Spirulina, One of the Oldest, Healthiest Foods

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Scientists are confirming some of the positive attributes of spirulina. It has been claimed to reverse aging, increase energy, and help combat changes in insulin.

Spirulina is a blue green algae that grows in the alkaline waters of volcanic lakes. Today though, large commercial algae farms cultivate spirulina for export throughout the world.

It has a long history of being used for human consumption for its many health benefits. Over the years, spirulina has nourished the citizens of Africa, Asia, and South America. The Mayas and the Aztecs used the algae as a central part of their diet. Today, spirulina is consumed by health conscious people all over the world.

No other food offers anywhere near the health benefits of spirulina (except for its close relative, chlorella). Spirulina is an incredibly dense green superfood, rather than a nutritional supplement.

Algae are the oldest foods in the world. Fossil records show that Spirulina and Chlorella have existed for billions of years essentially unchanged for all that time. They have both developed strategies of survival against harshly unfavorable conditions such as drought, radiation and even strong human-made poisons that have driven many other plant organisms to extinction.

What's In Spirulina?

Spirulina is popular with health buffs because it packs such a potent nutritional punch. Spirulina, is 60% all-vegetable protein, easy-to-digest, with the highest food concentration of the antioxidant beta carotene, iron, omega 3 and the rare gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)-spirulina is the highest source next to breast milk. 

Its color comes from the combination of the phytonutrients carotene, chlorophyll and phycocyanin. The green pigment is caused by chlorophyll, which is sometimes called “green blood" because it is so similar to hemoglobin. Chlorophyll is thought to soothe inflammation and normalize the secretion of digestive acids. The pigment that gives spirulina its blue cast is phycocyanin, which is related to the human pigment bilirubin. Bilirubin is important to healthy liver function and the digestion of amino acids. These natural pigments are both easy-to-digest, so the human body can absorb the nutrients quickly.
 
Spirulina contains vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E.

Studies indicate that spirulina is a rich source of potassium, and also contains calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc.

Spirulina provides alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA), stearidonic acid (SDA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA).

It is important to note that the algae does contain what appears to be B12 vitamin which is needed for the upkeep of red blood cells and to keep the nervous system healthy. Researchers are not convinced that the human body can absorb plant based B12 and they do not recommend that people rely solely on supplements such as algae for their B12 vitamins.

Other properties in spirulina is a substance called rhamnose rare, a biologically-active sugar, which speeds nutrients across the blood-brain barrier, and to the cell and SOD-Superoxide Dismultase- which is a potent antioxidant.  

 
Health Benefits, Facts & Studies About Spirulina

-According to a scientific review from Latin America, spirulina has a vast array of beneficial properties. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of allergies, anemia, cancer, high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, viral infections, inflammatory conditions, liver damage, immuno -deficiency, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions.

-It helps to repair DNA

-Increases the efficiency of cellular communication

- Spirulina is valuable in helping to stabilize blood sugar. It is also showing promise in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
-A study reported in Nutrition and Cancer that was conducted among tobacco chewers in India reported a complete regression of pre-cancerous mouth lesions in 45 percent of subjects who were given extracts of spirulina for 12 months. This was the first human study using spirulina as a cancer therapy.

-The phytonutrient phycocyanin in spirulina that gives it the striking blue green color has been found in animal studies to stimulate the production of stem cells in bone marrow. These stem cells will mature into red blood cells and white blood cells.

-Dr. Christopher Hills and renowned microbiologist Dr. Hiroshi Nakamura shifted their research to Spirulina in 1967. In their quest to find a nutritious solution to world malnutrition and starvation, they set out to pure culture and grow the best Spirulina possible. Spirulina, the most nutrient dense of all algae on the planet, met their criteria with "championship qualities". They dedicated over twenty years developing technology, sharing their cultures and research, and growing Spirulina all over the world. Their work was just the beginning of an unprecedented wave of medical research and a world-hunger solution project that still goes on today.

-The United Nations World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva has confirmed: “Spirulina represents an interesting food for multiple reasons, and it is able to be administered to children without any risk. We at WHO consider it a very suitable food.”

-Mark Stengler in his book, “A Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies”, wrote: “More than 100 published scientific references help support the case for the health benefits of spirulina. Some studies demonstrate that spirulina seems to possess anticancer effects and antiviral properties. Also, animal studies show that it is a powerful tonic for the immune system.”

-Donald R. Yance Jr. in his book, “Herbal Medicine Healing Cancer” wrote: “Spirulina’s pure protein, which arrives within the context of massive amounts of beta-carotene, chlorophyll, fatty-acid -gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and other nutrients, is especially helpful to those who are overweight, diabetic, hypoglycemic, or suffering from cancer, arthritis, or other degenerative diseases. “

-An advocate of natural medicine and a Consultant Homeopath at the Global Foundation for Integrative Medicine in Santa Fe New Mexico, United States, Prof. Osmond Ifeanyi Onyeka, told The Guardian that spirulina contains the most remarkable concentration of nutrients known in any food, plant, grain or herb.

-Spirulina is rich in natural carotenoid antioxidants that promote cellular health and lessen the risk of cancer. It also has cleansing chlorophyll which helps detoxify bodies that are always prone to present pollution.

-Both scientific research and the experience of thousands of consumers indicate that Spirulina is an immune regulating food. Small amounts can help balance and stabilise the immune system, freeing up more of our metabolic energy for vitality, healing and assimilation of nutrients. It enhances the body’s cellular communication process and also has the ability to read and repair DNA, like a kind of cellular tune up. This is why individuals taking Spirulina often report they have more energy levels.

-Spirulina is 20 times more productive as a protein source than any other food. It can be grown with unused land and water. It is possible to cultivate a pure culture on a large scale in many places around the world. Scientists discovered spirulina is a safe food, has been consumed for hundreds of years by traditional peoples, and shows promising nutritional, and even therapeutic, health benefits. If this blue-green algae were cultivated and consumed by millions of people, it would have tremendous benefits, especially for the world’s children and our planet’s future. Spirulina seems to be the solution we need.

-Spirulina extract has been shown to inhibit HIV replication in human T-cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and Langerhans cells.

-Spirulina can be used to promote healthier looking skin. Spirulina facial masks are becoming more popular as people continue to realize the benefits it has for skin care. As well as fighting against acne, it also helps in preventing wrinkles. A Spirulina facial mask can be simply created by mixing some pure spirulina powder with water to form a paste. When you complete the paste, this will leave a rich green colored paste. This can be then applied to your face for approximately 20 minutes. The outcome will leave you with soft and smooth skin. This can easily be washed from your face with out leaving any color traces.

-Studies indicate that spirulina helps prevent heart damage caused by chemotherapy using Doxorubicin, without interfering with its anti-tumor activity. Spirulina reduces the severity of strokes and improves recovery of movement after a stroke; reverses age-related declines in memory and learning; and prevents and treats hay fever.

-Spirulina helps support a healthy pH balance in your body. A diet heavy on acidic foods such as animal proteins and grains can be effectively balanced by the alkaline properties of spirulina.

-NASA has done extensive research into the use of algae as food for space travel, and chose Spirulina after beginning research with over 1,000 species of blue-green algae.

-Spirulina appears to block the entrance of viral cells into host cells. Several viruses, including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), were apparently killed or damaged by spirulina or chemicals derived from it in recent clinical trials. Additional animal studies have somewhat substantiated these antiviral effects, but much more study is needed to prove spirulina's ability to treat and prevent viral diseases.
 
-Spirulina is effective for the clinical improvement of melanosis and keratosis due to chronic arsenic poisoning; improves weight-gain and corrects anemia in both HIV-infected and HIV-negative undernourished children; and protects against hay fever.

-The United Nations World Food Conference in 1974 lauded Spirulina as the ‘best food for the future’. Recognising the inherent potential of Spirulina in the sustainable development agenda, several Member States of the United Nations came together to form an intergovernmental organisation by the name of the Intergovernmental Institution for the Use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IMSAM). IIMSAM aspires to build a consensus to make Spirulina a key driver to eradicate malnutrition, achieve food security and bridge the health divide throughout the world.

-The algae may be able to intervene when age and disease start to affect brain function. It has promise at combating Alzheimer’s and similar conditions.

-A 2007 study found that 36 volunteers taking 4.5 grams of spirulina per day, over a six week period, exhibited significant changes in cholesterol and blood pressure: lowered total cholesterol; increased HDL cholesterol; lowered triglycerides; and lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

-Since it is high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), it can help reduce inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. GLA is a unique form of omega-6 fatty acid because it reduces inflammation instead of promoting it. Promising studies have shown that GLA reduces the joint pain and stiffness from arthritis.

-Researchers are testing the theory that spirulina acts like a broad spectrum vaccine against bacteria. It may also protect against other disease causing microbes and cancer. Because it is a safe natural food, it has created a sensation among animal scientists. They are scrambling to replace ineffective antibiotics with probiotics like spirulina that strengthen immune systems and prevent disease.

-Iron is the most common mineral deficiency in the world. Since spirulina contains high iron concentrations its bioavailability has been tested in comparison to ferrous sulfate which is the typical iron supplement. One such comparison was revealed in the journal Nutrition Research, spirulina fed rats absorbed 60% more iron than rats fed the iron supplement.

-Scientists in China and Japan independently reported spirulina and its extracts fed to mice increase macrophage function, antibody production and infection-fighting T-cells. One study found spirulina extracts inhibited cancer by boosting the immune system. The active phytonutrients are a polysaccharide (a complex sugar molecule) unique to spirulina and phycocyanin (the blue pigment found only in blue-green algae). In 1979, Russian scientists published initial research on the immune stimulating effects on rabbits from lipopolysaccharides in spirulina.

-Algaes, like spirulina, are athe original source of omega-3 fatty acids. Algaes are what small, bottom-feeding fish consume. These fish are then eaten by larger ones, and then eventually by humans.  Cold water fish, which are well-known for their omega-3 fatty acids, owe their “omega-3 fame” to the consumption algaes such as spirulina, even if indirectly

-Our bodies are constantly subjected to an onslaught of toxic chemicals from the air, water, food and drugs and need to continually eliminate these toxins. It has long been known that spirulina accelerates detoxification especially during fasting as spirulina has a unique combination of phytonutrients that can help cleanse our bodies. There is also evidence that spirulina significantly reduces kidney toxicity caused by some heavy metals. Spirulina was widely used to treat children suffering radiation sickness after the Chernobyl disaster.

-A double-blind placebo controlled study of the elderly in South Korea found that Spirulina had a cholesterol-lowering effect resulting in a significant reduction in total cholesterol. The study also found Spirulina boosted the immune system and had a favorable effect on antioxidant capacity of those in the study.

-A small study in Taiwan with 16 students supplementing with Spirulina showed it a preventative of the skeletal muscle damage, which led to a longer time the students were able to exercise. The time to exhaustion during the all-out exercise was delayed in the students taking Spirulina.

Spirulina & Safety

The U.N. Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) commissioned a five-year toxicology study on Spirulina and found it to be a safe, nontoxic food, and in a separate study "recommended it as a potential solution to the world food crisis and global protein shortage".

However, there are a few precautions. First, never take spirulina that you happen to find in a local lake or pond because it could be contaminated with toxins from the water. Second, make sure you purchase supplements from highly reputable companies. Some wild spirulina products may be contaminated by environmental toxins, bacteria, and other potentially harmful contaminates. This is because supplements are not highly regulated in the U.S.

Spirulina is generally a safe supplement for the majority of people. Yes, allergies and reactions can occur, but allergies occur with common foods, too, such as dairy products or peanuts. Heavy metal poisoning from spirulina is uncommon. To be on the safe side, pregnant and nursing women should avoid taking spirulina supplements, since unborn babies and infants are at high risk for brain and nervous system damage if exposed to heavy metal toxins.

 

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Refrences
Immunomodulary effects of spirulina supplementation in chickens. by M. Qureshi, et al. May 1995. North Carolina State. Pub. in Proc. of 44th Western Poultry Disease Conference, pp 117-120. USA.

Immune enhancement potential of spirulina in chickens. by M. Quereshi, et al. August 1994. Poultry Science Assoc. Dept. of Poultry Science, North Carolina State, NC. Pub. in Journal of Poultry Science Vol 73, S.1. p. 46. USA.

Study on effect and mechanism of polysaccharides of spirulina on body immune function improvement. by G. Baojiang, et al. April 1994. South China Normal Univ. China. Pub. in Proc. of Second Asia Pacific Conf. on Algal Biotech. Univ. of Malaysia. pp 33-38. China.

Effects of polysaccharide and phycocyanin from spirulina on peripheral blood and hematopoietic system of bone marrow in mice. by Zhang Cheng-Wu, et al.. April 1994. Nanjing Univ. China. Pub. in Proc. of Second Asia Pacific Conf. on Algal Biotech. Univ. of Malaysia. p.58. China.

Enhancement of antibody production in mice by dietary spirulina. by Hayashi, et al. June 1994. Kagawa Nutrition Univ. Japan. Pub. in Journal of Nutr. Science and Vitaminology. Japan.

Inhibitive effect and mechanism of polysaccharide of spirulina on transplanted tumor cells in mice. by Lisheng, et al. 1991.Pub. in Marine Sciences, Qingdao, N.5. pp 33-38. China.

Immunostimulating activity of lipopolysaccharides from blue-green algae. by L. Besednova, et al. 1979. Pub. in Zhurnal Mikrobiologii, Epidemiologii, Immunobiologii, 56(12) pp 75-79. Russia.