Spirulina platensis

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a cyanobacterium that is used as a dietary supplement. It grows in warm waters and is often referred to as a superfood because it contains a high concentration of nutrients, including protein, vitamin B12, iron and potassium^{[5, 6]}. Spirulina is often taken as a supplemental food to provide the body with these nutrients and support overall health. It can be available in powder or tablet form and added to a variety of dishes to make them even healthier.

Is spirulina a microalgae?

No, technically Spirulina is a cyanobacterium, also known as blue-green algae. Cyanobacteria are microorganisms that photosynthesize, allowing them to meet their own nutrient needs from light energy, water and carbon dioxide.

Are Spirulina and chlorella the same thing?

Spirulina and Chlorella are two different types of microalgae used as dietary supplements. They both have many health benefits and contain many nutrients, but they differ in their chemical composition and appearance. Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae that grows in warm waters, while Chlorella is a green microalgae that lives in fresh water. Both may be available in powder or tablet form to help improve health, but they are not the same.

Why is Spirulina Blue?

Spirulina is blue because it contains a high concentration of pigments called phycocyanobilin. These pigments are responsible for Spirulina's blue-green color and also give it its health benefits. Phycocyanobilin is a powerful antioxidant^[7] and can help protect the body's cells from free radical damage. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help support heart health and immune system health^[7].

How is Spirulina grown?

Spirulina is often grown in large, heated tanks filled with water. The water is enriched with nutrients to optimize growth conditions for the algae. The tanks are often placed under direct sunlight to help the algae photosynthesize. After the algae reach a certain size, they are harvested and dried to be offered in powder or tablet form. The way Spirulina is cultivated can vary depending on the manufacturer.

What are the ingredients in Spirulina?

Spirulina contains a variety of nutrients, including protein, vitamin B12, iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc. It also contains a high concentration of antioxidants and pigments such as phycocyanobilin, which are responsible for its blue-green color. Spirulina also contains chlorophyll, which gives it a high content of essential amino acids and gamma-linolenic acid. These ingredients help support the health of the body and strengthen the immune system.

What vitamins are contained in Spirulina?

Spirulina contains a variety of vitamins, including vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. It also contains vitamin E and beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body^{[5, 6]}.

What amino acids are contained in Spirulina?

Spirulina contains a variety of amino acids that the body needs to make protein. It contains all the essential amino acids that the body cannot make itself and therefore must be obtained through the diet. These include phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, leucine, isoleucine and lysine. Spirulina also contains non-essential amino acids such as arginine, glycine and proline. These amino acids help provide the body with essential building blocks for protein and support health.

What are the benefits of Spirulina as an ingredient in dietary supplements?

Spirulina has many health benefits and is therefore often used as an ingredient in dietary supplements. It contains a high concentration of nutrients, including protein, vitamin B12, iron and potassium. These nutrients can help provide the body with important building blocks and support good health. Spirulina also contains antioxidants and pigments such as phycocyanobilin, which can help protect the body's cells from free radical damage and reduce inflammation in the body^[7]. It is believed that Spirulina may also help prevent deficiencies and improve circulation.

Can Spirulina be used for detoxification?

Yes, Spirulina is often used as a supportive agent to detoxify the body. It contains a high concentration of antioxidants and pigments such as phycocyanobilin, which can help protect the body's cells from free radical damage and reduce inflammation in the body. Spirulina can also help cleanse the body of pollutants and toxins by helping the liver and kidneys detoxify. It is often taken as part of a detoxification regimen to cleanse the body from the inside out and support good health.

Can Spirulina be used in foods?

Yes, Spirulina can be used in a variety of foods to increase their nutritional value. It is often available in powder form and can be added to smoothies, cereals, yogurt, juices and many other dishes. It may also be available in tablet form and taken like other supplements. Spirulina has a slightly bitter taste that combines well in certain dishes and drinks. It is a great way to increase nutrient intake and support good health.

Does Spirulina stain the teeth?

It is possible for Spirulina to discolor teeth, but this is unlikely. Spirulina's blue-green color comes from pigments such as phycocyanobilin, which are found in the algae. While these pigments can be transferred to the teeth if left unrinsed for a long period of time, this will not usually result in visible discoloration. It is important to rinse teeth thoroughly after eating foods containing Spirulina to avoid discoloration. Good oral hygiene can help keep teeth healthy and clean.

What pet foods can Spirulina be used in?

Spirulina is often used as an ingredient in pet foods to support the health of animals and meet their nutritional needs. It can be used in foods for dogs, cats, birds, fish and other pets. Spirulina contains a high concentration of nutrients, including protein, vitamin B12, iron and potassium. These nutrients can help boost animals' immune systems and support their overall health. Spirulina is usually well tolerated and can be added to animals' diets as a supplemental food^[11].

What are the benefits of Spirulina as part of cosmetics?

Spirulina is often used as an ingredient in cosmetic products because it has many health benefits. It contains a high concentration of nutrients, including protein, vitamin B12, iron and potassium[5, 6], which can benefit the skin. Spirulina also contains antioxidants and pigments such as phycocyanobilin, which can help protect the body's cells from free radical damage and reduce inflammation in the body. These properties can help nourish and strengthen the skin, making it look healthy and radiant. Spirulina is often used in face masks, scrubs and other cosmetic products to pamper the skin and support its health^{[7, 8]}.

What does a face mask from Spirulina?

A face mask made from Spirulina can help nourish and strengthen the skin. The nutrients, including protein, vitamin B12, iron and potassium, found in Spirulina can benefit the skin and make it look healthy and radiant. The antioxidants and pigments in Spirulina, such as phycocyanobilin, can help protect the body's cells from free radical damage and reduce inflammation in the body. These properties can help soothe and nourish the skin, making it look softer and firmer. A face mask made from Spirulina can also refine pores and help skin look more even and radiant.

Whether vegetable or pasta dishes, dips and even pastries: spirulina algae, in combination with other healthy foods and spices, can produce tasty dishes with a kick, which are easily digestible and do not burden the body.

What is healthy for the master is also healthy for the animal in smaller portions. Nowadays, most domestic cats lack important vital substances such as vitamin A, vitamin B1, selenium, calcium and phosphorus, because many cat foods can only contain and supply these artificially or not at all. From these deficiency symptoms usually follow various diseases.

The cat food "Rosina's Finest" supports the immune system through organic Spirulina and thus supplies the cats with essential trace elements and minerals, which should contribute to the strengthening of the bones and the stability of the blood sugar level.

Typical applications

• Spirulina powder is used as a dietary supplement, or as an ingredient in various food products such as lemonades, smoothies, power bars.
• In cosmetics the powder is valued for its phycocyanin content, which generates a healthy and fresh skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect^{[7, 8]}.
• The blue dye can be easily removed from the powder and can be used to color food.

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Typical applications in the cosmetics industry:

Spirulina platensis has strong antioxidant properties and can therefore be used well for cosmetic applications^{[7, 8]}. In addition, it promotes wound healing, making it particularly suitable for wound dressings, sunburns and anti-photoaging^{[8, 10]}.

The phycocyanin and enzymes contained in Spirulina platensis provide the ability of the microalga to collect free radicals. Due to this, Spirulina microalgae is a promising natural raw material in the cosmetics industry, especially since it provides valuable effects such as antioxidant as well as antimicrobial activities^[9].

ALGANEX certificate system

• ALGANEX guarantees a high quality product without impurities
• The phycocyanin content of our products is at least 11 %