What is the Difference Between Blue and Green Spirulina

Blue and green spirulina are two types of spirulina. Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae. It offers various essential nutrients. It has been consumed for centuries by people as a superfood.

The key difference between blue and green spirulina is the type of pigments they contain. Blue spirulina only contains phycocyanin pigment, while green spirulina contains both chlorophyll and phycocyanin pigments.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Blue Spirulina
3. What is Green Spirulina
4. Similarities – Blue and Green Spirulina
5. Blue vs Green Spirulina in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Blue vs Green Spirulina
7. FAQ – Blue and Green Spirulina

What is Blue Spirulina?

Blue Spirulina has a bright blue color. It also contains a rich supply of antioxidants. The primary pigment molecule in blue spirulina is phycocyanin. Blue spirulina is normally tastier than green spirulina. In addition to the phycocyanin molecule, blue spirulina also contains smaller amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B12, and iron.

Moreover, blue spirulina provides powerful anti-inflammatory properties. These properties allow the human body to fight against free radicals effectively. Furthermore, blue spirulina is a natural food coloring agent often used in food products.

What is Green Spirulina?

Green spirulina has both chlorophyll and phycocyanin pigments, which gives its green hue. Green spirulina is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B1, B2, and B3, iron, and calcium. It is also a good source of protein that contains all the nine essential amino acids.

Green spirulina has a grassy, earthy, or even slightly fishy taste. This acquired taste can challenge some individuals and makes less appealing for direct consumption. Green spirulina has a broader nutritional profile and a range of health benefits such as excess weight management and improved overall health. Furthermore, it also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Similarities Between Blue and Green Spirulina

1. Both blue and green spirulina are blue-green algae or cyanobacteria.
2. Both contain high amounts of phycocyanin pigments.
3. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. They have a high nutrition content and are widely available in nature.

Difference Between Blue and Green Spirulina

Definition

1. Blue spirulina is a type of spirulina that is blue in color and has a high content of the phycocyanin pigment.
2. Green spirulina is a type of spirulina that is green in color and has a high content of both chlorophyll and phycocyanin pigments.

Nutrition Content

1. Blue spirulina has proteins, vitamin B1, B2, B3, copper and iron.
2. Green spirulina has proteins, vitamins B1, B2, and B3, iron, and calcium.

Taste

1. Blue spirulina has a sweet taste.
2. Green spirulina has a grassy, earthy, or even slightly fishy taste.

Direct Consumption

1. Blue spirulina is more appealing for direct consumption.
2. Green spirulina is less appealing for direct consumption.

Benefits

1. Blue spirulina is a natural food coloring agent, and it also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Green spirulina has a high nutrition profile and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The following table summarizes the difference between blue and green spirulina.

Summary – Blue vs Green Spirulina

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae.  It is normally rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and antioxidants. Spirulina can help protect cells from damage. Blue and green spirulina are two types of spirulina. As their names suggest, blue spirulina has a vibrant blue hue, while green spirulina has a green hue. Moreover, blue spirulina has a high content of phycocyanin pigment and is comparatively tastier, whereas green spirulina has both chlorophyll and phycocyanin pigments and is comparatively less tasty. This summarizes the difference between blue and green spirulina.

FAQ: Blue and Green Spirulina

1. What is the benefit of spirulina?

• Spirulina is a type of cyanobacteria. It is often referred to as blue-green algae. It is highly nutritious. Spirulina may improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels, suppress oxidation, reduce blood pressure, and lower fasting blood sugar levels.

2. Is it “OK” to take spirulina every day?

• Yes, people can have spirulina every day. Many people incorporate it into their daily diet for its potential health benefits, such as boosting energy, supporting immune function, and providing antioxidants.

3. Is blue spirulina better than green?

• Blue spirulina has great antioxidant properties, while green spirulina has a higher nutritional value and delivers many more benefits. Both types of spirulina have distinctive qualities.

4. What form of spirulina is best?

• Green spirulina is higher in nutrients and much more affordable, so it is the best type of spirulina due to its lower cost and high nutrition property. However, green spirulina isn’t as vibrantly colored as blue when added to food and beverages, and it also can contain a slight fishy taste and smell.

5. Who cannot take spirulina?

• People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a metabolic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid taking spirulina. People with this rare condition cannot metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine present in spirulina.

Reference:

1.  “Blue Spirulina.” Gunam Beauty.
2. “Green Nutritionals – Green Spirulina Powder – 100g.” Bohemian Quest.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Spirulina tablets” By Original uploader was Perdita at the English Wikipedia – Originally from the English Wikipedia (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia

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