Spiroulina is a simple one-celled microscopic blue-green algae. There are two species categorized as spirulina, Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira Maxima. Spirulina is cultivated worldwide; uses as a dietary supplement as well as a whole food; and is also available in tablet, flake and powder form. The odour and taste of spirulina is very similar to seaweed.

Spirulina can be found in many freshwater environments, including ponds, lakes and rivers. It htrives best under pesticide-free conditions with plenty of sunlight and moderate temperature levels, but it is also highly adaptable, surviving even in extreme conditions.

Spirulina is often deemed the most nutritionally complete of all food supplements, containing a rich supply of many important nutrients, including protein, complex carbonhydrates, iron and vitamins A, K and B complex. It also has a high supply of carotenoids such as beta carotene and yellow xathopylls which have antioxidant properties. It is also rich in chlorophyll, fatty and nucleic acids and lipids. Thus, spirulina has countless uses as a supplement for maintaining good health and for preventing diseases.

Medicinal Application:

• Dried spirulina contains about 60% protein. It is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids, with slightly lower amounts of methionine, cysteine and lysine compared to certain animal-derived products.
• Every 10 grams of spirulina can supply up to 70% of the minimum daily requirments for iron, and about three to four times of minimum daily requirements for vitamin A, B complex, D and K. Although poor in vitamin C, it helps maintain this vitamin's potency.
• The iron present in spirulina is essential to build a strong system, yet is the most common mineral dificiency.
• Spirulina is rich in iron, magnesium and trace minerals and is easier to absorb that iron supplements.
• Spirulina is the highest source of vitamin B12, essential for healthy nerves and tissue, especially for vegetarians.
• Spirulina is the richest beta carotene food, with a full spectrum of ten mixed carotenoids. About half are orange carotenes: alpha, beta and gamma and half are yellow xanthophylls. They work synergistically at different sites in our body to enhance antioxidant protection. Research proves eating beta carotene rich fruits and vegetables gives us real anti-cancer protection. Synthetic beta carotene has not always shown these benefits and thus natural carotenoids in algae and vegetables have the most antioxidant and anti-cancer power.
• 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. Spirulina offers beta carotene ten times more concentrated than carrots.

Safety Profile:

While it has a very high nutritional value, spirulina may also cause side effects. Some individuals may suffer from allergic reactions to this algae, including rashes, hives and difficulty breathing. People with the rare metabolic condition phenylketonuria are not able to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine, and therefore should avoid taking spirulina. Likewise, people with autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or lupus should not take spirulina, as it could stimulate the immune system and worsen the present condition. Spirulina may also counteract the effectiveness of certain medicines, such as prednisone, which are commonly used for treating asthma and other inflammatory diseases.

This is to inform you that we are not doctors. What is written above has a simple character and in no way replaces medical application. Always consult your doctor about your health issues.