Blue Vs Green Spiriluna: 5 Differences For The Healthiest Choice!

Blue-green algae, often referred to as cyanobacteria, are microscopic organisms found in water bodies. While some types are harmless and used as natural supplements, others can produce toxins dangerous to your body. Have you ever noticed a green or blue-green scum on a lake or pond? That could be a harmful algal bloom. 

But spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, offers various essential nutrients and has been consumed for centuries as a superfood and in supplement forms like capsule, tablet or powder form. When carefully taken, blue-green algae and spirulina can be really beneficial for your health and wellness.

But how can you differentiate between the good and the bad? And how do blue-green algae and spirulina impact your lives? In this blog, we will discuss and understand these questions with detailed insights to help you make the right choice for your dietary routine.

Table Of Contents

1. What is Spirulina and What Are Its Types?

2. Is Blue Spirulina Better Than Green Spirulina?

3. Blue VS Green Spirulina Nutritive Values

4. Dietitian’s Recommendation

5. The Final Say

6. FAQs

7. References

What is Spirulina, And What Are Its Types?

While it's true that Spirulina is a type of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and is rich in nutrients, the categorisation into "green spirulina" and "blue spirulina" based solely on colour is inaccurate. The primary distinction in spirulina lies in its species. The two most common types are:

• Arthrospira platensis is the most widely cultivated and researched species of spirulina. It is found in freshwater environments.
• Arthrospira maxima is larger than A. platensis. This species is often found in alkaline lakes.

Note: Both A. platensis and A. maxima are typically green in colour. The colour variation in spirulina products is often due to processing or added ingredients, not inherent species differences.

Blue spirulina and green spirulina come from the same source but have different properties and uses. The main difference between them lies in their pigments. Blue spirulina is extracted solely for its phycocyanin pigment, which gives it its vibrant blue colour. Conversely, green spirulina offers a "full-spectrum" combination of chlorophyll and phycocyanin, which is responsible for its green hue. Let’s learn more about these further in the blog.

Also Read: These 8 Benefits Of Spirulina For Weight Loss | ToneOpCare

Is Blue Spirulina Better Than Green Spirulina?

Giving any one recommendation at once is hard to say, as which colour of spirulina is better than the other is determined based on your specific health goals and preferences. Let’s discuss and understand these differences to decide which colour of spirulina you must select:

1. Meaning Of Blue VS Green Spirulina

Blue Spirulina: Known for its bright blue colour, blue spirulina contains a rich supply of antioxidants. The primary active compound in spirulina is phycocyanin, which not only gives it its distinctive hue but also provides powerful anti-inflammatory properties. These properties allow the body to fight free radicals effectively. Blue spirulina is essentially phycocyanin extracted from the full spectrum of blue-green spirulina.

Green Spirulina: Full-spectrum spirulina, commonly known as blue-green algae, is a type of cyanobacteria. This microscopic organism has a spiral shape and uses photosynthesis to survive. It can be found in lakes, freshwater ponds and rivers. Spirulina's striking blue-green hue is attributed to pigments such as green chlorophyll and blue phycocyanin.

2. Colour Of Blue vs. Green Spirulina

Blue Spirulina: Blue spirulina is extracted specifically for its phycocyanin pigment, resulting in a vibrant blue colour. It undergoes extraction to isolate and concentrate the phycocyanin pigment. 

Green Spirulina: Green spirulina is the whole, unprocessed spirulina algae and gets its colour from a combination of chlorophyll and phycocyanin pigments, giving it a blue-green hue. 

Also Read: Probiotic And Prebiotic Foods To Eat For Good Digestion

3. Nutrients In Blue VS Green Spirulina

Blue Spirulina: Blue spirulina contains smaller amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B12 and iron. However, blue spirulina is valued for its high phycocyanin content, which is a powerful antioxidant phycocyanin.

Green Spirulina: Green spirulina provides a broader spectrum of chlorophyll and phycocyanin. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B1, B2, and B3, iron, and calcium. It is also a good source of protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.

4. Taste And Texture Of Blue VS Green Spirulina

Blue Spirulina: Blue spirulina is tastier than green spirulina. Blue spirulina has a sweet taste. Many consumers find it pleasant and slightly sweet, which makes it easier to incorporate into various food and beverage items. This sweeter profile can enhance the taste of smoothies, baked goods, and even savoury dishes without overpowering the other flavours.

Green Spirulina: Green spirulina is notorious for its distinctive taste, which many describe as grassy, earthy, or even slightly fishy. This acquired taste can challenge some individuals, making it less appealing for direct consumption. However, when skillfully blended into recipes or masked with stronger flavours, green spirulina can be enjoyed by a wider audience.

Also Read: These 8 Benefits Of Spirulina For Weight Loss Will Give You Guaranteed Results In Weeks!

5. Health Benefits Of Blue VS Green Spirulina

Blue Spirulina: Blue spirulina is a natural food colouring often used in smoothie bowls and other food products. It is bright blue and is often used to make vibrant and colourful dishes. Blue spirulina also has antioxidant properties and has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

Green Spirulina: One of the most significant benefits of green Spirulina is its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help guard cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are essential molecules that can damage cells and assist in the development of chronic diseases. Green spirulina has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation.

Major Highlights:

• Blue spirulina may be a good choice if you prefer a higher concentration of phycocyanin and a milder sweet taste.
• Green Spirulina is the best choice if you are looking for a natural, complete source of vitamins, minerals, and protein.
• Green spirulina will be recommended if you are looking for a broader nutritional profile and a range of health benefits, including excess weight management and improved overall health.

Note: Green spirulina has the upper hand, mainly because of its more rounded nutritional profile. However, blue spirulina may be a better choice if you are looking for a natural food colouring or a way to add some colour to your smoothie bowl.

Also Read: Spirulina Nutrition Facts Per 100g Benefits & Uses | ToneOpCare

Blue VS Green Spirulina Nutritive Values

Spirulina is an absolute source of nutrients, offering many essential vitamins and required minerals, making it a great addition to vegetarian plus vegan diets. For instance, ToneOp Care’s Spirulina Powder is a nutrient-rich supplement that benefits your health completely with its high nutritional power. Note these per 10 g of spirulina nutritive values:
 

Also Read: 8 Essential Benefits Of Vitamin D For Men's Health And Well-being

Dietitian’s Recommendation

Spirulina is a wonderful addition to your daily diet, and I recommend you consider consuming spirulina daily as it is very beneficial for your health. Powdered forms of blue-green algae and spirulina can be incorporated into various fresh and nutritious foods, such as smoothies, juices and desserts. 

These ingredients increase the nutritional value and contribute to the dishes' vibrant colours. I also recommend caution for both types of blue-green algae and spirulina, so you should first consult your doctor before adding them to your meals.

                                                                                                 Dt. Lavina Chauhan

The Final Say

Overall, though both green and blue spirulina have their respective unique properties and potential health benefits, choosing to consume green spirulina, blue spirulina, or both depends on your health requirements. So, be sure to purchase blue-green algae and spirulina from a reputable source and consult your doctor before making any significant changes to your daily diet.

FAQs

1. Which colour of spirulina is best?

Have a look at both variants available:

• Green spirulina is the most common and contains the full spectrum of nutrients.
• Blue spirulina is actually a concentrated form of phycocyanin, an antioxidant, and doesn't represent the whole nutrient profile of spirulina.

2. Is spirulina better in capsules or powder?

Spirulina powder is always better than capsules because the body can more easily absorb the present nutrients from the powder. The capsules must first dissolve in the stomach intestine, while the powder can be mixed into drinks or foods, allowing for immediate absorption.

3. Is it safe to take spirulina every day?

Yes, spirulina is considered safe for most people, even in higher doses. However, the recommended daily intake is around 8 grams.

4. How many months should I take spirulina?

Most people who take spirulina take up to 10 grams daily for nearly 6 months. A doctor can advise how often to use it, what amount to take and for how long.

References

• https://health.clevelandclinic.org/spirulina-superfood-youve-never-heard 
• https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2810006 
• https://jyoungpharm.org/7084/ 

About ToneOp Care 

ToneOp Care is the ultimate destination for high-quality nutraceutical supplements and ayurvedic products in India! We are proud to offer a significant range of products designed to support your overall health and well-being, including weight loss, muscle gain, immunity, skin and hair care, and women's health. All our products are manufactured in India using the latest technology and facilities, ensuring the highest quality standards.