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Blue Green Algae Alternatives

Blue green algae, or Cyanobacteria, is a nutrient-dense organism that has been consumed for thousands of years. Blue green algae is the highest vegetable source of vitamin B12 and beta carotene and is rich in the minerals calcium and chromium. It contains all eight essential amino acids that aid in the construction of new tissue, enzymes and hormones. It has a nutritious cell wall that is easily absorbed by the body, which means it requires little energetic expenditure to digest. However, there are other alternatives to blue green algae that can provide you with similar nutritional punch.

  1. Spirulina

    • Spirulina is a type of blue green algae cultivated in man-made ponds. Spirulina is less nutritionally dense than Aphanizomenon Flos Aquae (AFA), the species of blue green algae grown in fresh water in the wild. It is processed with heat for distribution, which results in a tougher cell wall. There can be a lower assimilation of nutrients for this reason.

    Chlorella

    • Chlorella is a type of green algae. Like blue green algae, Chlorella is deeply nutritive, containing many vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins and sugars. Chlorella has been used to treat cancer, reduce radiation side effects, stimulate the immune system and slow the aging process. Chlorella is also processed with heat for distribution and, assimilation of nutrients requires breaking down the cell wall.

    Red Marine Algae

    • Red marine algae has less similarity to blue green algae then spirulina and chlorella, however, it can be used as an alternative for someone specifically looking to boost immune function. Red marine algae has been linked to reducing formation of the herpes virus.

    Acai Berries

    • Although acai berries are a totally different type of plant than blue green algae, they are also touted as superfoods and are highly nutritive. The acai berry is a grapelike fruit harvested from rain forests in South America. The acai berry has very high amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, including potassium; fiber; calcium; phosphorus; proteins; vitamins C, E, B1, B2, B3; and fatty acids omega-9 and omega-6.

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