Spirulina,powder

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Spirulina

Herbally Grounded

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Spirulina

Spirulina, a type of freshwater blue-green algae that has been consumed as part of traditional diets throughout the world for centuries, is incredibly rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other micronutrients. In fact, most experts consider it the most nutrient dense food on the planet. The Japanese are particularly fond of spirulina and consume more of it than any other population in the world. Not surprisingly, they also have the world's highest life expectancy!

Before you say "yuck" to the idea of eating algae, you'll be surprised to learn how easy it can be to add it to your diet. More on that later, but first, some interesting facts about spirulina

Spirulina is approximately 70% protein by weight, making it the most concentrated natural source of protein on earth. This is 334% more than beef and 556% more than tofu! Spirulina is a "complete" protein, meaning it offers the full profile of all the essential amino acids the human body needs. Spirulina is also highly digestible, so the amino acids and other nutrients it contains are extremely easy to absorb, which makes it an incredibly valuable food source.

Here's a rundown of the nutrients that qualify spirulina as a top superfood
Phycocyanin, a unique antioxidant that provides powerful immune and anti-aging benefits
Chlorophyll, which supports cellular detoxification and body alkalinity
Carotenoids, including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, which protect the skin and eyes
Essential amino acids in a highly-digestible, easy-to-absorb form
Essential fatty acids, including hard-to-get gamma linoleic acid (GLA)
Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins that support brain and heart health
Trace minerals, including magnesium, selenium, zinc, calcium and others
Superoxide dismutase (SOD), an important antioxidant enzyme

The Antioxidant Found ONLY in SpirulinaRecently, scientists have discovered that phycocyanin, a blue antioxidant pigment that gives spirulina its natural blue-green hue, offers incredible health benefits. Phycocyanin strengthens the immune system by promoting production of white blood cells and increases oxygenation throughout the body by supporting the creation of red blood cells. Additionally, phycocyanin has been shown to play a major role in stem cell regeneration, particularly in bone marrow and blood cells. Spirulina is the only known natural source of phycocyanin.
Here's some of the amazing health benefits of spirulina, as proven by scientific research:
Supports a healthy immune system
Boosts energy levels naturally
Supports cellular detoxification
Helps to keep bodily pH in a healthy range
Promotes optimal cardiovascular health
Helps to maintain normal blood pressure levels
Nourishes and protects the liver
Supports healthy blood sugar levels
Enhances cognitive function
Curbs hunger and promotes weight loss
The Problems with Eating Algae
Let's be honest. As miraculous as the benefits of consuming spirulina may be, the idea of eating algae is less than tantalizing. Many people avoid spirulina because they dislike the smell and taste. As hard as I try to sell people on spirulina's miraculous benefits, I often get a negative reaction.

Spirulina has been widely available for years in a freeze-dried powder form that can be mixed into water or smoothies. I'm not a big fan of powdered spirulina, because it's not convenient to take every day, and frankly, it has a less than pleasant "algae" smell. That's why I recommend taking spirulina in tablet form. But not just any tablet will do.

Unless it has a special coating, a spirulina tablet can smell and taste just like the powder. And unfortunately, the quality of spirulina pills on the market varies wildly. Some of it is harvested from impure waters that are tainted with radioactive fallout, heavy metals, pesticides and other toxins. Some of it is heavily processed and irradiated, and if measures are not taken to preserve its freshness it can easily become contaminated with yeast and mold. Could there be anything less appetizing than radioactive, chemical-laced, moldy spirulina pills?

astaxanthin Haematococcus microalgae Spirulina

Spirulina is a microalgae that cannot be seen by the naked eye. It is a multi-cellular blue-green algae, grown in warm and brackish water, with alkaline properties. The most well-known strain of spirulina, researched in more than 30 countries by 4,000 scientists worldwide, is Spirulina platensis. The root of “spirulina” comes from Latin, meaning helix or spiral, and it refers to the spiral shape of the cells.


Spirulina's helix or spiral structure
Spirulina is typically found in fresh or brackish water. It is composed of 60-70% protein in dry weight. Its protein elements include 18 types of amino acids, several vitamins and minerals, thousands of enzymes and several essential and non-essential fatty acids.

Dunaliella salina is a single-celled, saltwater microalgae that accumulates massive amounts of carotenoids under appropriate growth conditions. It is characterized by its ability to accumulate very high concentrations of β-carotene. Concentrations of up to 14% of its dry weight have been reported (Aasen et al., 1969; Borowitzka, LJ et al., 1984). The green unicellular flagellate Dunaliella salina also accumulate very high concentrations of glycerol (Borowitzka, LJ and Brown, 1974; Borowitzka, LJ, 1981 b).


Dunaliella's rich beta carotene
Natural mixed carotenoids found in Dunaliella salina are among nature's best antioxidants, containing a variety of carotenoids such as β-carotene, α-carotene and xanthophylls like zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin and lutein. Natural mixed carotenoids belong to a family of naturally occurring yellow, orange and red pigments, which are also found in various fruits, cruciferous, yellow and dark green vegetables and in abundance in certain microalgae.

Haematococcus pluvialis

 is believed to be by far the world's richest known source of astaxanthin, a unique natural carotenoid pigment and biological antioxidant. When compared with vitamin E, astaxanthin’s potency as an antioxidant ranges from approximately 80 to as much as 550 times greater. Additionally, when tested against a wide array of ROS and nitrogen-reactive species, astaxanthin appears to be the most effective in scavenging this wide variety of harmful products. Astaxanthin is known to be able to span the lipid/protein bilayer of biological membranes, imparting a powerful antioxidant effect.


Haematococcus: the richest source of astaxanthin
Haematococcus pluvialis' combination of carotenoids yields superior potency and versatility for an ideal antioxidant. Additionally, because its astaxanthin appears to enter the central nervous system better than many other antioxidants, its utility for many disorders of the central nervous system is promising.


Haematococcus yields mixed carotenoids