Spirulina ~ Arthrospiro plantentis, as seen under a microscope

Spirulina, (Arthrospiro plantentis) is a microscopic, single-celled, blue-green algae, naturally high in iron and nutrient dense. It gets its name from being long and spiral coiled, and has an odour and taste similar to seaweed.

A natural vegetarian Superfood,  it is predominately grown in alkali water, converting sunlight into energy. It was first discovered by the Aztecs in the 15th century. They used it as a food source from Lake Texcoco in Mexico. Since then, it has been found naturally growing in the lakes of Chad (central Africa), along the Great Rift Valley in East Africa and in the North of Myanmar.

Commercially, Organic Spirulina is grown in large tanks, this ensures it is free from unwanted contaminants and pesticides. Spirulina farms are found on or near the equator, as Spirulina needs plenty of sunlight and moderate temperatures, 32 – 37C all year round for optimal growing conditions.

The United Nations World Health Organisation (WHO) have said “Spirulina represents an interesting food for multiple reasons. Rich in iron and protein, and is able to be administered to children without any risk. WHO considers it a very suitable food”.

Organic Spirulina benefits:

• Supports energy levels, vitality and stamina

• Powerful immune supporter

• Natural source of easily absorbed iron

• Liver detox and blood sugar balance

• Antioxidant protection

• Cell health via a rich variety of plant pigments

• Nutrient dense

  Benefits

  Top 5 Super functions:

  1. Highly nutrient dense – with over 100 different vitamins and nutrients, Organic Spirulina is an all-round Super Food.

  2. Rich in Antioxidants – containing an extraordinary antioxidant/polypeptide called Phycocyanin. Phycocyanin is an important blue pigment which boosts the immune system, protects the liver and supports detoxification.

  3. Helps to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol – by increasing nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide is a gas molecule that helps widen blood vessels, which improves blood flow and therefore reduces blood pressure.  

  4. Improved digestion – Spirulina is an alkalising food, containing around 2,000 enzymes that aid in digestion. It has a suppressant effect on bad bacteria like E. coli and candida while stimulating beneficial gut flora. (complex community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tracts of humans and other animals)

  5. Protein powerhouse – spirulina has the highest concentration of protein of any known food. It’s 60 – 70 percent protein by weight. It is a complete protein (meaning that it contains all 8 essential amino acids necessary for human health) and it has 18 amino acids overall. Making it a good replacement for fatty and cholesterol-rich meat and dairy products in one’s diet.

     Suggested Use

     We suggest 5 g per day and up to 10g per day for active lifestyles.

     Organic Spirulina Powder can be sprinkled over cereal, into smoothies, used in raw cuisine and salad dressings.

     For more ideas, please refer to our recipes page. DO NOT COOK WITH IT, as heat to Spirulina will reduce its excellent nutritional properties.

     Nutrition/Ingredients

     Beta carotene (Vitamin A) is good for healthy eyes and vision. Beta carotene in Spirulina is ten times more concentrated than carrots.

     Iron is necessary for oxygen delivery to the cells, brain development and normal growth, through Spirulina, Iron is easier to absorb than iron supplements as it is naturally producted. 3g of Spirulina per day provides the equivalent of 85% of your bodies daily needs, based on a 2000 calorie diet.

     Carbohydrates usually starches and sugars, provide a readily available energy source.

     Fibre is important for providing regularity of bowel movements.

     Zinc an antioxidant important for enzyme function and maintaining cell integrity.

     Copper for iron and fat metabolism, connective tissue synthesis, maintenance of the heart muscle, functioning of the nervous and immune systems, maintains red blood cell membranes.

     Fats are a source of stored energy, supply physical protection and insulation for tissues and form important portions of cell membrane structure.

     Chlorophyll eliminates body odour and cleans out the digestive tract.

     *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

     Precautions

     Some individuals may suffer from allergic reactions to this algae, including rashes, hives, vomiting and difficulty breathing.

     People with the rare metabolic condition phenylketonuria (PKU) are not able to metabolise the amino acid phenylalanine, and therefore should avoid taking Spirulina. Likewise, people with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or lupus should not take Spirulina, as it could stimulate the immune system and worsen the condition. Spirulina may also, counteract the effectiveness of certain medicines, such as prednisone, which are commonly used for treating asthma and other inflammatory diseases.

     Some commercial Spirulina supplements may have been grown in contaminated water, meaning they have high levels of Lead, Mercury and Arsenic, which does not meet with the World Health Organisation. We therefore recommend, buying Spirulina from reputable sources. As previous Spirulina growers ourselves in Cambodia, we visited our Organic Spirulina source in Myanmar and can authenticate the safe and trusted growing practises used.