Spirulina - anyone tried it?

[randomax]

"Spirulina is a microscopic blue-green alga in the shape of a spiral coil, living both in sea and fresh water. Spirulina is the common name for human and animal food produced primarily from two species of cyanobacteria: Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima. Though referred to as 'algae' because they are aquatic organisms capable of photosynthesis, cyanobacteria are not related to any of the various eukaryotic algae."

The nutritional content of Spirulina is pretty impressive - very high in proteins/***** acids/vitamins/minerals etc. It seems it is mostly consumed as a supplement, atleast in the US. Has anyone tried it? It seems to be commonly consumed in China/Japan.

 

[globetrotter]

I use it every day. I like it

 

[randomax]

Globe - I'm assuming you take it as a supplement. Any recommendations as to which one is good? Have you explored if its available as a whole food which can be incorporated in cooking? thanks.

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by randomax

Globe - I'm assuming you take it as a supplement. Any recommendations as to which one is good? Have you explored if its available as a whole food which can be incorporated in cooking? thanks.

I put it in a protien shake, with a bunch of other stuff. frankly, I did a web search and tried to find a cheap price.

if you do a search, there was a thread about "super foods" maybe 2-3 years ago, that's where I learned about it.

 

[chronoaug]

the whole body department at whole foods has a ton of powder meal replacement or shakes or supplements to stir into water or whatever. Lots of superfood or things like that. Best to try a few of the smaller ones out to see what you like best and then get a big tub of it

 

[Bash!]

I usually throw a teaspoon of spirulina in my protein shakes. I have to tell you though...it is an acquired taste. I'm still not all that fond of it, but just suck it up for the health benefits.

 

[AuMax]

Might i suggest, if you are interested....try it soon.

If you like the results of this high density, vegan protein...buy lots and lots while there is supply available that has no extra Japanese "flavoring".

Personally, use it frequently and store it by the case.

Au

 

[Reggs]

I put a bit in my protein shakes. I also learned about it from the old super foods thread. I got my dad into taking it since. It has a bad flavor, but nothing too bad as long as you dont use too much. You also have the drink the shake quickly otherwise the spirulina will sink too quickly, making the last few sips unenjoyable.

I would gladly take it in pill/tablet form, but it's too expensive that way. If anyone knows of a good deal on tabs, post it here.

 

[randomax]

Well, I'm going to give it a shot and see how it feels. Thinking of getting the Nutrex powder and starting with 1/2 teaspoon with my morning protein shake. Thanks All.

 

[Don Carlos]

Just to tip you guys off on where this stuff is most often harvested: There are a number of lakes and rivers in the US that are so heavily polluted by industrial and agricultural runoff (manure, chemical fertilizer, and so forth) that they've been choked to death by algal and cyanobacterial blooms and become inhospitable to plant or fish life. These are the lakes many, if not most, Spirulina companies skim for their product. Enjoy your bovine growth hormone, trace toxin levels, and so forth. http://www.quackwatch.com/01Quackery...ics/algae.html

 

[qma]

I used to take it. Tastes hooorribly in my opinion, but the cool intensity of color totally kills that negative.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

I added a teaspoon of spirulina to my morning smoothie yesterday and had the worst diarrhea of my life. It could have been all the other crap I was eating over the long weekend, but I've read that stomach upset is a side effect of spirulina consumption. I'm going to proceed with extreme caution -- maybe adding half a teaspoon to start.