Spirulina

An algae that grows naturally in ponds and lakes, green blue spirulina may not sound like something most of us would be keen to put into our bodies! 

However, the spirulina plant is a hugely popular choice for supplements, thanks to its very high levels of B vitamins, beta-carotene, iron and copper.

Grown in purpose-built ponds in Mexico, India and China, spirulina also offers good amounts of potassium, manganese and magnesium.

At Holland & Barrett, we offer a number of different ways in which our customers can incorporate spirulina into their diet. Take spirulina as a tablet, capsule, or protein powder.

You can take spirulina in the form of tablets, capsules or as protein powder.

Not everyone likes to eat spirulina, and if you happen not to like its taste or texture, there are things you can do to mask the flavour.

For example, enhance the taste of the spirulina protein powder by adding it to your favourite shakes and smoothies.

Alternatively, you can take spirulina in a tablet form. We sell bottles of 500mg spirulina tablets. Simply take three tablets, three times a day, half an hour before meals.

Or, for a different option, you can take spirulina in the form of an organic powder.

Organic spirulina capsules are also available through Holland and Barrett. Rich in Vitamin C, these spirulina capsules help to support the immune system.

For those looking to incorporate spirulina into their diet on a regular basis, you can use it in your everyday cooking.

Simply add the powdered version to smoothies, shakes, stocks, salads and soups, to make the most of the beneficial nutrients from this blue green algae.

You can get really creative and find new and interesting ways to eat a balanced, healthy diet including spirulina.

To try out our recipe for spirulina pesto, tomato and green bean pasta check out on our Health Hub.

Adding spirulina powder to everyday foods, such as pizza, salad, eggs or even smashed avocado, can help to ensure that you follow a healthy, nutritious diet.

For ways to ‘supercharge’ your diet and to get inspired with even more ideas on healthy cooking check out this short article on spirulina on our Health Hub.

At Holland & Barrett, we believe that it is vital to have a well-balanced diet and engage in regular exercise for an all-round healthy lifestyle. Incorporating healthy, nutritious foods – especially superfoods - into your life will further support the normal functioning of your body.

Spirulina, essential oils and vitamins can help support a healthy lifestyle.

Spirulina is especially rich in vitamin B12, a vitamin that many vegans can find challenging to get enough of. 

For this reason, spirulina tablets can be a worthwhile addition to your meat-free diet.

Known to be a rich source of antioxidants, spirulina may also help to protect against free radical damage caused by pollution, sun exposure and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Chlorella spirulina…whichever one you choose you can be sure you are getting a similarly impressive amount of nutrients.

Chlorella algae boasts higher levels of provitamin A, magnesium and zinc. It is also slightly higher in riboflavins than spirulina.

However, spirulina algae is lower in calories and packed with thiamine, iron and copper. Its levels of riboflavins might be lower than chlorella but they are still very high.

And while chlorella is high in omega-3 fatty acids, spirulina has naturally better levels of omega-6. It is thought that spirulina protein levels may be higher too.

Spirulina is available in a few forms. While some people like the ease of spirulina capsules, many prefer to add spirulina to their daily regime in powder form.

With its challenging flavour, spirulina powder is not easy to eat straight off the spoon. 

However, when it is blended into smoothies, whipped into your scrambled eggs or sprinkled over just about any dish, from popcorn to pasta, organic spirulina adds an easy, natural dose of goodness to your day.

There are no official guidelines when it comes to taking spirulina. However, experts think that between 1g and 8g a day is enough to give you all the nutritional benefits you need.

Spirulina is not suitable for people with autoimmune disorders because it can cause a flare up in symptoms. 

It is not advised for anybody on blood thinning medication either and if you are taking any prescribed meds, it is best to check with your doctor before you start taking it.

There is no evidence to prove that spirulina is safe if taken during pregnancy.

Generally safe, spirulina rarely causes side effects. 

Where they do occur, these effects may include digestive issues, insomnia and vomiting. 

Some people may experience an allergic reaction. If you react to spirulina stop taking it immediately and if side effects are serious, seek medical advice.

Spirulina powder can be easily added to water and other drinks such as juices and smoothies. As a precaution, a small amount of spirulina will change the colour of your drink, it will go a deep blue-green and sometimes almost black.

Once mature and ready, the spirulina powder is pumped out of the pond and taken to a facility where the algae can be strained, often with stainless steel screens. This turns the algae into a paste which is laid out and washed before going into a vessel that dries it. When it goes through the drying process, it is turned into powder form.