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Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae, which is a simple, one-celled type of algae that lives in warm, alkaline fresh-water lakes.
The word spirulina is derived from the Latin word for helix or spiral; which describes the the physical attributes of the spirulina itself, as it forms curly, swirling, microscopic strands.
Spirulina contains a high level of the essential fatty acids, including:
- Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) - a rich source of this omega 6 fatty acid
- Arachidonic acid (AA) - an omega 6 fatty acid
- Linoleic acid (LA) - an omega 6 fatty acid
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) - an omega 3 fatty acid
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - an omega 3 fatty acid
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) - an omega 3 fatty acid
Spirulina also contains many vitamins:
- Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
- Vitamin B9 (folic acid/folate)
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
Spirulina also contains many minerals:
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- Spirulina is described as a "superfood" as it contains a high level of many nutrients
- Spirulina is also a probiotic
- Spirulina contains unusually high amounts of protein, between 55 and 77% by dry weight, depending upon the source
- Spirulina is a complete protein food (as it contains all the essential amino acids)
- Spirulina is a more superior protein to all standard plant protein
- Spirulina can produce 20 times more protein per hectare than soybeans
- Spirulina is a rich source of potassium and other minerals
- Spirulina is a rich source of many vitamins
- Spirulina is a rich source of the essential fatty acid GLA, as well as other omega 6 fatty acids and omega 3 fatty acids
- Spirulina also contains phytochemicals, such as carotenoids (the orange coloured antioxidant), chlorophyll (blood purifier), and phycocyanin (a blue pigment), a protein that inhibits cancer
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Studies have shown that spriulina can inhibit HIV cells (these experiments were conducted in test tubes and not on live subjects yet).
By stimuling the production of antibodies, spirulina enhances the immune system, which improves resistance to disease. Spirulina stimulates the production and activation of the white blood cells that enhance immunity - macrophages, T cells and B cells.
Spirulina also improves digestion and absorprion, by protecting and enhancing the levels of "good" bacteria in the gastro-intestinal system and decreasing any "bad" bacteria such as candida albicans.
references
- Costa M. SAMe* (*S-Adenosylmethionine): The European Arthritis and Depression Breakthrough. Prima Lifestyles Publications, 1999
- Rister RS. Healing Without Medication: A Comprehensive Guide to the Complementary Techniques Anyone Can Use to Achieve Real Healing. Basic Health Publications, 2003
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
- Spirulina (USA)
