Scientists, studies in support, consider spirulina as the best source of protein and iron in the world. Moreover, it is administered in populations that suffer from famine.

The reason ? This micro-freshwater algae is both a plant and an aquatic bacterium, which gives it record levels of micro-nutrients and antioxidants - vitamins (B, E, K ...), minerals, trace elements , carotenoids, essential fatty acids, proteins - with better bio-availability than chemical food supplements. However, it does not contain vitamin C, iodine, omega 3 or fiber.

Detoxifying and depolluting virtues

Its high rate of chlorophyll (115 mg / 10 g) makes it an excellent detoxifier that purifies the body of heavy metal residues (mercury, lead, nickel, etc.) and other pesticides that break down the metabolic process and explain overweight, fatigue, digestive disorders…

"Its chlorophyll binds to these toxins, which, once aggregated, are eliminated by natural means," says Dr. Jean Dupire (1), doctor nutrithérapeute.

Spirulina, an ally slimming and health

Slimming side, if it does not melt fat cells or lose weight, its high content of vegetable protein (60 to 70%) increases satiety and regulates appetite. Containing all the amino acids that the body does not know how to make (including tryptophan, crucial for emotional balance, and phenylalanine, precursor of the dynamisante dopamine), it allows dieting without too much fatigue.

Bonus: it boosts the production of intestinal lactobacilli and stimulates digestion , enough to regulate stomachs with variable geometry.

It is also a remarkable energizer thanks to its phycocyanin density (from 1 to 2 g / 10 g). Powerful stimulant of the immune system, its molecular action is close to EPO, erythropoietin, used in oncology to restore forces to cancer patients.

In fact, "in its way of fixing oxygen, spirulina reproduces the effect of EPO . This promotes the creation and renewal of blood cells .

Result: we get up in good shape and we stay all day! ", Welcomes Benoît Legrain (2), agronomist and producer of spirulina.

Its rich vegetable iron prevents any deficiency for vegetarians, flexitarians without carnivores and women who have abundant periods.

A superfood with anti-aging properties

Its antiradical properties - concentration of beta-carotene ten to fifteen times higher than carrot and vitamin E - make it an anti-aging asset , optimized in regenerating thalassotherapy treatments that combine spirulina and seaweed.

Spirulina absorption is an effective way to increase intakes of carotenoids, iron and protein with a single food. However, its strengths are not superior to vegetables and fresh fruits in a balanced diet.

How much spirulina to consume?

It is preferably absorbed in the form of flakes or twigs, 100% pure, without adjuvant (silica, starch, etc.) or preservative, and produced by hand in France.

The right dose? From 1 to 3 g per day (1 teaspoon totalizes 3 g). In organic stores or from local producers (www.spiruliniersdefrance.fr).

Warning: at high doses, it can trigger headaches and intestinal pain. It is contraindicated in people with kidney failure.

1. Author of Spirulina, a superfood , ed. Guy Trédaniel.
2. Co-author, with Géraldine Laval Legrain, of The Incredible Virtues of Spirulina , Jouvence Editions.

In a world and a polluted food, spirulina also proves to be an excellent detoxifier. "Pesticide residues and heavy metals present in the modern diet are recovered by spirulina and released into the stool and urine," says Dr. Dupire. A power coupled with its antioxidant virtues (thanks to phycocyanin pigment) that prevent the body from "rusting". Rich in chlorophyll , which cleanses and vitalises the body thanks to its minerals, spirulina stimulates energy: "this pigment has a structure similar to that of hemoglobin and facilitates the ability of the blood to carry oxygen", indicates naturopath Stéphane Tétart (2), a specialist in personal performance and chronic fatigue.