About alberto de leon(Health & Nutrition)vox-73 http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/health-benefits-of-spirulina.html ..... http://www.holistic-relief.com/spirulina.php http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/07/01/spirulina-the-amazing-super-food-youve-never-heard-of.aspx .http://youtu.be/kQvTRu5-vXg ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................. 
...................................................................................................................................................................
In essence, Spirulina straddles that fork in evolutionary development when the plant and animal kingdoms differentiated. Thus it embodies the simplest form of life. In contrast, other algae such as Chlorella have developed the hard indigestible walls characteristic of plants. ..................................................................................................................................................................................... Just imagine spirulina.... now a SUPERFOOD.... but since the 1950s it is ignored !
As you can see, spirulina can serve as a potent ‘super food.’ Just remember to do your research and arm yourself with knowledge. It is the best way to take control of your health! ....................................................................................................................................................................
GUIDE
........ Benefits of Spirulina
........
Spirulina offers many health benefits some of which include lowering cholesterol levels, enhancing immunity, increase in blood cell count, anti-cancerous properties, and anti-inflammatory properties, protection of liver, reduced toxicity in kidneys, control of bronchial asthma and enhanced supply of antioxidants.
Spirulina- Scientific Information
Spirulina is blue-green algae with perfect spiral shape. This perfect spiral shape gives the name Spirulina.Spirulina belongs to cyanobacteria species and it is scientifically known as Arthrospira platensis. Other subspecies include Spirulina maxima and Spirulina geitleri. It is generally found in alkaline lakes in Mexico and Africa. Spirulina is rich in nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
It has the capability of surviving in the harshest conditions, both environmentally and chemically. It can survive extreme alkaline conditions, highly saline waters containing 30 g to 270 g of salt per litre and still survive.
History of Spirulina
Spirulina is believed to be a photosyntheticspecies which is about 3.5 billion years old and it is also being speculated that such species were responsible for releasing oxygen into the atmosphere on early earth.
This amazing food first came to light in 1940s in French Equatorial Africa when French troops stumbled upon a food which the locals were growing. It was growing on the surface of lakes and it was being collected, sundried and sold in the local markets. Biologists concluded that it was an algae which was being grown and eaten. Spirulina is also the food of local birds like flamingoes.
Spirulina geiteleri was discovered in the alkaline lakes in Mexico and it was also being consumed by the locals. Historical writings revealed that it was being consumed as food even during the time of the Spanish conquest during the 15th century. Even Columbus’ personal literature revealed a mention about an ooze-like substance being collected from lakes, sundried and baked like bread.
Nutrients in Spirulina
According to the National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, the nutrients found in spirulina per 100g include 290 kcal of energy, 57 g of protein, 7 g of fat, 24 g of carbohydrates, 3 g of dietary fiber and 3 g of sugar. Minerals and trace elements found are 120 mg of calcium, 28 mg of iron, 195 mg of magnesium, 118 mg of phosphorus, 1363 mg of potassium, 1048 mg of sodium and 2 mg of zinc.
Vitamins found in spirulina include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin B6, C, A, E and vitamin K.
Spirulina is being regarded as one of the highest sources of protein. It contains around 18 out of the 22 amino acids that we need. It is also a good source of vital micronutrients such as beta-carotene in vitamin A and minerals such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus.
....................................................................................................................................................................
Spirulina is a blue-green algae. It is a simple, one-celled form of algae that thrives in warm, alkaline fresh-water bodies. The name "spirulina" is derived from the Latin word for "helix" or "spiral"; denoting the physical configuration of the organism when it forms swirling, microscopic strands.
Appearing 3.6 billion years ago, it provided an evolutionary bridge between bacteria and green plants. This water plant has renewed itself for billions of years and has nourished many cultures throughout history, in Africa, in the Middle East and in the Americas. Since its re-discovery in the 1960s, spirulina has been exhaustively and extensively tested by scientists around the world, and is found to be the most powerful and well-balanced source of nutrition available on the planet.
The United Nations World Food Conference in 1974 lauded spirulina as
the 'best food for the future'.
 Recognizing the inherent potential of spirulina in the sustainable development agenda, several Member States of the United Nations came together to form an intergovernmental organization named the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM).[36] IIMSAM aspires to build a consensus with the UN Member States, international community and other stakeholders to make spirulina a key driver to eradicate malnutrition, achieve food security and bridge the health divide throughout the world.Spirulina has been proposed by both NASA (CELSS)[37] and the European Space Agency (MELISSA)[38] as one of the primary foods to be cultivated during long-term space missions |
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 foods are nutritionally empty. They leave us vulnerable to poor health and low energy.
The good news is many nutrients which protect our bodies are densely concentrated in Spirulina. Spirulina is a powerful defense against oxidant stress. It can cleanse and detox our bodies from causes of stress. This remarkable plant has some of the most powerful protective nutrients of any food. Unique Bilin Protein Phycocyanin Spirulina's intensely blue bilin supplements our body's own natural defenses against the toxic free radical super-oxide through the biliverdin-biliverdinreductase-bilirubin cycle. No other food does that. Beta carotene for body defense Spirulina beta carotene is ten times more concentrated than carrots. So even if you don't eat the recommended 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, get your natural beta carotene insurance from spirulina to support your body's antioxidant defenses. Zeaxanthin/Lutein This nutrient is especially good for the eyes. Spirulina is a very good source of zeaxanthin. Iron for women Iron is essential to build a strong system, yet is the most common mineral deficiency. Spirulina is a rich source of iron. GLA rare essential fatty acid can be 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. Unusual phytonutrients for health and cleansing Scientists are still studying spirulina's polysaccharides, calcium spirulan, sulfolipids & glycolipids for their health benefits. Easy to take anytime for more vitality The experience of long time consumers and the scientific evidence suggest that 2 to 6 grams a day will provide significant health benefits. Daily use is most beneficial. Tablets are convenient anytime, between, before, or with meals. Many enjoy mixing Spirulina powder in a green fruit juice smoothie as an instant breakfast, or a vegetable juice smoothie in the afternoon. Feel the power of Spirulina in your life Feel good inside and look good outside. Add it to your daily diet to supplement the power of the good foods you eat. Do it soon and start feeling wonderful right away. 
It's Natures Perfect Health Supplement...
From http://spirulina.org.uk/
As a health supplement, Spirulina algae is an extremely high protein source with a protein content of 60-70 percent higher than any other natural food and most nutritional products. However, even greater nutritional value can be found in its high concentration of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients. This super food has the most remarkable concentration of functional nutrients ever known in food - animal or plant.
Nutritional Supplement Spirulina Organic When it was found that Spirulina grew so fast (producing 20 times more protein per acre than soybeans) they named it the food of the future. On top of this, spirulina delivers more nutrition per acre than any other food on the planet. This has extraordinary implications for more efficient and sustainable food production in the future as we advance into uncertain economic times.Natures Perfect Food & Nutritional Supplement 3-10 grams a day of the organic green as a nutritional supplement delivers impressive amounts of vitamin B12 & B complex, iron, essential trace minerals, beta carotene and gamma-linolenic acid. Beyond vitamins and minerals, spirulina is a super antioxidant. It is rich in phytonutrients and functional nutrients that have a profound positive effect on health. For starving people in third world countries, this super concentrated food would bring a quick recovery from malnutrition. In developed countries, the diet is loaded with unhealthy and nutrient depleted foods, which are being consumed in excess. This creates a calorie overload yet still does not achieve our nutritional requirements. We now know that organic spirulina can renourish our bodies and renew our health. It is legally approved as a food or food supplement in the USA, Europe, Japan, UK, Australia, India, China, New Zealand and many other countries around the globe. The United States Food and Drug Administration confirmed in 1981 that this green food is a valuable source of protein and contains various vitamins and minerals and therefore can be legally marketed as a food supplement.  |
|
Spirulina is being developed as the "food of the future" because of its amazing ability to synthesize high-quality concentrated food more efficiently than any other algae. Most notably, Spirulina is 65 to 71 percent complete protein, with all essential amino acids in perfect balance. In comparison, beef is only 22 percent protein.
Spirulina has a photosynthetic conversion rate of 8 to 10 percent, compared to only 3 percent in such land-growing plants as soybeans.
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 assimilable form.
Even though it is single-celled, Spirulina is relatively large, attaining sizes of 0.5 millimeters in length. This is about 100 times the size of most other algae, which makes some individual Spirulina cells visible to the naked eye. Furthermore, the prolific reproductive capacity of the cells and their proclivity to adhere in colonies makes Spirulina a large and easily gathered plant mass.
The algae are differentiated according to predominating colorations, and are divided into blue-green, green, red and brown. Spirulina is one of the blue-green algae due to the presence of both chlorophyll (green) and phycocyanin (blue) pigments in its cellular structure.
Even though Spirulina is distantly related to the kelp algae, it is not a sea plant. However, the fresh-water ponds and lakes it favors are notably more alkaline - in the range of 8 to 11 pH than ordinary lakes and cannot sustain any other forms of microorganisms. In addition, Spirulina thrives in very warm waters of 32 to 45 degrees C (approximately 85 to 112 degrees F), and has even survived in temperatures of 60 degrees C (140 degrees F)
Certain desert-adapted species will survive when their pond habitats evaporate in the intense sun, drying to a dormant state on rocks as hot as 70 degrees Centigrade (160 degrees F). In this dormant condition, the naturally blue-green algae turns a frosted white and develops a sweet flavor as its 71 percent protein structure is transformed into polysaccharide sugars by the heat.
Some scientists speculate that the "manna" of the wandering Israelites, which appeared miraculously on rocks following a devastating dry spell and was described as tasting "like wafers made with hone " may have been a form of dried, dormant Spirulina.
This ability of Spirulina to grow in hot and alkaline environments ensures its hygienic status, as no other organisms can survive to pollute the waters in which this algae thrives. Unlike the stereotypical association of microorganisms with "germs" and "scum", Spirulina is in fact one of the cleanest, most naturally sterile foods found in nature.
Its adaptation to heat also assures that Spirulina retains its nutritional value when subject to high temperatures during processing and shelf storage, unlike many plant foods that rapidly deteriorate at high temperatures.
Spirulina is also unusual among algae because it is a "nuclear plant" meaning it is on the developmental cusp between plants and animals. It is considered somewhat above plants because it does not have the hard cellulose membranes characteristic of plant cells, nor does it have a well-defined nucleus. Yet its metabolic system is based on photosynthesis, a process of direct food energy production utilizing sunlight and chlorophyll, which is typical of plant life forms.
Spirulina has a photosynthetic conversion rate of 8 to 10 percent, compared to only 3 percent in such land-growing plants as soybeans.
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 assimilable form.
Even though it is single-celled, Spirulina is relatively large, attaining sizes of 0.5 millimeters in length. This is about 100 times the size of most other algae, which makes some individual Spirulina cells visible to the naked eye. Furthermore, the prolific reproductive capacity of the cells and their proclivity to adhere in colonies makes Spirulina a large and easily gathered plant mass.
The algae are differentiated according to predominating colorations, and are divided into blue-green, green, red and brown. Spirulina is one of the blue-green algae due to the presence of both chlorophyll (green) and phycocyanin (blue) pigments in its cellular structure.
Even though Spirulina is distantly related to the kelp algae, it is not a sea plant. However, the fresh-water ponds and lakes it favors are notably more alkaline - in the range of 8 to 11 pH than ordinary lakes and cannot sustain any other forms of microorganisms. In addition, Spirulina thrives in very warm waters of 32 to 45 degrees C (approximately 85 to 112 degrees F), and has even survived in temperatures of 60 degrees C (140 degrees F)
Certain desert-adapted species will survive when their pond habitats evaporate in the intense sun, drying to a dormant state on rocks as hot as 70 degrees Centigrade (160 degrees F). In this dormant condition, the naturally blue-green algae turns a frosted white and develops a sweet flavor as its 71 percent protein structure is transformed into polysaccharide sugars by the heat.
Some scientists speculate that the "manna" of the wandering Israelites, which appeared miraculously on rocks following a devastating dry spell and was described as tasting "like wafers made with hone " may have been a form of dried, dormant Spirulina.
This ability of Spirulina to grow in hot and alkaline environments ensures its hygienic status, as no other organisms can survive to pollute the waters in which this algae thrives. Unlike the stereotypical association of microorganisms with "germs" and "scum", Spirulina is in fact one of the cleanest, most naturally sterile foods found in nature.
Its adaptation to heat also assures that Spirulina retains its nutritional value when subject to high temperatures during processing and shelf storage, unlike many plant foods that rapidly deteriorate at high temperatures.
Spirulina is also unusual among algae because it is a "nuclear plant" meaning it is on the developmental cusp between plants and animals. It is considered somewhat above plants because it does not have the hard cellulose membranes characteristic of plant cells, nor does it have a well-defined nucleus. Yet its metabolic system is based on photosynthesis, a process of direct food energy production utilizing sunlight and chlorophyll, which is typical of plant life forms.
Imagine a plant that can nourish your body by providing most of the protein you need to live, help prevent the annoying sniffling and sneezing of allergies, reinforce your immune system, help you control high blood pressure and cholesterol and help protect you from cancer.Does such a “super food” exist?
Yes. It’s called spirulina.Unlike plants you may grow in your garden, this “miracle” plant is a form of blue-green algae that springs from warm, fresh water bodies.
Similarities and Differences of Spirulina and Chlorella
Chlorella is another form of algae that is sometimes confused with spirulina. The fundamental difference between spirulina and chlorella is that spirulina is many thousands of years older and does not possess the hard cell wall that makes chlorella closer to being a plant than algae.Chlorella is an excellent way to detoxify your body from mercury, which most of you are contaminated with if you’ve ever had dental fillings, received a vaccine, used certain types of cookware or eaten fish. Spirulina simply is unable to remove heavy metals like chlorella as it lacks a cell membrane.Chlorella has also been proven to be of benefit to those who suffer from degenerative disease. This report, however, will focus on the specific benefits that can be attributed to spirulina in particular.
Spirulina History
Spirulina is a simple, one-celled organism that got its name from the Latin word for ‘helix’ or ‘spiral’ because of its spring-like physical characteristic. Its scientific name is Arthrospira platensis, and it belongs to the cyanobacteria family.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 didn’t come into commercial production until the 1970’s when a French company began the first large-scale spirulina production plant. Within a few years, America and Japan began producing their own spirulina.Today, these nutrient-rich algae are being used around the world to help treat illness and are being seriously discussed as a sustainable source of food with the potential to end world hunger. Unlike most plants, which need to be cultivated and nurtured, spirulina is a survivor, able to withstand extreme temperature variations and neglect and still thrive. According to studies, spirulina is being successfully used to treat a wide variety of ailments, including those who’ve been poisoned by arsenic-contaminated water.
How Spirulina Helped Save Millions from Arsenic Poisoning
Most of us take clean, healthy drinking water for granted. Unfortunately, in some countries like Bangladesh, it is a luxury. As I stated in this previous article, much of the Bangladesh water supply is loaded with arsenic and up until the mid-1990s, little could be done to treat dying arsenic poisoning patients.Bangladeshi researchers conducted a three-month-hospital-based study where spirulina was given to 33 patients while 17 received placebo doses. 82 percent of those taking spirulina showed tremendous improvement. ..... .. Immune-System Power-Boost
According to a study done by the Department of Aquataculture in Taiwan, spirulina shows significant immune-boosting properties. Researchers exposed white shrimp to seawater containing a hot-water extract of spirulina before transferring them to seawater with a pH level of 6.8. The control group was not exposed to spirulina.The shrimp exposed to the spirulina seawater showed a faster and more promising recovery rate to the high levels of pH than those not given the dose of spirulina first.Now, let’s take a look at what this immune-system boosting power can mean for you:
Chronic Candida Yeast
If you have an autoimmune disease such as Crohn’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, Lupus or fibromyalgia, chronic candida yeast can both cause and worsen your symptoms. Spirulina has been shown to encourage and support the growth of healthy bacterial flora in your gut, which can help keep candida overgrowth under control.
AIDS and HIV
Drugs such as AZT used to treat HIV and AIDS patients can actually cause the symptoms they are supposed to cure. However,spirulina has been shown to help inactivate the human immunodeficiency virus associated with HIV and AIDS.
Seasonal Sneezing
If you suffer from seasonal or perennial allergies, you’re not alone. Millions of people are allergic to pollen, ragweed, dust, mold, pet dander and a myriad other environmental contaminants, ensuring the makers of Kleenex will always stay in business.
Unfortunately, many people who have allergic rhinitis treat it with prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that often do more harm than good. Antihistamines are designed to suppress your immune system, which leads to decreased resistance to disease and dependence on the drug. Certain asthma drugs have been linked to serious side effects as well.This is where natural methods such as the use of spirulina come in. According to one study, patients treated with spirulina reported relief of symptoms commonly associated with allergic rhinitis, such as nasal discharge and congestion, sneezing and itching when given spirulina.
Keep Blood Pressure at Balance
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a serious health concern that affects millions of Americans today. If you have high blood pressure, you are at increased risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke.The good news is, following a healthy nutritional plan, getting adequate exercise and applying stress modification techniques such as the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) can help normalize blood pressure and get you back on track to optimal health. According to a study done by the Department of Biochemistry in Mexico, 4.5 grams of spirulina given each day, was shown to regulate blood pressure among both women and men between the ages of 18-65 years with no other dietary changes made during the 6 weeks the experiment was run.For more information about high blood pressure and how to normalize it without resorting to potentially dangerous drugs, please see this link.
Cholesterol Naturally at Normal
Are you on a cholesterol medication? Tens of millions of people take cholesterol-lowering medications every day and, according to “experts”, millions more should be taking them, including children! If you are skeptical about this recommendation please see this page, which contains a list of articles addressing the dangers of statin drugs.
Statin drugs are responsible for a host of unwanted and dangerous side effects including:
- Sexual dysfunction
- Anemia
- Immune depression
- Acidosis
- Pancreas or liver dysfunction (including a potential increase in liver enzymes)
- Cataracts
- Increased cancer risk
Cholesterol-lowering medications have also been linked to severe muscle problems such as polyneuropathy (nerve damage in the hands and feet) and rhabdomyolysis (a serious degenerative muscle tissue condition). There is even evidence to suggest that taking statins can increase your risk of developing Lou Gehrig’s disease.Thankfully, there are natural ways to lower your cholesterol. Avoiding fructose and grains, and getting appropriate exercise top the list (for more information, please see this previous article), but spirulina may also help. According to a study done on elderly male and female patients ages 60-87, those given 8 grams of spirulina per day for 16 consecutive weeks showed lower cholesterol levels than those who were given a placebo.
Minimize the Risk of Stroke
Those with sickle-cell anemia or congenital heart defects are at greater risk for a condition called brain ischemia or cerebral ischemia. Brain ischemia refers to a lack of blood flow to your brain, which causes oxygen deprivation and can lead to a stroke. Just ten seconds of interrupted blood flow to your brain can cause unconsciousness and lead to serious health consequences.In a study done at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology in India, it was found that a dosage of 180mg/kg of spirulina had a protective effect on the brain and nervous system of rats exposed to high amounts of free radicals, compared to rats not given the spirulina before the experiment. This lab test shows the promising effect of spirulina on stroke prevention.
Reduce Cancer Risk
Cancer is the leading killer of adult Americans under 70 and in the case of this frightening disease, prevention is worth much more than a pound of cure. It could literally save your life.My first recommendation in cutting your cancer risk is to eliminate sugar/fructose, grains, and processed foods from your diet. Additives such as fructose feed cancer cells and help them to thrive. I also recommend healthy sun exposure, which will boost your levels of natural vitamin D and help cut your cancer risk by half!But spirulina may have potential benefits here as well. According to a study done in China, selenium-infused spirulina inhibited the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Plenty Protein than Red Meat
When you think of protein, you probably imagine sitting down to a meal of organic eggs or grass-fed beef or maybe even drinking a whey protein shake.If you’re a vegetarian, you may turn to plant-protein sources such as nuts, beans, lentils and soy products. Unfortunately, soy is not the health food it claims to be. None of the above-mentioned sources of protein compare to the protein punch delivered by spirulina. Spirulina is 65-71 percent complete protein compared to beef, which is only 22 percent, and lentils, which is only 26 percent.In addition to being protein-rich, spirulina is an excellent source of vital amino acids and minerals easily assimilated by your body. You would need to consume only two tablespoons of spirulina as a protein substitute for a meal.
Types and Dosing of Spirulina
There are many types of spirulina out there so it is important to do your homework before making a purchase. Since spirulina grown in an uncontrolled environment has the potential to become contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins, it is important to choose organic spirulina from a reputable source.Spirulina comes in capsules, tablets, powders and flakes. The recommended daily dose is typically betweeen 3 to 5 grams. You can spread the dose out to twice or three times a day if you like. It is safe to take higher doses, but this is a good place to start. Remember to increase your intake of spring or filtered water when taking spirulina to help it absorb into your system .... .... Important Note on Dosing
In addition to being your powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals, spirulina is a potent detoxifier. For that reason, it is best to start with a small dose and work your way up. Once you see how your body responds, you can then gradually increase your intake.
Some Pointers on Adverse Reactions
Spirulina is a safe source of protein, nutrients, vitamins and minerals that has been used for centuries. Though there are no known side effects associated with spirulina, your body may react to it based on your current state of health. Let’s take a look at some of those reactions, what they mean, and what you can do to alleviate them.The most prominent reactions you may experience are:
- Slight Fever -- The high protein content in spirulina increases metabolism, which may elevate body temperature.)
- Dark Green Waste Matter -- Spirulina can remove accumulated waste product in your colon, which may cause darker stool. Also, spirulina is high in chlorophyll. This will also turn waste matter green.
- Excessive Passing of Gas -- This may indicate that your digestive system is not functioning properly or you have an extreme build-up of gas.
- Feelings of Excitement -- Your body is converting protein into heat energy, which may cause temporary feelings of restlessness.
- Breakouts and Itchy Skin -- This is caused by colon cleansing process and is only temporary.
- Sleepiness -- This is caused by the detoxification process and may indicate your body is exhausted and needs better rest.
Remember, your body may go through an adjustment period with spirulina and your best bet to reduce reaction is to dose gradually to see how your body will react. Increase your water intake, reduce your stress levels, eat according to your nutritional type and get plenty of rest.
Important Note for Spirulina's Contraindications
Even though spirulina is entirely natural and generally considered a healthful food, there are some contraindications you need to be aware of. You should not take spirulina if you have a severe seafood or iodine allergy. And, if you are pregnant or nursing or have hyperthyroidism, consult your healthcare provider before taking spirulina. .... ..... What spirulina can really do
Nutrition & Health Benefits of Spirulina
- Easily digestible: Closer examination of spirulina revealed that this spiral shaped blue green algae had thinner cell wall or cellulose compared to its plant cousins. Also the cell wall is composed of mucopolysaccharides which are complex sugars. Thus, even the cell wall in case of spirulina can be digested unlike the cellulose in plants. Spirulina is also beneficial for the probiotic bacteria such as lactobacillus which live inside our digestive system.
- Lowers cholesterol levels: Spirulina is helpful in reducing serum cholesterol levels and elevates HDL (high density lipoprotein) or good cholesterol levels. The presence of gamma-linolenic acid in spirulina accelerates serum cholesterol reduction.
- Protection against mercury poisoning: Mercury poisoning is a concern for most animals including man. Inorganic mercury concentrations are found mostly in kidneys and they are the worst affected.Studies have shown that spirulina significantly reduces the levels of mercury chloride associated toxicity and renal damages caused by toxicity in mice.
- Immunomodulatory properties: Various studies on spirulina have revealed its immunomodulatory properties. These immunomodulatory properties include bone marrow reproduction, thymus and spleen growth, increased white blood cell production and increase in the number of lymphocytes.
- Increase in red blood cells count: Apart from improving the immune system, spirulina can also be effective in improving the blood cells count. According to a study conducted on senior citizens revealed that after 12 weeks of taking spirulina, their red blood cells count and haemoglobin levels increased significantly.
- Antimicrobial properties: Spirulina extracts have antimicrobial properties. The extracts from spirulina have been successfully tested against viruses effecting both humans and monkeys. Viruses such as herpes simplex virus, influenza virus, measles virus, mumps virus, human cytomegalovirus and finally HIV-1 viruses were controlled to a major extent. Now, spirulina extracts are being considered as medicine for HIV positive patients so that they can live longer life.
- Control of cancer: Spirulina is the richest plant source for beta-carotene and phycocyanin. These biochemicals possess anti-cancerous properties. Researchers believe that phycocyanin can scavenge the DNA damaging toxins like peroxynitrite and help in controlling cancer cells.
Spirulina also has a role to play in significantly controlling liver cancer. - Anti-inflammatory properties: Having spirulina on a regular basis reduces inflammation. Recent scientific studies indicate this. When arthritic lab rats were given spirulina, arthritis associated inflammation was reduced to a significant level in comparison to other controlled animals.
- Protection of liver: The biliprotein phycocyanin present in spirulina possesses liver protection properties. Research showed that the effects on liver, when pre-treated with hepatotoxic chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride, were reduced to a significant extent. This study showed that spirulina helps in protecting liver cells from toxin damage.
- Reduces kidney toxicity in chemotherapy: While undergoing treatment for cancer, physician may suggest chemotherapy. Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent used in chemotherapy which can cause toxin pile up in kidneys etc. Intake of spirulina reduces the side effects caused by cisplatin.
- Reduces ischemia: Research shows that spirulina helps in reducing ischemia, a condition wherein blood supply to tissues gets restricted.
- Controls bronchial asthma: Spirulina is also beneficial for control of bronchial asthma. Studies have shown that administering spirulina extracts at 1g per day can have almost equal effect on bronchial asthma as medication does. This is true in the case of mild and moderate asthma.
- Supply of antioxidants: Spirulina is a good source of antioxidants such as phycocyanin which helps in inhibition of COX2, hydroxyl, peroxyl and free radicals.
Caution
- Nutrient supplements like spirulina may interact with medications hence they must be taken only after discussing it with your doctor.
- Spirulina can sometimes be contaminated with heavy metals which can be toxic. Hence, buying it from a licensed and reputed manufacturer is advised.
- Phenylketonuria is a metabolic condition where the amino acid phenylalanine cannot be metabolized. Such people must avoid taking spirulina as it is rich in this amino acid.
- Avoid giving spirulina to children without medical advice. Consult your doctor to determine whether it is safe to give spirulina or not.
No comments:
Post a Comment