Spirulina - Known Super Food Since Aztec Peri

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae, found in both fresh water and sea areas.  Spirulina is the common name of the algae produced from two species of cayanobacteria, Arthrospira maxima and Artrhospira plantensis. 

Spirulina is cultivated across the world and is often utilized as a dietary and health supplement.  It can be found in powder, tablet, flake or whole form.  It was believed to have been a source of nutrition for the Aztec peoples.  It may have also been used in Chad as far back as the 9th century. 

Health researchers have highlighted the amazing benefits and nutritional content of this superfood.  According to scientists, spirulina contains high levels gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA) along with other varieties of this sort.  It also contains a variety of essential vitamins and minerals including Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 and B12 as well as vitamin C, D, and E.

Spirulina contains concentrations of nutrients far exceeding any other known single grain plant.  It is made up of about 60 -70 % protein and given an equal area of land, yields twenty times more protein than soybeans.  Spirulina is also a good source of potassium and contains, iron, magnesium, copper, calcium, chromium, manganese, phosphorus, sodium, selenium and zinc.

Spirulina can help reduce the severity of strokes and help improve memory recovery after such an event.  In a study of diabetic rats, spirulina maxima was found to be effective in correcting lipid metabolism and abnormal carbohydrate function due to excess fructose in the body.

In humans, researchers have found that spirulina can correct anemia in undernourished children.  It is also effective against hay fever and can reduce the secretion of certain inflammatory responses for those suffering from allergic rhinitis.  Most importantly perhaps, in a six week study, taking spirulina enabled significant corrections in blood pressure and cholesterol levels. 

Spirulina is full of antioxidants and has been proven to be successful in helping geriatric patients reduce low density lipoprotein after four months of supplementation.  Finally, spirulina has been shown to decrease the levels of creatine kinase which is an important indicator of muscular breakdown.  Supplementation before or after exercise can therefore be useful.  The antioxidant effects of spirulina enabled participants it the study to stay on the treadmill longer than before the supplementation began.

More research remains to be done, but what is clear so far is that spirulina’s nutritional benefits should not be ignored.  Adding a little powder to your next smoothie or a few flakes to your dinner will do your body a great service.