Big Food - Spirulina - 500g / 1000 tablets (500mg)

What is spirulina powder?

Spirulina is a planktonic, blue-green alga that provides food and oxygen for a wide variety of aquatic life. It has been a part of the human diet since being discovered by the Aztecs centuries ago. Because of the unique and expansive nutritional profile, the World Health Organisation considers Spirulina among the most nutrient-dense superfoods on the planet!

Among the wide array of nutrients packed into this super-green algae are a complete protein, antioxidants phycocyanin and carotenoids, iron, copper, and other minerals (Source: USDA).

Are spirulina and chlorella the same?

No, they are different. Both spirulina and chlorella have exploded in popularity in recent years due to their rich nutritional profile. In fact, both have been given the label of a superfood! However, spirulina and chlorella do originate from different families, or species and with that, there are differences in their nutritional profiles.

Are spirulina tablets as good as powder?

Yep! This is a good question because sometimes capsules or tablet forms of superfood supplements can be enclosed in film or some other material that may reduce the absorption of it. However, our spirulina tablets contain no other ingredients and are simply condensed and dried cakes. Therefore, there is little to no difference between which form of the supplement you use.

Where does spirulina grow?

Spirulina is a freshwater alga that is commonly found along the edges of large ponds. However, as the popularity of the supplement grew, farming methods were established. We cultivate our spirulina in a 100% pure and freshwater environment that requires minimal processing from initial to finished product. 

Key health aspects of spirulina powder

Our spirulina is organic and 100% natural without any added ingredients. The algae green is delicately ground into a very fine powder, in a way that best protects the nutritional profile. 

Protein

Spirulina is composed of 55-65% of complete protein. This makes it one of only a few plant-based sources of complete protein that provides all nine essential amino acids. In addition, the digestibility of this protein is over 80% which is rare for plant food. The digestibility of food is an indicator of how much protein will be absorbed and used in the body. Typically, the digestibility of plant foods is lower around 60-70% while animal sources are 80-90%.

Phycocyanin

The blue streak in spirulina comes from the pigment phycocyanin. This is a deep blue pigment that assists algae in photosynthesis by trapping light. In fact, this antioxidant compound is one of the main components in spirulina (Source: Examine.com)! The healthful compound has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body. And early studies have shown that it can provide protection to the liver and kidneys (Source: NCBI).

Carotenoids

Carotenoids are a special class of plant compounds with potent antioxidative effects in the body. Spirulina contains source several of these including zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and chlorophyll (Source: NCBI). These compounds collectively scavenge and quench harmful reactive molecules that accumulate in the body and cause damage.

One study showed that the carotenoids in spirulina were much more bioavailable than those in spinach (Source: NCBI).

Iron

Spirulina is naturally rich in iron, which has been shown to contain a relatively high bioavailability compared to other plant-based sources (Source: Science Direct). Iron is a mineral that is incorporated to haemoglobin, the oxygen-transport cells of our body. It is essential for the efficient delivery of oxygen to all tissues and thus, energy production.

In one study, iron supplementation improved haemoglobin oxygen saturation and immune function in older adults with a history of iron-deficiency (anemia; NCBI). 

Minerals

Each small teaspoon provides a healthy dose of magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese. These are all essential cofactors in over 300 chemical reactions in the body and contribute to the maintenance of the nervous system and cardiovascular health.