Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.  

If we search for comparisons of spirulina vs moringa on the internet, there’s a wide range of conclusions. Some of them are totally biased, while others are inconclusive and thereby, deceptive in nature. Though individual verdicts may vary from person to person depending on the personal perspective, the reality is always quite tricky. continue reading if you want to learn the actual fact of spirulina and moringa.  

In this article, we’ll thoroughly compare spirulina vs moringa from many different standpoints including nutritional contents, biological properties, and potential benefits. But before we get into an in-depth discussion of spirulina and moringa, first we’ll need to learn the basics of these widely promoted superfoods. So, let’s get started.  

Table of contents 

• What is Spirulina? 
• What is Moringa? 
• Spirulina vs moringa: nutritional values, medicinal properties, and benefits 
• Spirulina vs moringa: final conclusion

What is Spirulina? 

Spirulina is a kind of cyanobacteria or cyanophyta, also commonly known as blue-green algae, that grows in alkaline water bodies. It is assumed that this microalga has been around for an estimated three and a half billion years. It is also assumed that it was first discovered by the Aztecs around 400 years ago and has long been used as a food source for centuries. 

In modern days of scientific advances, its nutritional richness has been recognized by several space research organizations such as the European Space Agency and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). They have sorted it as one of the potential sustainable sources of food to be cultivated and used by astronauts in long-term space projects.   

What is Moringa? 

Moringa, also botanically known as Moringa oleifera, is a plant species that is endemic to the Indian subcontinent but also grows in various other tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. It also goes by many different names such as horseradish tree, benzolive tree, ben oil tree, and drumstick tree to name a few.  

Various parts of the moringa plant including leaves, roots, seeds, and flowers have long been used for food or therapeutic purposes for centuries. Moringa supplements available in the market are mostly made of leaf powder.  

Spirulina vs moringa: nutritional values, medicinal properties, and benefits  

Protein content 

Both spirulina and moringa are considered complete proteins, meaning they both contain all essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own and must get through foods. But spirulina contains 67% protein content of its dry weight, while moringa contains 27% of its dry weight. This means spirulina contains more than double the proteins compared to moringa in terms of quantity.   

Fiber content 

Spirulina contains less fiber than moringa: approximately 7% and 19% of their dry weight, respectively. 

Fatty acids

Spirulina contains two vital fatty acids - gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and sulphoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG). In fact, spirulina is the second richest source of GLA after maternal milk. GLA has been found to have beneficial effects on various health conditions such as skin conditions like acne, inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, and cardiovascular protection by raising good cholesterol (HDL) and lowering bad cholesterol (LDL). SQDG has shown protective effects against viruses.    

Vitamins and minerals 

Both spirulina and moringa are rich in various vitamins and minerals. Spirulina is higher in phosphorus, iron, and beta-carotene, which is a precursor of vitamin A, whereas moringa is higher in calcium.  

Plant pigments 

Spirulina contains phycocyanin, a plant pigment that gives spirulina its natural blue-red color. 

Multiple studies suggest that phycocyanin: 

• Can help keep the immune response in a healthy state by regulating the production of white blood cells 
• Can promote the production of blood 
• Acts as a potent antioxidant and can prevent even the most dangerous free radicals called hydroxyl radicals
• Can help protect the liver from oxidative damage and improve its function 
• Can help protect cells against damage caused by free radicals by inhibiting different mechanism pathways such as lipid peroxidation or DNA damage  
• Acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent 
• Has neuroprotective activities that can help prevent and manage neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease 

Moreover, spirulina is also rich in zeaxanthin, another potent antioxidant that plays an essential role in protecting vision and preventing age-related eye issues. 

Enzymes 

Spirulina contains significant amounts of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is also a powerful antioxidant that can hugely help to protect cells and prevent free radical damage. 

Flavonoids 

Moringa is rich in plant flavonoids and other phenolic components. Studies have revealed that flavonoids have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-diarrheal, antimicrobial, and even anti-cancer properties. 

Other compounds

Spirulina contains a type of sulfated polysaccharide called calcium spirulan (Ca-SP) that has been shown to have tremendous antiviral properties that can inhibit the replication of several types of viruses including measles virus, mumps virus, as well as others. 

   

Spirulina vs moringa: final conclusion 

When it comes to spirulina vs moringa, they have both similarities and dissimilarities. Both have unparalleled nutritional values and exceptional medicinal properties, offering a range of impressive health benefits. And when it comes to choosing one over another, it depends on specific requirements and health goals and how a person responds. 

Let’s take a quick look at some of the key differences: 

What spirulina contains but moringa doesn’t 

• Gamma-linolenic acid or GLA
• Sulphoquinovosyl diacylglycerol or SQDG
• Phycocyanin 
• Zeaxanthin
• Superoxide dismutase or SOD
• Sulfated polysaccharide calcium spirulan or Ca-SP

What spirulina contains in higher than moringa

• Proteins specifically essential amino acids
• Phosphorus 
• Iron 
• Beta-carotene (vitamin A)

 

What moringa contains but spirulina doesn't 

• Flavonoids and other phenolic components 

What moringa contains in higher than spirulina 

• Calcium 
• Fibers 

Although both spirulina and moringa have been considered the two best superfoods and have been widely promoted for preventing and managing various health conditions, it’s always essential to consult with a professional dietician, nutritionist, or naturopathic physician prior to using either of them.

Here you can see Vorst’s specially formulated Organic Spirulina fortified with Matcha and Chlorella

Important resources: 

1. https://www.antenna-cambodia.org/single-post/spirulina-vs-moringa
2. https://bp-guide.in/AXPPODQi
3. https://www.healwithfood.org/nutrition-facts/moringa-vs-spirulina-superfood.php
4. https://www.bellaallnatural.com/blogs/learn/moringa-spirulina-matcha-better
5. https://greenlivingzone.com/top-green-superfoods-spirulina-vs-moringa/
6. https://simplelifenutrition.com/blogs/news/superfood-battle-1-moringa-vs-spirulina
7. https://organicindiausa.com/blog/moringa-vs-spirulina/
8. https://goqii.com/blog/superfood-battle-spirulina-vs-moringa/
9. https://blog.kulikulifoods.com/2020/07/10/moringa-vs-spirulina/