Spirulina Nutrition: A Complete Guide to the Blue-Green Algae Superfood

Spirulina, a tiny type of blue green freshwater algae commonly used in Japan, is a nutritional powerhouse, containing more protein per gram than either red meat or soy. The only drawback appears to be the price.

Protein

• Spirulina contains between 65 and 71 percent biologically complete protein with only 3.9 calories per gram.

Amino Acids

• Spirulina contains all eight essential amino acids and ten out of twelve non-essential amino acids.

Vitamins &Minerals

• Spirulina contains vitamins E, B1, B2, B6, B12, biotin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, inositol, niacin and the carotenoids necessary for vitamin A production. Spirulina is abundant in minerals, including: potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, selenium, iron and phosphorus. There are miniscule amounts of sodium.

Enzymatic Pigments

• Pigments are necessary to balance metabolism; spirulina contains chlorophyll, phycocyanin and porphyrin.

Lipids

• Spirulina is seven percent lipid. The majority of these lipids are in the form of fatty acids, which are necessary for the body to create prostaglandins.