A Vegan Guide To Spirulina 

What is spirulina?

Spirulina is an organism that grows in salt and freshwater. It’s a cyanobacterium, which is part of a family of single-celled microbes, also called blue-green algae and as cyanobacteria, spirulina is technically neither plant nor animal.

As well as a hugely popular nutritional supplement, it’s also used to feed aquaculture like farmed fish or fish that live in aquariums. 

Spirulina’s health benefits

Spirulina’s nutritional profile is off the spectrum. It’s packed to the brim with a little bit of everything, making a great case for its superfood-status. It contains between 55-70% Protein, 10-25% Carbohydrates and 5-20% Fat and well as a multitude of micronutrients like vitamin B1, 2 and 3, copper, iron, magnesium and manganese. 

Its believed health benefits include:

• Strong antioxidant properties 
• Reduced blood pressure
• Reduced symptoms from allergies
• Lowered ‘bad’ cholesterol

Why is spirulina especially good for vegans?

Spirulina has a very high protein and vitamin content which make it an excellent supplement for anyone on a plant-based diet.    

How to incorporate spirulina into your vegan diet

There are loads of easy ways to add spirulina to your existing diet. Adding a spoonful to smoothies or juices is a great way to have a spirulina-boost first thing in the morning. It can be added to soups and salads or simply taken in supplement form that’s easiest for you. 

Why not check out our Nutritionalist, Aly’s guide to superfoods next?

Keep your plant-based questions coming our way and we’ll make sure they’re answered.