Spirulina Benefits for Energy, Immunity, and Gut Health

When I first discovered spirulina back in 2013, I was deep in research about real, whole-food nutrition.

Spirulina was the ingredient that changed everything for me. Here was something that delivered concentrated nutrition in its natural form - complete protein, essential minerals, and powerful antioxidants all in one.

Twelve years later, spirulina remains one of the most studied and trusted superfoods on the planet. And it's still at the heart of both our Plant Protein & Super Greens and Alkalising Super Greens blends.

Let's look at what makes this blue-green algae so extraordinary and why it deserves a place in your daily routine.

Spirulina Benefits at a Glance

If you’re short on time, here are the key benefits spirulina is known for:

• Complete plant protein with all essential amino acids
• Supports energy & iron levels (high in bioavailable iron)
• Boosts immunity & reduces inflammation (rich in phycocyanin)
• Packed with antioxidants that protect cells and reduce oxidative stress
• Supports gut health & digestion
• High in omega-3s, vitamins & minerals your body actually absorbs
• May support clearer skin and healthier aging
• Naturally detoxifying thanks to its chlorophyll content

What Makes Spirulina So Nutrient-Dense

Spirulina is a natural cyanobacteria, often called “blue-green algae”, that grows in clean, mineral-rich freshwater. Unlike many trendy “superfoods,” its benefits are backed by decades of clinical research.

Here's why nutrition scientists (and I) love it:

Complete plant protein: Spirulina is approximately 62% protein by weight and contains all essential amino acids - making it one of the few complete vegan proteins found in nature.

The protein in spirulina is easily digestible, making it an excellent source of bioavailable plant protein.

Incredible nutrient density: According to research published in the Journal of Applied Phycology, spirulina contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin E. It's also a source of potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc - all in forms your body can easily absorb.

Rich in chlorophyll and carotenoids: Spirulina is very rich in chlorophyll, which helps remove toxins from the blood and boost the immune system. These compounds help protect your cells and support healthy detoxification.

When I first came across spirulina’s research, I was amazed that something so small could hold such concentrated nutrition. It’s nature’s original multivitamin - without any synthetic additives.

Want another ingredient deep dive? Start with our spinach breakdown.

Spirulina Benefits for Energy, Iron Levels & Recovery

Spirulina has a very high concentration of bio-available iron, making it a great natural iron supplement that may help with conditions such as anaemia. This high iron content supports the production of healthy red blood cells, helping fight fatigue and low energy. Its easily digestible protein and amino acids also support muscle repair and recovery. Perfect if you exercise or simply live a busy lifestyle.

💡 Pro tip: This is one reason we include spirulina in our Plant Protein & Super Greens blend — it works synergistically with plant protein to deliver sustained energy without the bloat or crash of synthetic supplements.

Spirulina for Immunity, Inflammation & Detox Support

The deep blue pigment in spirulina, called phycocyanin, is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. According to research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, phycocyanin is a naturally occurring, brilliant blue pigment which stimulates blood production, strengthens the immune system, and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

It also protects against DNA damage and premature aging.

Meanwhile, spirulina's chlorophyll content helps the body eliminate toxins naturally, reducing the load on your liver and supporting overall wellness. Spirulina is very rich in chlorophyll, which helps remove toxins from the blood and boost the immune system.

In simple terms: spirulina helps your body do what it’s designed to do — protect, repair, and renew itself.

Spirulina for Gut Health, Omega Fatty Acids & Cellular Protection

Spirulina's benefits go deeper than you might think — all the way to your cells and gut microbiome.

It contains the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In the body, GLA produces prostaglandins - hormone-like substances that help regulate the immune system.

Spirulina also contains the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), a natural antioxidant which removes excess superoxide free radicals responsible for cell oxidation leading to DNA damage and premature aging. Research published in the Journal of Applied Phycology has analysed changes in expression of SOD in Spirulina when exposed to stress.

Spirulina contains Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids and is especially high in Omega 3's. Today's modern Western diet is considered too low in Omega 3's. Omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial for health because they are responsible for making hormones that regulate blood, heart and genetic function. Studies also show they help prevent heart disease and stroke.

Recent studies have shown spirulina's potential to support beneficial gut bacteria, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

When your gut is happy, everything else - your energy, your mood, even your skin - tends to follow.

For more practical ways to improve digestion during busy weeks, here are 10 ways to eat healthy when you’re busy.

Spirulina Benefits for Skin, Hormones & Healthy Aging

Because of its high concentration of antioxidants, spirulina may help protect skin cells from premature aging and oxidative damage. It also supports healthy hormone balance through its rich micronutrient profile, particularly iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Many of our customers notice clearer, more balanced skin after consistently using our greens blends — and spirulina is one of the key reasons why.

How to Take Spirulina (Without the Strong Taste)

Let’s be honest - pure spirulina can be intense. Its natural earthy flavour isn’t everyone’s favourite.

That’s why we blend it with other superfoods to create something that actually tastes good. You get all the benefits without the swampy aftertaste.

💚 Try adding a scoop of Alkalising Super Greens to your morning smoothie or oats for an effortless daily upgrade.

Why Spirulina Is a Core Ingredient in ElevenLabs Blends

When I started ElevenLabs, my goal was to create nutrition that actually delivers, backed by science, made from real food, and gentle enough for sensitive stomachs.

Spirulina was the first ingredient that showed me what was possible. And all these years later, the science still proves what I felt from the start:

Real food works, when it’s done right.

That’s why spirulina remains a cornerstone of ElevenLabs' blends today.

The Bottom Line

Spirulina isn't just another superfood trend — it's one of the most researched and trusted ingredients in whole-food nutrition. After over a decade of working with it, I still believe it's one of nature's most powerful gifts.

If you're curious about experiencing spirulina's benefits in a blend that actually tastes good, both our Plant Protein & Super Greens and Alkalising Super Greens contain organic spirulina as a cornerstone ingredient.

Not sure which blend is right for you? Take our 2-minute quiz to find your perfect match.

Real food works — when it's done right. And spirulina is proof of that. 💚