What are the benefits of Phycocyanin/Blue Spirulina?

Bright colours are a big indicator of high antioxidants and that is precisely what Phycocyanin is! Phycocyanin is a strong fighter against free radicals and preliminary research suggests that it may protect cells in the nervous system, liver, heart and kidneys. As oxidative stress increases inflammation, Phycocyanin is known to also have an anti-inflammatory effect in certain conditions. Research relating to other potential health benefits suggest that spirulina may also help to modulate the immune system and reduce cataracts.

How is Blue Spirulina different to Green Spirulina?

Naturally, both green and blue spirulina contain Phycocyanin, but this is where the similarities end. Because Green Spirulina is a whole food, it contains decent source of vitamins and minerals, is high in protein and therefore contains essential amino acids. It also has a reputation for being beneficial as an anti-inflammatory (perhaps due to the effects of phycocyanin), encouraging a healthy immune system, promoting heart health, reducing high cholesterol and so much more. The biggest difference between Green and Blue Spirulina, aside from their radical colours, is the taste! Green Spirulina is a whole cell algae, so it tastes more than a smidge like… well… algae. Given that Blue Spirulina is an extract, the smell and flavour are much more neutral, making it easy to receive some of the benefits of spirulina without the fishy taste.

How do I use Blue Spirulina?

Blue Spirulina powder has such a bright, electric blue colour that you can use as little as half a teaspoon to add vibrancy to any smoothie, bliss ball or sweet treat. The possibilities are really endless!

Oct 18, 2021

Ultimate Blue Spirulina Guide - What Is It & What Are The Benefits Of It?

Q: What is Blue Spirulina?

It all starts with our faithful old friend, Green Spirulina (Spirulina platensis). Green Spirulina is a blue-green algae. The blue pigment comes from a phytochemical called phycocyanin. When phycocyanin is extracted from Green Spirulina, we simply call it Blue Spirulina which can be confusing! (and hard to figure out how to pronounce)

You see it everywhere, it’s the dominating food trend on your social media feed. Blue Spirulina powder is the key ingredient in all the insanely vibrant ocean smoothie bowls, mermaid lattes and unicorn everything that makes all these insta-worthy posts come to life.

This powder has many more benefits than just creating amazing looking food and drinks. This guide has everything you need to know, including what Blue Spirulina is, what are its benefits, and how to use it.

What is Blue Spirulina?

Blue Spirulina powder is a blue-green algae that is extracted from Green Spirulina and it is a very great source of antioxidants. It is a common misconception that Blue Spirulina also is a source of protein and a range of nutrients and vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9, as well as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and E. But in fact, these are the qualities of Green Spirulina.

What are the benefits of Blue Spirulina?

Blue Spirulina benefits, including:

Powerful Anti-Inflammatory

The main active ingredient in Blue Spirulina is Phycocyanin, which is a strong fighter against free radicals and research suggests that it may protect cells in the nervous system, liver, heart and kidneys.

Fantastic Antioxidant Source

Blue Spirulina is a fantastic source of antioxidants, which can protect against oxidative damage. The main active component is called phycocyanin, which also gives spirulina its unique blue-green colour.

Immune Support

Research relating to other potential health benefits suggest that spirulina may also help to modulate and provide immune support, and also reduce cataracts.

How to use Blue Spirulina

Blue Spirulina is very versatile and can be used in a range of different smoothies, bliss bowls or sweet treats - the possibilities are endless!

A standard serving is about 1 teaspoon, which will give the full beautiful blue colour. If you’re just starting out, you can try a lesser amount and work your way up. our eyes as well as your body will feel good from our powder, the blue is so vibrant it can make any food come alive!

References

Chen, HW, Yang, TS, Chen, MJ, Chang, YC, Chen Wang, EI, Ho, CL, Lai, YJ, Yu, CC, Chou, JC, Chao, LKP & Liao, PC 2014, ‘Purification and immunomodulating activity of C-phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis cultured using power plant flue gas’ Process Biochemistry vol. 49, no. 8, pp. 1137-1344.

Finamore, A, Palmery, M, Bensehaila, S & Peluso, I 2017, ‘Antioxidant, immunomodulating and microbial modulating activities of the sustainable and ecofriendly spiurlina’, Oxidative Medicina and Cellular Longevity, vol. 2017, ID: 3247528.

Karkos, PD, Leong, SC, Karkos, CD, Sivaji, N, Assimakopoulos, DA 2010, ‘Spirulina in clinical practice: evidence-based human applications’, Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2011, ID: 531053.

Liu, Q, Huang, Y, Zhang, R, Cai, T & Cai, Y 2016, ‘Medical application of Spirulina platensis derived Phycocyanin’, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2016, ID: 7803846.