Spirulina, The Natural Nutrition That Benefits Your Health

Spirulina is a single-celled, spiral-shaped blue green microalgae grown in tropical salt lakes. This microalgae is discovered by Dr. Clement of France in 1962. Dr. Clement found that the Ganimou people living around Lake Chades in Africa had stronger bodies than other civilized people at that time, despite poor living conditions and few resources. Upon further studies, he observed that the Ganimou eats a particular blue green algae found floating on the lake's surface. This algae is spirulina. Such simple one-celled organism already exist when life first appeared on earth. They are the earliest forms of life and is the source of all life in the oceans.

Nutritional Values of Spirulina

So how nutritious is spirulina to the human body?
This algae is a highly digestible food, containing 60 to 70% of protein, and provides all the essential amino acids, which is a rarity among plant foods. It is so nutritionally balanced that it is 5 times easier to digest than meat. Besides protein, spirulina is a rich natural source of Vitamin E and B12, iron, calcium, anti-oxidants,  minerals, carbohydrates and enzymes. Its rich phytochemical composition are carotenoids, chlorophyll (known as a blood purifier),  and phycocyanin. Phycocyanin is a blue pigment found only in blue green algae.  Experiments have shown that this particular protein can increase the survival rate of mice with liver cancer.  That means it can inhbits cancerous cells growth. It can also inhibit viral replication, and strengthen the humoral and cellular
arms of the immune system.

Anemia, a deficiency in red blood cells and/or hemoglobin, responds well to vitamin B12, folic acid and chlorophyll found  in spirulina. In fact, spirulina is the richest natural source of vitamin B12, once thought to be available only in animal products.  Not only that, a test have shown that stomach ulcers can be cured with 2 grams of spirulina intake per day, by coating chlorophyll onto the stomach lining.  Other diseases known to improve with the help of spirulina include liver disorders, such as chronic hepatitis, and diabetes. Another important compound in this superfood is the Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA).  This essential fatty acid cannot be produced by our body, yet is important for
healthy bones, normal brain function, growth and development, stimulation of skin and hair growth and regulation of metabolism such as lipid. Furthermore, GLA in vivo changes easily to arachidonic acid, and then to prostaglandin E2. The end product can be  developed as a blood pressure regulating agent in our body.

An article written by Christopher Hills, Ph.D, D.Sc., titled "Spirulina as nutrition for the brain" says that
"the interesting part... is the remarkable effects of this vegetable plankton on our state of consciousness particularly
while fasting on nothing else... most people feel increased energy and clarity of mind after taking the Spirulina as a
vitamin supplement."

Other effects and uses of spirulina includes rejuvenation, increase of energy level, reduction of cholesterol, reducing body acidity,
cardiovascular support and detoxification. The soft cell walls of spirulina allows it to be digested easily and assimilated, making
it ideal for detoxifying.

Safe for Consumption

Spirulina is very safe for human consumption. In fact, it is not a new health supplement. The Africans have consumed it decades ago and Mexicans now uses it to replenish the inadequate nutrients in a mother's milk.
More than 70 countries have approved the super food as safe for consumption by their respective health agencies. In an evaluation of spirulina by WHO in 1992, the organization states that: Spirulina is a high quality food product. It is rich in iron and protein. It is safe to consume and is an excellent nutrient supplement for children.By Alvin Ng

What To Expect From Spirulina Side Effects

Spirulina is a blue algae diet supplement that is known to provide numerous health improvements. It truly is a balance diet source because it features carbohydrate, antioxidant, protein, minerals and vitamins. However similar to most supplements, spirulina too has some unwanted effects if not consumed with care. Having said that, the adverse effects are few and it is certainly preventable.

Individuals struggling with anemia could feel faintness, tiredness and random hunger pangs. Undiagnosed patients that feel any of these conditions are encouraged to consult with a physician and get checked for anemia.

A fever and nausea could occur because of the excessive protein consumption. The high protein content of spirulina causes the most widespread side effects, which is an elevated body's temperature. This is sparked through the metabolism of the increased protein that is followed by the release of heat. The generated heat and the temperature changes may cause fever.

Spirulina intake must be together with plenty of water for the effective ingestion of the supplement. 500 milliliters of water is suggested to be consumed with the consumption of the supplement. Without having enough intake of water, negative effects like extreme thirst and constipation will occur.

Some people might experience body rash or itchiness of skin. This is an uncommon issue which might be initiated by an allergic reaction to the blue green algae in general. Just a few consumers have been reported to suffer from the side effect. It should not impact for most users.

Damage to the liver and kidney is among the most severe negative effects that may be triggered from consuming spirulina. This is often a result of the concentration of nucleic acid found in the organic matter in which the blue green algae were obtained from. Therefore a user is recommended to take the capsules from algae that contain a small level of nucleic acid. Taking high quality supplements can help to save the trouble of getting a liver and kidney damage.

Spirulina intake could cause the stomach to produce unwanted gases which could cause abdominal pain. This is due to its high nutrient content contained in the product. When it gets ingested, the body system may release more gases than usual.

Examples above are some of the most familiar negative effects. However the reactions pointed out here are absolutely preventable. Consuming the appropriate dose of the supplement is important to be able to enjoy it without any health issue. For that reason, it is guided that the daily maximum should be under 3 grams.By Ruth Evans

ADHD Herbal Remedies - Spirulina

Can food supplements and herbs be used as natural remedies for ADHD? Parents who are aware of the side effects of medication are constantly on the lookout for the best natural treatments for their children. Unfortunately, this question cannot be answered by a simple "yes" or "no." Every child is biochemically unique, which means that he or she will have a different response to different treatments. One child might experience reduced symptoms after taking one herbal remedy while the next child may show no improvement at all.

Lately, a lot of experts recommend using spirulina as an ADHD natural remedy because of its wide spectrum of benefits. Spirulina is a blue-green algae with an extensive nutritional profile. In fact, some experts say that spirulina alone offers more nutritional benefits than most foods, and can replace expensive multivitamin formulas. If you look at spirulina's nutritional offerings and compare them to the nutrition deficits suffered by children with ADHD, you'll see why this algae has so much potential to be a natural treatment for ADHD.

Spirulina is rich in ten non-essential amino acids, eight essential amino acids, and even essential fatty acids needed by the brain. It has a rare essential fatty acid called GLA, which can only be found in human milk and evening primrose. Pound for pound, spirulina provides 200 times more protein than beef and 20 times more protein than soybeans. And if you're searching for a multivitamin formula that can treat the vitamin and mineral deficiencies found in children with ADHD, spirulina might answer your child's nutritional needs. Spirulina contains a host of minerals like iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins B6 and B12. There's no need to give your child antioxidants, either, because spirulina contains vitamins E and C, two natural antioxidants that protect vitamins and minerals from free radical damage.

Aside from being a potent source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, spirulina has natural detoxification properties. In many cases, high levels of lead, mercury, and other neurotoxins are responsible for the ADHD symptoms in children. There is some evidence that spirulina can increase the efficiency of detoxification and reduce the amount of toxins on kidneys.

Although there are no studies that investigate spirulina's effects in treating ADHD, its nutritional content shows that it could be an important source of nutrients needed to manage the disorder. For instance, a number of studies show that zinc supplements can correct ADHD symptoms triggered by a zinc deficiency. One clinical trial observed that spirulina is more effective than zinc sulfate supplements in boosting zinc levels.

Since spirulina is fairly new to consumers of natural medicine, experts have yet to determine the recommended dosage of spirulina for children. However, you can include it in your child's diet by adding spirulina flakes to soups, sauces, and salads. Make sure you consult a qualified holistic health care practitioner before you use spirulina or any natural treatments for ADHD.

By Dr. Yannick Pauli

Green Food-Spirulina

How many of you use man-made substances endlessly in the quest for best vigour? I am talking about vitamins, minerals and so called healthy hearty meal replacements. You must know that until recent times the human species has consumed nourishing natural foods. When imitation food or man-made substances are ingested, the body robs itself of nutrients to construct these products to emerge complete –this in the end leads to deficiencies.

Are you aware that 70 mg. of vitamin C ingested in the form of broccoli, parsley, or Spirulina may reinforce immunity more efficiently then 700mg. of synthetic vitamin C? Studies demonstrate that merely 10% of synthetic vitamin C is assimilated comparison to vitamin C in these green plants mentioned above. There is nothing superior for healthy robust immune system than natural whole complete food.

Look at superior natural green food Spirulina called "Food of the future" for example.

Spirulina is microscopic, multicellular, filamentous blue-green algae that booms naturally in warm alkaline fresh water lakes (32 to 45 degrees) and has even survived in temperatures of 60 degrees C.

The capacity of Spirulina to grow in hot and alkaline environments ensures its hygienic status, as no other organisms can continue living to pollute the waters in which this algae prospers. Spirulina is in fact one of the cleanest, most naturally sterile food found in nature.

Its fine-tunning to heat also assures that Spirulina protects its nutritional value when put through higher temperatures at some stage of the drying process not like many plant foods that rapidly deteriorate at higher temperatures.

Spirulina used for personal consumption is produced on distinctively designed algae farms rather then harvested from a natural environment.

Spirulina is plentiful in important mineral Magnesium- essential to all cells of all known living organisms. Green food-vegetables offer magnesium because the centre of the chlorophyll molecule contains magnesium.

substandard magnesium intake often causes muscle to cramp and has been associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety disorders and osteoporosis.

Spirulina is plentiful in beta-carotene and other carotenoids. 100 grams of Spirulina contains 250.00 IU of Vit A in contrast to 28.000 IU in100 grams off carrots!

Spirulina is high in Chlorophyll and blue pigment phycocyanin, a biliprotein .The copious levels of Chlorophyll and Phycocyanin in Spirulina may explain its capacity to thwart cancer colonies from taking place

Spirulina has the gift to stimulate natural killer cells and similar anti-immune components of the immune system that can help to battle cancer cells. Furthermore, these spirulina-stimulated killer cells can battle disease other than cancer, ranging from the common cold to HIV.

I think if they could patent Spirulina or the Phycocyanin chemical, turn it into a drug and microscopically inject it into tumors; they would have a cure for breast cancer right there.” ([http://www.newstarget.com/011901-05.html])

There is pharmacological facts of cancer prevention with plants, herbs and food that are full off high levels of Chlorophyll, perhaps because pigments in green vegetables- algaes bind with cancer forming cells and thus stimulate excretion of cancer-causing chemicals. What is glorious about Chlorophyll is that it is cleansing, purifying, detoxifying and speeds up liver revival.

For illustration the Japanese are distinguished for the use of Spirulina for positive healing purposes (cancer fighter) for a while. And right now Western medicine is after all taking note of Spirulina's anti-cancer benefits. Interestingly, Spirulina has been used in Russia to treat the victims, mainly children, of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl. In these children, whose bone marrow had been weakened from radiation exposure, Spirulina seemed to boost up the immune system.

Spirulina offers ample amounts of immune invigorating nutrients such as fatty acid GLA, beta-carotene and chlorophyll. GLA is also immensely helpful for weight decreas (speeds up metabolism) and inflammatory conditions such as eczema and arthritis, regulates brain function, nerve impulses and insulin (therefore beneficial in diabetes). A standard 10-gram dosage of Spirulina provides 131 mg of GLA Spirulina is the best wholesome food source of GLA other then human milk.

High in protein- Spirulina is up too 68% protein. It has astonishing supremacy to synthesize high-quality concentrated food more effectively than any other algae.

What is absolutely amazing about Spirulina is that three(3) grams (one heaped tsp of powder) of Spirulina is equal to 36 grams of beef, which is slightly more then one ounce.

If you ingest 6-9grams (2-3 heaped tsp of powder)of Spirulina daily it will give you with protein identical of two-three ounces of meat.

According to standard nutritional test, the digestive absorption of the protein in Spirulina is four times superior then that in Beef. Since Spirulina provides about 3x more protein then beef, bigger absorption means, that 12x more protein is accessible from algae than from the equivalent weight of beef.

Those of you who are having difficulties assimilating protein or favour not to chew up protein source from the animal kingdom, then Spirulina is a astounding source for making sure you are getting high quality protein assimilated into your body. in addition it provides vitamin B-12 and other B-vitamins. These are the vitamins that the majority of people are commonly deficient. Vegetarians-Vegans particularly tend to miss out on obtaining enough vitamin B-12 because this particular vitamin is not generally easy to get from the plant kingdom.

By using the Spirulina, you can avert any nutritional shortage of the B-vitamin area

Spirulina is presented commercially in powder, capsules, tablets, flakes and even as broth.

By Alena Schurkova