Spirulina

Spirulina is a microscopic, spiral-shaped organism that lives in water and is eaten as a nutrient-rich food supplement.

• What it actually is: Spirulina is a type of microalga (often grouped with algae in school science). It grows naturally in warm, alkaline (basic) lakes and can also be grown in controlled tanks.
• Why it is called “protein-rich”: When Spirulina is dried, a very large part of its mass is protein, which is why it is used to boost nutrition—especially where people need affordable protein.
• Other nutrients: It also contains vitamins and minerals; it is often mentioned as a source of Vitamin B12 (though the “B12” in some Spirulina products may not always be fully usable by the human body, so it shouldn’t be the only B12 source).
• How it is used: It is commonly sold as a powder or tablets and mixed into foods like smoothies or snacks—similar to how some people add protein powder.
• Why farming it is practical: Spirulina can be grown in glass tanks or ponds with sunlight, water, and nutrients, harvested, and dried—making it a possible sustainable livelihood in some places.
• Link to the environment: Like other microalgae, Spirulina does photosynthesis, helping add oxygen to the environment while forming an important part of food chains in water.