Spirulina

Spirulina

Arthrospira platensis known as spirulina is one of earths oldest one-celled organisms, evolved from chlorella which is considered the first organism on earth, a plant that has maintained its original form from over 3.6 billion years ago. It’s a spiral shaped type of bacteria called cyanobacterium (blue-green algea) that grows in fresh, alkaline and salt water. Just like plants, cyanobacteria can produce energy out of sunlight via photosynthesis.

Spirulina has a dark blue-green color, because it is rich in a brilliant bluepolypeptide called  phycocyanin, which affects the stem cells that are found in bone marrow. Stem cells are “grandmother cells” for both white blood cells that are part the immune system and red blood cells that main transport for oxygen in the human body.

Spirulina is a nutrient-packed microalga, containing antioxidants and important carotenoids. Throw away those BCAA powders and pre-workout drinks that are full of chemicals like silicon dioxide, sucralose, calcium silicate, FD&C Blue#2, FD&C red #40. Spirulina has all 8 essential amino acids in the correct ratio and 10 non-essential amino acids, your building blocks for muscle growth and recovery. It’s between 60-70% of digestible vegetable protein by dry weight, 4g of protein for each tablespoon. That’s more than meat. You most likely won’t be consuming enough for it to be your primary protein source but it’s one of my favorite most powerful pre/post-workout superfood combined with chlorella.

Spirulina contains high concentrations of Vitamin A (beta carotene) and B vitamins like, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamide), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin), which are necessary for the body to turn carbohydrates into accessible energy while maintaining cardiovascular health.

One tablespoon supplies

228% of the RDA Vitamin A
50% of the RDA Vitamin B12
15% of the RDA for B1 &B2
11% of the RDA for thiamin
11% of the RDA for iron

Spirulina is rich in minerals such as zinc, selenium, iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, phosphorous and trace elements. It is also one of the best-known sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is an important fatty acid for skin, heart health and your joints. It’s packed full of cleansing chlorophyll, and the blue pigment, phycocyanin, with high antioxidant properties.

You can get beta-carotene from your colorful orange vegetables such as carrots, orange peppers, sweet potatoes, mangos and papaya but none of them have as high a dose as 1 tablespoon of spirulina (250% RDA). The vitamin A in spirulina comes from a natural beta carotene. Beta carotene is a precursor to vitamin A; the human body converts beta carotene into vitamin A on an as-needed basis. There is no toxicity level for beta carotene, so there is no need to worry about taking too much. Beta-carotene (Vitamin A) is a carotenoid that I refer to as the “Beautiful Skin Vitamin” which acts as an antioxidant protecting the body from the harmful actions of free radicals. It is said to possess photo-protective antioxidant properties that you can enhance by combining it with Vitamin C and E. It also aids in collagen production and other anti-aging properties.

Spirulina is rich in xanthophyll and zeaxanthin, both are similar to carotenes. Zeaxanthin is an xanthophyll that fulfills nutritional needs for the human eye. With sufficient intake you may be able to reduce your risk of age-related mascular degeneration and cataracts.

“Your skin is your largest organ, it is a direct representation of what  is happening inside your body, take care of your body to have beautiful skin”      ~Kira Miller

Per Article:
The place of algae in agriculture: policies for algal biomass production

Experts have recommended taking 5 to 10 grams daily for exceptional immune boosting health benefits and disease treatment and/or prevention. I prefer to mix mine 50/50 with Chlorella.

Benefits of Taking Spirulina Daily:

Anti-inflammatory: works great to fight against cancers and any inflammatory disease or condition.

Allergic Reactions: it’s said to stop the release of histamines protecting the body from allergic reactions.

Allergic Rhinitis:  inflammation in the nasal airways, triggered by allergens such as animal hair, pollen, dust etc.

Cardiovascular Disease: known to boost HDL while reducing inflammation, blood pressure, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Cleansing:  a natural detoxifier and chelating agent that helps remove heavy metals and radioactive isotopes that cause radiation sickness due to its high concentration of chlorophyll.

Detox Agent: Detoxifies the body of heavy metals, including Arsenic.

Diabetes Type 2: reduces inflammation, blood pressure, and cholesterol while boosting HDL.

Digestive Health:  improves energy, metabolic health, and absorption of nutrients while promoting growth of healthy gut flora.

Eye Health: reduces the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Immune System Support and Healing: actively promotes cell regeneration which improves the immune system and healing.

Liver Health: may help prevent cirrhosis of the liver in people with hepatitis. May also protect against liver disease and liver damage.

Lowers Blood Sugar: proven by animal studies

Muscle Strength and Endurance may improve: certain plant foods like spirulina have antioxidant properties. These properties can help the physically active minimize muscle damage caused by exercise-induced oxidative damage which is a major cause of muscle fatigue.

Skin Care: nurturing the skin from the inside out, spirulina is packed punch full of Vitamin A otherwise known as Beta Carotene (the beautiful skin vitamin).

Antioxidant: the beta carotene in spirulina acts as an antioxidant, helps fight cell damage from free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can cause inflammation and damage cells which can lead to cancer.

“The Immune System Miracle Worker”  -The San Francisco Medical Research Foundation

You have to be very careful where your spirulina is sourced from. Every batch of spirulina at Health Ranger Store is rigorously tested for radiation by a 3rd party lab and is consistently found to have no detectable levels of radiation. This means the product has been tested via ICP-MS and confirmed to meet the limits for an A++ rating as described at LowHeavyMetalsVerified.org

When purchasing powdered spirulina fill a container and store in refrigerator to avoid loss of nutrients. Store unused portion in an air tight zip lock bag in the freezer.

Spirulina is a food, so it is safe for all ages, pregnant woman and children (smaller dose than adults) alike. However, if you are taking prescriptions or over-the-counter medication, I suggest you consult with your physician. If your physician is not familiar with spirulina make sure they know it contains iron, vitamin K1 and K2. There are trace amounts of iodine in spirulina (3grams of spirulina contains approximately 15mcg of iodine).

Disclaimer: The strategies, suggestions and techniques expressed here are intended to be used for educational purposes only. The Author, Kira Miller, is not rendering medical advice nor is she trying to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, condition, illness or injury.

If you are under the care of a physician it is imperative that you consult their advice before beginning any new exercise or nutrition program.

Kira Miller claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss or damage alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application or interpretation of the material presented here.