When Should You Be Taking Spirulina For Maximum Health Benefits? RDs Weigh In

We spoke with registered dietitians Jess Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN, and Huma Chaudhry, R.D., of Dose of Nutrition to uncover everything you need to know about when to consume this vibrant sea vegetable to get the maximum benefits. Get ready to bring your diet to the next level!

It's unlikely you'll ever eat spirulina in its raw form, however, and the most common ways to consume it are pill, powder, or liquid.

Packed with a range of organic ingredients from root vegetables to an array of fruits and even a fiber blend, this greens powder aids in both digestion and nutrient absorption while promoting a healthy gut microbiome, so you can get a mix of spirulina and more with ease.*

However, one thing to be aware of is that because spirulina absorbs its nutrients from the environment, it may also absorb heavy metals. Therefore, when you're looking to purchase a spirulina powder, you'll be best served opting for a high-quality powder from a reputable brand to ensure there are no contaminants, warns Chaudhry.

Sea vegetables on the whole boast a variety of health benefits, and spirulina is no different. Not only is it packed with vitamins and minerals that may be otherwise difficult to consume enough of, but spirulina is even a surprising source of protein, coming in at 4 grams per tablespoon. See the full list of benefits here, but the top line highlights include:

"Spirulina has also been noted to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its main active component is phycocyanin, which also gives it that distinct blue-green color,"* explains Cording. What this means is that this surprising sea veggie fights free radicals and combats oxidative stress for an antioxidant effect.*

Your diet is one of the best ways to support your body on the whole, and spirulina has actually been shown to help keep your blood sugar levels steady.* "Several studies in humans have seen benefit to blood lipids1 with doses ranging from 1 gram per day to 8 grams per day, and studies have also noted improvement in blood pressure and blood sugar, but more research is needed in this area,"* Cording notes.

Vitamins and minerals can contribute to your energy levels throughout the day, and spirulina should become another mainstay as it is packed with a few to help you feel more alert and on your game. Chaudhry explains, "It is filled with energy-supporting vitamins and minerals like iron and magnesium," the former of which plays an essential role in delivering oxygen throughout the body, and the latter of which is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions.

Your body requires iron to help maintain energy levels, keep your body temperature regulated, and even support cognition. And a sneaky benefit of spirulina? A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry revealed through an in vitro trial that iron-fortified spirulina2 is actually an adequate source of iron for the body.*

For the full range of sea vegetables, organic veggies+ is an excellent option to add to your smoothies, baked goods, and even pasta sauce to nourish your body with organic goodness (spirulina included!).