The Fascinating Nutritional Values of Spirulina

• PROTEINS: In fact, 60 to 70% of its weight is composed of complete proteins, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids. Moreover, its proteins are very easy to digest and absorb because spirulina has no cell walls. Incomparison, spirulina contains three times more protein than beef and four times more protein than tofu!
• VITAMINS: Spirulina is also rich in vitamins such as beta-carotene (vitamin A), B-complex vitamins including thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K.To give a better idea of its nutritional superiority, spirulina contains 15 times more vitamin A than carrots!
• MINERALS: At this level, the findings are similar. This astonishing microalgae is rich in essential minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, boron, iodine, and zinc. To better understand how concentrated it is, spirulina contains 13 times more iron than beef and 12 times more iron than spinach!!! In terms of calcium, spirulina contains 180% more than milk!
• POLYSACCHARIDES: Rich in polysaccharides, spirulina contains nearly 50 different polysaccharides, each with distinct activities. The health benefits are therefore multiple, and several studies are currently underway to better understand them and how they work. So far, studies have shown anticancer, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antithrombotic, antiviral activities, and even the ability to regulate intestinal microbiota.
• PHYCOCYANIN: Containing phycocyanin, a pigment responsible for the blue color, spirulina would have an antioxidant effect 20 times greater than vitamin C. Research shows that this blue protein pigment also has analgesic properties and protective effects for the brain.
• GAMMA-LINOLENIC ACID: Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), spirulina contains between 2 and 4% of GLA, which represents a significant advantage for health. This polyunsaturated fatty acid is known to contribute to preventing cardiovascular diseases. Indeed, gamma-linolenic acid helps decrease blood lipid levels and regulate blood pressure. Also, its antioxidant properties may be linked to cancer prevention. GLA also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce eczema, atherosclerosis, and even arthritis.

Variable Nutritional Values

Beyond the exceptional qualities of spirulina, studies have found that its nutritional values vary widely. This was the finding of a study that analyzed the different spirulinas found on the market. There are significant differences among the available products, as well as from one batch to another batch for the same brand of spirulina. Several factors influence spirulina cultivation and thus nutritional values. The study highlights that products from open-air spirulina cultivation is particularly impacted and this cultivation leads to variable nutritional values.

Since various spirulina cultivation techniques exist, studies recommend cultivating spirulinas in a controlled environment. Several parameters during its cultivation can vary the nutritional qualities of spirulina. The more controlled the cultivation, the better the spirulina obtained. Also, if its cultivation is standardized, its nutritional values will be more consistent from batch to batch. That is why Land Art chose spirulina from greenhouse cultivation. All parameters are then controlled 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to guarantee the best spirulina possible for each batch.