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Spirulina's Health Benefits
There are only 2 algae which are commonly cultivated and commercially produced in the health market today: the spirulina and chlorella. Chlorella is a green algae which was brought to the attention of scientists back in 1960's.. Breaking down its cell wall for mass production as a food has proved problematic, hence its value as a nutritional supplement. It has a high protein value of around 58%, as well as significant levels of calcium and iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.
Spirulina is a blue-green, one-celled form of algae that thrives in warm, alkaline fresh bodies of water such as lakes and ponds. It has a long history of being used for human consumption for its many health benefits. Over the years, spirulina has nourished the citizens of Africa, Asia, and South America. The Mayas and the Aztecs used the algae as a central part of their diet. Today, spirulina is consumed by health conscious people all over the world.
Spirulina is gaining more attention from medical scientists as a nutraceutical and source of potential pharmaceuticals. There are also peer reviewed scientific studies which documents spirulina's abilitiy to inhibit viral replication, cause regression and inhibition of cancers and strengthen the cellular and humoral arms of our immune system. Spirulina has a 62% amino acid content, is the world's richest natural source of vitamin B12 and contains a whole spectrum of natural mixed carotene and xanthophyll phytopigments.
Spirulina has a soft cell wall made of complex sugars and protein, and is different from most other algae in that it is easily digested. Spirulina is one of the most concentrated natural sources of nutrition known. It contains all the essential amino acids, is rich in chlorophyll, betacarotene and its cofactors, and other natural phytochemicals.
There are many health benefits of sprirulina. Spirulina is the only green food rich in GLA essential fatty acid. GLA helps stimulate the growth in some animals and makes our hair and skin shiny and soft yet more durable. GLA also acts as an anti-inflammatory, sometimes alleviating symptoms of arthritic conditions. Spirulina can also act as a functional food which feeds intestinal flora especially lactobacillus and bifidus. Having a healthy population of these bacteria in the intestines can reduce problems caused by pathogens like E. coli and candida albicans.
Spirulina also contains very little calories, sugar, or starch. The The average 500mg tablet of spirulina or spirulina capsules only contain 1 or 2 calories. It does offer some carbohydrates in the form of rhamnose and glycogen, both of which are easily absorbed by the human body. Thus, the sugars found in spirulina can provide a quick, healthy energy boost. Long time consumers and scientific evidence both suggest 2-5 grams a day bring significant health benefits. This is equivalent to 6 to 20 tablets or a teaspoon of powder. Take it every day for best results. Because spirulina is a whole food, you can take it alone or with meals. Take convenient tablets anytime or mix spirulina powder in a fruit juice smoothie as an instant breakfast, or in a vegetable juice smoothie in the afternoon.
