For a power source of natural endowments, Spirulina is said to have been used by the Aztecs in the 16th century Mexico. There are other theories which date it back to 9th century Chad in the African Continent.
Spirulina powder is a micro algae that has been consumed for centuries by different civilizations for its high nutritional and health support benefits. These days it has earned the nickname, “superfood” for these properties. We get that the name does sound weird, but hey, its better than “pond scum”. It’s a type of algae that is found in abundance in ocean floor and lakes in subtropical moderate conditions.
According to a study, it was once classified as a plant because of its abundance of pigmentation and the ability to photosynthesis to meet its needs. Spirulina is rich in minerals, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and thrice the amount of carotenoids than what carrots have.
Here are Some Fast Facts
- Spirulina is said to contain highly digestible Proteins that are about 85 percent as it lacks cellulose wall like yeast does. Therefore it doesn’t require heavy cooking to increase its digestibility.
- The amino acids present inside the protein concentration of Spirulina is said to be of high “Protein efficiency ratio” (PER)
- For some real time comparison, Spirulina has almost the same concentration of phosphorus, calcium and magnesium as milk with a brief content of Vitamin E comparable to wheat and a four time increment of Vitamin B12 as liver!
- Japan being the largest producer of Spirulina in the modern century estimates to reach 220,000 tonnes by the production year of 2020. India is slowly catching up with a growing base of health enthusiasts.
- Several organisations have come forward to help send the message across to the masses. For an instance, Antenna India distributes spirulina confectionary to malnourished children and aid in helping women from impoverished family make a livelihood by selling spirulina products at subsidised prices while raising awareness about its benefits.
According to a research study, children who received a daily intake of spirulina powder for five consecutive days, a week for two regular months had enhanced nutritional constituents and improved vitals compared to the children who consumed regular alternatives. The food being nutritiously dense, the space agencies across the planet such as NASA and ISRO along with several others are researching about the possibilities of incorporating the supplement into astronauts diets for their future missions into outer space.
Beyond the benefits provided to the human body, the supplement is capable of enhancing the environment’s harvests and those who choose to cultivate it! For example, spirulina cultivation require less than 10 times the water supply other vegetables and planets require. Its said that despite the low requirement of water cultivation, Spirulina yields a 20 fold greater harvest per acre when compared to soy.
Besides this, spirulina has been found to have a positive impact on your body, in particular- your liver. The antioxidant properties of the supplement help in synthesising the nitric oxide. Spirulina has also been shown to benefit such wide-ranging conditions as arsenic poisoning to allergies. According to one study, patients treated with spirulina reported relief of symptoms commonly associated with allergic rhinitis, such as nasal discharge and congestion, sneezing, and itching.
So yes, you do need to try out this marvelous supplement provided by Nature.