The superfood spirulina is beneficial for everyone- children, athletes, busy adults, pregnant women, the elderly, the sick, the healthy and those who want to look young, have a radiant skin and look slimmer
Spirulina is a blue-green alga found naturally in alkaline, warm-water lakes. It has the essential fatty acids gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic and arachidonic acids. It is naturally low in cholesterol, calories, fat and sodium. It is an excellent source of iron, calcium, folic acid and magnesium. Spirulina is also apotent antioxidant and body detoxifier
Since Spirulina is a concentrated whole food, it is easy to incorporate Spirulina in food preparations, especially for children who don't like vegetables and women who are prone to iron deficiency.
Good for Vegans/vegetarians
Spirulina is virtually the only vegetarian source of vitamin B12, which is needed for healthy red blood cells; and contains significant amounts of iron, protein (60 to 70 percent), essential amino acids, the nucleic acids RNA and DNA, and chlorophyll.
Vitamin B12 is essential for normal growth and neurological function. Adeficiency in B12 can cause fatigue and moodiness.
Maintains Peak Brain/cognitive function
"Boosting intake of folic acid and vitamin B-12 through nutritional supplements is a very effective and important way to maintain peak brain function." Holistic nutritionist Mike Adams, author of "The Seven Laws of Nutrition
It has long been known that folate and vitamin B-12 are important to the healthy functioning of the nervous system. Now a new study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" suggests that the interaction between these nutrients may play a significant role in protecting cognitive function as a person ages.
The study, conducted by the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, found that among seniors with adequate vitamin B-12 levels, high levels of blood folate were associated with better cognitive function.
Reduces blood cholesterol levels
Spirulina is a naturally digestible food that helps to protect the immune system, reduce blood cholesterol levels, and boost the absorption of necessary minerals.
Studies with men in Japan and India showed that several grams of spirulina daily can reduce serum LDL and improve the cholesterol ratio.
Beta-carotene also plays a role in preventing heart disease (a study by Harvard Medical School involving 22,000 physicians). It appears to discourage the formation and oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, thusreducing the chances of atherosclerosis (damage to arteries, see John Hopkins University, 1991). The GLA, essential fatty acids, in spirulina can prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the body (Samuels et al, 2002; J. Med.Food, 5 (2):91-96)
Also see Nayak, N et al (June, 1988) "Cholesterol lowering effects of Spirulina" (Nutrition Reports International, Vol.37, No. 6)
Weight Loss
Human studies in Germany and India found a weight reduction effect from spirulina along with the cholesterol normalizing effects.
Helps with Depression
Folic acid is important during the agingprocess because it provides nourishment for the brain. Folic acid supports the production of energy and the production of blood cells. Supplementing with folic acidmay help in the treatment of depression.
Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 321
Curbs appetite/cleanses
Taking spirulina in supplement form is beneficial while fasting, as it supplies the nutrients needed to cleanse and heal, while also curbing the appetite. If you havehypoglycemia (low blood sugar), you may benefit from using this food supplement.
(Source:Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 33)
Overweight to Ideal weight
Spirulina's pure protein, which arrives within the context of massive amounts ofbeta-carotene, chlorophyll, fatty-acid GLA, and other nutrients, is especially helpful to those who are overweight, diabetic, hypoglycemic, or suffering from cancer,arthritis, or other degenerative diseases. (Herbal Medicine Healing Cancer by Donald R Yance Jr, page 164)
With spirulina, you can maintain high energy levels with low calorie intake. Spirulina helps to satisfy your appetite as it is high in digestible protein (you get your essential amino acids), polysaccharides (blood glucose supply), beta carotene, B vitamins, GLA, enzymes andmicronutrients. It nourishes your body and helps you to attain your weight loss goals in a safe way.
Yeast Infections
Spirulina is also effective in preserving intestinal flora and in decreasing Candida albicans (yeast infections) (see Blinkova el al, 2001; Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2: 114-118)
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Spirulina restores the body to a state of high energy according to those who use it. The process may be through its high levels of polysaccharides and essential fatty acids.
