Spirulina
represents a biomass of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that can be consumed by humans and other animals. There are two species, Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima.
Arthrospira species are free-floating filamentous cyanobacteria characterized by cylindrical, multicellular trichomes in an open left-hand helix.
Cultivated worldwide, Arthrospira is used as a dietary supplement or whole food.
They occur naturally in tropical and subtropical lakes with high pH and high concentrations of carbonate and bicarbonate. A. platensis occurs in Africa, Asia, and South America, whereas A. maxima is confined to Central America.
Spirulina was a food source for the Aztecs and other Mesoamericans until the 16th century; the harvest from Lake Texcoco in Mexico and subsequent sale as cakes were described by one of Cortés’ soldiers. The Aztecs called it “tecuitlatl”.
The topic of the Tecuitlalt, which was earlier discovered in 1520, was not mentioned again until 1940, the French phycologist Pierre Dangeard mentioned about a cake called “dihe”, consumed by Kanembu tribe, African Lake Chad, Kanem (Chad, Africa).
Note of caution: Spirulina may have adverse interactions when taken with prescription drugs, particularly those affecting the immune system and blood clotting. Spirulina does not contain vitamin B12 naturally, and spirulina supplements are not considered to be a reliable source of vitamin B12, as they contain predominantly pseudovitamin B12, which is biologically inactive in humans. Could be an allergen * see research link 25445756/
Could trigger or worsen a predisposed autoimmune disease *see research link /15210464/
Always make sure you got a quality tested product. Spirulina should be ingested with caution in subjects with diseases, in particular in patients in treatment with substrates of cytochrome P450 enzymes, such as immunosuppressant, antihypertensive, and lipid lowering drugs. *see research link PMC3824145/ , /PMC5274660/
Has (almost) everything you need as nutrient, essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids & proteins (up to 70%) and amino acids* (Excerpt from research:” Spirulina platensis stands out for being one of the richest protein sources of microbial origin (460-630 g kg-1 , dry matter basis), having similar protein levels when compared to meat and soybeans.. contains high amounts of antioxidants, such as β-carotene, phycocyanin, microelements (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn), vitamins (tocopherols), eight essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially γ-linolenic acid, and phenolic compounds “) *see research link 26262693, 12448336, 27507218, *PMC4737012/ , 17655131/ , 18855693 , PMC5490612/ , 17805841
High in Aspartate, regulates protein uptake preventing liver damage quantity may vary per spirulina sample *see also link PMC4737012/, 20724770
Contains a lot of glutamate, glutamate is involved in cognitive functions such as learning and memory in the brain *see research link PMC4737012/
Potent antioxidant *see research link /25599112, 27259333, PMC2954939/
Anti- inflammatory *see research link PMC4523079/
Reduces blood pressure and BMI * see research link 26813468
Could provide a solution to malnourishment in 3rd world countries *see research link PMC5061973/
Potent preventive antiviral, contains “a novel sulfated polysaccharide named calcium spirulan (Ca-SP)”, against: foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) in animals, in humans :HEP-C, HIV-1 ,Herpes Simplex 1, Flu H1N1, H3N2, H7N9 , Measles, mumps(Excerpt from research:” It was revealed that Ca-SP selectively inhibited the penetration of virus into host cells. “) *see research link 8893054, 8984158, PMC4774665/ , PMC3353193/ *WHO registered trial, PMC4828654/ , 26341274 , PMC4113773/
Antibacterial properties *see research link 23100733
Anti-arthritis properties *see research link PMC4523079/ , 22013740
Liver protective *see research link PMC2859351/
Reduces blood glucose and LDL and increases the good lipid HDL, and lipemia after a high-fat meal *see research link 12639401/ , /PMC3407385/
Improves gut microbiota *see research link PMC5490612/
Anti-allergy ( excerpt from research:” Spirulina consumption significantly improved the symptoms and physical findings compared with placebo (P
Wound healing properties *see research link 28552036
Extends shelf life of meat products *see research link 29023815
Increased nutrition content after gamma irradiation (handy for when something bad happens) *see research link 27507509
Improves chronic arsenic poisoning *see research link 16615668/
Improves diabetes type 2 *see research link 20016733/
Cancer preventing properties *see research link 24082030/
Research links and tips on Spirulina: