Last updated on June 11th, 2023
Spirulina provides vegans with complete plant-based proteins as well as a variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants that cleanse the body and make it more resistant to disease, making it a popular dietary supplement among vegans and vegetarians.
While veganism and vegetarianism are generally perceived as healthy diets, the less health-conscious individuals will tend to develop deficiencies in some very essential nutrients, such as iron and B12, and are more likely to develop anemia.
A daily intake of spirulina can fill these gaps in a single dose, with an unusual variety of nutritional values. Consuming spirulina over prolonged periods of time stores proteins as a backup in case of an unbalanced diet. At the same time, it improves the body’s ability to absorb essential substances that vegans and vegetarians should always be on top of if they want to maintain good health.
Plant-based protein for vegans
Traditionally, we have been taught that complete proteins, which contain all eight essential amino acids, can only be found in animal-based foods. Spirulina is one of the few plant foods that contain all eight amino acids, helping to build muscles, renew skin cells, strengthen the bones, improve metabolic processes and awaken the immune system, among other benefits.
Vegetarians and vegans often turn to processed soy for their plant-based protein, but those products are so heavily processed they contain little to no nutritional value. Legumes are also a good source of plant-based protein, but it takes large amounts to get enough of their protein, often leading to bad digestion. With as little as 5 grams per day, spirulina can provide the right amount of protein required for vegans.
Iron source for vegans
The high iron availability in spirulina is one of its most famous features, and one of the main reasons why it’s so popular among the vegetarian and vegan community.
Spirulina is a world champion in the quantity of iron it contains and in the quality; the level of possible absorption of iron as it comes with spirulina makes it one of the most effective solutions for iron deficiency and anemia.
Iron supplements and foods rich in iron all come with a specific absorption threshold and usually requires you to consume large quantities of iron and vitamin C together.
With Spirulina, there’s no need to add vitamin C for iron absorption as it’s already present. In addition, amino acids also contribute to the absorption and digestion of iron, making it ideal for vegetarians who want to avoid anemia.
Essential fatty acids for vegans
Essential fatty acids play a crucial role in our health, and many vegetarians suffer from deficiencies in these materials. Unfortunately, these deficiencies are only discovered after the damage has been done.
We’ve all heard about omega-3, which lowers the amount of bad cholesterol (triglycerides) in the blood, reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer, prevents and relieves arthritis, and more. This fatty acid is mainly present in fish, and as well as a small number of plants, such as walnuts and flax.
In addition to Omega-3, Spirulina also contains omega-6 and GLA fatty acids, which strengthen the body and boost the immune system.
To conclude, spirulina is an ideal solution for long-term vegetarians and vegans, and generally everyone who prefers to avoid animal products.
