Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Spirulina, a Super Food That Contains All Necessary Ingredients For Life


Spirulina offers many health benefits, some of which include lowering cholesterol, enhance immunity, increase red blood cells, providing anti-cancer properties and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting the liver, reducing toxicity in the kidneys, controls bronchial asthma and improves supply of antioxidants.


It is believed that Spirulina is a photosynthetic species which is old about 3.5 billion years. It is also speculated that such species are responsible for the release of oxygen in the atmosphere in the early stages of the Earth.

This amazing food first emerged in the 1940’s in French Equatorial Africa.It grew on the surface of lakes and there was collected, dried in the sun and sold in local markets. Biologists concluded that the algae were grown and consumed.
It is believed that spirulina Geitleri was found in alkaline lakes in Mexico and also was consumed by the local population. Historical works have shown that it was consumed as food, even during the Spanish conquest in the 15th century.

Nutrient in Spirulina

According to the National Database of nutrients for standard reference, nutrients can be found in 100 grams of spirulina include 290 energy calories, 57 grams protein, 7 grams fat, 24 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams dietary fiber and 3 grams of sugar.

The minerals and trace elements found in Spirulina include 120 mg calcium, 28 mg iron, 195 mg of magnesium, 118 mg phosphorus, potassium, 1363 mg, 1048 mg sodium and 2 mg zinc. Vitamins found in Spirulina include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, vitaminB6, C, A, E, and vitamin K.

Spirulina is widely regarded as one of the greatest sources of protein. It contains about 18 of the 22 amino acids needed by the human body. It is also a good source of vital micronutrients such as beta-carotene with vitamin A and minerals like zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus.

Spirulina Health benefits

Immunomodulatory properties: Various studies on Spirulina discover its immunomodulatory properties. These immunomodulatory properties include reproduction of bone marrow, thymus and spleen growth, increased number of white blood cells, and an increase in the number of lymphocytes.

Supplies antioxidants: Spirulina is a good source of antioxidants, such as phycocyanin, which helps in the inhibition of COX2, hydroxyl, peroxyl and free radicals.

Cancer Control: Spirulina is the richest vegetable source of beta - carotene and phycocyanin . These biochemical possess anti - carcinogenic properties. Researchers believe that phycocyanin can clean DNA -damaging toxins such as peroxynitrite and may help control cancer cells. Spirulina also has a significant role in controlling liver cancer.

Anti - inflammatory properties: Regular use of Spirulina reduces inflammation. Recent scientific studies indicate this fact. When arthritic mice were given extracts of spirulina, inflammation of arthritis was significantly reduced in comparison with other animals that were under control.

Controls bronchial asthma: Spirulina is also useful for control of bronchial asthma. Studies have shown that taking 1 gram a day can have almost the same effect on bronchial asthma as medications. This is true in the case of mild and moderate asthma.

Antimicrobial properties: Spirulina extracts have antimicrobial properties. Extracts of Spirulina were successfully tested against viruses that affect both humans and monkeys. Viruses such as herpes simplex , influenza virus, measles virus, mumps virus, human cytomegalovirus and finally HIV - 1 viruses were extensively controlled. Now, extracts of Spirulina are considered as a cure for HIV - positive patients, so that they can live a longer life.

Reduces cholesterol : Spirulina is useful in lowering serum cholesterol and raises "HDL " (high density lipoprotein) or "good " cholesterol levels . The presence of gamma - linolenic acid in spirulina accelerates the reduction of cholesterol in serum.

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