Spirulina - The earth food

There are family species of microalgae such as blue-green algae spirulina and aphanizomenon, and green algae chlorella and dunaliella. Spirulina's scientific name is arthrospira platensis. This edible algae has a long history of safe human consumption and over 30 years of safety testing. Special farms where spirulina is cultivated under controlled conditions do not allow the growth of other contaminant blue-green algae, as in lakes and waterways.

Spirulina is the common name for human and animal food supplements produced primarily from two species of cyanobacteria: Arthrospira platensis, and Arthrospira maxima. These and other Arthrospira species were once classified in the genus Spirulina. There is now agreement that they are distinct genera, and that the food species belong to Arthrospira; nonetheless, the older term "Spirulina" remains the popular name. Spirulina is cultivated around the world, and is used as a human dietary supplement, available in tablet, flake, and powder form. It is also used as a feed supplement in the aquaculture, aquarium, and poultry industries.


Earth's first food produced oxygen so life could evolve


These tiny green spiral coils harvest the energy of the sun, growing a treasure of bioavailable nutrients. This first photosynthetic life form was designed by nature 3.6 billion years ago. Blue green algae produced the oxygen in our atmosphere allowing all higher life forms to evolve. It contains everything life needed to evolve into its rich diversity today.

This immortal life form has renewed itself for billions of years. In the past 20 years it has reintroduced itself to humanity. Spirulina contains billions of years of successful evolutionary wisdom coded in its DNA.

History

Spirulina is believed to have been a food source for the Aztecs in 16th century New Spain (part of which is now Mexico), as its harvesting from Lake Texcoco and sale as cakes is described by one of Cortés' soldiers. The Aztecs called it Tecuitlatl, meaning stone's excrement. Spirulina was found in abundance at the lake by French researchers in the 1960s, but there is no reference to its use there as a daily food source after the 16th century. The first large-scale Spirulina production plant, run by Sosa Texcoco, was established there in the early 1970s.

Spirulina may have an even longer history in Chad, as far back as the 9th century Kanem Empire. It is still in daily use today, dried into cakes called Dihé which are used to make broths for meals, and also sold in markets. The Spirulina is harvested from small lakes and ponds around Lake Chad.


More nutrition per acre than any other food

It is recognized by the United Nations, the World Health Organisation and NASA combining the fact that Spirulina addresses the 5 most important health issues of this age (Strengthening the immune system; supporting cardiovascular health and lowering cholesterol; improving gastrointestinal and digestive health; enhancing natural cleansing and detoxification; reducing cancer risks with antioxidant protection). It can be grown with brackish water and non-fertile land that cannot be used by other crops. It can produce 20 times more protein per acre than soy beans.

If we can use unusable resources to grow the most powerful food on Earth, we can help stop cutting the last of the primordial forests to grow food. By bringing spirulina into our personal lives, we become part of the solution to improve the health of our planet.

Why is spirulina the most researched algae? Does spirulina contain antioxidants? Phytonutrients? Probiotics? Nutraceuticals? Yes on all counts.

It contains compounds like phycocyanin, polysaccharides and sulfolipids that enhance the immune system. Spirulina contains the most remarkable concentration of functional nutrients ever known in any food, plant, grain or herb.

No other algae, blue-green or chlorella, has been the subject of such intense research over the past 30 years. Thousands of scientific studies. Why? Unlike other algae, we can economically cultivate spirulina all over the globe.


What new discoveries are being revealed?


Several years ago, the National Cancer Institute announced sulfolipids from blue-green algae like spirulina were remarkably active in test tube experiments against the AIDS virus.

In 1993-95, research showed natural polysaccharides in spirulina increased T-cell counts, strengthened the immune system and raised disease resistance in chickens, fish and mice. The animal feed industry is embracing spirulina as a new probiotic to replace overused antiobiotic drugs in animal feeds. In 1994, a Russian patent was awarded for spirulina as a medicine for reducing allergic reactions from radiation in the Children of Chernobyl.

The oldest organisms-the ones who gave us life-are back to revitalize us. They are one of the many solutions we need for restoring our planet in the next 20 years.


The healthiest food is your best defense

The foods we eat are the first line of defense from the negative effects of lifestyle stress, pollution, radiation and toxic chemicals. Yet so many processed foods are nutritionally empty. They leave us vulnerable to poor health and low energy.

The good news is many essential nutrients recommended by experts to help protect our bodies are concentrated in Spirulina. It contains the most powerful combination of nutrients ever known in any grain, herb or food.

  • World's highest beta carotene food reduces long term health risks.
    Spirulina beta carotene is ten times more concentrated than carrots. So even if you don't eat the recommended 4 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day (most people eat only 1-2, including french fries), get your natural beta carotene insurance from spirulina to help support your body's defenses.
  • 60% easy-to-digest vegetable protein without the fat and cholesterol of meat.
    People are eating less meat and dairy protein because they want to lower fat, cholesterol, and chemicals in their diet. Spirulina is the highest protein food with all the essential amino acids and has only a few calories to keep your waistline where you want it.
  • A rare essential fatty acid is a key to health.
    Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in mother's milk helps develop healthy babies. Studies show nutritional deficiencies can block GLA production in your body, so a good dietary source of GLA can be important. Spirulina is the only other whole food with GLA.
  • Iron for women and children's health.
    Iron is essential to build a strong system, yet is the most common mineral deficiency. Spirulina is rich in iron, magnesium and trace minerals, and is easier to absorb than iron supplements.
  • High in Vitamin B-12 and B Complex.
    Spirulina is the highest source of B-12, essential for healthy nerves and tissue, especially for vegetarians.
  • Unusual phytonutrients for health and cleansing.
    Scientists are discovering the benefits of polysaccharides, sulfolipids & glycolipids, and the rainbow of natural pigments that give spirulina a deep green color. Green (chlorophyll), blue (phycocyanin) and orange (carotenoids) colors collect the sun's energy and power growth. Chlorophyll is a natural cleanser and is often referred to as nature's green magic.


Sources:

- Spirulina.com
- Wikipedia
- Life Research Universal

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