By: Zdenka Jurković |
Spirulina – a blue-green life energy source |
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Spirulina is blue-green fresh water algae that grows in rich minerals found in alkaline lakes and fishponds around the world.
This small, spiral algae is 3.6 million years old, which makes it one of the oldest inhabitants of our world.
Spirulina got its name because of its shape.
The people of Africa, North America and Asia have been using spirulina for thousands of years.
Old Aztecs ate it in a form of dried cookies.
It is filled with proteins, minerals and other nutritive materials and some scientists even claim that this alga could solve the problem of hunger in the world by providing all the necessary nutrients for humans.
Two most popular spirulina species used for food are spirulina maxima and spirulina platensis.
A source of beneficial nutrients
Spirulina is a rich source of nutrients.
It consists of 60% protein, contains 18 amino-acids and vitamins A, C, E, D and B.
Due to significant quantities of vitamin B12 it helps the development of a healthy nervous system, but it also enhances the metabolism of every cell in our organism.
It contains various minerals, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, phosphor, zinc and selenium.
One daily dose of spiralina contains more iron than two cups of spinach.
It is rich in chlorophyll which contributes to a better blood test, balances our PH and helps our body to get rid of toxins from our organism.
Healing properties
It is known that spirulina is the richest source of beta-carotene (contains 10 times more beta-carotene than carrot).
Researches show that beta-carotene is the most effective nutrient in the fight against free radicals that cause damages to cells, accelerate the aging process and increase cancer risks.
Apart from beta carotenes, spirulina contains zeaxanthin – a powerful antioxidant that has 8 time stronger effects than beta-carotene. Zeaxanthin has a protective effect on the nervous system, brain and eyes.
Spirulina is also very effective against heavy metal poisoning because it performs as a natural chelate. Spirulina binds heavy metals and then ejects them from the organism.
It is also useful to overweight people because it prevents hunger and lowers cholesterol levels.
It protects our pancreas and cells that produce insulin by which it stabilizes sugar in our blood and helps in diabetes prevention.
It blocks the production of interleukin 4, a compound that participates in creation of allergic reactions.
Studies have shown its unbelievable power in fighting inflammations in our organism, which is important for the prevention and treatment of arthritis and many other inflammatory diseases.
It is also discovered that spirulina protects us against harmful radiations.
Due to its detoxification properties, it was used in the Soviet Union after the Chernobyl catastrophe.
It is also known that it increases our energy level, alleviates stress, insomnia, anxiety and depression.
Spirulina lowers the appetite and accelerates the metabolism, which makes it an ideal food item for weight loss.
This alga is protein-rich; it contains more proteins than meat! That makes it an excellent dietary supplement for vegetarians and vegans.
Healing properties include:
- alleviates allergies and inflammations
- feeds our organism with necessary nutrients
- lowers cancer and premature aging risks
- increases energy level
- lowers high blood pressure
- helps with diabetes
- protects against arthritis and rheum
- accelerates metabolism
- enhances blood quality
- removes cellulite and helps with weight loss
- protection against radiation
- helps with PMS
- enhances concentration and memory
- purifies organism of toxins and heavy metals
A product of clean environment
Numerous valuable compounds found in spirulina are created via natural photosynthesis under the hot sun of sub-tropical climate in Africa, Hawaii and Asia, far from industry and pollution.
Production of spirulina on algae farms shows significant growth, since demand for this highly nutritive food item is increasing around the globe.
After harvest, spirulina is turned into a dense paste which is dried and turned into powder or cereals.
Spirulina can be found in a form of pills, capsules, powder or cereals. The standard daily dose is 500 mg, but that can be changed to up to 3 grams if needed.
It is interesting to note that spirulina can be consumed by animals too (dosage varies according to animal weight). It can be used by pregnant women, nursing mothers and children.
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