Friday, February 26, 2010

Spirulina - Main Superfood Ingredient


There are many spirulina health benefits that make it a very popular health food.

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a blue-green edible algae. It is a natural whole food that has nourished people in many countries around the world for centuries. It was consumed by the Aztecs over five centuries ago.

Spirulina health benefits have been demonstrated over a long history of safe human consumption and this super green food is considered one of the world's healthiest foods because it contains a powerful combination of nutrients.

Although spirulina has been eaten by people for centuries, it was only approximately 30 years ago that scientists rediscovered this amazing superfood and have since produced hundreds of scientific studies about spirulina health benefits.

Why have spirulina heath benefits been the subject of such intense research? Because spirulina can be economically cultivated all over the globe and contains more nutrition per acre than any other grain, herb or food that is grown! This is why it is called a super food. It is an amazing health food that could actually help end world hunger and malnutrition.

Spirulina Health Benefits

Spirulina is safe for both people and animals and provides excellent whole-body nourishment. It is more than 60% protein and is 95% digestible.

Spirulina health benefits include the antioxidant support of beta-carotene, gamma linolenic acid, known for helping to promote joint health, as well as proteins, amino acids, iron, magnesium, and other minerals, vitamin B-12 and B complex and other essential vitamins, the essential fatty acid GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), and the cleansing and detoxifying power of chlorophyll, among other benefits.

Most people consume too many acidic foods, such as coffee, soda, alcohol, sugar and meat. Spirulina is an alkaline food that can help balance your body toward more healthful alkalinity.

Another spirulina health benefit is how it can help alleviate sinus allergies. In fact, a doctor and researcher wrote in the Journal of Medicinal Food about a medical study that demonstrated this benefit. The doctor noted "This is the first time that a nutraceutical has been shown to have beneficial effects on the machinery that causes human allergies." Journal of Medicinal Food8(1):27-30, 2005.

Easy to digest, spirulina provides energy and stamina for work and play, and can benefit children, pregnant and nursing mothers, adults with poor eating habits, people who are fasting or dieting, athletes, senior citizens, ill people who need more nourishment, and anyone who wants to increase their resistance to disease.

In fact, most people would benefit from adding a good source of spirulina to their daily diet. A measure of the powder mixed in fruit or vegetable juice or smoothies or a number of tablets of spirulina taken every day can support many spirulina health benefits.

The tablets can be taken anytime at home, work, or on the road. The powder can be added to a smoothie for breakfast, for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon pickup, or before dinner so you will eat less if you are watching your weight.

Are There any Spirulina Side Effects?

Spirulina is a food and has a long history of safe use. However there is a wide range in quality, because spirulina is cultivated in many countries. Some algae harvested from polluted lakes and waterways might be contaminated. Buy from a trusted source.

Today, most spirulina is being safely and scientifically cultivated in pure waters at specially designed aquatic farms. Some of the best quality product is grown in the pristine clean waters of Hawaii which is why Hawaiian spirulina is famous for its reputed spirulina health benefits.

Tips on How to Choose / Buy

Spirulina is now available in 70 countries and can be purchased from most health food outlets as well as through the internet. But before you buy, check the label or the source to see where it was grown and if the cultivation was controlled for a pure culture.

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