Spirulina is an ancient, singled-celled fresh water algae that has existed since the beginning of life on Earth. It is classified under the Arthrospira species and grows in alkaline water bodies in climates where the maximum amount of sunlight is available.
The word in Latin means "spiral" and, under close microscopic observation, it has long, unique spiral shaped strands. Note: This shape also represents the spiral shape of our galaxy and is symbolic for the evolutionary course of learning and growing.
All algae has been around for billions of years and was one of the very first forms of life on this planet. In this interesting time and age, we are now looking to it's nutritional wisdom that holds some missing connections to heal and restore health.
Algaes and planktons in the oceans, waterways, and lakes have maintained the very basis of the food chain, providing the very first food source to original life forms.
Benefits of Spirulina:
A High Protein Food!
One of the most phenomenal things about this top superfood algae is its ability to efficiently synthesize large concentrated amounts of protein in short periods of time, taking in the sunlight and converting it into green superfood light for the body.
Spirulina offers a total protein content of 68%, the highest in all the plant kingdom!!
Containing all 8 essential amino acids and a total of 18 in all, it is established among many as a "supreme" protein. In nutritional studies it comes in as a higher digestible protein source over beef, 12 times higher, with a much healthier balance of minerals and other nutrients.
Incredible Nutritional Value!
Spirulina is considered one of nature's "perfect foods." Most people suffer from mineral deficiencies for a number of reasons: stress, inadequate diet, toxic overload, lack of restful sleep, foods that lack mineral quality, etc.
This amazing algae is indeed the perfect food to satisfy the bodies basic requirements and a malnourished system, but more than that, it is a food that gives powerful energy long after these imbalances have been corrected.
It is hard to overdose on this micro-algae for the reason that it contains the perfect ratio of vitamins and minerals your body requires.
A mass of nutritional value:
~All B vitamins, including B12 (rare in plants) ~Nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) ~Omega fatty acids (including GLA) ~Beta Carotene ~Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)~Trace minerals ~Antioxidant Zeaxanthin (improves vision) ~Vit E ~Mucopolysaccharides ~Chlorophyll ~Calcium, zinc, magnesium, potassium and more ~Vit C ~Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
A Blood Purifier!
The chlorophyll density of this micro-algae is excellent at cleansing the liver, nervous system and blood of unwanted toxins.
The presents of the two amino acids cysteine and methionine help in this process of purification. The chlorophyll in spirulina is incredibly similar to the hemoglobin in the body. It is excellent for anemia and helps to build the blood.
The presence of the blue polypeptide, phycocyanin also provides the blood with a richer supply of oxygen, helping it to cleanse more efficiently.
Also a great source of iron which enriches and builds healthy blood cells.
An all around great algae also for maintaining healthy skin due to it's liver cleansing effects.
It shields DNA structure, promoting longevity and anti-aging attributes.
Other Benefits of Spirulina
increases muscle mass
strengthens bones
help with weight loss
enhances brain function
reverses anti-viral infections
regulates blood sugar
replenishes nerves
protects against toxins
improves hormone balance
provides connective tissue strength
sustains energy levels
reduces inflammation
boost immune system
nourishes arthritic joints
increases mental energy
History of Use
It has a history of use as food by the Aztecs up until the 16th century. They called it Tecuitlatl and processed and dried it in the form of cakes, as described by one of Cortes' soldiers. The Aztec's were known to use it with cacao (raw chocolate).
It is called "dihe" by the African people of Lake Chad. The use of this algae dates back to the beginning of their population around the lake region. They sift it from the top of the lake water and preserve it by sun drying it on rocks.
How to Use:
Spirulina comes in powder, flakes and capsules. We use the flakes on raw salads and the finer powder in smoothies, green energy drinks, raw desserts, and added to raw juice blends.
Start with 1 teaspoon of powder and increase to 1T or more over time.
Your body with thank you, as your cells fill up with this wonderful green algae superfood!
~All B vitamins, including B12 (rare in plants)
