Anemia is a blood disorder characterized by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. Anemia can have many causes, but the most common is iron deficiency, an essential mineral for the production of red blood cells. Anemia can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, paleness, dizziness, palpitations, or shortness of breath. Fortunately, there is a natural and effective remedy to prevent and treat anemia: spirulina.
Spirulina is a micro-algae that contains a large amount of iron, as well as other essential nutrients for blood health, such as vitamins B12 and C, zinc or copper. In this article, we will explain how spirulina can help you fight anemia by providing you with the following benefits:
Spirulina, a Natural Source of Bioavailable Iron
Iron is an essential mineral for the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin. An iron deficiency can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which is the most common form of anemia. Iron is found in certain animal or plant foods, but not all irons are equal. Indeed, there are two types of iron: heme iron, which comes from animal products and is easily absorbed by the body, and non-heme iron, which comes from plants and is less well absorbed.
Spirulina contains non-heme iron, but it has the particularity of having high bioavailability. This means that the iron contained in spirulina is easily absorbed by the body, thanks to the presence of other nutrients that promote its assimilation, such as vitamin C or copper. According to a study conducted in 2014, consuming spirulina significantly increases blood iron levels in people with anemia.
Spirulina contains on average 28.5 mg of iron per 100 g , which represents about 200% of the recommended daily intake for an adult. Therefore, consuming a small amount of spirulina per day can cover your iron needs and prevent or treat anemia. You can find spirulina in powder or capsule form on our website or at our farm.
Spirulina, a Dietary Supplement Rich in Vitamins B12 and C
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for the proper functioning of the blood and nervous system. It is involved in the formation of red blood cells and in the synthesis of DNA. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by a decrease in the number and size of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products, such as meat, eggs, or cheese. Therefore, vegans are particularly exposed to the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Spirulina is one of the few plant sources of vitamin B12. It contains about 2.5 µg of vitamin B12 per 100 g, which represents about 100% of the recommended daily intake for an adult. By consuming spirulina as a dietary supplement, you can therefore provide your body with the vitamin B12 it needs to produce healthy red blood cells and avoid anemia.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another important vitamin for blood health. It plays a key role in the absorption of non-heme iron, by transforming it into a form that is more easily assimilated by the body. It also has an antioxidant action, which helps protect red blood cells from damage caused by free radicals.
A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to iron deficiency anemia, but also hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by the destruction of red blood cells. Vitamin C is found in fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries or peppers. Spirulina contains about 10 mg of vitamin C per 100 g , which represents about 12% of the recommended daily intake for an adult. By consuming spirulina with foods rich in vitamin C, you can therefore optimize iron absorption and strengthen the protection of your red blood cells.
Spirulina, an Antioxidant That Protects Red Blood Cells
Spirulina is also a powerful antioxidant, thanks to the presence of phycocyanin, a blue-green pigment that gives it its characteristic color. Phycocyanin has the ability to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable and reactive molecules that can damage the body’s cells. Free radicals are involved in cellular aging, but also in certain diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases. Free radicals can also affect blood health, causing oxidation of hemoglobin and destruction of red blood cells. This can lead to hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by a decrease in the number and lifespan of red blood cells.
By consuming spirulina as an antioxidant, you can therefore protect your blood against oxidative stress and prevent hemolytic anemia. Phycocyanin also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which can help reduce inflammation that may be at the origin of certain forms of anemia, such as inflammatory anemia or anemia associated with chronic diseases. Spirulina, a Stimulant for the Immune System
Spirulina is also a stimulant for the immune system, thanks to its richness in proteins, minerals and trace elements. It allows to strengthen the natural defenses of the organism and to fight against infections that can be at the origin of certain forms of anemia, like infectious anemia or aplastic anemia. Infectious anemia is caused by pathogens that invade the blood and destroy red blood cells. Aplastic anemia is caused by damage to bone marrow, which is where red blood cells are produced.
In these cases, spirulina can help fight infections and stimulate red blood cell production.
In conclusion,
spirulina is a natural and effective remedy against anemia. Thanks to its richness in bioavailable iron and vitamins B12 and C, it allows to stimulate the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin, and to protect the blood against oxidative stress. Spirulina also strengthens the immune system, which allows to fight against infections that can be at the origin of certain forms of anemia.
By regularly consuming spirulina, you can improve your health and vitality, and prevent symptoms of anemia such as fatigue, paleness or shortness of breath.
The different forms of spirulina: powder, flakes, capsules
Spirulina can come in different forms, depending on the processing and preservation method of the fresh algae. Each form has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are the main forms of spirulina that you can find on the market:
Spirulina in powder form
This is the most raw and concentrated form of spirulina. It is obtained after grinding the dried algae. It retains all the nutrients of spirulina, but it also has a stronger and more bitter taste. Spirulina powder can be mixed with water, fruit juice, vegetable milk or yogurt. It can also be incorporated into recipes for smoothies, cakes, breads or biscuits.
Spirulina in flake form
This is the most natural and pleasant form of spirulina. It is obtained after drying the fresh algae at low temperature, which preserves its nutritional and taste qualities. Spirulina flakes have a crunchy texture and a slightly salty and iodized flavor that reminds of seaweed. Spirulina flakes can be sprinkled on salads, soups, cereals or cooked dishes. It can also be chewed directly for a healthy and tasty energy break.
Spirulina in capsule form
This is the most practical and discreet form of spirulina. It is obtained after packaging spirulina powder in vegetable or gelatinous capsules. It allows you to easily consume spirulina without having to bear its taste or measure its dose. Spirulina capsules can be swallowed with a glass of water or lemon juice.
If you want to try spirulina, don’t hesitate to order on our website or visit us on site. We offer you superior quality French spirulina, carefully grown in a horticultural greenhouse protected from external pollutants, and dried at low temperature to preserve its exceptional properties.
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