Health benefits of Spirulina

Spirulina is one of Earth’s oldest life forms, an algae. It provides a huge range of nutrition and has been enjoyed for centuries by several Asian cultures. Modern science has found that it is a true superfood, and the Japanese government classifies it as a functional food in its own right. Rainforest Foods Spirulina gives you wide-spectrum nutrients, with additional benefits. It offers protection from infection, helps control inflammation and aids the maintenance of healthy cell structures in active people. It is ideal for those combining improvements in their dietary regime with exercise programmes. Spirulina is the name given to Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima, strains of spiral-shaped algae that flourish in subtropical and tropical waters. It is referred to as a blue-green algae, thanks to the presence of chlorophyll and phycocyanin. Chlorophyll is what makes plants green, and is known to aid the growth and repair of tissue, to have antioxidant properties and to optimise the body’s absorption of many vitamins and minerals. Phycocyanin is also believed to have antioxidant and blood-optimisation properties. Spirulina has amazing nutritional characteristics. Its main ingredient is protein, which typically forms around 60-70% of the product. This is complete protein, up to five times easier for the body to process than meat or soy protein. It also contains all eight of the essential amino acids – those that our body can’t manufacture – making it an excellent protein source for vegetarians. This is reinforced by the presence of important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12 (often lacking in a vegetarian diet), vitamin A, B-1, B-2, and B-6, iron, calcium and antioxidants. Spirulina is also rich in other important phytonutrients, enzymes and trace elements. Health benefits of Spirulina • High complete protein content makes it useful to active people and those engaged in exercise regimesrn• Abundant essential fatty acids are important for a huge range of body functions, from inflammation control to mood stabilisation and DNA regulationrn• It is mineral-rich, especially in potassium. This is important for maintenance of cell structure, as well as aiding proper function of the neurons in the brain. Potassium also prevents cramp and other muscle contractions, as it stabilises the body’s electrolyte balancern• It contains plentiful antioxidants and is the richest available source of Beta Carotenern• It is a fine source of vitamins A, C, D and E, plus several B vitaminsrn• It is an immune system optimiser, promoting increased antibodies. These have anti-allergenic and infection suppression benefitsrn• It is a stabiliser and optimiser of gut flora, encouraging the growth of pro-biotics in the intestine All this is supported by scientific research. In addition, regular consumers of Spirulina have reported beneficial consequences for: • Weight lossrn• Diabetesrn• Hypoglycaemiarn• Arthritisrn• Depressionrn• Liver damage/liver disordersrn• Intestinal ulcersrn• Haemorrhoidsrn• Asthmarn• Constipationrn• Bleeding gumsrn• Infectionsrn• Inflammation of joints and tissues