Spirulina amino acid composition
| Essential Amino Acids | per 10 gms | % total |
|---|---|---|
| Isoleucine | 350 mg | 5.6 % |
| Leucine | 540 mg | 8.7 % |
| Lysine | 290 mg | 4.7 % |
| Methionine | 140 mg | 2.3 % |
| Phenylalanine | 280 mg | 4.5 % |
| Threonine | 320 mg | 5.2 % |
| Tryptophan | 90 mg | 1.5 % |
| Valine | 400 mg | 6.5 % |
| Non-Essential Amino Acids | per 10 gms | % total |
|---|---|---|
| Alanine | 470 mg | 7.6 % |
| Arginine | 430 mg | 6.9 % |
| Aspartic Acid | 610 mg | 9.8 % |
| Crystine | 60 mg | 1.0 % |
| Glutamic Acid | 910 mg | 14.6 % |
| Glycine | 320 mg | 5.2 % |
| Histidine | 100 mg | 1.6 % |
| Proline | 270 mg | 4.3 % |
| Serine | 320 mg | 5.2 % |
| Tyrosine | 300 mg | 4.8 % |
| Total Amino Acids | 6200 gms | 100.0 % |
|---|
Adult Essential Amino Acid
Spirulina has lower amounts of methionine and cystine than grains, seeds, vegetables, and legumes, but it nevertheless has higher levels of these amino acids and lysine than all vegetables other than legumes. Spirulina improves the purity of amino acids and balances out vegetarian protein. Just 36 grams, or four heaping tablespoons, of spirulina provide more than 100% of an adult male's daily essential amino acid requirements.
| Essential Amino Acids | Requirement g/day | spirulina gm/10g | spirulina %/10g |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isoleucine | 0.84 | 0.35 | 42 % |
| Leucine | 1.12 | 0.54 | 48 % |
| Lysine | 0.84 | 0.29 | 35 % |
| Methionine | 0.70 | 0.20 | 29 % |
| Phenylealanine | 1.12 | 0.58 | 52 % |
| Threonine | 0.56 | 0.32 | 43 % |
| Valine | 0.98 | 0.40 | 41 % |
Spirulina vitamin content
| Vitamins | per 10 grams | U.S. DV | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A (beta carotene) | 23000 IU | 5000 IU | 460 % |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 60 mg | 0 % |
| Vitamin E(a-tocopherol) | 1.0 IU | 30 IU | 3 % |
| Vitamin K | 200 mcg | 80 mcg | 250 % |
| Vitamin B1 (thiamin) | 0.35 mg | 1.5 mg | 23 % |
| Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 0.40 mg | 1.7 mg | 23 % |
| Vitamin B3 (niacin) | 1.40 mg | 20 mg | 7 % |
| Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | 80 mg | 2 mg | 4 % |
| Folate (folic acid) | 1 mcg | 0.4 mg | 0 % |
| Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) | 20 mcg | 6 mcg | 330 % |
| Biotin | 0.5 mcg | 0.3 mg | 0 % |
| Panthothenic Acid | 10 mcg | 10 mg | 1 % |
| Inositol | 6.4 mg | *** | *** |
Vitamins protect health - A 10 gram serving of spirulina provides 20 tablets or 1oz. We need a high profile of vitamins.
Spirulina mineral content
| Minerals | per 10 grams | U.S. DV | % U.S. DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 70 mg | 1000 mg | 7 % |
| Iron | 10 mg | 18 mg | 55 % |
| Phosphorus | 80 mg | 1000 mg | 8 % |
| Magnesium | 40 mg | 400 mg | 10 % |
| Zinc | 300 mcg | 15 mg | 2 % |
| Selenium | 10 mcg | 70 mcg | 14 % |
| Copper | 120 mcg | 2 mg | 6 % |
| Manganese | 500 mcg | 2 mg | 6 % |
| Chromium | 25 mcg | 120 mcg | 21 % |
| Sodium | 90 mg | 2400 mg | 4 % |
| Potassium | 140 mg | 3500 mg | 4 % |
| Germanium | 60 mcg | - | - |
The best iron supplement. In particular, iron deficiency is the most common in women, children and older people. Women on weight loss diets typically do not get enough iron, and can become anemic. For strong red blood cells and a healthy immune system, iron is needed. Spirulina is an extremely rich source of iron, 10 times as much as typical foodstuffs. Up to 10 mg of iron, 55% of the DV, is available in 10 grams. Human body can absorb Spirulina iron at a rapid rate. It is believed that during digestion, its blue pigment phycocyanin forms a soluble complex with iron and other minerals which enables it to be more readily available. Hence, iron in spirulina is over twice as absorbable as the form of iron found in vegetables and most meats. 2 The absorption of typical iron supplements is not satisfactory. Studies have shown that spirulina is 60 % more effective at absorbing iron compared to supplements of iron sulfate. Spirulina is one of the best sources for all people who need an iron supplement.
Energy to athletes and bodybuilders Athletes say spirulina increases energy, improves stamina and prolongs running times when taken before competition. Backpackers, cyclists and climbers take tablets for more energy and stamina per weight than conventional foods. This food is perfect for a high intensity workout.
Proteins are necessary for endurance training and regeneration of body tissue. spirulina contains 65% of protein, easily absorbed and has no fat content for the bodybuilder. Bodybuilders are taking 10 grams a day, 3 times a day. Before competition it gives an energy boost with sustaining power, mixed with milk, egg, honey and juice. It has the ability of satisfying appetites to maintain a competitive weight by taking it before eating. spirulina is used by the world's best athletes to improve their performance. The trainers reported an improvement in recovery and an increase in the immune system, allowing athletes to increase their training at the largest Chinese training center for 2000 athletes. For many years, the track stars have been using spirulina to create and repair muscle mass. For endurance and to avoid cramps, marathoners are taking spirulina.
Safe and useful for children Spirulina is the most beneficial to children. It's a very healthy protein from plants that is easily absorbed. Even undernourished children with poor nutrient absorption can assimilate spirulina and recover from malnutrition. Spirulina is building tissue, improving vision and concentration, strengthening the immune system, increasing the resistance to infection and the ability to heal. Green spirulina drinks are loved by children!Summary of health benefits Hundreds of published studies have demonstrated the benefits of spirulina for health and treatment over the last 45 years. Combined with the experience of millions of consumers, we know of a wide range of therapeutic effects from very low amounts of spirulina in the diet. We've got indications that there are still a lot of new possible applications to come. A summary of these findings, followed by a more in depth discussion is given below.
• Antiaging, brain health and neuroprotective effects. It reduces inflammation, oxidative stress and improves the function of the brain.
• Anti-viral activity against HIV and Coronavirus. Increased resistance to any type of virus attack. It helps to reduce the severity of infections and opportunistic infections.
• Anti-cancer studies for prevention and inhibition. It reduces the risk of cancer and tumour.
• Protection against oxidants and antiinflammatory effects. It decreases oxidation stress, cell damage and inflammation.
Protien quantity and quality for spirulina and other protien food sources
For many people, protein digestibility is important. There's no cellulose in the cell walls of the Spirulina. Composed of soft mucopolysaccharides makes it easily assimilated - 85 to 95% digestible. It is important for people who have gastrointestinal malabsorption. Complex proteins are difficult to digest in a lot of elderly people, and they're eating restrictive diets. It is easy for them to digest spirulina protein. In people who suffer from malnutrition diseases such as kwashiorkor, where their intestinal absorption is impaired, sphingolia works well. Given to malnourished children, it is more effective than milk powders because milk lactic acid can be hard to absorb. 'Side effects' : fat, calories and cholesterol The fat content of spirulina is only 5%, which is much lower than most other protein sources. There's only 36 calories in ten grams, and almost no cholesterol. That means that spirulina is a lowfat, lowcalorie, cholesterol free foodstuff. The protein source does not contain the fats, greases, calories or cholesterol of meat and dairy proteins. Only 1.3 mg of cholesterol and 36 calories are contained in a 10g serving of spirulina. On the other hand, a large egg produces about as much It contains 300 mg of cholesterol and 80 calories, but only contains the same amount of protein as a tablespoon of spirulina. People in developed countries are usually eating more than enough protein, with high levels of fat, calories and cholesterol. It is therefore recommended that less milk and meat protein should be consumed. There are certain people who need more protein, but they don't have enough calories. Therefore, in order to prevent an unnecessary weight gain, the addition of protein must have a lower caloric content. In such cases, spirulin is suitable because it has a significantly lower calorie cost than dairy, meat and fish.
| Food | Protien % | NPU % | Usable Protein % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spirulina | 65 | 62 | 40 |
| Dried eggs, whole | 47 | 94 | 44 |
| Brewers yeast | 45 | 50 | 23 |
| Soy flour, whole | 37 | 61 | 23 |
| Dried Milk, skim | 36 | 82 | 30 |
| Cheese, parmesan | 36 | 70 | 25 |
| Wheat germ | 27 | 67 | 18 |
| Peanuts | 26 | 38 | 10 |
| Chicken | 24 | 67 | 16 |
| Fish | 22 | 80 | 18 |
| Beef | 22 | 67 | 15 |
| Seesame seed | 19 | 60 | 11 |
| Oats, whole flour | 15 | 66 | 10 |
| Whear, whole flour | 14 | 63 | 9 |
| Tofu, moist | 8 | 65 | 5 |
| Brown rice | 8 | 60 | 5 |
Best beta carotene vegetables
Natural beta carotene (provitamin A) The best beta carotene food is spirulina, which has ten times the concentration of carrots in it. Ten grams provide 23,000 IU (14 mg) of beta carotene, 460% of the U.S. Daily Value (DV) of Vitamin A. High doses of Vitamin A may be toxic, but beta carotene in spirulina and vegetables is safe, because humans convert beta carotene to Vitamin A only as needed. In order to maintain the mucosal membranes and pigments that are necessary for vision, vitamin A is essential. One of the most severe malnutrition problems in developing countries is vitamin A deficiency. The therapeutic effect of beta carotene is to reduce serum cholesterol and cancer risks. Studies published have shown that beta carotene reduces the risk of all types of cancer, including lung, throat, stomach, colon, gastrointestinal tract, breast and cervix.
| Food | serving size | IU of beta carotene |
|---|---|---|
| spirulina | 1 heaping tbsp. (10 g) | 23000 |
| papaya | 1/2 medium | 8867 |
| sweet potato | 1/2 cup, cooked | 8500 |
| collard greens | 1/2 cup, cooked | 7917 |
| carrots | 1/2 cup, cooked | 7250 |
| chard | 1/2 cup, cooked | 6042 |
| beet greens | 1/2 cup, cooked | 6042 |
| spinach | 1/2 cup, cooked | 6000 |
| cantaloupe | 1/4 medium | 5667 |
| chlorella | 50 tablets (10 g) | 5000 |
| broccoli | 1/2 cup, cooked | 3229 |
| butternut squash | 1/2 cup, cooked | 1333 |
| watermelon | 1 cup | 1173 |
| peach | 1 large | 1042 |
| apricot | 1 medium | 892 |
Green superfood nutrient comparison
| Composition | spirulina algae | chlorella algae | alphaniz algae | barley grass | wheat grass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protien | 62 % | 60 % | 58 % | 25 % | 25 % |
| Carbohydrates | 19 % | 18 % | 25 % | 54 % | 54 % |
| Fats (lipids) | 5 % | 10 % | 5 % | 4 % | 4 % |
| Minerals (ash) | 9 % | 7 % | 7 % | 12 % | 12 % |
| Moisture | 5 % | 5 % | 5 % | 5 % | 5 % |
| Vitamins (per 10 grams) | |||||
| Beta carotene | 23000 IU | 5000 IU | 12000 IU | 5000 IU | 5000 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 4 mg | 6 mg | 31 mg | 31 mg |
| Vitamin E | 1 IU | 1.5 IU | 1.3 IU | 3 IU | 3 IU |
| Thiamin, B1 | 0.35 mg | 0.17 mg | 0.05 mg | 0.03 mg | 0.03 mg |
| Riboflavin, B2 | 0.40 mg | 0.50 mg | 0.50 mg | 0.20 mg | 0.20 mg |
| Niacin, B3 | 1.40 mg | 2.80 mg | 1.30 mg | 0.75 mg | 0.75 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 80 mcg | 140 mcg | 110 mcg | 128 mcg | 128 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 20 mcg | 5 mcg | 32 mcg | 3 mcg | 3 mcg |
| Folacin | 1 mcg | * | 10 mcg | 108 mcg | 108 mcg |
| Biotin | 0.5 mcg | * | 3 mcg | 11 mcg | 11 mcg |
| Pantothenic acid | 10 mcg | * | 60 mcg | 240 mcg | 240 mcg |
| Inositol | 6 mg | * | * | * | * |
| Minerals (per 10 grams) | |||||
| Calcium | 70 mg | 30 mg | 140 mg | 52 mg | 52 mg |
| Iron | 10 mg | 10 mg | 3.5 mg | 6 mg | 6 mg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg | 30 mg | 22 mg | 10 mg | 10 mg |
| Sodium | 90 mg | 36 mg | 27 mg | 3 mg | 3 mg |
| Potassium | 140 mg | 80 mg | 120 mg | 320 mg | 320 mg |
| Phosphorus | 90 mg | 90 mg | 50 mg | 52 mg | 52 mg |
| Zinc | 0.3 mg | 1.2 mg | 0.2 mg | 0.5 mg | 0.5 mg |
| Manganese | 0.5 mg | * | 0.3 mg | 1.0 mg | 1.0 mg |
| Copper | 120 mcg | * | 40 mcg | 200 mcg | 200 mcg |
| Chromium | 25 mcg | * | 5 mcg | * | * |
| Phytonutrients (per 10 grams) | |||||
| Phycocyamin | 1400 mg | none | * | none | none |
| Chlorophyll | 100 mg | 280 mg | 200 mg | 55 mg | 55 mg |
| Total Carotenoids | 37 mg | * | * | * | * |
| Gamma Linolenic Acid | 135 mg | * | * | none | none |
| Glycolipidss | 200 mg | * | * | * | * |
| Sulfolipids | 10 mg | * | * | * | * |