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Spirulina Nature's Gift for Optimum Health
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Spirulina Nature's Gift for Optimum Health
Protein-Rich Alga Making Edible and Drinkable Food Source
Sept 25, 2008 © Harry P. Schlanger
Spirulina looks and smells like one might find it at the bottom of an aquarium; however, this
fresh-water plant derives its energy from sunlight through photosynthesis.
Spirulina is derived from the Latin after its appearance meaning "helix" or "spiral." It consists of
blue-green algae that are rich in protein, and which make a nutritious, edible and drinkable food
source. These algae grow by the hundreds in a single drop of water and yet contain the richest
concentration of nutrients known of any food, grain or herb on earth.
Food of the Future
Spirulina is the common name for human and animal food supplements produced primarily from species of
cyanobacteria (photosynthetic bacteria). Spirulina is cultivated around the world and is used as a
human dietary supplement as well as a whole food. It is available in tablet, flake, and powder form.
Spirulina is also used as a feed supplement in the aquaculture, aquarium, and poultry industries.
The United Nations World Food Conference in 1974 lauded spirulina as the "best food for the future" -
Wikipedia. Several member states formed the Intergovernmental Institution for the Use of Micro-algae
Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM) seeking a consensus for spirulina to be used to eradicate
malnutrition, achieve food security, and bridge the health divide throughout the world.
Spirulina Farming Process
There is an interesting video of the
Boonsom spirulina farm in Thailand showing how
spirulina is grown – taking about 90 days for the live algae to go through the process of maturing
from a green sludge to its refined form, where it can be dried and compressed into a pill. If left as
a powder, spirulina can be added to other foods for a nutritional boost and, of course, change their
colour to green.
Composition of Spirulina
Spirulina is about 65% protein by composition and is often compared to chlorella. Spirulina is well
absorbed by the human body and contains a full, natural range of nutrients, proteins, enzymes and
co-factors for maximum absorption and digestion. It is low in calories and saturated fat and is one
of the only non-mucous, non-acid forming, high protein foods. Interestingly, it contains twelve times
the level of protein of beef.
The following nutrients are found in spirulina:
- All the vitamins: B, C, E and A in their natural forms
- All Amino acids: All eight daily essential and ten non-essential amino acids
- Minerals: Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Chromium, Iodine and Sodium
- Phytonutrients: Chlorophyll, Phycocyanin, Beta carotene, Mixed Carotenoids, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
Health Benefits and Dosage
Spirulina has the best source of GLA, a "good" fat necessary for the human brain, proper heart function,
and other body systems (Superfoods for Optimum Health: Chlorella and Spirulina. Mike Adams. Truth
Publishing International, 2005). It also contains phycocyanin, a potent anti-cancer phytochemical that
gives spirulina its characteristic blue hue. Additionally, spirulina:
- Tops up energy levels, vitality and stamina
- Suppresses appetite and reduces cravings by balancing blood sugar levels
- Supports mental clarity and focus
Spirulina is ideal for people feeling run down or exhausted, anybody looking for more energy and
those living busy or stressful lifestyles. It is also beneficial to sports or fitness people who do
regular exercise and for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The high iron content of spirulina is
useful for people who are iron deficient.
According to Mike Adams, of Truth Publishing, for a 150 lb adult, a disease-fighting dose is 20
grams/day with 10 grams/day for maintenance. Athletes can take 60 grams/day. There is no upper limit
for taking Spirulina because it is a food.
Spirulina Is Health-Giving
Spirulina is an alga that is farmed for its highly nutritious qualities and many health-giving
properties. It contains a full protein and has a range of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals and
phytonutrients. Spirulina's main health benefits are energy-giving, and improved brain and heart
functions.
The copyright of the article Spirulina Nature's Gift for Optimum Health: Protein-Rich Alga Making
Edible and Drinkable Food Source is owned by Harry P. Schlanger. Permission to republish in print or
online must be granted by the author in writing.
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