The latter is grown in the best region of southern India (Tamil Nadu region) where the climatic conditions are excellent. Its high protein content (65%), phycocyanin (16%), and its source of good nutrients bring you without exception all the benefits of spirulina.
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💭 Did you know? Quality and origin are two essential criteria for choosing your spirulina. We have carefully selected our Organic Spirulina to offer you a food supplement guaranteed to be of excellence.
This praise for spirulina could be summed up in two words: get started! 🤩
Of course, supplementing is not suitable for everyone, and it is recommended to seek the advice of a doctor before taking any food supplements. Once you have obtained your approval, all you have to do is take full advantage of the incredible benefits of this superfood! In powder or tablets, choose the format that suits you best in order to integrate it into your daily routine.
❌ If you want to know the contraindications related to spirulina, this article is for you: “ Is it good to take spirulina? ”
FAQ
Is it good to take spirulina every day?
No study has shown, to date, any potential danger in consuming spirulina on a daily basis. During your treatments , it is recommended that you supplement every day by referring to the dosage that suits your specific needs in order to guarantee the benefits of spirulina.
How long does a spirulina treatment last?
For optimal effects, it is recommended to consume spirulina daily and regularly, as a treatment of 2 to 3 months and 2 to 3 times a year. You can continue the treatment for up to 6 weeks if the need arises.
What is the best way to consume spirulina?
This food supplement should be taken during the day, before or during meals. Since spirulina is rich in minerals , it is also advisable to drink plenty of water when taking a supplement to avoid digestive discomfort. As part of a zinc treatment, separate each supplement by at least 2 hours.
When to start taking spirulina?
An immunity booster and a treasure trove of antioxidants, the spirulina cure can be started at any time of the year. It will be a great support to you during periods of great fatigue, stress and immune fragility. Rich in proteins, it works wonders for our sports clients!
