WHAT IS SPIRULINA?
Spirulina is a blue green microalga which has been growing in alkaline water bodies for an estimated 3.5 billion years. Its name comes from its spiral shape.
400 years ago, the Aztecs discovered Spirulina as a food source. Today, its benefits have been recognized by the NASA and the European Space Agency. They have both selected it as one of the primary foods to be cultivated during long-term space missions.
An Extremely Rich Nutritional Profile
Spirulina contains:
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50 to 70% protein in a highly digestible form (2x higher than soybean and 3x higher than meat or fish). Its amino acid profile is very comprehensive, since it contains all 9 essential amino acids (47% of protein content) and many non-essential amino acids.
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5 to 7% lipids, the greater part in the form of essential fatty acids. Spirulina is particularly rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), (40% of lipid content - the second richest source after breast milk).
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Many minerals and trace elements in a highly bioavailable form: iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, selenium and phosphorus.
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Many vitamins: provitamin A (beta carotene), vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B12, D, E and K.
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Several pigments, the most important being phycocyanin, which gives Spirulina its characteristic blue-green color and which has been the subject of numerous studies. Spirulina is the only source of phycocyanin in the world. It also contains different carotenoids, e.g. alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin.
Health Benefits of Spirulina
Spirulina is recognized worldwide for its many nutritional properties. It contains many antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals that can cause premature aging. The different components of Spirulina have been the subject of numerous clinical studies. The following benefits have been demonstrated:
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Antioxidant properties
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Digestive properties
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Immune system properties against bacteria & viruses
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Anti-allergic properties
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Anti-diabetes properties (blood sugar level and insulin resistance lowering properties)
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Cholesterol lowering properties
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High blood pressure lowering properties
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Protection against atherosclerosis
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Anti-cancer properties
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Protection against pollution
Who should take Spirulina?
Spirulina is perfect for anyone who wants to stay healthy with a 100% natural product. Spirulina is particularly recommended for: active and sports people - children (from 6 months) and adolescents - pregnant and lactating women - frail or elderly people - vegetarians and vegans - smokers, thanks to its antioxidant properties.
Spirulina and malnutrition
Spirulina has major advantages in the fight against chronic malnutrition due to its composition in macro- and micronutrients, to its health benefits noted in numerous clinical studies and to the fact that it can be locally grown. The lack of iron and vitamin A is considered by all the institutions in charge of the fight against malnutrition as the most prevailing deficiencies. Spirulina is therefore entirely appropriate to supplement the local diet because it is one of the richest known sources of beta-carotene (provitamin A) and bioavailable iron.