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Spirals of Health

It is believed to have been the food of the Aztecs and other Meso-Americans. Until the 16th century, it was harvested from the high mountain lakes and Lake Texcoco. It was formed into cakes and served as a condiment during meal times. The production fell off until the 1960's when French researchers found the lakes to be overrun with it.

Its history also dates back to the 9th century, in Chad. In the Kanum Empire, it was a daily food source. In fact, even today, it is still formed into cakes and sold in the markets as Dihé. These are made into broths and soups.

There is evidence that it may have been a popular food source in many other parts of the world, as well. Wheat, is it? Spirulina!  Most modern cultivation methods are open channel race way ponds and stirred with paddle wheels. The largest commercial producers of Spirulina are located in the United States, Thailand, Taiwan, China, Pakistan, and Myanmar (also called Burma). It is used as a human dietary supplement, as well as a whole food. It is available in a wide variety of forms from tablets, to flakes and powders. It is also used in many different industries such as aquaculture, aquariums, and poultry feed.

The Foods Profile

Spirulina contains up to 55 to 77% protein when dried. It is a complete protein in that it contains all the essential amino acids, though some in smaller amounts than traditional sources such as eggs, meat, and milk. On the other hand, its protein content is superior compared to other plant proteins such as legumes (beans).

Spirulina is also rich in many essential fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA), stearidonic acid (SDA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA).

It contains several key vitamins including vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamide), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), and also contains vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E, as well as phytonutrients such as the antioxidant beta carotene, sulfolipids, glycolipids and polysaccharides.

Spirulina is a rich source of minerals such as potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, selenium, sodium, and zinc. It also contains many plant pigments which have phytonutrient value such as chlorophyll-a, xanthophyll, beta-carotene, echinenone, myxoxanthophyll, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, diatoxanthin, 3'-hydroxyechinenone, beta-cryptoxanthin, oscillaxanthin, phycobiliproteins, c-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin.

Health Benefits

While researchers can not make definite claims due to FDA regulations, much research has been done on Spirulina. It has been found to inhibit HIV replication in human T-cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and Langerhans cells. It also improves weight gain and corrects anemia in both HIV infected and HIV negative malnourished children. Studies done in test tubes have revealed that Spirulina has a negative effect on herpes, influenza, and other diseases. However, more research needs to be done.


It also helps prevent heart damage caused by chemotherapy, without interfering with the drug's anti-cancer activity. It reduces the severity of strokes and improves recovery from strokes, reverses mental aging, and is effective for the clinical improvement of melanosis and keratosis caused by arsenic poisoning.

Allergy Fighting

Spirulina may also have a beneficial effect against allergies such as hay fever. Its immune system boosting properties asisst the body in removal of the allergens which cause hayfever and other allergies, as well as assisting in a regulatory response with histamine levels. By stopping or delaying histamine response, many of the symptoms associated with allergies are reduced or eliminated such as watery eyes, itching, sneezing, hives, soft tissue swelling, sinus pressure, and congestion. Although, researchers agree that not every one will experience this effect.

Colon Health

Spirulina may also have another benefit, after antibiotic use, all bacteria, including the beneficial bacteria we need for good health and a healthy immune system, are destroyed. Spirulina may help against this since it has been tested and proved its ability to enhance the growth of L. Acidophilus and other probiotics.

Cancer Fighting

There have been a number of studies on the effects of Spirulina and cancer. These have suggested that it increases the production of antibodies known as cytokines and other cells which ward off infections, chronic illnesses, and cancer. Though, it needs further testing before researchers can make any claim.

Liver Disorders

Early evidence suggests that it also may protect against liver damage and cirrhosis, for those with liver diseases and hepatitis. Researchers say they need to do more research before they discover any definite benefits.

Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

In 2007, a study found that participants who took Spirulina over a 6-day period exhibited significant changes in total cholesterol, with increased HDL and lowered triglycerides. They also found that it seemed to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Get It From A Safe Source

Spirulina is safe and non-toxic, even when consumed at high doses. Though, be sure to get yours from a reputable source, since it can become contaminated by toxins and heavy metals if grown in contaminated water. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, who have phenylketonuria, or who have an autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus should avoid it since the immune boosting effects can make the conditions worse.

If you want to try the immune boosting benefits of Spirulina, you can do so in each delicious glass of Delicious Greens 8000. Greens World has come up with a recipe for mixing Spirulina with 40 other fruits and vegetables which delivers it in an easy to take form. Just mix with water and enjoy daily for good health.