Food Nutrition of Spirulina Blue Green Algae

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.

References

• Spirulina for Nutrition
• Natural Ways: Spirulina's Nutritional Analysis

Resources

• Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Dried Spirulina
• Spirulina Nutrition