19/10/2019
What is Spirulina and why is it healthy?
Spirulina is often called “blue-green algae.” It loves warm and alkaline water and usually thrives in fresh and high PH lakes or ponds. The name of spirulina inevitably suggests of its spiral shape, and derives from Latin ‘spiru’ meaning a we**ie spiral. The scientific name of spirulina is Arthrospira.
Nutritional value of Spirulina (Cyanobacteria):
Spirulina, belonging to the class of Cyanobacteria single cell protein (SCP), has been used as a food source in various parts of the world (e.g. Mexico, China and Africa) since ancient times; in fact, dried Spirulina, tablet and capsule form, are now sold in health food stores in Japan, North America and Europe because they are recognized for their nutritional value.
One of the reasons spirulina is so beneficial to our bodies is due to the numerous pigments it contains. Pigments are not there just to color things; they are biochemically important to life! Without pigments, organisms could not synthesize many of the enzymes necessary for balancing metabolism.
When these natural rainbow-colors are densely seen as at the heart of what leads to the health benefits of Spirulina, one will come to recognize and appreciate it.
Pigments of Spirulina
• Chlorophyll contained in Spirulina helps promote the natural blood-cleansing of the body, increases bowel function, alkalinizes the body, promotes a strong immune response, strengthens cells and detoxifies the digestive tract.
• Phycocyanin is a blue pigment-nutrient found abundantly in Spirulina. Phycocyanin has been reported to have various mechanisms and applications in cancer management, complementing current cancer chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical protocols.
• Carotenoids: Spirulina also contains a mixture of carotenoids, which are known as one of the most effective group of antioxidants that deactivate free radicals, which damage cells, leading to potential cancer development.
Nutritional Content
Natural Vitamins:
Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin and Niacin
Natural Minerals:
Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Selenium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Boron, Cobalt, Iodine, Barium, and Molybdenum
8 Essential Amino Acids:
Leucine, Isoleucine, Lysine, Threonine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Tryptophan, & Valine
10 Non-essential Amino Acids:
Alanine, Aspartic Acid, Arginine, Cysteine, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Histidine, Proline, Serine, and Tyrosine
Fatty Acids:
Saturated Fatty Acid, Monounsaturated Fatty Acid, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid, Palmitic Acid, Linoleic Acid, and γ-Linolenic Acid
For Energy:
Protein, Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Dietary Fiber
