An Introduction to Spirulina




INTRODUTION TO SPIRULINA


      We are undergoing a health revolution.  People all over the world are increasingly becoming more conscious about their own health and the responsibility to maintain it.  With this increased consciousness, the demand for natural foods, herbal medicines and nutraceuticals  is growing dramatically.  One of these is a super food called “Spirulina”.
            This first photosynthetic life form, our immortal ancestor, was designed by nature 3.5 billion years ago.  This unicellular blue-green algae produced the oxygen in our atmosphere thus allowing all higher life forms to evolve.  It has renewed itself with billions of years of successful evolutionary wisdom coded in its DNA.  Although mankind has consumed it for centuries, it was only rediscovered by scientists 30 years ago.
            SPIRULINA belong to the plant food group.  Its blue-green colour comes from two pigments, phycocyanin and chlorophyll.  These tiny spiral coils thrive in a high-alkaline medium and harvests the energy of the sun to supply a treasure of bio-available nutrients beneficial to the human body.
            Spirulina is often described as a super food, as it contains the most remarkable concentration of nutrients known in any food, plant, grain or herb.  It is the highest protein food- contains over 60% of digestible vegetable protein.  It also has the highest concentration of Beta-Carotene, Vitamin B12, Iron, Trace elements and the rare Essential Fatty Acid-GLA.  These make Spirulina for the qualitative improvement of their health.  Current world production of spirulina for human consumption is more than one thousand metric tons annually.  The United States leads world production followed by Thailand, India and china.  More countries are planning production as they realize it is a valuable strategic resource.

ADVANTAGES OF SPIRULINA

Spirulina Capsule
  • ·        Spirulina does not need any fertile land for cultivation and therefore conserves such land and soil.  It has over 60% protein by weight that is higher than any other food source besides benefits of rapid growth yield on cultivation.

  • ·        Spirulina production requires less energy input per kilo than soya, corn, or bovine protein.  As cheap energy sources progressively get depleted, costs of energy dependent foods will rise with rise in energy prices.


  • ·        Spirulina uses less water per kilo of protein generated than any other food as the water used in production is recycled back to the ponds after harvesting.

  • ·        Spirulina is a big oxygen producer and is even more efficient than trees or forests to absorb Carbon dioxide from nature and release Oxygen.


  • ·        Spirulina production requires non-fertile land and brackish water.  It is a potent remedy to deforestation to cultivate food.  As people eat lower on the food chain, the pressures to destroy wilderness can be halted and help re-green our planet.

  • ·        Spirulina has no externalized hidden costs of production in terms of loss arising from depletion of fresh water, fertile top soil and forests or its pollution from pesticides, herbicides, and toxins.  No long term medical costs from unhealthy foods with chemical additives on its short or long term consumption.




 
NUTRIENTS
EFFECTS
DEFICIENCY  DISEASES
PROTEINS


1.      Complete vegetarian protein
2.      Eight(8) essential amino acids
1.      Building blocks of life
2.      Main composition of blood, cells, tissues and organs

1.      Malnutrition diseases
2.      Abnormalities of cell, tissues or organs.
3.      Impaired body functions
CARBOHYDRATES


1.      Glycogen
2.      polysaccharides
1.      Important source of body energy.
2.      Glycogen offers quick supply of glucose in the blood.
3.      Stimulates the immune system.

1.      Decreases body’s resistance to diseases.
2.      Malfunction of organs
FATS


1.      Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
2.      Sulpholipids
3.      Glycolipids

1.      Source of energy
2.      Reduces cholesterol level
3.      Decreases the risk of hypertension
4.      Structural build-up of body
1.      Non-energetic
2.      Heart disease
3.      Pre menstrual stress
4.      Retards structured growth
NATURAL PIGMENTS


1.      Phycocyanin
1.      Builds blood cells (RBC and WBC)
2.      Protects against free radicals
3.      Increases immunity
1.      Free radical induced diseases
Ulcer
Cancer

2.      Chlorophyll


1.      Acts as haemoglobin.
2.      Increases immunity
3.      Protects against chronic diseases
4.      Decreases the risk of cancer

1.      Anemia
2.      Fatigue, emotional instability.  Abnormal nerve function.

3.      Xanthophyll
1.      Anti-cancer
1.      Free Radical induced disorders
4.      Beta Carotene
1.      Main source of vitamin A
2.      Inhibits the development of cancers and tumors
3.      Maintenance of soft mucous tissue
4.      Anti-Infective
5.      Anti-anemia
1.      Night Blindness
2.      Xerophthalmia
3.      Kidney Stones
4.      Mild skin complients
5.      Inflamed mucous membranes
6.      Chemical stress of organs
VITAMINS
Helps metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, fats, etc.

B1 (Thiamin)
-Coenzymes in converting glucose into energy in muscles and nerves.
1. Promotes metabolism of proteins, fats & carbohydrates
2. Maintains a normal appetite and digestion
3. Normal functioning of the nervous system
4. Protects against alcoholic toxification.
5. Protects the heart
6. Regulates gastric juice
1. Beri-Beri
2. Muscle weakness
3. Digestive upsets
4. Impaired memory
5. Depression
B2 (Riboflavin)
1.      Protects mucous membranes
2.      Promotes normal growth
1.      Mouth ulcers
2.      Gastric and duodenal ulcers
3.      Eye diseases, cataracts.
4.      Retardation of growth
5.      Disturbance of fat metabolism
B3 (Niacin)
1.      Regulates level of gastric juice
2.      Treats nerve disturbance
1.      Poor digestion of food.
2.      Nerve disturbance
B6 (Pyridoxine)
-          Coenzyme in amino acid metabolism and in all other functions.
1.      Help synthesis of choline to relieve hypertension
2.      Anti-depressant
3.      Anti-allergic
4.      Needed for formation of brain substances
5.      Blood formation
6.      Useful for growth, skin, muscles, nerves and appetite
1.      Convulsion in infants
2.      Depression, skin disease anemia in adults
3.      Premenstrual tension
4.      Kidney stones
5.      Atherosclerosis
B12 (Cobalamine)
-          Coenzymes for synthesis of DNA, the basis of all body cells.
1.      For protein synthesis
2.      Maintains healthy myelin sheath (nerve insulator)
3.      Protects against various forms of anemia
1.      Pernicious anemia
2.      Nerve degeneration
3.      Menstrual disorders
MINERALS
Help in the functions and effects of other nutrients and enzymes.

1.      Calcium
1.      Builds and maintains healthy bones and teeth
2.      Controls excitability of nerves and muscles
3.      Controls conduction of nerve impulses
4.      Controls blood cholesterol levels
1.      Children: Rickets
2.      Adults: Osteomalacia
3.      Bone pain
4.      Muscle weakness
5.      Delayed healing of fractures
2.      Iron
1.      Present in haemoglobin, acts as oxygen carrier in red blood cells (RBC)
2.      In myoglobin acts as oxygen reservoir in muscles.
3.      Helps in developing resistance to infection
1.      Anemia
2.      Fatigue
3.      Palpitations
4.      Headaches
5.      Motor and sensory nerve impairment


3.   Magnesium
1.      Cofactor in many body processes including energy production and cell replication
2.      Stabilizes body cell structure
3.      Regulates functions of nerves and muscles.
4.      Required for repair and maintenance of body cells
1.      Retards synthesis of amino acids
2.      Malfunction of heart and nervous system
3.      Low blood sugar
4.      Muscle cramps
5.      convulsions










 
HEALTH  BENEFITS  OF  SPIRULINA

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

          The building blocks of life are proteins and amino acids.  Spirulina rich in proteins, in fact, about 65% of Spirulina is low-calorie, easily-digestible protein without any side effects.  It is helpful in the anabolic build-up of the body, viz. its growth and development.  Proteins are the most important component of our food essential constituents for the development of the structural material of our body viz. muscles, tissues and organs.  This assumes greater significance as many of the essential amino acids cannot be manufactured in the body and must be supplied in the diet.
            At the same time, proteins are equally important as regulators of metabolic functions as enzymes and hormones.
Energy Booster:

            DXN Spirulina is a highly digestible natural health food supplement.  It is rich in proteins and also contains about 15% carbohydrates in polysaccharides, glycogen, rhamnose in easily digestible forms.  These elements are conveniently converted into glucose and used as an energy source.  The conversion of nutrients into energy is faster for Spirulina than any other source of food.

STRENGTHENING IMMUNE SYSTEM

            Regular consumption of Spirulina strengthens the immune system.  Important parts of the immune system like born marrow, stem cells, macrophages, T-cells, natural killer cells, spleen and thymus glands show enhanced activity on its sustained consumption.  This increases the resistance to diseases and improves functioning of the immune system.
                        The easy availability of all essential nutrients in Spirulina also directs the metabolic activities to support the immune system.

BETTER ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION, REDUCING CANCER RISK
          Spirulina help in reducing the risk of cancer by preventing the damage caused to our body by the onslaught of free radicals and toxins.  It provides better anti-oxidant protection, as it is rich in anti-oxidant vitamins, anti-oxidant minerals, and natural pigments like beta carotene, chlorophyll, phycocyanin etc. 

SLIMMING AND WEIGHT LOSS

            The high concentration of essential nutrients in Spirulina help to satisfy our appetite, so we eat less.
            Spirulina is an ideal support for any diet.  As a supplement, it helps us to lighten up and make the switch from a bulky diet to lighter, more powerful food.
            Being protein rich, low-fat diet, it helps to reduce the calorie intake, essential for maintaining competitive weight.  At the same time it provides all the energy and stamina for work and play to those who want to undergo any weight loss program.





  


Protein                                                                           about 60% (51 to 71)
Carbohydrate                                                                   about 14%
Lipids                                                                            about 6%


Amino acids(essentials)
SPIRULINA
grams
Egg Protein
Per 100 grams of
FAO Standard proteins
Isoleucine
6.4
5.8
4.0
Leucine
10.4
9.0<
7.0
Lysine
4.5
6.7
5.5
Methionine
2.2
3.0
5.5*
Phenylalanine
5.4
5.3
6.0
Threonine
5.4
5.3
4.0
Tryptophane
1.5
1.8
1.0
Valine
7.5
7.2
5.0

*Includes cystine, Table from Busson, F., Spirulina Platensis (Gom) Geitler et.  Spirulina geitleri, J.DR Toni, Cynophycees Alimentaires, Armee Francaise, Service de Sante, Parc de Pharo, Marseill, 1971.

Carbohydrates
Per 100 grams
Ramnose
9.0
Glucane
1.5
Phosphorolated Cyclitols
2.5
Glucosamine Muramic acid
2.0
Glycogen
0.5
Scialic acid and others
0.5


Lipids (principal ones)
Mg/Kg
Palmitic acid (unsaturated)
16-,500 to 21,141
Linoleic acid (unsaturated FA)
10,920 to 13,784
Gamma linoleic acid (omega 6)
8,750 to 11,970
Alpha linolenic acid (omega 3)
699 to 7,000
Chlorophyll-a
6,100 to 7,600
Beta sitosterol
30 to 97
Beta carotene
Average 1,700

vitamins
Mg/Kg
Biotin
0.4
Cyanocobalmin (B12)
0.45 (analogs not included)
Delta-calcium panthothenate
11.0
Folic acid
0.5
Inositol
350
Nicotinic acid (PP)
118<
Pyridoxine (B6)
3
Riboflavin (B2)
40
Thiamin (B1)  
55
Tocopherol (E)
190
Ascorbic acid
90


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