Spirulina is 100% natural and a highly nutritious micro salt water plant. This spiral shaped algae is a rich food source. For a long time (centuries) this algae has constituted a significant part of the diet of many communities. Since the 1970's, Spirulina has been well known and widely used as a dietary supplement.

The high concentration of protein and iron also makes it ideal during pregnancy, after surgery, or anytime the immune system needs a boost.

Spirulina contains rich vegetable protein (60~ 63 %, 3~4 times higher than fish or beef ), multi Vitamins (Vitamin B 12 is 3~4 times higher than animal liver), which is particularly lacking in a vegetarian diet. It contains a wide range of minerals (including Iron, Potassium, Magnesium Sodium, Phosphorus, Calcium etc.), a high volume of Beta- carotene which protects cells (5 time more than carrots, 40 time more than spinach), high volumes of gamma-Linolein acid (which can reduce cholesterol and prevent heart disease).

The Health Benefits of Spirulina

• Boost the Immune System
• Improve Digestion
• Reduce fatigue
• Build Endurance
• Nature's Detoxifier – Cleanse the body
• Boost Energy Levels
• Control Appetite
• Maintain Healthy Cardiovascular function
• Support the Liver and Kidneys
• Reduce Inflammation
• Benefit People Who Suffer from Allergies

Protein in Spirulina

As a protien supplement spirulina has a distinct advantage over other forms of supplement. Because of the important role proteins play in our overall health and well being, they are often referred to as the building blocks of life.

Proteins are complex molecules consisting of chains of amino acids and are best known for their role in the formation and repair of structures such as muscle and bone. However, proteins and their aminos' have numerous other vital functions, such as insulin management, immune system regeneration, mineral transport and anti-hypertensive properties.

Proteins are made up of 22 identified amino acids. Nine of these are essential yet the body cannot produce them, so they must be provided by the diet. Non-essential amino acids are needed also, but the body can produce these itself. Essential amino acids, plus sufficient nitrogen in foods, are needed to synthesize the non-essential amino acids.

The quality of the protein depends on the amounts of amino acids contained in a protein. The more closely the protein matches the body's requirements the higher the quality. Spirulina is known as a 'complete protein' due to the fact that it contains all the essential amino acids. This means we can get our necessary intake of protein without subjecting our digestive system to the hard work of processing animal products.

Digestable Protein Unlike other forms of protein, the protein in Spirulina is 85-95% digestible, one of the highest available. In fact, Spirulina is second only to a dried egg supplment with regards to usable protein, and higher than any of the common foods in the form in which they are usually purchased.

Being composed of soft mucopolysaccharides, Spirulina has no cellulose in its cell walls making it easy for the body to digest and assimilate.

Its amino acids are delivered to the body for almost instant absorption.

Protein digestibility is important for many people and especially important for people suffering from intestinal malabsorption or digestive disorders. Typically, many older people have difficulty digesting complex proteins and are on restricted diets. They find Spirulina's protein an ideal way of ensuring they receive the nourishment needed. Spirulina is an effective supplment for sufferers of malnutrition diseases where the ability of intestinal absorption has been damaged. Given to malnourished children, it is more effective than milk powders because milk's lactic acid can be difficult to absorb.

How to Consume Spirulina

Powder (great for smoothies, juices, drinks): 100% pure powder is a uniformly dark green or blue-green color and has no other colored particles. Your body feels energy within minutes because the powder is naturally digestible. It provides quick energy and nourishment between meals or in place of a meal. Some have asked whether you can take too much. It is a perfectly safe natural food. Some people take two tablespoons or more each day. The most popular way to enjoy it at home is to add it to your favorite fruit or vegetable juice in a blender. Start with one teaspoon (5 grams) and add flavors or spices to suit your taste. Later on you can increase the amount. Many regular users take one heaping tablespoon (10 grams) per drink.

Tablets:
Quality tablets can be made without sugar, starch, fillers, animal parts, preservatives, stabilizers, colors, coatings, and with only a minimum of vegetable tableting agents. Made in this way, the color of the tablet should be a uniform dark green without light colored spots or specks. Capsules should also be free of excess fillers or additives, and now, vegetable capsules are available.

Many bottles provide nutritional information for a six tablet serving (3 grams), but you can take more if you like. Often, people take 10, 15 or 20 tablets or capsules a day. Twenty 500 mg tablets are equal to a heaping tablespoon of powder (10 grams).

Tablets deliver the same benefits as powder, but digestion takes about an hour. For faster results, some people chew or dissolve the tablets in the mouth. Because it is a natural whole food, you can take tablets by themselves between meals.

If you are using spirulina to balance your diet and help eat lighter meals, take tablets or capsules an hour before you eat. If there is a time of day when your energy runs low, take some tablets and see how your body feels one or two hours later. Both tablets and capsules are helpful with water after coffee or alcohol.

Who Shouldn't Consume Spirulina?

1. People with hyperparathyroidism
2. People who have serious allergies to seafood or seaweed.
3. Patients current experiencing high fever.

Spirulina has a strong taste, so for beginners, it's best to blend with juice or fruit, preferably fresh pressed juice that has not been heated. It is also dark green in color and can stain clothing, so be careful not to spill!