Spirulina
Basics
Spirulina is a single cell algae, the source of life on this planet. It is also being highly touted as the food of the future.
Relatively large, some of its cells are visible to the naked eye. It derives its name from a tendency to form swirling strands.
While it, therefore, has the appearance of pond scum, it is naturally sterile and highly nutritious. Its modern renaissance has been in Japan although the United States demand is also growing.
Spirulina is a valuable source of complete protein and also vitamin B12 which is otherwise often difficult for vegetarians to obtain in their diet.
Method of Action
Spirulina is a food, hence its dense concentration of nutrients is its primary value. This also makes it popular for fat loss, as it is low in lipids (7%) but high in protein (70%), minerals and vitamins.
Therapeutic Approaches
Japanese doctors , primarily, have investigated a number of therapeutic approaches, including: allergies, anemia, cancer, cataracts, diabetes, eye disorders, heavy metal poisoning, immune diseases, liver-disease, pancreatitis, senility and ulcers.
This is not to claim that spirulina has magic properties but that its nutritional composition may positively impact disease processes which developed from, or involved, long-standing nutritional deficiencies.
Vitamin B12 helps certain forms of anemia.
Its easily assimilated sugar (10% glycogen) helps with diabetes and pancreatitis as well as the regulation of appetite in weight control programs. This has been the major use in the U.S.
The key factors appear to be related to the brain. The hypothalamus controls appetite, relying upon blood sugar levels. If blood sugar does not rise or fall precipitously, appetite will be more controllable, rather than inducing any ravenous binges.
The amino acid structure of spirulina (e.g. phenylalanine) also appears to facilitate manufacture of neurotransmitters, which transmit signals of energy, fatigue and hunger.
High quality, digestible protein boosts the liver’s recuperative powers against e.g. hepatitis.
The green pigmentation, from chlorophyll, may also be a key factor in gastric ulcers.
Spirulina has been found to accelerate the clearance of heavy metals (e.g. cadmium, lead and mercury). Since Chernobyl, it has also been used in Russia to counter radiation sickness by boosting the immune system, especially in children.
Toxicity Factors
Spirulina is a safe, whole food, which has been consumed and enjoyed by traditional peoples for centuries. It retains its nutritional value during processing, transportation and shelf storage.
References
Chen-F & Zhang-Q: [Inhibitive effects of spirulina on aberrant crypts in colon induced by dimethylhydrazine]. Chung-Hua-Yu-Fang-I-Hsueh-Tsa-Chih. 1995 Jan; 29(1): 13-7.
Dillon-JC; Phuc-AP; Dubacq-JP: Nutritional value of the alga Spirulina. World-Rev-Nutr-Diet. 1995; 77: 32-46.
Evets, L.B., Belookaya, T.V., Lyalikov, S.A., Orehov, S.D. & Shipulin, E.V.: Grodenski State Medical University, 1994. In Townsend Letter for Doctors, July, 1995:125.
Venkataraman-LV; Somasekaran-T; Becker-EW: Replacement value of blue-green alga (Spirulina platensis) for fishmeal and a vitamin-mineral premix for broiler chicks. Br-Poult-Sci. 1994 Jul; 35(3): 373-81
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