Spirulina (arthrospira platenis)is a microscopic spiral form of blue green algae which belongs to the domain Bacteria. It is a prokaryote and more highly evolved than true bacteria. Its existence can be traced back to 3.5 billion years ago. It belongs to the first group of living organisms that made planet earth rich with oxygen and was the basis of further diversification in evolution. Its DNA carries history of billions of years. Like plants, blue green algae converts solar energy to chemical energy and during the process absorbs carbon di oxide and releases oxygen. We owe our own existence to plants due to their intrinsic feature of producing oxygen. It will be safe if I say, no plants, no life. Nostoc and Anabaena are some other members of the spirulina group. Spirulina seems to be another amazing herb with so many benefits to mankind.
Spirulina flourishes in warm alkaline waters of central Africa and Mexico. It also grows in fresh water and salty waters. It is quite adaptable to different environments and easy to grow in pure culture. It has been used as a dietary supplement for centuries by Aztecs and Mayan tribes of Mexico. It is believed that dried spirulina may have been the manna for Israelites who wandered in the desert for 40 years. It is supposed to have 20 times more protein than soybeans and more beta carotene than carrots. Spirulina is a rich source of other nutrients as B vitamins, vitamin E, carotenoids, calcium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium and gamma linolenic acid(an essential fatty acid), RNA, DNA, chlorophyll, and phycocyanin. Cholorophyll is an excellent detoxifier of the body and this blue pigment phycocyanin is supposed to be an anticancer agent particularly for the liver cancer. It is supposed to have more vitamin B 12 than in liver (good news for vegetarians and vegans).
Spirulina is known to boost the immune system, and may have antiviral and anticancer effects. Lab. tests from animals suggest their protective power against harmful effects of radiation. Spirulina has been used in Russia to treat victims of nuclear radiation, especially children of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl. In these children whose bone marrow has been damaged from radiation exposure, spirulina seems to boost the immune system.
The many wonders of this tiny organism are worth mentioning for the general benefit of humanity. I also feel that in the near future, spirulina may emerge as a powerful dietary supplement and a real hope for this hungry world. These days there is more exposure to radiation through diagnostic xrays and ct scans and here is an herb that plays the role of protecting one from the harmful effects of radiation. In Africa and India, spirulina is being used as a dietary supplement for better health specifically among those that are malnutritioned or economically deprived.
Antenna Technology of Switzerland has released a video entitled “A sustainable approach to combat malnutrition.” It is interesting and worth your time.
To sum it up:
1. Spirulina is a high source of wide variety of nutrients. Potential of being adapted as dietary supplement globally.
2. A good source of vitamin B 12 especially for vegetarians.
3. May act as antiviral and anticancer agent.
4. Research suggests it protects from harmful effects of radiation.
5. Excellent booster of immune system.
6. Make sure you are not allergic to spirulina.
It is recommended to take up to 3000 mg of spurilina per day. It can be taken in form of capsules-6 capsules of 500 mg each. It can also be bought in powder form and can be sprinkled in you salads, cereals or drinks. It is better to start in lower dosage first. Always use alternative medicine with consultation with your physician. Grow in knowledge for your optimal health. My next article will be on health benefits of mushrooms.
Love, peace and blessings always.
Ali M. Jafri, Ph.D.
