February 16, 2022

What is Blue spirulina | A superfood powerhouse

What is Blue Spirulina?

Blue Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in ponds, lakes, and alkaline rich water streams.

The dark blue pigment phycocyanin is produced by spirulina from which the algae gets its dark blue color.

Blue Spirulina is a good source of antioxidants because of the phycocyanin pigment it contains.

What is Blue Spirulina Good For?

This magic algae has been proven to provide many health benefits such as improving immune function, providing protection against oxidative stress and reducing inflammation.

It is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals which makes blue spirulina a super food powerhouse for vegetarians and vegans.

To get the full health benefits from blue spirulina it should be consumed regularly.

You can add it to smoothies, salads, pasta dishes or taken as blue spirulina capsules.

What is the difference between blue spirulina and green spirulina?

Blue spirulina is blue in color due to the blue pigment phycocyanin, which has been shown to help manage blood sugar levels and boost the immune system.

Green spirulina, on the other hand, is made up of green algae.

Although both blue and green spirulina are types of blue-green algae, green spirulina offers more health benefits than blue spirulina.

However green spirulina has more of a stronger fish like taste which most find unpleasant.

Blue Spirulina

Has been known for its anti oxidant composition which helps protect our bodies from the negative effects of free radicals that comes with everyday living.

It can also protect us from some serious medical conditions like cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

This superfood assists in protein synthesis and allows cells to regenerate more effectively while creating new cells at a faster rate. Helping to creating an overall boost to your metabolism.

It also improves cardiovascular health and reduces LDL cholesterol levels in the body.

Promoting healthy blood flow to all parts of your body while protecting you from strokes and heart attacks.

It is rich in gamma linolenic acid ( good fat), vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc and selenium among others.

Blue spirulina also has anti-inflammatory properties that help counter diseases like asthma and other respiratory problems.

Studies have also shown blue spirulina to be effective in the treatment of a few conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy and high blood pressure among others.

Blue Spirulina has been used for ages as a natural remedy for various ailments.

Its success is due to its nutritional value. Which is not found in either green or blue spirulina alone but together.

Green spirulina

Green spirulina contains less protein than blue spirulina, but even so it is still one of the most concentrated dietary sources of protein known.

It also contains excellent levels of iron, B-vitamins and vitamin K1.

Many people are also using green spirulina supplementation for cancer prevention or cancer treatment. Because studies have shown that it prevents cancer cells from spreading throughout the body.

Green Spirulina has high antioxidant activity that helps fight oxidative stress associated with many diseases.

Phycocyanin , a blue pigment found in green spirulina, is also used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticoagulant and antiviral.

A downside to green spirulina is its taste, which can be found to be rather unpleasant to those who have tried it.

What does Blue spirulina taste like?

While Blue Spirulina is known to be slightly bitter, Green spirulina is known have a slight fishy taste that some may consider too much.

However, Blue spirulina is less strong in taste and takes on the flavor of its surroundings. So it can be easily added to smoothies or other drinks to mask the taste.

Blue spirulina’s health benefits

Health benefits can include:

Increased energy, glowing skin and hair, the formation of stronger bones and teeth, an increase in metabolism and a decrease in heart disease.

It may also help to battle depression and anxiety as well as improve eyesight and memory.

People with diabetes can use blue spirulina powder to help regulate insulin levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, anxiety and depression.

The blue spirulina health benefits are still being researched.

Though there is evidence that blue spirulina protects cells against damage by free radicals which causes Cancer and aging.

Blue Spirulina also contains

Protein,
Essential amino acids ,
Vitamin B12,
Iron,
Chromium potassium,
Magnesium
Calcium
Phosphorus
Selenium
Copper, manganese, zinc
Phycocyanin carotenoids

Is blue spirulina safe?

It is safe for most individuals with no adverse side effects reported. Those who are pregnant or nursing should consult their physician before beginning any new supplement.

Because it is algae based , those taking medication to control blood pressure or seizures should not take blue spirulina without consulting their healthcare provider .

Blue Spirulina has been known to cause some negative side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, weakness and rashes that may worsen into hives or other allergies.

Source: https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-are-spirulina-side-effects.htm

How to use blue spirulina

In recipes blue spirulina can be added to cakes or muffins for a more nutritious punch without altering the taste of the finished dish too much .

Because it has a similar chemical make up as Red algae, blue spirulina does not impact the flavor of food in the same way .

In salads, finely ground blue spirulina can mimic Parmesan cheese and top off a salad. Giving a healthy dose of Vitamin B12 while giving that hint of saltiness that many enjoy in their cheese dishes.

Some people also prefer to add it into soups and stews for the same reason.

Blue spirulina can be added to smoothies as well as juices and other drinks without changing the overall taste.

For those who are not ready to use blue spirulina in their food, the tablets offer an alternative that is easy to carry around.

Simply take one or two tablets either before or after a meal depending on the benefits desired .

They are typically about the size of a multivitamin and dissolve easily in the mouth.

How to store Blue Spirulina

Blue spirulina does not need to be refrigerated, but it should be kept in a cool and dark place for maximum shelf life.

It is packaged into foil bags and sold as loose powder at many health food stores, making it easy to purchase and store for later use.

Thanks for reading as always!