The Power of Spirulina

You may have heard of Spirulina through Gillian McKeith’s new TV programme “You Are What You Eat” described as the new “Superfood”, although it has been used for centuries by many cultures throughout the world.

The following are extracts taken from an article where Robert Henrikson, a spirulina grower is being interviewed:

What is spirulina?

It's a microscopic algae in the shape of a perfect spiral coil. This first photosynthetic life form, our immortal ancestor, was designed by nature 3.5 billion years ago. Blue-green algae like spirulina produced the oxygen in our atmosphere allowing all higher life forms to evolve. It has renewed itself with billions of years of successful evolutionary wisdom coded in its DNA.

How does it improve gastro intestinal and digestive health? When people take spirulina they often notice immediate change in regularity and elimination. Research confirms it does promote digestion and bowel function. It suppresses bad bacteria like e-coli and Candida yeast and stimulates beneficial flora like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. Healthy flora is the foundation of good health and it increases absorption of nutrients from the foods we eat, and helps protect against infection.

How does spirulina enhance natural cleansing and detoxification? When spirulina was first introduced 20 years ago, people quickly discovered it accelerated detoxification during fasting and cleansing. Later, in Japan, researchers found spirulina significantly reduced kidney toxicity caused by the heavy metal mercury and three pharmaceutical drugs. This suggested it's beneficial for humans suffering from heavy metal poisoning. Spirulina balancing body pH. It grows in very alkaline waters above pH 8. It's considered an alkaline food, and will help your body toward more alkalinity. Its a great balancer for any diet filled with acidic foods like sugar, coffee, soda, alcohol or meat. A balanced system will strengthen your health and increase resistance to disease. Spirulina works in many ways to strengthen our health.

Scientific discoveries show how spirulina benefits five of the most important health issues today:

• Strengthening the immune system.
• Supporting cardiovascular health and lowering cholesterol.
• Improving gastrointestinal anddigestive health.
• Enhancing naturalcleansing and detoxification.
• Reducing cancer risks with better antioxidant protection.

Nutraceuticals and Phytonutrients.

Scientists are identifying whole foods and plants with special life enhancing compounds, called phytonutrients. They are the leading edge of the health revolution. Spirulina is loaded with unique phytonutrients like phycocyanin, polysaccharides and sulfolipids that enhance the immune system, possibly reducing risks of infection, cancer and auto immune disease. Rich in natural carotenoid antioxidants that promote cellular health and reduce the risk of cancer. It has cleansing chlorophyll which helps detoxify our bodies of ever present pollution.

Why has spirulina been called a superfood?

Because it contains the most remarkable concentration of nutrients known in any food, plant, grain or herb. Its the highest protein food - over 60% all digestible vegetable protein. It has the highest concentration of beta carotene, vitamin B-12, iron and trace minerals and the rare essential fatty acid GLA. These make spirulina a great whole food alternative to isolated vitamin and minerals.

How does spirulina balance and strengthen our immune system?

Scientific theory explains the prime directive of our body's metabolism is to support our immune system. When our immune system is stressed or suffering, it draws on our body's metabolic energy. People with immune system imbalance often feel chronic fatigue and low energy. Both scientific research and the experience of thousands of people indicate spirulina is an immune regulating food. Small amounts can help balance and stabilize the immune system, freeing up more of our metabolic energy for vitality, healing and assimilation of nutrients. It enhances the body's cellular communication process and its ability to read and repair DNA, like a kind of cellular tune up. This is why people taking spirulina often report they have more energy.

What will spirulina do for athletes?

Athletes need extra nutrition. Spirulina is a high intensity superfood for a high intensity workout. Taken before jogging or competition, it delivers energy and improves stamina. Bikers, backpackers and mountain climbers will appreciate this lightweight survival food. For bodybuilders, it offers 60% protein and amino acids, low in fat. It's helpful for reducing caloric intake, essential for maintaining competitive weight.

World Class athletes use spirulina to improve performance. The Cuban Ministry of Sports gave it to their athletes to intensify training before the 1996 Olympic games. Cuban track stars have consumed it for many years. They say it helps create and mend muscle mass and helps iron retention. It improves endurance and wards off cramping for marathoners. When training increases appetite, spirulina curbs hunger.

When I was invited to the largest Chinese training center for 2000 athletes, I thought I was going to introduce them to spirulina. But, I soon found out it was their secret ingredient they'd been using for five years. The trainers said they prescribed it for athletes for all sports. It boosts the immune system and improves recovery, so their athletes can intensify training, for which they are famous. Where does their spirulina come from? I found out this Chinese training center has its own, private and exclusive spirulina farm.

Can a person lose weight taking spirulina?

It's not an appetite suppressant. It contains no drugs that trick the body. Yet, many people find taking a few tablets or a spirulina drink an hour before mealtime can help satisfy appetite, so they eat less. How does spirulina increase antioxidant protection and reduce cancer risks? Free radical molecules damage our body's cells. They are caused by pollution, poor diet, stress and injury. Antioxidant nutrients fight these dangerous oxidizing free radicals. They also stimulate our immune system to guard against cancer and other diseases and even slow the aging process. Major antioxidant vitamins are beta carotene (provitamin A) C, and E. Antioxidant minerals selenium, maganese, zinc, copper, iron and chromium form our bodies antioxidant enzymes. Spirulina contains all these nutrients, and exceptionally high levels of beta carotene and iron, and zinc in super spirulina. Research shows spirulina helps protect Vitamin C from potency loss.

What are the benefits for an aging population?

Spirulina is an ideal anti-aging food: concentrated nutrient value, easily digested and loaded with antioxidants. Beta carotene is good for healthy eyes and vision. This all vegetable, low fat protein means we can lighten up on a meat centered diet that can aggravate arthritis and raise cholesterol. When we choose to eat less meat, vegetables like spirulina are good sources of more iron and essential minerals.

Is spirulina recommended for pregnant mothers, infants and children?

Yes, its a perfect supplement. Iron deficiency anemia in mothers and children is the most prevalent nutritional disorder. Pregnant women can use spirulina's vegetable protein and bioavailable iron. In India and Vietnam, doctors prescribe spirulina for pregnant and nursing mothers and their infants.The United Nations and the World Health Organization recommend spirulina as safe and nutritious for children.

Published scientific studies with men in Japan and India showed several grams of spirulina daily can lower cholesterol. These studies suggest spirulina will reduce serum LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins - the bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (High Density Lipoproteins - the good guys). Human studies in Germany and India found a weight reduction effect along with cholesterol reduction. All these studies indicate spirulina is a useful supplement for cardiovascular health and for lowering cholesterol. The phytonutrients responsible for strengthening the immune system are beta carotene, phycocyanin and polysaccharides. Of course, scientists are confirming what people have been experiencing all along.

Isn't spirulina one of the most productive foods in the world?

Spirulina offers more nutrition per acre than any other food. Spirulina delivers 20 times more protein per acre than soybeans, 200 times more than beef. By growing more spirulina, we can help stop cutting the last original forests to grow food. By bringing it into our personal lives, we become part of the solution to improve the health of our planet.

Is there any Scientific evidence to these claims?

Yes. An international detective hunt has been underway for over 20 years. Scientists around the world - in Japan, China, India, Europe, Russia and the USA - are discovering how and why spirulina is so effective for human and animal health. Hundreds of published scientific studies reveal how spirulina and its unique phytonutrients boost the immune system and improve health. No other algae has been the subject of such intense research.

How much should people take and when should they take it?

Long time consumers and scientific evidence both suggest 2-5 grams a day bring significant health benefits. This is a teaspoon of powder or 6 to 20 tablets. Take it every day for best results. Because spirulina is a whole food, you can take it alone or with meals. Take convenient tablets anytime. Or, mix spirulina powder in a fruit juice smoothie as an instant breakfast, or in a vegetable juice smoothie in the afternoon."

Holistix sells the powder or tablets in 50g, 150g and 250g sizes, in food-grade white plastic tubs, and refills in food-grade cellophane bags.

Spirulina is now in high demand, the powder especially can be hard to obtain for the consumer. Our Spirulina has always come from the same farm in Hawaii, which has always been certified Organic until a recent change in summer 2004 in the USA organic regulations, temporarily holding back licences of many farms. However, this Spirulina is grown naturally without the use of herbicides or pesticides.