(also referred to as...)
Algae, Blue-Green Algae, Chlorella, Green Algae, Microalgae, Wild Blue-Green Algae
Latin Name: Arthrospira platensis
Description
Spirulina is a single-celled algae that forms the base of the food chain. It was one of the first organisms on earth, appearing over 3.5 billion years ago. Its ability to produce oxygen in our atmosphere facilitated the evolution of other life forms while its high nutrient content supplies all that is needed to sustain life in a water environment. Spirulina grows in freshwater lakes, is commercially cultivated in ponds, and looks like a small spiral under the microscope, hence its name.
Five centuries ago, spirulina was used by the Aztecs in Mexico. The central American Mayans possibly cultivated spirulina in constructed ponds while "manna", the miracle food provided as a gift from the divine to the wandering Israelites, may have been dried spirulina found on rocks.
In terms of nutrients, spirulina is overflowing with goodness. At 60% of its total composition, spirulina is a complete, high-quality vegetable protein. Gram for gram, it contains more protein than steak (supplying 18 of 22 amino acids, including all eight essential amino acids in balanced proportion). Additionally, spirulina contains more iron than spinach, as much calcium as milk, and more Vitamin A / beta carotene than carrots, again, in a gram by gram comparison.
A 3g serving of spirulina (about 1 teaspoon or six 500mg tablets) contains 6,000 I.U. Vitamin A / beta carotene (1,000 units more than the recommended daily intake). A one tablespoon serving provides 1.5 times more Vitamin B3 / niacin and 3.7 times more potassium than half a cup of cooked brown rice. Spirulina also contains 250% more B12 than beef liver, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians / vegans.
The alkaline (basic/non-acidic) water environment preferred by spirulina results in a high concentration of chelated minerals incorporated into the cell structure. Organically bound chelated minerals are more easily assimilated by our bodies than inorganic forms obtained from rock and/or ore.
The cell walls of spirulina are very soft, making the nutrients highly bioavailable -- they can be digested and subsequently absorbed by our bodies with relative ease.
Spirulina contains 4 to 7% fat primarily as the essential fatty acids linoleic acid and gamma linolenic acid. GLA produces hormone-like prostaglandins -- compounds that control every organ in your body. Liver problems or certain nutrient deficiencies can cause GLA deficiencies.
Spirulina is also high in protein, however, an extreme amount would have to be consumed to meet your daily requirement. If a high-protein regimen is your goal, use spirulina in addition to other protein sources.
Spirulina is rich in chlorophyll, which gives the plant (and indeed, all plants) its deep green colour. Chlorophyll helps draw toxins out of the body. The plant's blue pigment is a result of phycocyanin concentrations, which have both magnesium and iron at its centre.
Chlorella
Similar to spirulina, chlorella is a freshwater green algae that has existed for more than 2.5 billion years. Packing 5-10 times more chlorophyll than any other algae and 10-25 times more than alfalfa, this concentrated whole food contains more than 20 vitamins and minerals, including beta-carotene, vitamins B, E, and K, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, and zinc. The proteins are also more easily digestible than rice or soy products.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
If malnutrition is an issue, the high nutrient content of spirulina will help restore lost nutrients and support a weakened immune system. Often people supplement with spirulina instead of synthetic multivitamin/mineral preparations. People can overcome even severe vitamin and mineral deficiencies in this manner, but you are strongly advised to consult with your nutritionist, naturopath, or health practitioner to determine the ideal approach to overcoming malnutrition. Spirulina does not contain adequate amounts of vitamin C or E.
Spirulina can be used by people over 65 as vitamin and mineral source due to its ease of absorption and high concentration of nutrients. For this reason, spirulina is also ideal for people with malabsorption problems. Spirulina also suppresses harmful bacteria and yeast, supporting proper bowel function.
Those with high cholesterol may find spirulina beneficial as a number of clinical trials have proven several grams of spirulina taken daily can lower cholesterol and lead to weight loss as a bonus. Its high chlorophyll content makes it useful for cleansing a toxic liver. Spirulina is also appropriate in treating anemia due to the bioavailable and highly absorbable iron from phycocyain concentrations.
Taking spirulina before meals tends to make you feel more satisfied and less likely to crave sweets and desserts. This is due to your body receiving many of the nutrients you need to maintain an adequate level of health. Snacking is often your body's attempt to scavenge for missing nutrients and often leads to weight problems.
Spirulina's high calcium content makes spirulina an excellent supplement for vegans and those with a lactose deficiency / intolerance.
Source
Spirulina is most commonly taken tablet, capsule, or powder form. Tablets look like a compressed disc the size of a small button and are dark green and blue in colour.
Optimal Absorption
Recommended dosage is 3g daily, equivalent to 6 500mg tablets. Dosage can be as high as 10g daily, equal to 20 500mg tablets or 1 heaping tablespoon of powder. As spirulina is hydrophilic (water-loving). As a result, capsules and powder seem to be the most appropriate form of supplementation as tablets are dehydrated, compressed, and must be reconstituted with fluid.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Be careful of iron over-supplementation. Consult with your naturopath or health practitioner if you are already taking an iron supplement before undertaking a spirulina supplement.
If treating spirulina as a multivitamin/mineral supplement, be sure to obtain adequate amounts of Vitamins C and E from other sources, as these vitamins are not present in adequate amounts in spirulina.
Ailment / Situation Listing
