Spirulina is one of hundreds of algae species and is commonly known as blue green algae. Algae, including spirulina, are tiny organisms that usually grow on inland waters throughout the world. It looks like a blue-green scum. Algae is usually divided by color. Some of the different algae are blue-green, green, yellow-green, red, and brown. World-wide there are 8000 species of green algae. Of the three main types of algae, spirulina is the easiest to digest.
Spirulina is not a typical herb. It does not have roots, leaves, or stems. But it does create proteins and sugars just as animals do and it does contain chlorophyll and perform photosynthesis.
Africans living in the Sahara region eat dried spirulina with grains and vegetables. The Aztecs of Mexico were known to eat Spirulina as a staple food, fixing it by drying it and then spreading it on tortillas. Both animals and humans have counted on spirulina as a source of food for centuries.
Described below are some spirulina health benefits. Spirulina is used to treat cataracts, anemia, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, glaucoma, hepatitis, and physical imbalances. It is used to help people with weight loss. Spirulina’s antioxidants enhance the immune system. The algae is highly nutritious and is an excellent source of amino acids, vitamins, protein, chlorophyll, and minerals. In fact, it has twenty-six times the calcium of milk. Spirulina also contains B12, phosphorus, iron, and is easily digested. It is safe, easy to store, and has no side effects. This is why it has been called the “Manna of the future.”
We mentioned spirulina’s ability to enhance the immune system. It does this by producing anti-inflammatory chemicals known as interferons and interleukins. Spirulina may decrease or prevent some allergic responses and block the release of histamine from mast cells during an allergic reaction. In so doing, spirulina may prevent or at least decrease histamine’s effects. These effects would include blood vessel expansion, muscle contraction, and stomach acid production.
The antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties in spirulina may help fight cancer. It also helps to release tumor necrosis factor alpha, a chemical in the body that attacks tumor cells. Besides fighting cancer, spirulina also appears to block the entrance of viral cells into host cells. Several viruses, including HIV were apparently killed or damaged by spirulina in tests.
Spirulina contains all the essential amino acids we need and most of the nonessential ones. It also is extremely high in vitamins and minerals, as noted above. Spirulina is 85% protein, compared with just 20% in beef. In short, Spirulina is an exceptionally potent nutrient. NASA officially stated, “The Nutritional value of one kg spirulina is equivalent to 1,000 kgs of assorted fruits and vegetables.”
You can purchase spirulina in tablets, capsules, and powder form. One tablespoon of Spirulina powder is about 7 grams. Doses should be from one gram to ten grams a day. That is just about two teaspoons. For serious illnesses such as hepatitis four tsp per day are recommended.
