Fresh Spirulina Delivers Functional not Denatured Proteins

Independent research confirms that spirulina protein is subject to denaturation at temperature of 70 degrees C which results in nutritional damage.

Conventional drying of spirulina for supplements is typically dried at temperatures of 8 to 150 degrees C. 

That means that dried spirulina - like protein supplement powders - delivers denatured protein.

Why is Denatured Protein a Problem? 

Proteins are complex, 3-dimensional structures that are built out of amino acids. When they are exposed to high heat this structure can break down. That is what it means for a protein to be “denatured.”

To understand the problems with denatured protein we need to understand that protein does not only comprise amino acids, but also includes highly beneficial peptides and other substances.

Protein may also contain beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, and immunoglobulins – all of which can be rendered useless when the protein is denatured.

While your body can still digest and absorb the amino acid in denatured protein, you will lose many powerful phytonutrients that work to improve many aspects of human health.

Fresh Spirulina Delivers Functional Proteins

Fresh spirulina and fresh frozen spirulina are never heated - that means they deliver functional protein.

The functional properties of the 18 different proteins found in spirulina depend on their individual three-dimensional structures (unless these are destroyed by heating). 

In addition to amino acids, functional proteins in spirulina provide antibodies, contractile proteins, enzymes, hormonal proteins, structural proteins, storage proteins, and transport proteins - all critical to optimal human health.

Functional proteins in fresh spirulina contribute to its ability to boost human health, and prevent or counter illness including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, anemia and more. 

Read more:

Comparative Study of Bioactive Substances Extracted from Fresh and Dried Spirulina 
Procedia Environmental Sciences 2015

Denatured Protein Powder Problems 
Naked Nutrition

Proteins 
Physiopedia UK

Curated by Spiruliving Institute

Spiruliving Institute is a not for profit dedicated to increasing awareness of the benefits of fresh (never dried) spirulina by curating independent research and making such research available to the public.