Crunchy Spirulina Snack sun dried.
Spirulina is found in both salt water and fresh water in the wild. It is also commercially cultivated in African countries, France, China, India, Thailand, and the United States. Most dietary supplement manufacturers get their supply of spirulina from commercial spirulina farms.
History of Spirulina
Spirulina has been consumed by many people for a very long time in many countries. It grew in many lakes, seas, and oceans all around the world. Spirulina was found growing in Lake Chad and Mexico's Lake Texcoco, and people of these regions have been drying and eating spirulina since ancient times.Spirulina was first discovered by Hernando Cortez and his Spanish Conquistadors in 1519. Cortez observed that was served and eaten at the tables of the Aztecs during his visit in Lake Texcoco. The health benefits of spirulina were first discovered by explorer Pierre Dangeard who observed that flamingos were able to survive by consuming these blue-green algae. Botanist Jean Leonard supported the findings of Dangeard and people soon started to commercialize spirulina to reap its benefits. The first spirulina processing plant, Sosa Texcoco, was set up in 1969 by the French.
According to Simpore, spirulina is high in antioxidants. Some of the antioxidants found in spirulina include selenium, phenolic acid, vitamin E, and carotenoids. Antioxidants destroy the free radicals in the body that damage cells. According to experts from the American Dietetic Association (ADA), antioxidants can also protect the body from cancer, infections, diabetes, and heart disease.
Spirulina also has antimicrobial properties that destroy bacteria and viruses such as HIV-1, enterovirus, cytomegalovirus, measles, mumps, influenza A, and herpes simplex. Studies have also confirmed that spirulina can also boost the body's immune system by making it produce more monocytes, natural killer cells, and macrophages. Monocytes, natural killer cells, and macrophages destroy invading pathogens in the body. According to a study published in an Indian scientific journal, spirulina can also destroy fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans (yeast infections), Aspergillusniger, and Aspergillusfumigatus.
This tiny one-celled algae has been hailed as the most nutritionally complete food supplement around, due to the fact that it contains important nutrients, carotenoids, chlorophyll, lipids, and fatty and nucleic acids. It is widely used as a health supplement to aid in the prevention of disease and to maintain overall good health.
Cancer Prevention
One of the spirulina benefits offered is that it is the richest food in beta carotene, as well as containing ten mixed carotenoids. The orange carotenes found in spirulina include alpha, beta and gamma, responsible for making up about fifty percent of the carotenes. The remaining fifty percent of carotenes are called yellow xanthophylls. All of these carotenes work in a cooperative manner throughout the body to promote antioxidant protection that has been found to offer protection from developing cancer. The natural carotenes found in vegetables and algae such as spirulina have been found to provide the most anti-cancer and antioxidant power as opposed to synthetic versions of beta carotene.
Anti-aging
Spirulina benefits the body by promoting anti-aging. It contains a concentration of beta carotene ten times higher than that found in carrots, and is excellent in promoting healthy eyesight and good vision. Spirulina packs the benefits of being packed with antioxidants with a high concentration of nutrient value, and is also easy to digest. It is a great alternative to taking iron supplements, which can be difficult to absorb, as spirulina is rich in iron, magnesium, and trace minerals to help combat common mineral deficiencies. Spirulina is also the best natural source for vitamin B-12 which promotes healthy tissue and nerves in the body. It is an excellent supplement for people who eat a vegetarian diet and may need extra nutritional support. Spirulina also helps to combat free radicals, which are molecules that cause damage to cells in the body. This aids in the fight against cell degeneration.
Protein in Spirulina
The protein in spirulina benefits growth and the rejuvenation of cells. Protein makes up over half of the dry weight of spirulina, making it an excellent dietary supplement to replace meats high in cholesterol and high fat dairy products. By supplementing with 10 grams of spirulina each day, 70% of the minimum daily iron requirement can be met, and it also contains more than the minimum required amount of Vitamins A, B complex, D, and K. It also helps to reduce high levels of bad cholesterol in the body, which may help to prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, or hardening of the arteries. It can also help to lower blood pressure.
Spirulina Nutrition
Spirulina also contains an important compound called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) found in human breast milk that helps to promote healthy development in babies. Spirulina benefits those suffering from poor nutrition because of its easy digestibility and how it helps the body absorb many nutrients. Along with being easy to digest, it works to stimulate flora in the digestive tract that are beneficial in promoting good digestion and normal bowel function. Healthy flora is essential for good health, help to prevent infections, and help our bodies absorb the nutrients from the foods we consume. It also acts to naturally cleanse the system and helps to rid the body of heavy metals and toxins which can accumulate in the body over time.
Increases Stamina
Spirulina benefits athletes by increasing levels of stamina and promoting immunity, as well as helping to build muscle mass. It also works to ward off hunger and can assist in maintenance of a healthy body weight.
Dosage and Types of Spirulina
This powerful little algae can provide a wide array of health benefits, and is available in either tablet of powder form, or found as an ingredient in some health products. A recommended dosage is to take 500mg four to six times each day.
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