Date:   11/15/2004 6:06:47 PM ( 20 y ago)
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URL:   https://www.curezone.org/forums/fm.asp?i=545396

Amen to that! Spirulina is some of the most incredible stuff around. The only "multivitamin" you need. check this out:
Spirulina - The Supreme Food!
We are undergoing a healthy revolution. As more people take responsibility for their own health, the demand for natural foods, herbal medicines and nutraceuticals is growing dramatically. One food at the forefront of benefit to humankind is the superfood called spirulina. Although the records of the consumption of spirulina go back centuries, to people such as the Aztecs in Mexico, and it has been around in one form or another for about 3.5 billion years, its rediscovery by scientists was as recent as 30 years ago.
Per acre, its protein yield is 10 times that of soybeans, 20 times that of corn and 200 times greater than that of beef, making it probably the most resource and planet friendly food being grown today. It actually “heals” the water it lives in since the pigments and nutrients found within are released after it dies and dissolves. Spirulina is made to nourish anything it comes in contact with. Spirulina is recognized as a safe and highly beneficial human food in over 70 countries and by organizations such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization and NASA. This, combined with the fact that spirulina addresses what is considered by some as the 5 most important health issues of this age (strengthening the immune system, supporting cardiovascular health and supporting healthy cholesterol, improving gastrointestinal and digestive health, enhancing natural cleansing and detoxification and shielding the body from certain cancers with antioxidant protection) and the personal health benefits of millions around the world, is truly a testament to the value of spirulina. I’m sure you have questions about this tiny green superfood, so here is a list of frequently asked questions:
Spirulina - what is it?
Spirulina is a microscopic blue-green algae whose cells form the shape of a perfect spiral coil (thus the name Spirulina, which means little spiral). It grows naturally in warm and highly alkaline lakes in subtropical areas, and in large, controlled environment algae farms. In terms of easy understanding, it is a very high protein algae/planktonic cyanobacteria. U.S FDA Talk paper # 41, page 160, June 23rd 1981 states: "Spirulina is a source of protein and contains various vitamins and minerals. It may be legally marketed as a food or food supplement so long as it is labeled accurately and contains no contaminated or adulterated substances."
Why is it called a ‘complete food’?
Spirulina has everything you need to live on, more than any other protein, grain, plant,
algae, herb, vitamin, anything! It is so nutritious and digestible that to get all the nutrition in
just One Level Tablespoon (9 grams) of our spirulina, you would have to eat:

3 ounces of fresh wheat grass juice for the Chlorophyll
21 ounces of spinach for the Iron
18 medium carrots for the Beta Carotene
2 cups of brown rice for the Potassium
9 ounces of top sirloin for the protein and B-12
6 medium raw wheat germ for the Vitamin E
3 capsules of evening primrose oil for the GLA
3 glasses of cow's milk for the Calcium

Hope you’re hungry!
What’s in it?
What’s so great about the composition of spirulina? First of all, spirulina is up to 95% digestible. All the nutrients it contains are in a naturally chelated form and are highly bioavailible. In addition, the amino acids, vitamins and minerals are all in balance; they are available in the exact ratios that the human body requires. Spirulina is free of cholesterol and starch, very low in sodium and calories and a high-energy food. The amount of nutrients vary slightly seasonally, so here are the average numbers:
General Composition of Spirulina
Physical Properties General Composition per 9 grams
Composition: 100% Spirulina micro-algae (Arthrospira Platensis) Protein: 65 – 71%
Appearance: fine, uniform powder Carbohydrates: 15 - 25%
Color: dark blue-green Fats (Lipids): 6 – 8%
Moisture: 3 – 7%
Fiber: 8 – 10%
Vitamins per 9gms Minerals per 9gms Essential Amino Acids mg per 9gms
A (Beta carotene): 50,000 iu Calcium: 50 mg Isoleucine: 293.4
C: .45 mg Phosphorus: 93.6 mg Leucine: 440.1
E: 1 iu Magnesium: 43.2 mg Lysine: 235.8
B1 (Thiamin): 306 mcg Iron: 13.5 mg Methionine: 119.7
B2 (Riboflavin): 297 mcg Sodium: 65.7 mg Phenylalanine: 234.9
B3 (Niacin): 1863 mcg Potassium: 136.8 mg Threonine: 252.9
B6 (Pyridoxine): 39.6 mcg Zinc: 108 mcg Tryptophane: 76.5
B12: 28.8 mcg Copper: 9 mcg Valine: 336.6
Folic Acid: 2.7 mcg Manganese: 234 mcg Histidine: 135
Pantothenic Acid: 36 mcg Chromium: 25mcg Arginine: 428.4
Biotin: 2.91 mg Selenium: 2mcg
Insitol: 6.4mg Germanium: 6mcg

Non-Essential Amino Acids mg per 9gms Fatty Acids per 9 grams Other Nutrients per 9 grams
Alanine: 419.4 GLA 115 mg SOD 21,6000 units
Aspartic Acid: 655.2 Essential Linoleic 99 mg Protein 6 g
Cystine: 50.4 Dihomogamma Linolenic 4.77 mg Chlorophyll 103.5 mg
Glutamic Acid: 759.6 Alpha Linolenic .1305 mg Phycocyanin 1350 mg
Glycine: 287.1 DHA .1305 mg
Proline: 222.3 Palmitoleic 17.82 mg
Serine: 238.5 Oleic 1.53 mg
Tyrosine: 214.2 Erucic .216 mg
Other 191.4 mg

This analysis done by TNO, a government-sponsored, U.N.-approved laboratory.

Protein -Spirulina is 60-70% protein and 83 - 95% digestible. Spirulina is an excellent source of protein for people trying to eliminate meat from their diet. Spirulina contains complete, balanced protein, including all essential amino acids. The protein is easily digested and assimilated because spirulina has soft cell walls consisting of mucopolysaccharides, not hard cellulose as in most plants. Protein is the chief tissue builder and basic substance of every cell in the body. Protein is essential for building enzymes (which speed chemical reactions), hormones (which regulate and control bodily functions) and antibodies (which defend against the invasion of foreign and toxic substances).
Carbs and Sugars - Spirulina’s soft cell walls contain about 20% carbohydrates and sugars. The primary forms are rhamnose and glycogen, two polysaccharides easily absorbed by the body. Glycogen is readily converted by the body to glucose, which is utilized in the production of energy needed for body processes. Spirulina is the only vegetarian source of this ready-made glucose in stored-energy form. Rhamnose, a rare, biologically active sugar, is absorbed by the blood and quickly made available to the muscles, carrying other nutrients along with it. Spirulina offers quick energy without taxing the pancreas or triggering hypoglycemia.

All 10 Dietary-Essential Amino Acids – Spirulina contains all 20 amino acids in synergistic balance. Spirulina is great for those exercising and trying to gain muscle mass, or for those unable to eat meat or digest other proteins.

B-I2 - Spirulina is the only good vegetable source of vitamin B-12. It provides so much of this nutrient that it can be considered a B12 supplement. Vitamin B-12 provides energy and is essential for normal growth and neurological function. The B group vitamins found in spirulina help to maintain healthy nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver and mouth, as well as muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract. One heaped dessertspoon (about 12 grams) of spirulina powder provides over 500% of the U.S. RDA of vitamin B12, 21% of vitamin B2, 21% of vitamin B1 and 7% of niacin. Spirulina contains, gram for gram, about 2.5 times the B12 of calves’ liver.
Beta-Carotene and Mixed Carotenoids - Spirulina has exceptionally high natural concentrations of these nutrients. The carotenoids in spirulina help to build your immune system nutritionally. Spirulina is the richest beta-carotene food on earth, 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. As the body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A only as needed, there is no threat of toxic build-up as there is with synthetic vitamin A, or that which is derived from fish oils. Twenty years of research proves eating beta-carotene-rich fruits and vegetables gives us real anti-cancer protection. Research in Israel has shown that natural beta-carotene from algae is far more effective in giving us protection than synthetic beta-carotene because the natural form is better assimilated and contains the key 9-cis isomer not present in synthetic products.

Full-Spectrum Antioxidants – Spirulina provides additional antioxidant protection with phyto-nutrients, pigments and natural vitamins.

Phycocyanin – Spirulina contains high concentration of this powerful, blue, immune-stimulating biliprotein.

EFA’s - Spirulina is a good source of the much-needed Omega 3 and 6 Essential Fatty Acids. These are essential for beautiful skin, a healthy cardiovascular system and protection from cancer. Spirulina is the best natural source of GLA next to mother's milk. GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) is an essential fatty acid, which is a precursor for the body's prostaglandins, the master hormones necessary for many essential body functions. It is glandular- balancing and anti-inflammatory. Poor diet, saturated fats and alcohol can cause GLA deficiency leading to conditions like heart disease and pre-menstrual stress. A food source of GLA is important, especially for women. Good food sources of GLA are mother’s milk, evening primrose oil, black currant and borage seeds. Spirulina is a potent source, an astonishing 1% by weight! Just one tablespoon of spirulina contains more equivalent GLA than 2 capsules of evening primrose oil. Many women using Spirulina report a reduction in uncomfortable PMS symptoms and healthy, beautiful skin.
Chlorophyll – Spirulina is abundant in this deep-green pigment that directly harnesses sunlight. Chlorophyll is an important natural pigment, and this outstanding food has one of nature’s highest levels of chlorophyll - about 1%. Chlorophyll is known for its powerful cleansing, deodorizing and detoxifying effect. It's sometimes called “green blood” because it looks like the blood hemoglobin molecule. Blood has iron at its core, giving it a red color, and chlorophyll has magnesium, making it green. Spirulina's beneficial effect on anemia could be due to this similarity, combined with its highly bioavailable iron.
A Full Spectrum of Vitamins – Spirulina has more vitamins and minerals than any other single food, in balanced proportions. They are:
Vitamin E - Spirulina contains significant amounts of vitamin E. Vitamin E is essential to the immune system and acts as a powerful antioxidant as well as an aid to cardiovascular health.
Calcium - Gram for gram, spirulina supplies as much calcium as an equal amount of milk, but without creating an acidic environment in the digestive system (like dairy products do) which the body tries to correct… by removing calcium from the bones! Calcium helps build strong teeth, bones and collagen. It assists in the body's absorption of iron, and it soothes the nerves. It must be present for heart muscle contractions as well as normal nerve transmissions and blood clot formations.
Potassium - Spirulina contains more potassium than rice. Potassium activates many enzymes that are essential for muscle contractions. Without potassium, glucose could not be used for energy to run the body, nor could it be stored for future use. Potassium also maintains nerve function, helps to relax muscles, helps in the maintenance of normal blood pressure and is necessary in the transfer of nutrients in and out of individual cells.
Iron - Spirulina supplies 300% more iron than steak without all the fat and cholesterol. Iron is necessary for the function and synthesis of hemoglobin, which is the protein that carries most of the oxygen in the red blood cells. Iron is necessary for the maintenance of the immune system.


Ocean Source Minerals and Abundant Trace Elements – Our spirulina obtains its minerals from the deep, clean ocean. It provides over 90 minerals in naturally chelated form for high absorption.

Enzymes – Spirulina provides the building blocks for over 2,000 enzymes with 2-3 times the energy of any other “live food”. Enzymes are vital to the health because they aid in digestion and the release of valuable nutrients from foods that nourish our bodies, cut, paste and repair our DNA and power our critical body systems. It is always good to enhance our diet with raw foods like fresh fruit, vegetables and juices, which are rich in natural living enzymes. Dehydrated superfoods like spirulina still have natural enzymes present.

SOD – Spirulina contains exceptionally high levels of the bodies’ own antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Since using synthetic supplements of this enzyme has proven ineffective, Spirulina plays a vital role in providing the body with the building blocks it needs in order to manufacture SOD and defend against free radicals. SOD also serves as food for the beneficial bacteria living in the intestinal tract. SOD helps them to thrive and fight off invading bad bacteria.

Mucopolysaccharides – Spirulina contains high levels of this substance in the soft cell walls. These are materials for glycoprotein complexes.

What does Spirulina do for your body?
There is not enough room on this page to describe the wonderful things spirulina can do for a body of any age! Here are a few:
-In regard to gastrointestinal and digestive health, people who eat spirulina often notice an immediate change in regularity and elimination. Research confirms it does promote digestion and bowel function. It suppresses ‘bad’ bacteria like e-coli and Candida yeast and stimulates beneficial flora like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. Healthy flora is the foundation of good health. They increase absorption of nutrients from the foods we eat, and help protect against infection.
-Spirulina has been shown in studies at Japans’ Tokai University to help maintain healthy cholesterol without any other dietary modifications.
-The chlorophyll in spirulina has a strong cleansing effect, and can help detoxify and break up the fat cells in the body. This is especially important for those on prescription medications or in highly toxic environments and those suffering from obesity. Spirulina can also reduce cellulite!
-A recent double-blind study showed that after taking spirulina for only 2 weeks, the subjects showed a 13-times increase in interferon gamma, the bodies’ anti-cancer and antiviral substance. In addition, the interferon gamma levels remained elevated for 6 months after the subjects stopped taking the spirulina!
-The Journal of Acquired Immune Disorders published a study in 1998 validating that spirulina in cell culture has an effect on viral proliferation.

-The most prevalent nutritional disorder in mothers and children is Iron deficiency anemia. Around the world, many doctors recommend pregnant mothers use spirulina’s vegetable protein and bioavailable iron to combat this problem. Parents are often surprised how much their children enjoy this green food!
-Spirulina is an ideal anti-aging food. It has a concentrated nutrient value, is easily digested and is loaded with antioxidants. As people age, many don't eat enough, have restricted diets or poor digestion and may experience low energy from being undernourished. Spirulina builds healthy lactobacillus, aiding assimilation and elimination and relieving constipation. The abundant Beta-carotene in spirulina is good for improving eye health and vision. This all vegetable, low fat protein means we can move away from a meat centered diet that can aggravate Arthritis and raise cholesterol and easily obtain the recommended amount of green foods in the diet. Older people who eat spirulina notice a big energy boost. In Japan, 73% of those eating Spirulina are over 50 years old.

How is Spirulina Grown?

Our spirulina is currently grown at one of the most advanced aqua farms in a sunny location in Hawaii. This environment provides perfect year-round temperatures and a twelve-month growing season. One of spirulina's natural gifts, adapting to intense sunlight, has resulted in a strain with the highest levels of mixed carotenoids and phycocyanin of any spirulina in the world. It is cultured in long, shallow raceway ponds filled with fresh water drawn from deep in the rain forest aquifer, supplemented with ocean water drawn from a depth of over 2,000 feet in the clean air of the most geographically remote islands in the world. Food-grade sodium bicarbonate keeps the water very alkaline, which is spirulina's favorite natural environment, and the water is further enhanced by a proprietary blend of essential nutrients. Paddlewheels gently stir the cultures, ensuring optimum light for each cell and helping the pond to release oxygen. The spirulina thrives in these ideal conditions, growing several times faster than in the wild. Cultured Spirulina grows so fast, it is harvested every 3 days. Harvesting is simpler than with other algae, because of spirulina's long, filament shape, which requires no centrifuge and is gentle on the cells. Right from harvest, it is sifted out on screens and given several freshwater washes, ensuring a clean product with a fresh, salt-free taste. Our spirulina is then dried using the ultimate in drying technology, Ocean Chill Drying. It is a patented spray drying system in which deep, cold seawater is used to dehumidify and chill the air in the dryer. This allows for the elimination of oxygen, which protects carotenes, fatty acids and enzyme concentrations. The spirulina dries in about three seconds, and the recovered carbon dioxide is then recycled back to the ponds to nourish the growing spirulina. Data from independent laboratories verifies our spirulina has substantially higher levels of beta-carotene and phycocyanin than algae dried by any other method, including freeze-drying.

How is Spirulina grown in this aquafarm different from wild Spirulina in lakes?

There is only one species of algae where our spirulina grows, whereas lakes and ponds can contain thousands of species of algae. Many of these other algae secrete potent toxins to kill off competitors, and while some lake algae do this seasonally, some do it continually and are fatally toxic. Their presence is neither predictable nor controllable. With so many competing species, microorganisms, toxic pollutants, agricultural runoff, numerous insects, debris and other undesirable elements, even once “wild” lakes are not safe or viable environments. Even with expensive quality controls, why take the chance? It is an unnecessary risk. In contrast, the art and Science of growing spirulina in a controlled, pure environment has evolved through a balanced partnership between nature and aqua farming technology. By using the purest fresh and ocean water, the sunniest location, a clean environment and state-of-the-art growing methods, aqua culturists have succeeded in developing superior strains of 100% pure-cultured spirulina.

Is Spirulina really 100% safe?

After millennia of human and animal consumption and decades of intensive research, both anecdotal and scientific evidence validate not only spirulina’s safety, but also its benefit for our health. Spirulina is the most well researched food-grade microalgae in the world. There has been a long history of research into spirulina by many prestigious scientific institutions, among them:

· 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".

- 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.

-Ancient history shows us that spirulina has always been used as a food, being at the very beginning of the food chain. Huge flocks of the beautiful pink flamingos of Africa have eaten pounds of spirulina every day for thousands of years. Many indigenous people have been using spirulina for centuries, and today, it is being used by millions of people world wide without any adverse effects. There are medically documented studies of people using only spirulina with water and juice for long fasts - some up to and over a year! The fantastic results of these experiences - enhanced energy, mental clarity, better sleep and more, along with impressive medical documentation, further prove that spirulina is a safe and complete life-enhancing superfood.

What’s the best way to get started with Spirulina?

It's totally up to the individual. Spirulina is a food, and we all react differently to foods. Generally, it's best to start slowly, about one gram a day. You can begin with just one to three tablets of 100% spirulina, or 1/2 teaspoon of powder in a glass of juice or fruit smoothie. You can even have a glass of “green milk” (soy or rice, that is!) if that’s what you prefer. Spirulina’s mild, pleasant taste is a plus for “green food challenged” people. Research shows that a quantity of at least 10 grams a day assists in improving bodily functions. Most people take between 10 and 25 grams, but there are some bodybuilders and athletes who consume 100 grams or more per day. You can’t “overdose” on spirulina. The more of this green powerhouse you eat, the more energy you can produce.

Healing our Bodies and the Environment

Energy is continuously produced by the sun, but that energy is lost as foods move up the food chain. Food from plants at the lower levels of the food chain, such as spirulina, contain the most food energy and nutrient value. They also use up the least of the planet's resources in their growth and development. With each step up the food chain, energy and nutrient value are lost, and more of the Earth's resources are used up.

The resources we choose to consume will make all the difference in the rebalancing of our Earth's delicate ecology. By focusing our energies on producing, eating, and sharing more spirulina, we directly help to protect all life forms and more effectively conserve the Earth's natural resources. Spirulina releases significant quantities of oxygen as it grows. Just one acre of Spirulina will fix nearly 3 times as much carbon dioxide as the average acre of forestland! After all, spirulina and other blue-green algae actually created our oxygenated atmosphere 3.5 billion years ago so other forms of life could evolve.

Spirulina cleanses and nourishes, balances and energizes, strengthens and protects, regenerates and rejuvenates. Taking spirulina can truly change your life. From the personal experience of radiant health to the bigger picture of “Making a Difference” on Earth, spirulina is the supreme choice. Make a decision to do something wonderful for yourself and your loved ones- today. Eat more spirulina
Pretty cool, huh>?
 

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