Focuses on algae and spirulina as nutritional supplements.
Advantages of algae and spirulina over unnatural nutritional supplements;
Health benefits from algae and spirulina; Nutritional contents of algae
and spirulina; Several commercial forms of spirulina.
By
PT Staff, published on March 01, 1998
Imagine a food whose nutrient profile is more potent than any other
plant,grain or herb. A food that is filled with antioxidants and
nutrients that protect your immune system and that is free of harmful
pesticides. A food you can carry with you anywhere in the world without
worrying about refrigeration.
That food may already exist.
It is widely documented that certain forms of algae contain the
highest known concentration of beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant that
prevents molecular damage to your body Spirulina is 60 percent vegetable
protein (which is easy to digest), and is rich in B-12, B complex
vitamins, and iron. This form of algae also contains a substance called
phycocyanin and long-chained sugars called polysacharrides, both known to
stimulate the immune system and help us resist disease.
Spirulina offers an astonishing 20 times more protein than soybeans
and 200 times more protein than beef. Of course, not everyone is
convinced that blue-green algae is the nutritional savior some claim it
is. David of the Center for Science in the Public Interest contends it's
just a "mediocre vitamin pill." Others voice concern that certain species
of algae (much like certain mushrooms) are toxic and that even non-toxic
forms may soak up contaminants when grown in the wild. However, when
supplements are farm-grown, neither should be a concern.
There's no doubt that algae and spirulina are popular nutritional
supplements, and that many people do feel this plant gives them a
powerful energy boost and heightens mental clarity. Spirulina is also a
very useful source of packaged greens when one is travelling in foreign
countries where fresh foods may not be safe or available, or if you are
simply on the run and don't have time to sit down for your daily
recommended helpings of veggies. You can still get your required dose of
fiber, nutrients and antioxidants. Spirulina is available as chewable
tablets or powder, and can be mixed with water or added to healthy
blended shakes.
PHOTO (COLOR): "Blue-green ALGAE is earth's first life FORM, 3.6
billion years old. It's SUNLIGHT transformed into LIFE."
Tags:
algae,
alternative medicine,
antioxidant,
b complex vitamins,
beta carotene,
blue green algae,
brain,
center for science in the public interest,
contaminants,
energy boost,
foreign countries,
fresh foods,
harmful pesticides,
mental clarity,
no doubt,
nutrient profile,
nutritional supplements,
packaged greens,
spirulina,
vegetable protein,
vitamin pill,
voice concern
