What is Spirulina?

SPIRULINA

 Athrospira Platensis

What is it?

Spirulina is an animal food as well as human food or nutritional supplement made primarily from two species of blue green algae. It is very easily digested and full of nutrients. Spirulina (Athrospira) are free floating filamentous blue green algae that naturally occurs in subtropical and tropical lakes with a high concentration of carbonate and bicarbonate, and high PH. In the 16th century spirulina was a food source for the Aztecs and other Mesoamericans, the Aztecs called it Tecuitlatl. Spirulina was found in abundance in the 1960's by French researchers at lake Texoco, and the first spirulina production plant was established in the early 1970's. It is exceedingly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of places including fresh water, tropical water, salt water and salt pans. In Chad spirulina's history goes right back to the 9th century and is still used by many every single day even now. Spirulina contains up to 71% protein, it contains all of the essential amino acids so is a complete protein, it also contains a lot more goodies too, it contains vitamins A,C,D,E,B1,B2,B3,B6,B9 and is also a source of potassium, calcium, chromium, coper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc.

What are the benefits of taking spirulina?

·         Boost your energy levels

·         Control your appetite

·         Build endurance

·         reduce fatigue

·         Cleanses the body

·         It will benefit those who suffer from allergies

·         Reduce inflammation

·         Boost your immune system

·         It will maintain healthy cardiovascular function

·         Improve your digestion

·         Support the liver and kidneys

Dosage:

A good place to start is 3 grams a day. Build up over a period of time to 6 grams. When you are ready to up the dosage spread them out throughout the day so your body has a constant supply of spirulina and all its goodies throughout the whole day.

Is it safe?

All the evidence says it’s as safe as oxygen. It has 30 years of testing with no negative results. All of the farms that produce spirulina are under heavily controlled conditions and do not allow the growth of any contaminants. Just like carrots spirulina contains beta carotene except it has ten times more! So if you are one of those people that just don't manage to get your five fruits and veg a day then spirulina is the perfect supplement to help support your body's defences. Good news for people wanting to eat less meat for body weight reasons, spirulina has the average of 60% easily digestible protein without the cholesterol and fat that meat contains. It is the highest protein food with all the essential amino's in it, and good news for your waistline too as it only has a few calories!

According to NASA 1kg of spirulina has the same nutrients found in about 1000 kg of assorted vegetables.

All supplements should be taken with a healthy balanced diet, not instead of food.