Spirulina: an ancient and modern superfood

04 December 2024

Often mistaken for an alga, spirulina is actually a cyanobacterium—a unicellular microorganism capable of performing oxygenic photosynthesis. Its filamentous structure, made up of billions of aggregated organisms, makes it visible to the naked eye and gives it the appearance of a blue-green alga. Spirulina has ancient origins: it was harvested by the Aztecs in Lake Texcoco and served as a staple food for tribes living near Lake Chad in Africa. However, its success on a global scale is relatively recent. In the 1970s, China, now the world’s largest producer, began large-scale cultivation, transforming spirulina into a superfood appreciated worldwide.
The global market in 2023 was valued at around 0.7 billion dollars, and forecasts predict it will double over the next decade, driven by the growing demand for natural and sustainable food

A powerhouse of essential nutrients

This extraordinary cyanobacterium is valued for its unique nutritional profile. Spirulina is a complete source of protein, containing all essential amino acids, as well as B vitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium, and essential fatty acids.
Among its many benefits, spirulina stands out for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to phycocyanin, a pigment that fights oxidative stress and reduces inflammation. It strengthens the immune system thanks to its vitamins and minerals, helps improve cholesterol levels by lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol and increasing “good” HDL cholesterol, and assists in stabilizing blood sugar, making it useful for those with type 2 diabetes.
Some preliminary studies also suggest potential anti-cancer properties and the ability to remove heavy metals from the body, opening up interesting prospects for medical research.

An ally for environmental sustainability

In addition to health benefits, spirulina represents a sustainable choice for the environment. Its cultivation requires minimal water and land compared to traditional crops and produces no significant greenhouse gas emissions. These factors make it ideal not only for combating malnutrition in developing countries but also for space exploration projects, where it has already been tested as a food source by NASA. Spirulina is available in various forms, including powder, tablets, capsules, and flakes, which can be easily integrated into the daily diet. It can be found in herbal stores, pharmacies, specialty supermarkets, and online, but it is important to choose high-quality, certified, and additive-free products.

Spirulina in the kitchen: ideas and recipes

In the kitchen, spirulina lends itself to multiple uses. It can be mixed into smoothies, yogurt, or soups, or used as a topping for salads and cold dishes. A simple and tasty recipe might be an energy-boosting smoothie with almond milk, banana, and a teaspoon of spirulina, or a quinoa salad with avocado and walnuts topped with a sprinkle of spirulina flakes. Thanks to its versatility and countless benefits, spirulina has become a go-to ingredient for those looking to improve their health while contributing to a more sustainable future.