Superfood Series
Spirulina: Protein Powerhouse
Spirulina is the dried form of the blue green algae arthrospira platensis. The use of spirulina as a food source dates all the way back to 9th century Chad and it is believed spirulina was used by the Aztecs in 16th century Mexico. Historical records report the harvesting and selling of cakes made from spirulina harvested from Lake Texcoco. It was rediscovered in the 1950’s in the same place where it has said to have its origins by a European scientific mission. The spirulina was being harvested and sold in dried flat cakes called "dihé" at the local markets, where natives would use it as a staple for many of their meals.
Spirulina is nearly 70 percent protein. It contains all the essential amino acids making it a complete protein source. In addition, spirulina is one of the few plant sources of vitamin B12, usually found only in animal tissues. A teaspoon of spirulina supplies 2 1/2 times the Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin B12 and contains over twice the amount of this vitamin found in an equivalent serving of liver. Spirulina also provides high concentrations of many other nutrients - amino acids, chelated minerals, pigmentations, rhamnose sugars (complex natural plant sugars), trace elements, enzymes - that are in an easily assailable form. Spirulina's lipid content is about 7% by weight, including the essential fatty acids gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Spirulina health benefit potential is mostly related to its basic nutrient and protein content. These claims do have some evidence to support them, but need further research to completely substantiate. Potential benefits may include immune boosting effects, support of healthy intestinal flora, candida suppression, allergy symptom reduction, detoxification, blood pressure reduction, and cholesterol reduction. Chlorella has similar benefits to spirulina but has a greater ability to detoxify the body due to its cell wall structure.
Blue and green algae do potentially absorb toxins from their surrounding environment, therefore only buy from companies that can verify purity. Also, spirulina does contain a significant amount of vitamin K and can interfere with therapy for patients taking warfarin.
Spirulina is nearly 70 percent protein. It contains all the essential amino acids making it a complete protein source. In addition, spirulina is one of the few plant sources of vitamin B12, usually found only in animal tissues. A teaspoon of spirulina supplies 2 1/2 times the Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin B12 and contains over twice the amount of this vitamin found in an equivalent serving of liver. Spirulina also provides high concentrations of many other nutrients - amino acids, chelated minerals, pigmentations, rhamnose sugars (complex natural plant sugars), trace elements, enzymes - that are in an easily assailable form. Spirulina's lipid content is about 7% by weight, including the essential fatty acids gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Spirulina health benefit potential is mostly related to its basic nutrient and protein content. These claims do have some evidence to support them, but need further research to completely substantiate. Potential benefits may include immune boosting effects, support of healthy intestinal flora, candida suppression, allergy symptom reduction, detoxification, blood pressure reduction, and cholesterol reduction. Chlorella has similar benefits to spirulina but has a greater ability to detoxify the body due to its cell wall structure.
Blue and green algae do potentially absorb toxins from their surrounding environment, therefore only buy from companies that can verify purity. Also, spirulina does contain a significant amount of vitamin K and can interfere with therapy for patients taking warfarin.
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