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Herb Profile: Spirulina

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health benefits of spirulina powder Herb Profile: Spirulina

I don’t like using the term superfood, though it could certainly be applied to Spirulina. Though not technically an herb (actually an cyanobacteria), it boasts its fair share of health promoting properties. It is rich in in Chlorophyll, and like plants, gets its energy from the sun.

What is it?

Spirulina is a natural “algae” (cyanbacteria) powder that is incredible high in protein and nutrients. When harvested correctly from non-contaminated ponds and bodies of water, it is one of the most potent nutrient sources available. It is largely made up of protein and essential amino acids, and I typically recommend it to clients who decide to remain vegetarian for its high natural iron content. It is often touted for its high B-12 content, though there is a lot of debate about if this particular form is a complete and absorbable form of B-12 and I don’t recommend it completely in place of animal products.

The high concentration of protein and iron also makes it idea during pregnancy, after surgery or anytime the immune system needs a boost.

Health Properties:

Though it does taste like pond scum, Spirulina has some great health-boosting qualities:

  • Spirulina is 65% protein and amino acids including the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which has gotten a lot of attention for its anti-inflammatory properties, especially when taken with other quality Omega-3 supplements like Fermented Cod Liver Oil. (I suspect that the benefits of GLA in Spirulina are even more than what the studies have found since these studies often use vegetable oils for their GLA source, and the other inflammatory compounds in vegetable oils can interfere with the anti-inflammatory ability.) It contains all essential amino acids.
  • Spirulina contains Omega 3-,6 and 9s and is especially high in Omega-3s.
  • Spirulina is extremely high in Chlorophyll, which helps remove toxins from the blood and boost the immune system.
  • Spirulina has a very high concentration of bio-available iron and is excellent during pregnancy and for those with anemia and will not cause constipation.
  •  Spirulina is a great source of other nutrients including (according to Wikipedia): “Spirulina contains vitamins B-1(thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3(nicotinamide), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folic acid), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin E. It is also a source of potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium,  manganese, phosphorus,  selenium, sodium and zinc. Spirulina contains many pigments which may be beneficial and bioavailable”
  • This Spirulina (from Mountain Rose Herbs) was tested be an independent laboratory and found to have an ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) of over 24,000 which is 4x the ORAC score of blueberries. The ORAC score is generally used to measure antioxidant ability and concentration in different foods.
  • Spirulina is also incredibly high in calcium with over 26 times the calcium in milk, making it excellent for children, the elderly and during pregnancy.
  • Some research has suggested that Spirulina may be helpful in allergies and allergic reactions.
  • Spirulina’s phosphorus content makes it helpful as part of a tooth remineralization regimen.
  • Emerging evidence suggests that it binds with radioactive isotopes and may be useful for radioactivity exposure or radiation therapy.
  • The protein in Spirulina is highly usable and has a net protein utilization rate of between 50-61%
  • Spirulina can bind with heavy metals in the body and help remove them.
  • Spirulina can increase fat burning during exercise.

How To Take

spirulina smoothie Herb Profile: SpirulinaWhen choosing Spirulina, make sure to choose one that is organic, as others can have nitrate compounds as additives. The best one I’ve found is from Mountain Rose Herbs and it is also the cheapest organic Spirulina I’ve seen. It does taste like pond water though, so many people prefer supplements. I’ve tried Now Spirulina and found them to be good quality, though they are more expensive than the plain powder. (I haven’t tried this brand, but it seems to be a great deal for 1,000 500mg capsules for under $30). You can also get Spirulina powder in a 4-pound canister.

I always add Spirulina to my veggie smoothies each day and take extra during pregnancy. It is best to get in about 2 teaspoons per day, and 2 or more tablespoons during illness, after radiation exposure or during pregnancy. It does taste horrible though! You can also mix into water and drink straight, though many people have trouble with this. The phosphorous makes it useful for the tooth remineralizing regimen, and it is best taken with an Omega-3 source like fermented cod liver oil. It’s anti-inflammatory properties have been helpful to some of my clients with joint pain or other types of inflammation.

Those with PKU should consult with a doctor before taking, as it does contain that amino acid. Those on any type of anti-coagulation medicine should consult with a doctor before beginning (or stopping) taking Spirulina.

Ever taken Spirulina? What did you think of the taste? Will you try it now? Share below!

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Wellness Mama is a full-time housewife with a background in nutrition, journalism and communications. Her passion is helping others achieve optimal health through a “Wellness Lifestyle.” She has helped hundreds of clients lose weight, increase athletic performance, improve fertility, and overcome numerous health problems and diseases. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, & Pinterest.

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DISCLAIMER: The statements made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

  • Reb.

    Hmm… I’ve always thought that I was allergic to spirulina, as I once drank a green smoothie containing that (from Odwalla) and experienced a profoundly (and I mean really, really profoundly), er, laxative effect. It’s not something I ever want to experience again! But after reading this I checked their ingredient list and it also has wheatgrass and barleygrass… and I have a grass allergy with cross-allergies for peas and melons. Any thoughts?

  • Cat @ NeoHomesteading.com

    I’ve wanted to try it but have only had it in bottled green juices so far. I’m a little scared but lately I’ve liked a lot more weird stuff. Worth a try!

  • BeckyO

    Is it okay to have while breastfeeding?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    I take it everyday while pregnant or nursing

  • Heather

    Absolutely! I drink two or three green smoothies a day. Still breastfeeding my toddler. :)

  • Elizabeth

    I’m pregnant and would like to take this… the veggie smoothie is something I could see doing on occasion, but I really love to just *eat* my veggies. So I guess I’d like to know how awful does it really taste in water?

  • Tolliverfamily2000

    I have to say that my family puts it in our smoothies sometimes and the kids will still drink them. We think it has a bit of a fishy taste but enough berries and bananas can cover that up(somewhat) LOL. I also find that adding dates to our smoothies for extra sweetness helps hide the taste of really nasty stuff.

  • mamavega

    Could someone offer a rough “recipe” for using spirulina in a smoothie?  I am new to this, but would like to try.  Is there ever any use in adding it to cooked dishes, or does heat destroy its benefits?

  • Vpagano

    What about encapsulating the powder in vegatable or gelatin capsules and washing them down with water to avoid the pond water taste?

  • Camilla

    I have a drink containing spirulina, chlorella, kamut wheatgrass and barley every day, and I am certain that this has changed my life and energylevels completely. I never feel fatigued any more like I used to. I am pregnant now, but still take my daily greens. After reading this artikle I will increase my dose from 1 to 2 teaspoons though. And to you who never tried it before; be careful in the beginning, because starting on a full dose 1-2 ts, can really mess up your stomach. It’s not dangerous, but very uncomfortable. When I started taking greens, I felt crappy for about 3-4 weeks until my body got used to it. I started taking only 1/4 ts in the beginning and gradually increased over the next 3 weeks. Someone wrote that they had a bad experience with a green smoothie, and that can be the cause…not allergy. Greens are powerful and will start detoxing your body, and can cause stomachtrouble in the beginning.

  • sarah

    So interesting…I’m 9 weeks pregnant and just started drinking a raw milk smoothie of sorts…I was adding 1/2 tsp of spirulina and thought maybe I was just drinking too much milk (cramps, diarrhea).  I’ve switched to almond milk and taken out the spirulina.  I’m wondering if I should slowly add it back in or if now is not the best time to try it…benefits (vitamin and mineral powerhouse) vs disadvantages (not being able to keep anything in!)  Thoughts???

  • Allison

    I just heard about this not too long ago – thanks for the post! I need to start making more smoothies!

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    It really isn’t that awful, especially once you get used to it… It is definitely an acquired taste, but not terrible.

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    I’ve never tried adding to cooked dishes, but I add anywhere from 2 tsp-2 tbsp to a veggie smoothie. A lot of people add it to fruit smoothies and don’t mind the taste much, but we don’t drink many fruit smoothies, so I haven’t tried it.

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    There are a couple links above for spirulina that is already in capsules. It is more expensive, but definitely easier to take! You could encapsulate yourself, but your hands will turn green :-)

  • Camilla

    I have read several places that the first 3 months of pregnancy is not the best time to introduce greens into your diet because the impact on the body is significant and there is already som much going on in your body in the beginning of the pregnancy. Thinking about how I felt in the beginning that makes sence. I was feeling very lousy the first 3 months of my pregnancy anyway(even being used to greens), so maybe you should wait for a few more weeks? When you do want to begin eating Spirulina (or other greens) start with just a tip of a ts in the beginning. Increase the dose a little every week. Be prepared to having a bad stomach for a few weeks. Good luck!

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  • sarah

    Great–thanks so much!  I eat fresh leafy greens on a daily basis, but think I’ll wait a bit more to add the spirulina :)

  • Rjkirk2

    I am using about 1/2 Tablespoon each day in a green smoothie. Any more than that and you can taste the pond. I feel it does give me more energy and just an overall “good” feeling. I don’t get as achy after strenuous work or exercise.

  • Melissacoltman

    We mix a spoonful into a cup of plain applesauce and we can get it down pretty easy!

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    Great idea!

  • Reb.

    Thanks for this – good to know.

  • http://palmsandpinesblog.blogspot.com/ Ashley

    What about chlorella? Is that more for detox?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    It is. I don’t have as much personal experience with chlorella, but it is supposed to be great, especially in combination with spirulina

  • Katy

    How else could i take this – i have the powder. 

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    In smoothies, or just in water and chug while holding your nose :-)

  • Cookinthekeys

     I first tried it at a Juice Bar to ensure I liked it before making the investment.  When mixed in a smoothie, you cannot taste it, unless you use to much, so start off with 1 teaspoon and work your way up.

  • Stacysorganicherbhouse

    Yes, I have been taking spirulina for years. I helped me during my pregnancy with fatigue and help me recover from a toxic surgery along with medicinal herbs. Spirulina is also great as a body mask! It really has countless uses. For more natural health resources http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePlantainPouch

  • ISA

    I like to take it in my green smoothie every day (2 cups spinach, 1 frozen banana, 1 cup milk, 1 tsp spirulina powder). It tastes pretty decent!

  • http://www.facebook.com/lisa.griffin.77770 Lisa Griffin

    I put it in a green smoothie every morning – 1/2 T spirulina, 1 T wheat grass powder, 1 T ground flax seeds, 1/4 c raw milk kefir, 3/4 c raw milk yogurt, 1/2 frozen banana, 3-4 cups spinach, some ice cubes – if I want a little sweeter I add 1/2-1 tsp honey. Talk about an energy boost!

  • Andrea Olmsted

    Make a banana and Oj smoothy. The Oj really mask the flavor and I always put a banana iny smoothies. I have also added almond milk and/or Greek yogurt. But I do not always have them. Drink plenty of water during the day as well.

  • http://www.facebook.com/lydia.willmorerunkle Lydia Willmore

    So if I took spirulina every day, added to my smoothies, would u still take chlorophyll or would u say that the amounts of chlorophyll in spirulina are sufficient?

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    I’d say the spirulina would be enough…

  • http://www.facebook.com/jessica.taylor.5015 Jessica Taylor

    I was wondering what your opinion wa on Green Vibrance? Thank you!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=665618496 Becca Cutler

    I hated it until I tried it with V8. It’s a more natural combination somehow – I think it messes too much with a lovely pastel smoothie, and even in a green smoothie it’s just kind of too intense. I still have to sort of chug it and not notice the looks but it tastes just fine with any sort of tomato juice.

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  • Dondiva

    A source recommended I get this for my son’s ADHD and to replace the veggies he’s not getting everyday. I was suffering from an allergic reaction at the time and decided to drink it myself. I mixed it with a banana, mango and apple juice. After blending, It taste great! My son also enjoyed it as well. The swelling from my reaction started to subside and I saw results hours later. It’s best if you pick the fruits and veggies you like best to blend with. The taste and smell is not appealing but I will stick with it because our bodies need this boost!– Dondiva

  • moon

    i have been drinking a teaspoon of spirulina in hot vegie broth daily for a few years. I like the taste that way. I had it in a restaurant that way once, and thus the idea. I do wonder how one can really find out which spirulina products are safe to use, and which ones do make it in a controlled and tested environment which makes sure it is free from contaminants which can be harmful to the liver. A list of safe and tested products would be nice to have. Any ideas?

  • Michelle Connelly

    I dont make smoothies, so the BEST way for me to take spirulina (in my humble opinion) is mixed with a 1/4-1/2 cup apple cider. It’s amazing, no weird pond scummy taste!

  • Lindsey

    I put spirulina in my fresh juices. The taste is something to get used to, but it has great health benefits! I have had an issue with my acne since I moved to the UK and taking spirulina has totally cleared it up. I am JUMPING with joy.

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  • Danyell Warner

    I have spirulina in my fruit and veggie smoothie every morning. The entire office got the flu this year, except 5 people and myself. My hair and nails are doing better than ever too. I don’t feel tiered during the day hardly at all anymore. I’ve been taking spirulina powder daily for about 2 months now, and it has been amazing! I recommend it to everyone. I use Nutrex, Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica.

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  • Hanna

    i add my daily Spirulina to a cup of my favorite smoothie, but i make sure that it doesn`t containt any tropic fruit, cus i heard it would make the effect weaker..

  • http://twitter.com/TootleApril April Tootle

    I started taking 6 tabs 500 mg spirulina 2 mornings ago. First day I felt dizzy & nauseated & that night, my insomnia was worse than usual. 2nd day I was completely drained & exhausted & tummy a little upset & appetite not good & insomnia worse again. This am still really exhausted. I thought maybe I’m feeling this way because I’m detoxing, I also was concerned maybe my dosage was wrong. I read something suggesting I wasn’t taking enough & that’s why I’m so drained, then another suggested I’m taking too much & that’s the reason for insomnia even though I take it in the morning. I’m a very tiny woman, so I don’t know if that has anything to do with it. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Thank you for your wonderful site!

  • http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

    It could be either one, but I’d back down on the dose and work up slowly to see if that helps…

  • jezzicany@gmail.com

    Can people recieving radiation for cancere take this or does it effect the results??

  • Stacy McGee

    I take the tablets, because my research has prompted me to believe that the granulation process to create the powders causes lost nutritional value to some degree – although I do not believe it is significant, I’m just a fanatic lol. I have tried vitamin world 500mg and thought it was fantastic. Within just a couple of weeks I noticed a difference in my energy level and my arthritis. I would get a mouth full of water and break them apart slightly using my front teeth for them to dissolve if had no cup for water, which I don’t feel is necessary what so ever, before swallowing. These have a dog food taste lol. It was not unbearable and I got use to it quickly and frankly didn’t mind it because it is an extremely small price to pay for the amount of benefits.

    I then got the brand Source Naturals which I wasn’t impressed with, I guess because my first experience was with the vitamin world brand so it was more mental I believe, because it is more compacted and not easily broken or dissolved and feel that it takes my system longer to digest thus absorb. These of course do not have a taste so to speak because of the fact they do not dissolve or break very easily so I just stick them in my mouth and swallow.

    I take three, three times a day. Although I started off with one and worked my way up over time, which I recommend because of the detoxifying power. Even working my way up slowly caused slight dizzy spells here and there as the amount had just gotten to the quantity of three per serving, but didn’t last long. I’d say they did not occur longer than a couple of weeks, and maybe only twice a day for a couple of second a piece. This was at the very beginning though as my body was being first introduced to it.

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  • Marv een

    I’ve just started to try some, I got excited and orders some that was quite inespensive without really checking where it was grown etc, it isn’t organic (but I read an article regarding Australian spririlna that suggests its one of those products that can’t be truly organic and that the Australian authorities don’t award organic status). Anyway, I took a bit and it’s not nice as such but not as bad as I expected after reading a few people say it tastes of ammonia. Mine seems to taste a bit like blood to be honest, I hope this doesn’t mean it has metals in it. I am now wondering whether to bin it and get organic but don’t have much money so this was kind of a trial I suppose. Can any harm come from having none organic? Any more than eating none organic bit very washed fruit and veg for the last 30 years say?

  • moofer

    Odwalla superfood also contains Gluten – it’s one of only a couple of juices they make that does.

  • JenniferWI1977

    I’m not a smoothie person (crazy, I know!). Is there another way to get this down without having to drink it or take it in capsule form? I’m pretty good about handling bad tastes as long as I know it’s good for me.

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  • http://www.facebook.com/St.Valentine1980 Chantel Shearer

    umm, not really..

  • Elena Sordo-King

    I just started taking spirulina, adding it to my protein shakes. I can’t taste, so i guess so far to good. My protein shake includes spirulina, coconut water, flax oil, frozen blueberries and strawberries, probiotics and vanilla protein powder. I tend to think that all protein powder mix sort of dominates the taste of whatever you put it in – my kids describe this shake tasting like a vanilla cake. Not so bad :)

  • Elena Sordo-King

    Ingredients:

    6oz spring water
    6oz coconut water
    1 big scoop
    of a clean unflavored or vanilla protein powder
    ½ avocado, peeled and frozen
    are great
    1 tsp Hawaiian Spirulina
    1 Tbsp flaxseed oil
    ½ tsp probiotic
    powder
    Handful of frozen blueberries
    Shake of cinnamon

    Directions: Blend all of the listed ingredients. For extra
    thickness, add more ice.

  • http://www.facebook.com/chrissy.shapiro Chrissy Shapiro

    There is a guy here in Florida who makes popsicles out of it. I love the chocolate covered chocolate spirulina & my hubbie like the chocolate covered ginger spirulina pops. The company is called Hero Pops. The pops are dairy free and organic.Each pop contains 25% living spirulina. I love them.