Spirulina!
Spirulina (speer-U-lee-nah) is a form of blue
green algae, one of the planet’s most ancient forms of plant life. Spirulina’s name comes from the spiral shape
of each individual, microscopic cell.
A somewhat
common misconception is that spirulina is nothing more than ‘pond scum.’ Not true! There are algaes that grow in fresh
water that are not spirulina and are toxic.
There are also wild monocultures of spirulina in parts of the world that
have been eaten safely by many civilizations throughout history. Spirulina that is grown for nutritional
supplementation is typically grown in outdoor tanks under rigorous conditions
with the most commonly used varieties being that of Spirulina maxima, which is grown in Mexico, and Spirulina platensis , which is grown in
Hawaii.
One of Nature’s
most balanced of foods, spirulina is an amazing source of protein, chlorophyll,
trace minerals, vitamins and antioxidants and contains 10 times more
beta-carotene than carrots. This algae
is so nutrient-dense and rapidly grown that some experts believe it could be
used as a whole-food, multi-nutrient supplement for populations at risk for
malnutrition or starvation. Spirulina
doubles in its biomass in two to five days and can be cultivated on land where
nothing else will grow. And as a food
source, spirulina yields over 20 times more protein than soybeans and 400 more
times than beef within the same space requirements.
Both the United
Nations and The World Health Organization have recommended spirulina as a safe
food supplement for children and spirulina is exceptionally well-suited for
people who have poor digestion as it is extremely easy to digest. Spirulina has also been researched
extensively for its potential to improve immune function and has been found to
increase the action of anti-cancer and antiviral cells. Spirulina was used in Russia to treat victims
(children, in particular) of the nuclear accident at Chernobyl and the victims’
bone marrow, compromised in blood cell production by radiation, seemed to
better return to its proper function.
Spirulina also contains high concentrations of gamma-linoleic acid
(GLA), an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid and many users attest to
spirulina’s ability to relieve joint pains and body aches.
Spirulina users often
report dramatic improvements in energy levels as well. Athletes use spirulina to improve performance
and endurance and generally find that it also aids in faster recovery times.