All About Spirulina

All About Spirulina
by Keith Braithwaite

Nutrition

Spirulina is one of the most incredibly concentrated natural dietary supplements
known. It is very rich in iron and non-animal protein and contains all the required
amino acids as well as beta-carotene and chlorophyll. The useful bacteria in the gut
are encouraged by spirulina so improving the digestion operation. Spirulina also helps
the body's processes by providing enzymes, antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Also included is the GLA important fatty acid, which may stimulate growth and help
ensure the health and strength of skin and hair. Arthritis sufferers may also be helped
by spirulina's anti-inflammatory properties.

Anti-Viral Features

Excitement about this natural dietary supplement has been increased by recent
research; in April 1996, an ongoing study was announced jointly by Harvard Medical
School, the Dana-Farber Institute and the Laboratory of Vital Pathogenesis. The
results of this project show that an extract from spirulina inhibits the growth of the
AIDS virus HIV-1 in human cells.

The high concentrations used affected the viruses but did not seem to be detrimental
to human cells. In Japan a similar project used Calcium-Spirulan extract and
discovered that the growth of not only the HIV-1 virus was inhibited but also that of
the Mumps virus, Influenza A virus, Measles virus, Herpes Simplex and Human
Cytomegalovirus (a cause of birth defects).

A virus depends on attaching itself to a cell and then puncturing the cell membrane.
The spirulina extract prevents this puncture, so rendering the virus useless and open
to destruction by the body's natural defences. AIDS sufferers also benefit from
spirulina as it increases their body weight and combats anaemia.

Other Benefits

Spirulina has also proved useful in the prevention of hay fever and in the treatment of
arsenic poisoning. In 2007 a Mexican study even found the alga has a positive effect
in the reduction of blood pressure and cholesterol.

Even some cancers seem to be inhibited by spirulina and it also helps to repair cells
damaged by radiotherapy as well as boost the immune system by promoting the
manufacture of bone marrow, blood cells and stem cells among others. In the
Chernobyl region Russian medical staff are giving spirulina to children suffering from
damaged bone marrow and anaemia from eating radioactive fruit and vegetables.

Spirulina is proving to have many remarkable benefits as one of the more effective
natural dietary supplements but may have more to reveal yet.

About The Author

Keith Braithwaite has had twenty years in and keenly observing direct selling. He is an
accredited Proto-col affiliate. Other passions include personal development, painting,
drawing, photography cycling, walking and the outdoors generally. Come over to to find out more about collagen health and natural mineral cosmetics,
natural dietary supplements and natural skin treatment.

Soldiers travelling with Hernan Cortes
reported the native American tribes,
including the Aztec, using condiment
cakes made from spirulina, algae
found on the shores of Lake
Texcoco. In Africa the food has been
recorded in use from the ninth
century, harvested from Lake Chad.

Research over the last twenty years
has started to discover some
startling features and benefits to
health and nutrition. In 1974 the
United Nations World Food
Conference announced spirulina as
'the best food for the future.'

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.