Spirulina, one of the world's greatest superfoods, has been used for centuries as a significant source of nourishment. The tiny green spirals of blue green algae harvest the energy of the sun, growing a treasure of bioavailable nutrients.
Spirulina contains the highest amount beta carotene available from a natural product. Spirulina beta carotene is ten times more concentrated than in carrots.
Spirulina is one of the only whole foods containing Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a rare essential fatty acid useful in treating inflammatory, hormonal and immune diseases. Also, the GLA in mother's milk is crucial to the development of healthy babies.
Spirulina is rich in iron, magnesium and trace minerals, and is easier to absorb than iron supplements.
Spirulina is the highest source of B-12, essential for healthy nerves and tissue, especially for vegetarians.
Spirulina contains a rainbow of phytonutrients: green (chlorophyll), blue (phycocyanin) and orange (carotenoids) colors collect the sun's energy and power growth. Chlorophyll is a natural cleanser and is often referred to as nature's green magic.
Spirulina is the most extensively researched food microalgae.
Spirulina and Modern Science
There have been many studies done in recent years indicating that Spirulina is a powerful health supplement. Recent scientific works point to Spirulina as a potential agent to help reduce blood cholesterol,and to promote the growth of probiotic bacteria such as acidophilus and bifidus.
Recent Scientific Studies
1. Branger B., Cadudal J.L., Delobel M., et al. 2003. Spiruline as a food supplement in case of infant malnutrition in Burkina-Faso [Article in French]. Arch. Pediatr. 10(5), 424-431.
2. Hirahashi T., Matsumoto M., Hazeki K., et al. 2002. Activation of the human innate immune system by spirulina: augmentation of interferon production and NK cytotoxicity by oral administration of hot water extract of Spirulina platensis. Int. Immunopharmacol. 2(4), 423-434.
3. Ionov V.A., Basova M.M. 2003. Use of blue-green micro-seaweed Spirulina platensis for the correction of lipid and hemostatic disturbances in patients with ischemic heart disease. Vopr. Pitan. 72(6), 28-31.
4. Jensen G.S., Ginsberg D.I. 2000. Consumption of Aphanizomenon flos aquae has rapid effects on the circulation and function of immune cells in humans. J. Amer. Nutraceut. Assoc. 2(3), 50-58.
5. Jensen G.S,. Ginsberg D.I., Drapeau C. 2001. Blue-green algae as an immuno-enhancer and biomodulator. J. Amer. Nutraceut. Assoc. 3(4), 24-30.
6. Mani U.V., Desai S., Iyer U. 2000. Studies on the long-term effect of spirulina supplementation on serum lipid profile and glycated proteins in NIDDM patients. Journal of Nutraceuticals, Functional & Medicinal Foods 2(3), 25-32.
7. Shih S.R., Tsai K.N., Li Y.S., et al. 2003. Inhibition of enterovirus 71-induced apoptosis by allophycocyanin isolated from a blue-green alga Spirulina platensis. J. Med. Virol. 70(1), 119-125.
8. Watanabe F., Takenaka S., Kittaka-Katsura H., et al. 2002. Characterization and bioavailability of vitamin B12-compounds from edible algae. J. Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol. 48(5), 325-331.
9. Yang H.N., Lee E.H., Kim H.M. 1997. Spirulina platensis inhibits anaphylactic reaction. Life Sci. 61(13), 1237-1244.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.